International Applicants

Requirements and Guidelines for International Applicants

The University of Maryland School of Social Work PhD Program welcomes International Applicants.  All applicants to the doctoral program whose native language or language of the home is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, or the Duolingo English Test. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score for admission is 80 (for exams taken before January 21, 2026) and a minimum TOEFL score of 4 (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026.) IELTS test takers must score no less than Band 7 (total). Duolingo English test takers must score no less than 115. 

This guideline applies to international students/non-native speakers of English who have completed a Master of Social Work or similar degree from a US or UK college or university.

 

Accepted Language Testing Systems

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The minimum acceptable TOEFL score for admission is 80 (for exams taken before January 21, 2026) and a minimum TOEFL score of 4 (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026.)

TOEFL information and registration is available at www.toefl.org.  The UMB Graduate School’s TOEFL institution code number is 5848; department codes are published by TOEFL.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

For more information or to register to take the IELTS, please visit www.ielts.org.  IELTS test-takers must have their scores sent via postal mail to the Graduate School at the address listed below. 

IELTS test-takers may also send their TRF number to the School of Graduate Studies at gradapply@umaryland.edu so that the School of Graduate Studies may verify the applicant’s scores electronically.  

ATTN: Admissions

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Graduate School

620 West Lexington Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1508

Duolingo English Test

The Graduate school accepts official scores from the Duolingo English Test, which can be taken online and on-demand.  Applicants are encouraged to verify the identification of the correct campus - the University of Maryland, Baltimore - (UMB) upon selection of score routing. 

Immigration Requirements

International students who receive an offer of admission must obtain the immigration form required for the appropriate visa. Accordingly, each international student must certify that he or she has sufficient funds (exclusive of travel expenses) for university tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses. The total amount required for educational and living expenses (based on current tuition and fees) is available from the UMB Office of International Services.  Or by email at ois-info@umaryland.edu

Please refer to the Graduate School website for additional information relevant to International Applicants.

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