First-Year International Student Admissions

How to Apply to the University of Michigan-Flint

Step 1: Apply Online

The first step is to complete our free online application as soon as possible to secure your spot. You can also apply through the Common Application.

After submitting your application and other required documents, you should receive a response within two to four weeks.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

Along with your application, you must complete and upload the original or attested copies of the documents listed below using iStart Services. Once you complete your application, you’ll receive an email within 48 hours with instructions for logging in to iStart Services.

Official Transcripts

A transcript is a record of your history and performance at a particular academic institution. As a first-year applicant, you must submit your official high school/secondary school transcripts to UM-Flint. If the transcript is not in English, it must be accompanied by an attested translation (you cannot translate your own transcript).

Some countries issue only one original transcript, exam result, or degree certificate. If this applies to you, request an attested document from the institution. Then, send a photocopy of the document (never the original) to the institution that initially issued it. They will verify the photocopy against their records, place the institutional stamp or seal on the photocopy (thereby attesting to its accuracy), put the attested copy into an institutional envelope, and affix their stamp or seal over the envelope closure. The issuing institution can mail the attested copy directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, or you may deliver the unopened envelope to the office in person.

Please Note: All documents submitted become the property of UM-Flint and cannot be photocopied or returned.

Proof of English Proficiency

All international applicants to UM-Flint must demonstrate English proficiency in order to be admitted. English Proficiency exam scores can be submitted in iStart Services for all accepted exams except Duolingo. If you have taken the Duolingo English Test, scores must be sent to UM-Flint directly from the testing agency.

If you are a first-year international student and have attended four years in a U.S. high school with grades of “C”/2.0 or better in all English classes, you must submit official transcripts to verify English proficiency.

If you are a citizen of or completed your previous education in an English proficiency-exempt country, you may not be required to submit additional proof of English proficiency. Final decisions regarding exemption are made by the Office of International Admissions.

Test	Score
ACT	20 (English)
Duolingo	100
ELS	Certificate of Completion (ELS Level 112)
IELTS Academic	6.0 overall band
iTep Academic	Level 3.5 or higher
MET	53
Michigan Language Center	Advanced Star 1
Pearson PTE Academic	46
SAT	SAT Reading: 480
TOEFL	61 (Internet Based) 500 (Paper Based)
TOEFL Essentials	6.5

*UM-Flint’s TOEFL institution code is 1853.

Copy of Valid Passport

If you are an international student seeking an F-1 visa, you must have a current, official passport from your country of origin to enter the United States and to attend UM-Flint.

Learn more about how to apply for your student visa, eligibility requirements, and more.

Step 3: Financing Your U-M Degree

Explore First-Year Scholarships

At UM-Flint, we work hard to create affordable educational opportunities for you. When you apply, you are automatically considered for a wide range of first-year merit scholarships to help cover your education costs. 

Your UM-Flint application doubles as your scholarship application. While ACT/SAT scores are not required for admission, we use them to determine your eligibility for merit-based scholarships. We can accept scores as official in the following ways: test scores sent electronically from ACT/SAT or included on an official transcript.

If you do not have a test score, you may be eligible to receive the First-Year Merit Scholarship based on your incoming GPA. Submitting ACT/SAT scores may qualify you for additional scholarship funding. To be considered official, scores must be sent directly from ACT or College Board.

Submit Proof of Financial Support

Additionally, you must complete an affidavit showing proof of financial support. You can access this document through iStart Services, and it is required to secure an I-20 for F-1 status. 

Learn more about UM-Flint’s tuition and fees for international students.

Acceptable sources of funding include:

• A bank statement that includes a current balance.
  • Funds must be held in a checking account, savings account, or certificate of deposit. All accounts must be in your name or your sponsor’s name. For sponsor funds to be counted toward the I-20 requirement, the sponsor must sign the Financial Affidavit of Support. Statements must be no more than six months old at the time of submission.
• Approved loan documents, including the total amount approved.
• If you have been offered a scholarship, grant, assistantship, or other funding through the University of Michigan-Flint, please submit the offer letter. The department providing the financing will verify all university funding.

You may prove sufficient funding using multiple sources. For instance, you may submit a bank statement and a loan document equaling the required amount. For an I-20 to be issued, you must provide proof of sufficient funding to cover the estimated international expenses for one year of study. 

If you have dependents accompanying you in the United States, you must also prove sufficient funding to cover the estimated expenses for each dependent.

Unacceptable sources of funding include:

• Stocks, bonds, and other securities
• Corporate bank accounts or other accounts not in your name or your sponsor’s name. Exceptions may be made if an organization sponsors you.
• Real estate or other property
• Loan applications or pre-approval documents
• Retirement funds, insurance policies, or other non-liquid assets

Step 4: Apply for On-Campus Housing

Once you’ve received admission to UM-Flint, you must apply for on-campus housing. Our student accommodations offer high-quality housing options that ensure you feel safe and comfortable on campus.

You can choose to live in our residential communities, which allows you to live with other students who share common interests, experiences, or identities and contribute to creating your community.

We recommend submitting your application by the February 1 priority deadline. Learn more about how to apply for housing at the University of Michigan-Flint. We also encourage you to read our step-by-step instructions for applying for submitting your housing application.