Transfer International Students

Transfer to UM-Flint in Five Steps

At the University of Michigan-Flint, we are committed to removing any barriers to education. That’s why we’ve simplified the international transfer application process, so you and other future Wolverines around the world can keep working toward their degree.

Step 1: Submit Your Online U-M Application

The first step to start your transfer process is submitting your online application by the priority deadlines to secure your spot. Our application is free and easy. After applying and sending your required materials, you can expect an admissions decision within two to four weeks.

Step 2: Send in Additional Required Documents

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

Official Transcripts

A transcript records your history and performance at a particular academic institution. As a transfer applicant, you must submit your official postsecondary school (college or university) transcripts to UM-Flint. If a transcript is not in English, it must be accompanied by an attested translation (you cannot translate your transcript). While proceeding through the admissions process, you can submit unofficial transcripts as placeholders with your application until official ones are available. 

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 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 transferring to UM-Flint from another US institution and have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours at a regionally accredited institution, including passage of courses equivalent to UM-Flint’s ENG 112 with a grade of a “B” or above, the requirement to submit English proficiency scores may be waived.

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
MLC (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

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Copy of Valid Passport

If you are an international student seeking an F-1 status, 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: Paying for Your U-M Degree

Review Transfer Scholarship Opportunities

No matter your previous academic background, when you apply to UM-Flint as an international transfer student, you automatically qualify for generous merit scholarships. Since your application doubles as your scholarship application, you save time and money.

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.
• Please submit the offer letter if you have been offered a scholarship, grant, assistantship, or other funding through the University of Michigan-Flint. 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: Evaluate Your Credits and Submit the Transfer-In Form

At UM-Flint, we take the guesswork out of the transfer process. We encourage you to use our online credit transfer evaluator to calculate how your previously earned credits from U.S. colleges and universities can transfer to the University of Michigan-Flint. With the help of this tool, you can stay on track and graduate on time.

Please note: If you have elected to receive pass/fail grades on your collegiate transcripts, we award transfer credit for passing courses. However, certain secondary admit programs at UM-Flint may still require letter grades to admit you to their program.

Transfer-In Form
If you are transferring from a United States institution, you must fill out a transfer-in form in iStart Services. This step is not required if you are transferring from an international institution.

Step 5: Applying for On-Campus Housing

After you’ve received admission to U-Flint, you can apply for on-campus accommodations by submitting our easy housing application. 

Housing & Residential Life works to create vibrant residential communities where you can room with other students who share similar goals, identities, and academic interests. Whichever student accommodation suits you, you’ll enjoy safe and comfortable housing that makes you feel at home.