International Students

International Students

A group of five diverse friends smiling and posing together for a selfie in a bright, modern environment.CSM welcomes students from all over the world, and we benefit from the cultural diversity they provide.

As a two-year accredited college, we have developed transfer partnerships with more than 300 four-year colleges and universities that will allow you to continue your education and complete your bachelor's degree.

Dreamers—undocumented migrants who came to the United States as children—and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are considered international students and should follow these steps. Please see this guide for more information.

F-1 Student Visa and Form I-20

To purse your education in the United States, you’ll need to apply for and receive an F-1 student visa from the U.S. Department of State.

The F-1 visa application process requires you to have a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” The Form I-20 is issued by the college where you plan to study—in this case, CSM. To receive and maintain an F-1 student visa, you must register as a full-time student.

Please note that it is the State Department that makes the decision to grant your F-1 student visa and not the college. 

The international admissions process can be complex, but we’re here to help guide you on your pathway to possibility here at CSM. See below for answers to the most common questions or email us at csminternational@csmd.edu. 

Please note that none of the information presented here constitutes legal advice, and CSM staff members cannot provide legal advice related to your visa and immigration status.

Steps to Enroll

Student on computer with flags on her desk

1. Apply

The first step to becoming a CSM student is to apply for admission. 

You’ll need to create an account on our application portal. Fill in the fields with your information.

In the drop-down menu under “Choose the statement that best describes you,” select the option for “I am an undergraduate student, finished with high school.”

To be considered for admission to CSM as an international student, you also need to complete and submit the International Student Admissions Packet. Those documents will enable us to issue you the Form I-20 that you will need to request your F-1 student visa.

View the International Student Admissions Packet

Deadlines

Your CSM International Student Admissions Packet—with all required forms and documents—must be submitted to the college by the deadline that corresponds to the academic term when you plan to begin studying at CSM.

  • Fall semester: June 15
  • Spring semester: Oct. 15
  • Summer semester: March 15

Your International Admissions Packet will not be reviewed for eligibility for the Form I-20 until all required documentation is received by CSM.

Applying for the F-1 Visa

Once CSM’s Admissions Office has received your complete International Student Admissions Packet, we will review your materials to determine your eligibility for the Form I-20.

When you’re approved, the Admissions Office will submit your information to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) for the I-20. CSM will then send you your acceptance letter, the student copy of the Form I-20, and other required documents that you’ll need for your embassy appointment to request your student visa.

You will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee after receiving your I-20 and before your visa appointment at the embassy.

Learn More About the SEVIS

Once you’ve been granted your F-1 student visa, please contact us at csminternational@csmd.edu.

students work with an advisor

2. Check College Readiness

A strong start in your first semester builds momentum and confidence. Take the CSM Placement Test to ensure that you’re placed in the classes that are the best fit with your current knowledge and abilities.

You will also need to provide proof of high school completion, such as a high school transcript, diploma, certificate, or exam scores. You can submit this documentation as part of your International Student Admissions Packet or email it directly to us at csminternational@csmd.edu. (Please note that it must be translated to English.)

Students walking on campus

3. Register for Classes

Before registering for classes, you will be required to meet with the International Enrollment Coordinator. They'll work with you to plan your first semester at CSM and prepare you for the next step on your pathway to possibility.

To maintain your F-1 student visa, you will be required to register as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits per semester).

Credit for Prior Learning and Transcript Evaluation

If you’ve previously earned college credits from another institution and want to transfer to CSM, you’ll need to submit your official transcript and a transcript evaluation request. The transcript evaluation process will vary depending on whether the credits were earned at an institution in the U.S. or abroad.

Learn More about Transcript Evaluations

In addition to college-level coursework at your previous institution(s), you may be able to receive credit at CSM for your past educational and professional experiences, such as International Baccalaureate exams, technical education programs, and more. 

Learn More about Credit for Prior Learning 

Next Steps on the Road to Success

We’re glad to have you at CSM, and we hope it’ll be an exciting and rewarding leg of your journey toward reaching your college and career goals. CSM’s "Hawk: Ready!" New Student Orientation will introduce you to the college and provide you with the information you need to excel here at the college.

To get started, click here to log in to your my.CSMD account and be taken to New Student Orientation, or click on New Student Orientation in the Announcements section of my.CSMD.

Arrange to pay your semester bill by the payment due date. International students are charged out-of-state tuition and are not eligible for most financial assistance.

You can pay your balance in full or enroll in the CSM Payment Plan to pay your bill in monthly installments—a convenient, interest-free way to budget your expenses. The monthly payment plan isn’t a loan program, so there’s no credit check.

Learn more about payment options.

Resources

As an international student, you may be interested in our Multicultural Center on the La Plata Campus, a secure, dedicated space where students of all backgrounds can study, get student support, or just hang out.

You may also be interested in the EXITO International Club, which is open to all students!

Frequently Asked Questions

Your visa type determines if you can register for classes without being in violation of your visa. It also determines the tuition rate you will be charged. For more information, email us at csminternational@csmd.edu.

You are required to complete all steps to enroll, including a completed Change of Status form. Schedule an appointment with your current college's Designated School Official to submit required documents.

If you currently have a valid F-1 status, you may transfer that status from one SEVIS-approved school to another. Complete the International Student Admission Packet and inform your current college that you intend to transfer. Your current school will need to complete the transfer form or write a letter stating you are maintaining status and eligible to transfer to CSM.

To demonstrate English language proficiency, CSM accepts a score of 80 or higher on the TOEFL iBT or a score of 95 or higher on the Duolingo English Test. If English is one of your country’s official languages, you do not need to submit proof of English language proficiency. For more information, email us at csminternational@csmd.edu.

Generally you select the program you wish to pursue on the CSM admission application; however, some programs have additional admission requirements. In these instances, you will complete the general admission process before applying to the specific program. For more information, check out our Programs of Study.

As an international student, you will be required to register as a full-time student (a minimum of 12 credits per semester) to comply with the conditions of your F-1 student visa. You will be charged out-of-state rates as you cannot declare residency. Learn more about payment options.

Tuition for Dreamers and DACA Recipients

International students are generally not eligible to receive scholarships or financial aid.

However, there are some exceptions for Dreamers and DACA recipients. Undocumented students are eligible for financial aid from the State of Maryland through the MHEC One App.

As an international student, your primary focus is your education; as such, you’re limited by law to 20 hours of on-campus employment. For more information, email us at csminternational@csmd.edu.

A Social Security number is not required during the admissions process. For registration of classes, the college will assign you a number in place of the Social Security number.

If you plan to travel, contact the Designated School Official to have your I-20 signed prior to leaving. Failure to have a recent signature might prevent you from reentering the United States.

The college does not offer residence halls or other types of housing.

CMS Page Edit