International Students

A photo of the Shalala Student Center during sunset at the University of Miami Coral Gables campus. A photo of the Shalala Student Center during sunset at the University of Miami Coral Gables campus.
Students are encouraged to visit the International Student and Scholar Services website. For additional information please visit both the International Students webpage and the International Applicants for the College of Arts and Sciences webpage on the Graduate School website.

Admission Requirements

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  • Online Application & Deadlines

    Please complete the online application by clicking here.

    Application Deadlines
    Intended Starting Semester Deadline
    Spring October 15
    Summer A February 15
    Summer B February 15
    Fall May 15

  • Application Fee

    An $85.00 non-refundable application fee is paid online upon submission of the application.

  • Passport

    You will be asked to provide a copy of your passport.

  • Bank Statement

    You will be required to provide a copy of your bank statementfor the last six months. You may also provide a sponsorship letter indicating your method of funding. This document should be submitted in English, or it should be submitted with a certified English translation.

  • Official Transcripts

    You must provide official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended. Official transcripts in languages other than English must also be submitted with a certified English translation.

  • Diplomas or Certificates

    International students are required to submit a copy of all the diplomas or certificates earned. Each copy must be submitted in their original language with a certified English translation.

  • Official TOEFL (or IELTS) Score

    All international students are required to take this exam in order to demonstrate sufficient English competency. The "Test Of English As A Foreign Language (TOEFL)" exam is offered as a paper-based test (PBT) or an internet-based test (IBT). A score of 550 is required for the PBT; a score of 80 is required for the IBT. 

    Students may also take the "International English Language Testing System (IELTS)" exam to demonstrate sufficient competency in English. A score of 6.5 or higher is required. 

    All international students must provide a copy of their results on either exam. 

    International students from countries whose primary language is English are not required to take this exam.

  • Statement of Purpose

    The statement of purpose is the most important element of your application packet. This letter should explain why you are interested in pursuing a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) degree. It should describe what academic and professional qualities you posses which could help you excel in this program. The personal statement should also describe the goals you hope to acheive and any qualities you feel would make you an ideal candidate.

    The personal statement should be approximately 1-2 typed pages in length. The document should be double spaced and size 12 Times New Roman font. This essay should maintain 1-inch margins and should be proofed for errors prior to submission. 

    Below is a link to help you get started:

    OWL Statement of Purpose Guidelines

  • Personal Admissions Essay

    The personal admissions essay requires candidates to choose a book, play or movie and explain why the piece is interesteing to them. The essay should be approximately 2-3 pages in length. It should be typed, double spaced, and size 12 Times New Roman font. This essay should maintain 1-inch margins and should be proofed for errors prior to submission.

  • Letters of Recommendation

    Three letters of recommendation must be provided. These letters should be from an employer, colleague, or other professional source. These letters should be submitted in English, or they should be accompanied with a certified English translation.

  • Grade Point Average (GPA)

    A minimum overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Document Submission

All documents being sent via a special courier service (UPS, FedEx, etc.) should be sent to the following address:

University of Miami
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
Attn: Cathy Wheeling
1300 Campo Sano Avenue
Suite 215
Coral Gables, FL 33146