University of Maryland, College Park — Masters 2026
Top 20 US Public University · AAU Member · STEM-OPT Eligible · D.C. Metro
Est. 1856 · College Park, Maryland, USA
University of Maryland,College Park
University of Maryland Fees, Eligibility & Admission Process 2026
The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is the flagship campus of the University System of Maryland and a Top 20 US Public University. Located just miles from Washington D.C., UMD is a member of the elite Association of American Universities (AAU) — placing it among the top research institutions in North America.
With STEM-designated programs across engineering, computer science, information studies, business analytics, and public policy, UMD offers Indian graduates up to 36 months of OPT — a powerful springboard for a US career in tech, government, research, or industry.
40,000+
Students enrolled
130+
Countries represented
MSCHE
Middle States Accredited
AAU
Association of American Universities
#169
QS World Ranking · 2025
#17
US News Top Public Universities
Why Indian StudentsChoose UMD
From elite research credentials to an unbeatable D.C. location, UMD delivers one of the best returns on investment for Indian Masters students.
Top 20 US Public University
Consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the USA (US News) with world-class research
STEM-OPT Eligible
Eligible for 36 months of US work authorisation after graduation — strong ROI for Indian students
Prime D.C. Location
Adjacent to Washington D.C. — access to government, research, NGOs, and top tech employers
AAU Member
Member of the Association of American Universities — the gold standard for research excellence
Tech & Policy Powerhouse
Renowned for Computer Science, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Public Policy, and Business
Industry & Government Links
Direct recruiting from federal agencies, NASA, NIH, NSA, and leading tech companies
Strong Indian Community
Large Indian student population with active cultural associations and events
GVK EduTech Support
End-to-end application, visa, scholarship & pre-departure assistance
World Ranking& Recognition
UMD is consistently ranked among the top public universities globally by the most respected international ranking bodies.
#169
QS World Rank
QS World University Rankings 2025
#74
THE World Rank
Times Higher Education 2025
#17
US News (National)
Best Public Universities 2025
#46
US News (Global)
Best Global Universities 2025
UMD is the flagship campus of the University System of Maryland, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and a proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) — a select group of 71 leading research universities in the US and Canada.
Masters FeeStructure 2026–27
Transparent, all-inclusive cost estimates for international graduate students.
Tuition & Fee Breakdown (STEM MS, per year)
| Item | USD | INR* |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (out-of-state, 24 credits) | $30,500 | ₹25,92,500 |
| Mandatory Fees | $2,200 | ₹1,87,000 |
| Health Insurance (per year) | $2,800 | ₹2,38,000 |
| Total (2 Years) | $71,000 | ₹60,35,000 |
* Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ ₹85 (indicative). Tuition varies by program — MBA, MPP, and select professional programs may be higher.
Annual Living Costs
On-Campus / Nearby Housing
Furnished, utilities included
$10,000
Food / Meal Plan
Dining halls & groceries
$5,000
Books & Personal
Supplies, Metro, misc.
$3,000
Total 2-Year Cost
All-inclusive estimate
~$88,000
EligibilityCriteria
A bachelor's degree, English proficiency, and (sometimes) a standardised test score — that's the short list.
Bachelor's Degree
4-year undergraduate degree from a recognised university with a strong academic record (typically GPA 3.0+ / 65%+)
English Proficiency
TOEFL iBT 80–100+ / IELTS 7.0+ / Duolingo 115+ (waivers available for English-medium degrees)
Standardised Tests
GRE / GMAT recommended or required depending on the program — many UMD programs are test-optional
Other Requirements
Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, Resume, and program-specific prerequisites
AdmissionProcess
A clear six-step journey from online application to your first semester at the College Park campus.
Submit Application
Apply online via the UMD Graduate School portal — upload transcripts, SOP, and test scores
Receive Admission
Get your official admission decision from the UMD graduate program within 6–10 weeks
Pay Enrollment Deposit
Confirm your seat by paying the enrollment deposit to the university
Receive I-20
UMD issues your Form I-20 — the document needed to apply for the F-1 student visa
Attend F-1 Visa Interview
Book your F-1 visa interview at the US Embassy — GVK EduTech provides full visa prep support
Arrive & Enroll
Travel to College Park, attend international orientation, and begin your Masters program
RequiredDocuments
Keep these ready before applying — GVK EduTech will guide you through every requirement.
On-Campus Living
Housing &Residence Life
UMD's College Park campus offers graduate housing communities designed for professional and international students — from quiet study environments to social living spaces, all within walking distance of classrooms, research labs, and the Metro Green Line to Washington D.C.
Life in College Park & D.C. Metro
A CapitalExperience
College Park sits at the doorstep of Washington D.C. — the political, cultural, and international affairs capital of the world. With the Metro Green Line on campus, you're 15 minutes from the Smithsonian, Capitol Hill, embassies, think tanks, and major employers. A vibrant college town meets global power centre.
- Metro Green Line on campus — 15 min to Capitol Hill, Smithsonian, White House
- Unmatched access to federal internships: NASA, NIH, NSA, Census, State Dept, World Bank
- Major tech corridor: Amazon HQ2 (Arlington), Google, Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin
- Large Indian student community with Diwali, Holi, cultural associations, and Indian groceries
- No car needed — walkable campus, Metro, buses, and bike-share connect everything
- Rich arts, museums, food scene, and weekend trips to NYC, Philadelphia, Shenandoah
Advantages of Studyingat UMD
STEM-OPT 36 Months
Eligible for 36 months of US work authorisation after graduation
Top 20 Public University
Elite public university status with AAU research credentials
D.C. Metro Access
Metro on campus — direct link to federal jobs, think tanks, and global employers
AAU Member
Member of the Association of American Universities — research excellence
Top-Ranked STEM
Strong CS (#8), Engineering (#22), Info Sciences, Business, Public Policy
Optional Practical Training
12-month OPT + 24-month STEM extension for eligible graduates
Government & Industry
Direct recruiting from NASA, NIH, NSA, Amazon HQ2, and top tech firms
GVK EduTech Support
End-to-end application, scholarship, visa & pre-departure guidance
Frequently AskedQuestions
1Is the University of Maryland, College Park recognised internationally?
Yes. UMD is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). UMD degrees are recognised by employers and academic institutions worldwide, with strong recognition in the USA, India, and globally.
2What is the duration of a Masters program at UMD?
Most UMD Masters programs are 1.5 to 2 years in duration (typically 30–36 credit hours). STEM-designated programs qualify Indian students for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in addition to the standard 12-month OPT, giving up to 36 months of work authorisation in the USA.
3Does UMD require GRE or GMAT for admission?
Many UMD Masters programs have made GRE / GMAT scores optional or waived them for recent admission cycles. Requirements vary by department — Computer Science, Engineering, and Business programs may still recommend or require test scores. GVK EduTech will advise you based on your target program and profile.
4What English proficiency scores are required for Indian students?
UMD requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80–100 (or IELTS 7.0) for most Masters programs, depending on the department. Some competitive programs like Computer Science may ask for higher scores. Students who have completed a degree at an English-medium institution may qualify for a waiver — we help you evaluate your eligibility.
5Can I work while studying at UMD?
Yes. On an F-1 student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the semester and full-time during breaks. UMD's location near Washington D.C. provides extensive internship and co-op opportunities with government agencies, research institutes, and tech companies. After graduation, you may be eligible for 12 months of OPT, extendable to 36 months for STEM-designated degrees.
6What is the total cost of a Masters degree at UMD?
For Indian students, the total estimated cost of a 2-year STEM Masters at UMD is approximately USD 65,000 – 85,000 (INR 55 – 72 lakhs), which includes tuition, housing, food, insurance, books, and personal expenses. Graduate assistantships, scholarships, and on-campus jobs can reduce this significantly.
7How is on-campus housing at the University of Maryland?
UMD offers on-campus housing options for graduate students, including graduate-specific communities. Most first-year international students live on or near campus, with furnished apartments, meal plans, and dedicated support staff. The campus is well-connected to Washington D.C. via the Metro Green Line.
8Can I work in the USA after completing my Masters at UMD?
Yes. UMD graduates on an F-1 visa are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — 12 months of full-time work authorisation in your field of study. If your degree is in a STEM field, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of work experience in the USA. UMD's proximity to the D.C. metro area provides exceptional job access.
Fall 2026 Admissions Open
Begin Your Masters Journey at the University of Maryland, College Park
Our expert counselors will guide you through the entire process — from application to F-1 visa to your first day at the College Park campus.