English Language Tests

All students at the University of Maryland are expected to read, write and speak English fluently. International students must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language by submitting a TOEFL score or an IELTS score when they apply to UMCP. Graduate applicants must also submit a Test of Written English (TWE) score. International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) are required to take the MEI ITA evaluation before being assigned classroom duties. Please note that IBT TOEFL and IELTS admissions requirements for both graduate and undergraduate students will change, effective for Spring 2009 admissions.

The Maryland English Institute administers the MEIPE (the Maryland English Institute Placement Exam) and the MEWT (the Maryland English Writing Test) for students who have been provisionally admitted to UMCP. MEI also administers the ITA evaluation.

Exams are scheduled on a regular basis throughout the year. Examinees must call MEI (301-405-8634) to register for the exam they are required to take. Those required to take the ITA evaluation must be referred by their departments.

Candidates whose MEIPE and/or MEWT scores do not meet the requirements for admission will be placed into an English language course. Students must enroll in and successfully complete the course in their first semester at UMCP. Students must be enrolled in at least 48 units to maintain full-time status according to Federal regulations governing F-1 and J-1 students and should not be enrolled in more than 52 units. Students attempting to register for courses exceeding this limit may encounter a block and should contact MEI. (Please note that full-time teaching assistantships or research appointments are equivalent to 24 units.) Upon satisfactory completion of the required UMEI course, the student's provisional admission will be changed to an unconditional admission. Tuition remission can not be applied to UMEI courses.