Graduate Student Frequently Asked Questions

Fall semester (late August through mid-December) and year: March 1

Spring semester (early January through mid-May): October 1

Application deadlines are set and enforced by academic program offices. Please refer to the online program descriptions for international student deadline information. To discuss deadlines and exceptions, you should contact the academic program office offering the program

International first-year applicants to Loyola University Maryland should refer to the Graduate Admission for International Students page for specific information on what documentation is needed.

To study as an F-1 student in the United States, you need a Form I-20. The F-1 student visa allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited institution. The Form I-20 is also known as a “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”. This document provides supporting information on a student’s F status. All F students, who study in the United States, need a Form I-20.

To study as an F-1 student in the United States, you need a Form I-20. The F-1 student visa allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited institution. The Form I-20 is also known as a “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”. This document provides supporting information on a student’s F status. All F students, who study in the United States, need a Form I-20.

In order for OISS to issue a Form I-20, you must submit following documentation:

• Affidavit of Support and Declaration of Finance form.
• Supporting financial documentation. (Bank documents MUST be original, signed/stamped bank documents mailed to OISS. In lieu of this submission option, you may also ask for the bank official to send the bank document to OISS email address (oiss@loyola.edu). This will only be accepted for review if sent to OISS from the bank official's bank affiliated email address). 
• A copy of the biographical page of your passport
• If you are transferring to Loyola from another US institution, you must also submit a Loyola Transfer Form (each case is different, so please contact OISS for specific information about the Loyola Transfer Form).

For more information, please contact OISS.

If you are currently in the United States on another Visa, such as a B-2, you can either apply for a change of status while in the U.S. or travel home to apply for an F-1 student Visa. Each student’s situation is unique and would require advising from your international student advisor. Please call the OISS office at (410) 617-5245 to discuss your situation.

Once you have been offered admission and have submitted all required international student documentation, you can expect your Form I-20 in 3-5 weeks. Someone from OISS will contact you regarding your Form I-20.

Graduate students in F-1 student status must be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours each semester.

You do not need TOEFL or an IELTS Score Report if English is your native language.  If you attended and graduated from an English speaking High School or College you will may or may not need to submit TOEFL or an IELTS Score Report, however that decision is made through the Office of Graduate Admission. Please contact Graduate Admission for further information.

Loyola University Maryland does not offer provisional acceptance for International students.

International students cannot apply for financial aid but are eligible for merit based scholarships. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

According to the U.S. Department of State’s website, you will need to complete the online Visa Application (Form DS-160) and schedule an appointment at the United States Embassy or Consulate in the country where you reside for a visa interview. You will need to pay a non-refundable application fee. For more information please visit the travel.state.gov website.

Requirements can vary depending on the United States embassy or consulate.  It is best to review the required documentation for your visa appointment directly from the U.S. Department of State’s website: travel.state.gov.

It is required that you call the OISS office at (410) 614-5245 to speak with your international student advisor prior to making any embassy appointment. Each student’s case is unique and would require you to seek the counsel of your international student advisor. 

Please contact your international student advisor for specific information.

Orientation is mandatory for all students. Graduate students are only required to attend the first day of Orientation, but it is strongly encouraged to attend the full Orientation program.

We will be discussing important topics such as:

• Immigration and Student Visa Information
• Tools for Academic Success in the U.S.
• Loyola’s Computer and Network Systems
• Transportation around Loyola and Baltimore City
• Evergreen Campus tours
• Student Activities
• Public Safety on Campus and in the Community
• Student Health Services
• Fitness & Aquatic Center (FAC)
• Student Administrative Services

Loyola does not offer Graduate Housing. Housing possibilities for students are diverse depending upon your personal interests, needs, and budget.

The university has partnerships and agreements with a few different housing sites and corporations. Learn more about housing options.

Health Insurance is required for all students attending Loyola University Maryland.  You have the option of purchasing the Loyola provided health insurance or using your own, which must meet certain requirements.

For more information regarding student health insurance options, please visit the OISS Graduate Health Insurance page.

For more information regarding the Loyola Student Health Insurance Plan, which is being underwritten by United Healthcare Insurance Company, please visit the Student Health and Education Services website.