The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a public research university in Baltimore County, Maryland, specializing in natural sciences and engineering, as well as programs in the liberal arts and social sciences. Baltimore the largest city in Maryland, and the 30th-most populous city in the United States. The University mascot is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, named “True Grit”, Inspired by the school mascot, the school's sports teams are also called the Retrievers, with colours black and gold. Baltimore city, along with its surrounding regions, is home to a unique local dialect and is the last place in America where one can still find arabbers, also known as vendors who sell fresh fruits and vegetables from a horse-drawn cart that goes up and down neighbourhood streets.
It will not be possible to complete a year abroad at this University if you have any assessments, such as supplementary or deferred exams, during the August assessment period at Swansea University.
Who can study here?
Students from the following subject areas may have the opportunity to study at this university on exchange: American Studies, Biosciences*, Business*, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Education, Engineering*, English Language & Linguistics, English Literature, Geography*, History & Classics, Maths, Philosophy, Physics, Politics & International Relations, Psychology, and Sociology.
*Biosciences: for students studying Biosciences degrees (Biological Sciences, Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology)
*Business: for all School of Management students
*Engineering: for all Engineering students
*Geography: includes Environmental Sciences
Spaces are not guaranteed, can be limited and all students on a year abroad programme are subject to a university-wide, competitive selection process.
Important information
ACADEMIC YEAR: Runs from August to May.
COSTS: The cost of living in Baltimore will vary depending on your chosen accommodation and lifestyle.
VISA: You will need a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa to study at UMBC. As part of the visa application, you will need to evidence financial support which meets the requirement of US$11,500 per semester (US$23,000 for the full year) for the duration of your studies at UMBC. For 2024/25, additional costs included $185 DS 160 Visa application fee and $220 SEVIS I-901 fee. Costs are subject to change for 25/26. In addition, you should factor in the cost of attending a visa interview at the US Embassy (typically in London). More information is available on our webpage. You must allow enough time to complete the visa application and for your visa to be sent to you. There can be significant delays so please do not leave this until the last minute as you cannot travel to the USA without it. Your host university will provide you with more information about the application process. More information is available via our visa and study permit webpage.
ACCOMMODATION: Exchange students are typically housed in Harbor Hall, a suite-style campus residence hall. Most of the suites have 1-2 rooms with a common area and a shared kitchen. All housing is set for a 9-month period, but students are not required to stay for that entire period if they are only there for a single semester. Students are required to have a meal plan if they are placed in a suite or a residence hall. If a student wants quiet housing in Harbor Hall, they need to apply as early as possible to try to secure this. More information on costs can be found on UMBC's Housing and Meal Plans webpage.
If Harbor Hall is full, students may be placed in the apartment-style housing (Walker Avenue, Hillside, Westhill, or Terrace Apartments) at no additional cost. However, if students want to choose the apartment-style housing, they will be charged an additional fee for the apartment-style housing. Given that apartment residents have access to a full-size kitchen, they are not required to have a meal plan. However, it is recommended that students placed in apartments select a meal plan to have access to meals on campus.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Exchange students will need to secure their health insurance before their arrival. A list of suggested insurance policies can be found on UMBC's Health Insurance Requirements webpage.
IMMUNISATIONS: You are also required to provide proof of immunisations upon arrival at UMBC and you should check that your vaccinations are up to date before you depart for the US. More information is available on UMBC's Required Health Information webpage.
ACADEMIC: Some UMBC classes, particularly in the STEM fields, visual and performing arts, and physical education, have mandatory lab or participation fees. These fees are the responsibility of the student.
Students intending to enrol on Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) courses must meet the required prerequisites before registering. These courses are highly competitive, and students should not contact professors until after meeting with the Education Abroad Coordinator. During this meeting, students will be advised on contacting professors and navigating the registration process. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that you discuss backup course options with your Faculty in case you are unable to register for the required STEM courses.
Exchange students are NOT allowed to participate in the Baltimore Student Exchange Program (BSEP). Exchange students are required to take all courses on the UMBC main campus.
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