What does UMass Amherst look for in applicants?
-
1 Answer
-
The University uses a holistic review process to select applicants who will benefit from UMass's Amherst academic environment. However, the following are the requirements for Undergraduate First year students requirements of 2023:
Official High schools’ transcripts (grades 9-11) or just secondary school’s exams
Letter of recommendation
English Langauge proficiency:
English Language Proficiency
Required Scores
IELTS
Score of 6.5 ( with no subtest below 6.0)
TOEFL
A score of 80 ( With no subscore lower than 20)
Duolingo
Score of 105
English Education
Secondary education should be in English
The following are the requirements for Graduate First year students requirements of 2023:
Official Transcripts of Bachelors degree
Letter of recommendation
Portfolio and resume
Experience in required fields ( depends on the program)&nb
...more
Similar Questions for you
IELTS Academic can be taken as a test to demonstrate English language proficiency. The UMass Amherst courses are taught in English, so other than IELTS, applicants can also go for TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test, PTE Academic, and Cambridge.
The minimum score requirements are mentioned below:
Test | Undergraduate minimum | Graduate minimum |
---|---|---|
TOEFL iBT | 80 overall; no subscore below 20 | 80 overall (iBT or Home Edition) |
IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall; no band below 6.0 | 6.5 overall |
Duolingo English Test | 115 | 115 |
PTE Academic | Not listed by Undergraduate Admissions | 53 overall |
Cambridge (B2/C1/C2) | 176 overall; no subscore below 169 | Not listed |
If an international applicant misses the University of Massachusetts Amherst deadline, then there is no earlier pathway for that term. This university considers late applications only when a space is available in certain colleges, with the next timeline being available for regular decision or the Spring entry cycle.
In case the admission deadline is missed, the candidate must apply for it immediately. Contact with the UMass Amherst admission office should be established.
It is to be noted that earlier consideration cannot be guaranteed.
To apply to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, international students must adhere to the UMass Amherst application deadlines. Undergraduate deadlines are Early Action by Nov 5, Regular Decision by Jan 15, with Spring entry by Oct 15 graduate deadlines vary by program, with most Spring deadlines around Oct 1 and many programs accepting Fall entry only.
Students can refer to the table given below for deadlines:
Category | Deadline Type | Date / Note |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate (First-Year) | Spring Application Deadline | Oct 15, 2025 |
Early Action Application Deadline | Nov 5, 2025 | |
Regular Decision Application Deadline | Jan 15, 2026 | |
Spring Reply Deadline | Dec 15, 2025 | |
Enrollment Deposit Due | May 1, 2026 | |
Undergraduate (Transfer) | Spring Application Deadline | Nov 5, 2025 |
Graduate | Deadlines | Varies by each program |
Spring Admission (most programs) | Oct 1, 2025 |
There are many eligibility requirements that international students are required to meet at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The academic eligibility includes a minimum GPA in a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution, English language eligibility requirements, and more.
Additionally, international students should also meet the financial documentation requirements for I-20/DS-2019 issuance after the acceptance of the offer made by the university.
International applicants must cover 12 months of expenses, and that is verified by ISSS.
Applicants are required to demonstrate their English language proficiency to apply to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Typically via tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Some schools under this university may also accept Duolingo or PTE.
Mentioned below are the minimum English language proficiency requirements:
Test | Undergraduate minimum | Graduate minimum |
---|---|---|
TOEFL iBT | 80 overall; no subscore below 20 | 80 overall (iBT or Home Edition) |
IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall; no band below 6.0 | 6.5 overall |
Duolingo English Test | 115 | 115 |
PTE Academic | Not listed by Undergraduate Admissions | 53 overall |
Cambridge (B2/C1/C2) | 176 overall; no subscore below 169 | Not listed |

Overseas Admission Counselling by Shiksha Abroad
- Transparent Process
- Fast Response
- Wide choice of Universities
- 100% Free
Planning to study abroad?
Get end-to-end expert guidance on University Shortlisting, University Application, Visa and Education Loan
Sign Up on Shiksha Study AbroadOn Shiksha Study Abroad, get access to
- 60 Countries
- 4k Universities
- 160k Courses
- 196 Scholarships