University of Michigan Admissions Guide 2026–27

Which Program Level Fits You?

The University of Michigan offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research programmes across a wide range of disciplines.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study. Applicants must meet programme-specific academic and English language requirements.

Cost of Attendance

The University of Michigan tuition fees vary depending on the programme and level of study. Students should also budget for accommodation, meals, books, health insurance, transportation, and personal expenses while studying in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ann Arbor is consistently ranked among the best college towns in the United States, offering students a safe environment, excellent quality of life, and strong employment opportunities in technology, healthcare, engineering, and business.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

The University of Michigan offers a range of merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, graduate fellowships, assistantships, and departmental funding opportunities. While undergraduate financial aid for international students is limited, many graduate students receive funding through fellowships and assistantships. Popular funding opportunities include:

• International Student Scholarships
• Michigan Merit Scholarships
• Graduate Fellowships
• Rackham Graduate Fellowships
• Teaching Assistantships
• Research Assistantships
• Departmental Scholarships
• College-specific Awards
• External Scholarships
• Doctoral Fellowships

Many graduate students in engineering, business, computer science, public health, and science programmes receive fully funded assistantships, including tuition support and living stipends, depending on their department and research area.

Campus Life & Student Experience

The University of Michigan offers one of the most vibrant campus experiences in the United States. Students benefit from:

• More than 1,600 student clubs and organisations
• State-of-the-art research laboratories
• Career counselling and internship support
• Entrepreneurship and startup incubators
• Undergraduate research opportunities
• Global study abroad programmes
• NCAA Division I athletics
• Modern libraries, museums, recreation centres, and innovation hubs
• The university's location in Ann Arbor provides students with a thriving innovation ecosystem and close access to major employers across technology, automotive, healthcare, consulting, and finance

Research & Global Reputation

The University of Michigan is internationally recognised for research excellence, innovation, and graduate employability. Highlights include:

• Ranked among the Top 25 universities worldwide and one of the Top public universities in the United States
• Member of the prestigious Association of American Universities
• Annual research expenditures exceeding $2 billion, making it one of the highest-funded research universities in the U.S
• Strong research in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine, Public Health, Data Science, Climate Science, Sustainability, and Aerospace Engineering
• Home to internationally recognised schools including the Ross School of Business, College of Engineering, Medical School, School of Information, and School of Public Health
• Strong partnerships with employers including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Ford, General Motors, NASA, Deloitte, McKinsey, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson
• Outstanding graduate employability with one of the world's largest and most influential alumni networks

Visa & Post-Study Work

International students admitted to the University of Michigan generally require an F-1 Student Visa to study in the United States. After graduation, eligible students may gain professional experience through Optional Practical Training. Graduates in eligible STEM programmes may also qualify for the STEM OPT Extension, allowing additional work experience in the U.S., subject to current U.S. immigration regulations.

How to Apply

Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary by programme.

1. Undergraduate - choose your programme — Choose your preferred programme. Apply through the Common Application.
2. Undergraduate - submit documents — Submit academic transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and supporting documents. Meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
3. Undergraduate - accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission decision.
4. Postgraduate - apply online — Apply through the relevant University of Michigan graduate admissions portal. Upload academic transcripts and required documents.
5. Postgraduate - meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements. Receive your admission decision. Accept your offer and begin your U.S. student visa process.
6. Begin your U.S. student visa process — After accepting your offer, begin your U.S. student visa process.