The University of Southern Maine teaches on three campuses: Portland, a residential campus in Gorham, and Lewiston-Auburn. Portland's is the busiest, a short bus ride from the Old Port waterfront. USM is part of the University of Maine System and serves many Maine students and working adults, with nursing, business, computer science and cybersecurity among the popular programmes. Tuition is modest for New England.
Portland, Maine, United States
Official website: usm.maine.edu
University of Maine System
Portland, Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn
Public university
Muskie School of Public Service
$21,000 – $25,000
International students, full-time, approximate
$14,000 – $18,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on usm.maine.edu before you apply.
BS Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
BS Cybersecurity
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Three campuses, from downtown Portland to a residential site in Gorham.
A cybersecurity programme with its own cyber range lab.
Moderate tuition for New England.
Nursing graduates join Maine Medical Center and other hospitals in the state.
Business and computing graduates work in Portland's insurance, finance and tech firms.
STEM graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Portland is a small harbour city with cobbled streets in the Old Port, ferries to the Casco Bay islands and a strong food scene. Rent has risen in recent years.
Residence halls are on the Gorham campus, linked to Portland by a university shuttle. Boston is about two and a half hours south on the Amtrak Downeaster.
Form I-20 issued by University of Southern Maine
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
USM reviews international applications on a rolling basis. Apply by about May for fall and October for spring so there's time for the I-20 and visa appointment. Nursing fills early.
Most programmes start in fall (September) and spring (January). Some graduate programmes admit only in the fall.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from University of Southern Maine first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Nursing, computer science, cybersecurity and the MBA are popular. Undergraduates need secondary school results and IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 71, with higher scores for nursing. Graduate programmes need a bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5.
USM offers some merit scholarships to international undergraduates and a few graduate assistantships. Ask the international admissions office what you can apply for.
