Graduate Admissions: International Students

Applications to the BME Graduate Programs are reviewed by an admissions committee. In their review of applications, the committee initially screens materials on the basis of the following criteria:

1. Bachelor’s degree from a related science or engineering program in an accredited college or university. The degree must have been granted prior to the date on which you intend to enter the UNM graduate program.
2. An overall grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale).
3. Basic courses in physics, math, biology, and chemistry.

Students who do not meet these criteria may be encouraged to apply to UNM as a Non-Degree Status Student (to take leveling courses, improve their GPA, etc).

Application Process

Our online application system will allow you to upload all necessary documents. Within the application, make sure to click the Application Instructions to see program-specific requirements. Below is a checklist of items to complete:

• UNM Application
• A letter of intent stating your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree, your research interests, your career objectives, general information on your technical and scientific experience, as well as a detailed explanation of special circumstances that might affect your admission. The letter of intent should state whether you desire financial aid in the form of a research or teaching assistantship.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation are required from professional references such as instructors and supervisors, not friends or relatives. Applicants are only expected to enter the names and email addresses of their providers. The system will automatically send messages to the providers prompting them to submit letters online through the application system.
• Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of International Admissions once an admission decision has been made. Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to the application allowing the program to review your transcript immediately.
• When you have completed your application and are ready to submit it, you will be required to pay an application fee ($70 for international applications) via credit card online. No application will be processed until the correct application fee is paid.
• Submit your official English Proficiency score, if needed. View English proficiency Requirements for minimum scores and exceptions.

GRE Scores

The BME Graduate Program is waiving GRE scores at this time.

Grades

Although each application is reviewed individually, it is expected that the applicant will have maintained a 3.0 or better average in the last two years (or the last 65 semester credit hours, if on a part-time basis) of study and in his or her major field. This is a graduate school requirement that can be waived in extenuating circumstances, particularly for returning students. Grades in technical disciplines, particularly mathematics, computer science, physics, and engineering, are considered especially important, as are language skills; also, recent grades are weighed more heavily than older ones. Industrial experience with favorable recommendations will be well received.