International Bridge Program

Highly qualified international students apply for fall or spring entry but may first require additional language proficiency development. We wanted to create a seamless pathway for more students who choose UMass Lowell. If you see yourself at UMass Lowell, this program is perfect for you.

No. This is an offer of admission, contingent on 12 transferable credits, demonstration of language proficiency, and meeting the admissions criteria for your intended degree program. Alternatively, students on our waitlist have not received an offer of admission. There is no guarantee they will receive one.

You can, and plenty of students do. Enrolling through the International Bridge Program has several advantages:

• As an IBP accepted student, you are already conditionally admitted at our partner community college.
• If you achieve the enrollment criteria within one year, you will not have to reapply for admission to UMass Lowell.
• UMass Lowell will provide wrap-around academic advising at no cost to you. We will ensure you take the correct courses.
• Once you achieve the enrollment criteria for UMass Lowell, you will attend a UMass Lowell Transfer Registration Program to meet with an Academic Advisor and select courses.

IBP will lower your costs. When you are enrolled at Middlesex Community College, you will pay the tuition rates for that school. When you transfer to UMass Lowell, you will pay UMass Lowell tuition rates.

Yes, and we will continue to advise you until you are ready to join us at UMass Lowell.

Middlesex Community College is our exclusive IBP partner institution.

In most cases, MCC requires placement tests. You will be notified by MCC of the requirement for any placement tests.

For 2024-2025, this program is offered for students who will enroll in majors within the Manning School of Business, the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Francis College of Engineering, and the Kennedy College of Sciences.

Students interested in selecting a major within the Francis College of Engineering and Kennedy College of Sciences will need to demonstrate appropriate math and science preparation.

IBP is designed to support the transition of students to any of our majors in the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Manning School of Business, the Francis College of Engineering, and the Kennedy College of Sciences. If you are interested in pursuing a major in another college at UMass Lowell, please speak with your Academic Advisor at MCC who can help you plan your pathway to one of those majors.

Please send official college transcripts and official AP score reports to both UMass Lowell and Middlesex Community College. We want to make sure to give you credit for the work you’ve already completed.

Students accepted into IBP can apply to live at UMass Lowell as part of the MCC cohort, but be aware that campus housing for spring enrollment is on a space available basis. For the fall semester, students should apply on the online housing portal by May 5.

Joining the MCC2UML LLC is a great way to live in a residence hall alongside other UML students and participate in community-building programs that work to help balance an academic and social life. MCC2UML students can select to live in any UMass Lowell residence hall and will register for a course instructed by a member of the UMass Lowell residence life staff.  

UMass Lowell does not provide transportation to Middlesex Community College. Students living at UMass Lowell can take advantage of the LRTA buses to travel to Middlesex Community College at no cost – just present your student ID.   

MCC2UML also has a dedicated faculty/staff member who provides mentorship beyond the classroom, runs programs and day trips dedicated to career development, and assists with the transition to college. 

As an IBP student living on campus and attending Middlesex Community College, you are entitled to all of the benefits that our UMass Lowell students have. You can use the libraries, the Wellness Center and the Campus Recreation Center. You will eat in the university dining halls, can get involved with UMass Lowell student clubs and organizations, and can enjoy any of our athletic events for free. 

If you do not plan on living on campus, you have access to fewer resources, but are welcome on campus at any time. You can get a UMass Lowell ID card, get involved in student clubs and organizations, use UMass Lowell libraries and enjoy any of our athletic events for free.

IBP students can’t participate in any varsity or club athletic programs.

IBP students are not allowed to work on the UMass Lowell campus while enrolled at Middlesex Community College. Once you are enrolled at UMass Lowell, you must abide the guidelines established by the International Students & Scholars Office related to student employment.

Most on-campus jobs are based on work-study funding. Unfortunately, international students are not eligible for Work Study funded jobs. You will need to rely on the funding source(s) you presented to the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) and the U.S. Embassy when issued F-1 or J-1 status. All Off-Campus Work Authorization for F-1 or J-1 students must have the PRIOR approval of the International Students & Scholars Office and the issuance of a new Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. Failure to obtain Off-Campus Work Authorization through ISSO will jeopardize your F-1 or J-1 student status. Here are a few locations and options for on-campus work: Academic Departments, On-Campus Departments, On-campus vendors.

The UML-MCC International Bridge Program is a specific partnership with Middlesex Community College. Specific questions may be addressed to Michael_Belcher@uml.edu.

Financial Aid is not available for international students in the International Bridge Program.

Please contact Transfer Admissions by email: Michael_Belcher@uml.edu or transfer@uml.edu or phone: 978-934-3931.

To register, please fill out the International Bridge Program registration form. Once you complete the registration form, MCC will reach out to you with further instructions. 

If you have any questions, please Michael_Belcher@uml.edu or transfer@uml.edu. Phone: 978-934-3931 for more information.