International Applicants
We are excited that you are considering Loyola University Maryland as you explore your options for university studies! Founded in 1852, Loyola has a long history of academic distinction and career preparation—students who attend will be challenged intellectually and encouraged to build a worldview that will guide their actions long after they graduate.
Loyola uniquely balances the importance of human connection with the necessity for serious career preparation. Accordingly, we have been recognized nationally for both excellence in undergraduate teaching, and rank in the top 2% in the United States for return on investment. Here, you will find both a welcoming home and a strong foundation for your future.
Any student who will need a visa to study in the United States, or who already holds a valid U.S. visa, will be considered as an international student.
What is my student type?
Important Information about U.S. Student Visas
Some international students may currently face restrictions when applying for a U.S. student visa. These rules are set by the U.S. federal government and may change over time. While Loyola does not control visa policy, we want students and families to have clear information as they plan. At this time, the U.S. government has limited student visa eligibility for citizens of certain countries.
Countries with F-1 Student Visa Restrictions
As of January 1, 2026, students who are citizens of the following countries are not currently able to obtain a NEW F-1 student visa to study in the United States: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Countries with Full Visa Restrictions
Students who are citizens of the following countries are not able to obtain a visa to travel to or study in the United States: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Myanmar (Burma), Niger, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. These restrictions also apply to individuals traveling with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.
What this means for applicants
If you are a citizen of one of the countries listed above and do not already hold a valid U.S. student visa, you may not currently be able to receive one. If you already have a valid visa, your situation may be different. Because visa policies can be complex and change quickly, we encourage students and families to contact a U.S. embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date guidance. Loyola remains committed to supporting international students and families. If you have questions about how these policies may affect your plans, contact our international admission team—we are here to help.
Contact Your Counselor
Rachel Scholten
Director of International Admissionrmscholten@loyola.edu
Supports applicants from: East Asia, Europe, Oceania, South America, South Asia, Southeast Asia
Marvin Barahona
Assistant Director of International Admissionmbarahona@loyola.edu
Supports applicants from: Africa, Caribbean, Central America, Central Asia, Middle East, North America
Our Global Community
My favorite aspect of my Loyola experience is that despite the academic pressure and deadlines, you still get to enjoy yourself and create real friendships and lasting memories. I feel that I was able to find and surround myself with people that care about me and always want me to succeed. I know it can only get better from here.
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Honors and Scholars Programs
While all classes at Loyola are rigorous, we are pleased to offer highly motivated and driven students the opportunity to apply to one of Loyola’s Honors or Scholars Programs. With focuses ranging from Business to STEM fields, these programs allow students to connect with our most dedicated faculty in small class sizes, provide extracurricular enrichment and professional opportunities, and foster community with like-minded students. Admission to these programs is competitive, and all programs require a separate application in addition to your application to Loyola.
Cultural Communities and Student Support
The Loyola experience is designed to provide, support, and inspire your well-being and academic, social, and personal success—from departments to programs to physical spaces on campus that foster development and growth: mind, body, and spirit.
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 430 international student
advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. To find a center near
you, visit the EducationUSA website.