Universities and admissions in Miami

Universities in Miami for Russian speakers — straight talk

Leading institutions: University of Miami (private), Florida International University (FIU, public), Miami Dade College (community college, affordable).

Nothing is free. Tuition:

• University of Miami: ~$60,000/year
• FIU for international students: ~$18,000–20,000/year
• Miami Dade College: ~$9,000–12,000 (start + transfer)

What is needed:

• school certificate + TOEFL 80+/IELTS 6.5; SAT for undergraduate entry
• apply directly or through Common App

Residence permit: F-1 visa — I-20 from the university, SEVIS payment, interview.

Merit scholarships at UM/FIU bring the cost down.

Data as of 2026. Source: Florida universities, EducationUSA.

Miami: how to cut costs and get admitted

Less expensive:

• Miami Dade College: $9–12k/year, then transfer to FIU/UF (university degree at a lower cost)
• FIU instead of private UM: ~$18–20k/year

Scholarships: merit awards from UM and FIU for high GPA/SAT; athletic scholarships.

Admissions:

1. Undergraduate — school leaving certificate, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS, essays

2. Master’s — degree, GPA, GRE/GMAT (some programmes)

3. Community college — minimal requirements, a convenient starting point

Data as of 2026. Source: FIU, Miami Dade College.

Miami: documents, degree recognition, F-1 visa

Documents:

• diploma/degree + translation and evaluation (WES/ECE)
• TOEFL/IELTS, SAT/GRE as required by the program
• transcript, essay, references
• proof of funds for I-20

F-1 visa:

• the university issues an I-20
• payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350)
• consulate interview
• on-campus work; CPT/OPT — internships

Prices: UM ~$60k, FIU $18–20k, community college $9–12k/year.

Data as of 2026. Source: studyinthestates.dhs.gov.