Online Student Application Process

Bright fall foliage hangs from trees on the UM campus

Applying as an Online Student

The University of Montana provides the opportunity to apply as a distance-only student, meaning you only take online classes and do not attend classes in-person.

Students who are interested in applying for this status must meet the University's general admission requirements for first-year and transfer students. This student status is designed for those who are taking online courses only.

When applying for this status, students are not required to provide proof of immunization or complete a Medical Requirement Form. Distance-only students are not eligible for health insurance, services provided by the Curry Health Center, athletic event discounts or the Campus Recreation facilities.

Let’s start simple: What kind of applicant are you?

First time as a degree-seeking student planning to take online-only classes? Awesome — you’re in the right place. If you’ve been enrolled concurrently in high school and college, or if you’ve completed fewer than 12 college-level credits, you’re still in this group, too. You’ll apply for freshman admission.

(More than 12 credits? No worries — just check out the application process for transfer admissions.)

Step one: Start your application.

You can apply online, through the Apply Montana Portal (if you are a Montana resident) or using the Common Application.

Test scores are optional at UM — no need to include SAT/ACT scores unless you want to! Just include an unofficial high school transcript with your application and let us do the rest.

Step two: Submit your official high school transcript, GED, or HiSET.

Once your official high school transcript is finalized with your final GPA and graduation date, have your school send a copy to UM. And if you’ve got other documentation, like a GED or the HiSET, that works too! Request those official documents be sent to UM to be considered alongside your application.

Ready to get started?

DATES AND DEADLINES

Online Students

Planning to attend UM as an online student? You’ll want to check out these dates.

Apply

Applications Open Now

Whether you plan to start your online classes in spring 2024 or fall 2024, now is the time to apply! Both applications are open now. Start yours today!

Submit Your FAFSA

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to receive federal funding for higher education. If you are attending in Spring 2024, file yours as soon as possible. If you'll start Fall 2024, your FAFSA filing period will open Dec. 1, 2023.

Then

Bear Tracks

UM's admitted student portal is known as Bear Tracks and it's where you'll find your personalized list of tasks to complete before you can register for classes.

Go Griz!

Start Classes

Spring semester 2024 begins Thursday, Jan. 18. Fall semester 2024 will start Monday, Aug. 26.

“But wait! This isn’t me!”

Looking for a different application process? Choose the app that best fits your case. Or, tell us a little more about what you're looking for, and we'll get you where you need to be.

Undergraduate