Universities in Miami, The United States

The University of Miami describes its home as one of the most dynamic and multicultural cities in the world. For students from Latin America and Europe, Miami combines a US degree taught in English with a city that has strong links to both regions. Our directory lists four universities in the Miami area: a large private research university, a large public research university and two Catholic universities.

How university study works in the United States

According to EducationUSA, the State Department's study portal, nearly 4,000 accredited institutions make up US higher education. A bachelor's degree takes four or five years and a master's degree usually two. Public universities were founded and subsidised by the states to give their own residents a low-cost education, so students from outside the state, including international students, pay a higher rate. The academic year typically runs from September to May in two semesters of 16 to 18 weeks.

What the universities offer

• University of Miami started in 1925, when George E. Merrick, the founder of Coral Gables, gave 160 acres and nearly $5 million. It is a private university with 12 schools and colleges and nearly 350 majors and programmes, and has 19,852 students (NCES College Navigator).
• Florida International University (FIU) is Miami's public research university. It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and, with more than 54,000 students, is among the largest universities in the country.
• Barry University, in Miami, is a Catholic university with 6,825 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1.
• St. Thomas University, in Miami Gardens, is a Catholic university with 7,652 students, 4,486 of them undergraduates.

Costs

According to NCES College Navigator, undergraduate tuition and fees in 2024-25 were $6,565 for Florida residents and $18,964 for non-residents at FIU. At the private universities they were $34,350 at Barry, $34,770 at St. Thomas and $62,616 at the University of Miami. Food and housing on campus cost $13,080 at FIU and $23,790 at the University of Miami. Graduate fees differ by programme.

Practical tips

• Visa: degree students need an F student visa. Once a school certified by SEVP has admitted you, its international student office sends the Form I-20 that you need for the visa application.
• Work: according to EducationUSA, international students may work on campus up to 20 hours a week in their first year, with the permission of the international student office.
• Transport: Miami-Dade Transit runs Metrorail, Metrobus and the free Metromover downtown. A Metrorail ride costs $2.25, and fares are capped at $5.65 a day. The College/Adult Education Center Monthly Pass costs $56.25, half the full monthly fare of $112.50.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Miami?

Our directory lists the University of Miami, Florida International University, Barry University and St. Thomas University. FIU is public; the other three are private.

How much does a university in Miami cost for an international student?

In 2024-25 undergraduate tuition and fees were $18,964 for non-residents at FIU, according to NCES. The private universities charged between $34,350 (Barry) and $62,616 (University of Miami).

Can I work while studying in Miami?

With the permission of the international student office, students on an F visa may work on campus up to 20 hours a week in their first year, according to EducationUSA.

Is there a student transit pass in Miami?

Yes. Miami-Dade Transit sells a College/Adult Education Center Monthly Pass for $56.25, half the price of the full monthly pass.