Welcome to Michigan State University! The Graduate School at Michigan State University joins our campus and community partners in extending a warm welcome to students and scholars from around the world. We value and appreciate our international applicants.
This page has the Graduate School's information for international applicants. For information about specific departments and programs, please use the “Academics” tab to locate your area of interest. For more information about applying to MSU, click on the “Admissions” tab. To learn more about MSU as a global community, visit theInternational Studies and Programs page.
Please print your name on the application exactly as it appears in your passport. The information will be used to complete the necessary visa documents, so matching your passport information is critical.
Financial proof must be provided in order to comply with U.S. Government regulations. Final admission will not be granted until the Office of Admissions is satisfied that all documents are complete and correct. At that time, your immigration document will be issued.
Estimated funding requirements for international students annually from the Office of Financial Aid can be found here.
Official copies of ALL records from all postsecondary schooling attended/attending. Mark sheets, transcripts, certificates, and diplomas, must be submitted as official documents directly from each institution. In most cases, these documents will need to be sent in official, sealed, issuing institution envelopes.
Records must show courses taken, grades earned, and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. Translations must be done by the issuing institution, a certified translator in the country of study, or by an American Translator’s Association certified translator in the US. The original record should be also included. See information on the Academic Programs website: https://reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/Text.aspx?Section=111#s323
Note that MSU requires final, degree-granting academic records to be sent as proof of degree award. Many international transcripts do not indicate degree award information, and therefore MSU requests applicants send official copies of their final degree diplomas as proof of degree award.
For applicants who have been awarded degrees - final, official records should be sent during the application process. For applicants completing degree programs during the application process, the latest, official, available academic records should be sent, with final records sent as soon as possible after admission.
For International students who need an I-20 or DS-2019, you will be asked to upload the information page of your passport in the Student Portal. This information will be used by the Office of International Students and Scholars to prepare your I-20 or DS-2019 so that you can apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate.
You will need a student (F-1) or exchange visitor (J-1) visa from the American Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Do not obtain a "B" (tourist/visitor) visa, because it is very difficult to change it to an "F" or "J" status. When applying for a visa, you must present the following documents at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate: a valid passport, the I-20 or the DS-2019 Form. You will also be asked to show proof that you have adequate financial support to attend MSU and demonstrate strong ties to your home country. Canadian citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa stamp but still must obtain the Certificate of Eligibility.
F-1 Visa:This is the most common visa for students. After your application for admission is approved, MSU will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 Form). If you choose to attend MSU, be sure to use the Certificate of Eligibility issued by Michigan State University to apply for you F-1 Visa at the U.S. Consulate/Embassy.
J-1 Visa:The Exchange Visitor visa classification is available to students supported financially by MSU, an agency, or government. After your application for admissions is approved, theOffice for International Students and Scholars (OISS)will issue a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (DS-2019 Form).If you choose to attend MSU, be sure to use the Certificate of Eligibility issued by Michigan State University to apply for your J-1 Visa at the U.S. Consulate/Embassy.
Depart for the United States only after you receive formal notice of acceptance and the I-20/DS-2019 Form from the Office of Admissions, and obtain the student visa. You are only allowed to enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date on the Certificate of Eligibility.
All international students holding F and J visa will be required to comply with U.S. Government regulations. The Student/Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is designed to help the U.S. Government keep track of nonimmigrant students. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security now requires that a SEVIS fee be paid for each visa applicant. The Office for International Students and Scholars has more information on the SEVIS fee. The Certificate of Eligibility (for I-20 or DS-2019) that MSU issues to you has an unique identifying number referred to as the SEVIS number or "N" number. This SEVIS number is needed to pay the SEVIS fee. Please print out your receipt when you pay the SEVIS fee and keep it for your records. You must present the Certificate of Eligibility every time you enter the U.S. It is very important that you keep track of this form.
Admission to a program leading to a master’s or doctoral degree requires completion of a level of education comparable to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. High scholastic standing and suitable preparation for the intended field of study are also considered. Normally, Michigan State University does not accept three-year bachelor’s degrees, diplomas or certificates as comparable to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree.
