International Application Instructions
More about Application Instructions
Admission to Michigan State University is competitive. For maximum consideration, submit your application one year prior to your desired semester of enrollment. Interested students should submit an online application for admission. Decisions are typically made eight to 12 weeks after all application materials are received. Please note: International students applying for undergraduate admission to Michigan State University may only apply to spring or fall semesters.
Application Submission Instructions
- Complete the application for admission online.
- Prepare your required personal statement.
- Pay the $50 nonrefundable application fee (drawn on U.S. funds) using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or an electronic check (online applications only).
- Request that all secondary schools attended, colleges attended, or examination boards send original or attested copies of all transcripts, diplomas, mark sheets, and certificates directly to Michigan State University in an official, sealed envelope. In addition, where the original documents are not issued in English, also provide an official English translation of each document.
- Submit official high school transcripts if you have completed fewer than 28 semester credit hours.
- Submit the statement of financial proof with supporting bank statement. (This form is also included as part of the application for admission.) The name of the account holder must be in English.
- Provide proof of English proficiency (sent directly from the testing agency) if your first language is not English (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, MSUELT, or MELAB accepted). MSU's TOEFL and SAT code is 1465. International students are encouraged to submit SAT scores, if available. SAT scores are useful for determining academic admissibility and for placement in math and English composition classes.
- Please do not send letters of recommendation, photographs, portfolios, or additional personal essays unless requested by the Office of Admissions. Doing so will delay processing of your application.
Transfer Students
In addition to these application instructions, all transfer students must meet the university’s
transfer admission criteria to be considered for admission to Michigan State. Transfer students selecting a
limited enrollment major may have additional requirements. International transfer applicants should also submit:
- List of college or university courses in progress.
- Descriptions and syllabi for any college course work.
- Original or attested copies of all transcripts, diplomas, mark sheets, and certificates from all secondary schools and colleges attended and official English translations if original or attested documents are not in English.
- Explanation of activities since secondary school graduation if more than one semester has elapsed since graduation.
Minimum English Requirements
International students whose first language is not English and who are admitted to Michigan State University with regular admission must meet one of the following language proficiency requirements. Students with acceptable academic credentials who do not meet language proficiency requirements may be admitted on provisional status. The following requirements pertain to undergraduate students only. Graduate applicants should consult MSU's Graduate School for minimum English language requirements.
For regular admission:
- Internet-based test: score of 79 with no subscore below 17
- Paper-based test: score of 550 with no subscore below 52
- Computer-based test: score of 213 with no subscore below 19
For provisional admission:
- Internet-based test: 45-78
- Paper-based test: 450-549
- Computer-based test: 133-212
For regular admission:
For regular admission:
- Score of 480 or higher
For regular admission:
- Subscore of 18 or higher on the English section
For regular admission:
- Average score of at least 80 with no subscore below 80
- or
- Average score of at least 85 with no subscore below 78
For provisional admission:
For regular admission:
For regular admission:
- Average score of 80 or higher
- Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, international applicants taking the MELAB must complete the MELAB speaking test
Application Validity
Applications are valid for one year beyond the semester of submission. It is not necessary to submit a new application form or application fee during this period. To be considered for an alternate semester, contact the Office of Admissions before your application expires.
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