Once you’re ready to apply, this is where it all begins. Prospective international students should submit an online application as soon as possible in their final year of secondary school (high school) and by Nov. 1 for maximum scholarship consideration.
Michigan State University continues to accept undergraduate applications as long as space is still available. However, the number of qualified applicants has exceeded available space in recent years, so students should apply early to ensure highest consideration. Most students enter in the fall semester. Admission to other semesters may be limited, if available at all.
Select the option that is right for you, but only submit one application for admission. MSU has no preference for which application type you select (MSU, Common or Coalition). Applicants who apply through the MSU application will receive an applicant ID that allows them to save their progress and submit when they are ready.
Note: If you have studied at any college or university after graduating secondary school (high school) you must apply as a transfer student.
The first-year application for fall 2024 is now closed. The application for fall 2025 will open in August.
Request that all secondary schools, colleges, universities attended and/or examination boards send original or attested copies of all transcripts, marks sheets, certificates and diplomas earned directly to the Office of Admissions at Michigan State University. These can be sent through the online services listed below or by mail. If sending by mail, any hard copy of academic records must be sent in an official, sealed envelope.
In addition, if the original documents are not issued in English, an official translation of each document must be provided along with the original language documents. Translations may be done by the school, college or university attended or an authorized/official translator in the country of study. Review MSU's International transcript requirements for country-specific transcript information.
Note: Documents submitted to MSU as part of the application process will not be returned.
As a first-year student you do not have to officially declare your major yet, however you will be asked to select your major preference on the application. If you are undecided, select the "Exploratory preference" option.
Changing your major preference
After submitting the application, fall first-year applicants have until May 1 to change their major preference in their account. Any student who applies, or is admitted, after May 1 cannot change their major preference until New Student Orientation (NSO).
Have the testing agency (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, MSUELT or MELAB accepted) provide proof of English proficiency directly to MSU if your first language is not English. MSU's TOEFL code is 1465. MSU is test optional, which means international students are encouraged, though not required, to submit SAT or ACT scores. The SAT code is 1465; the ACT code is 2032.
Review our full overview on English language proficiency for details on temporary exceptions due to the impact of the novel coronavirus — including additional tests being accepted and expanded opportunities for provisional admission.
As part of the undergraduate application for admission, each applicant is required to submit one essay (minimum 250 words, maximum 650 words) from the list of prompts. The essay may be considered as a positive factor to enhance admissibility, as well as for scholarship consideration.
Here are the essay prompts for the 2023 application for admission: