The fall 2027 first-year application is now open.
Apply by Nov. 1 for early action and maximum scholarship consideration. View all dates and deadlines.
Here are the main things you need to have prepared to complete your application:
The $75 application fee is required to officially submit your application for admission.
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. If you still have questions, check out the transcript submission FAQ for additional guidance.
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).
If you anticipate the completion of any college-level course work prior to attending MSU, it is recommended that you indicate this on your application or contact the Office of Admissions to let us know.
Have the testing agency (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, MSUELT or MELAB accepted) provide proof of English proficiency directly to MSU if you are a non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) and 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 more details — including additional tests being accepted and expanded opportunities for provisional admission.
In order to obtain the documents needed to file for a student visa (I-20 or DS-2019), admitted students must show adequate proof of financial support. Upon acceptance, admitted students will be required to upload a signed affidavit of support and bank statement with the name of the account holder in English through your admissions account. Please do not send financial documents in paper form at the time of application.
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 2026 application for admission:
Do not send letters of recommendation, photographs, portfolios or additional personal essays. Doing so will delay processing of your application.
Applicants must certify that all documents submitted as part of the application for admission are authentic. Any falsification of academic records through omission or misstatement may result in cancellation of admission and/or other disciplinary action by Michigan State University. Each student is responsible for all information contained in the student’s application for admission even if a consultant is employed in the application process.
There are three ways to apply to MSU. Select the option that is right for you, but only submit one application for admission. MSU has no preference for which type of application you submit (MSU application, Common or Coalition).
Note about Common App: MSU will start loading Common App applications in mid-August. You will receive an email with login instructions within 2-10 business days after your application is loaded.
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Dates and deadlines