International Student and Scholar Services
Each year, more than 4,200 students and 1,000 scholars from 100 countries join the Michigan State University community. For students seeking academic programs, scholars seeking higher education, and visitors seeking non-degree options, MSU offers a variety of programs to pursue any educational goals.
- Apply to MSU - international students interested in pursuing a bachelors or graduate degree should apply for admission through MSU's Office of Admissions.
- Office for International Students and Scholars provides programming and services to international students and scholars who have been admitted to an MSU academic program.
- Visiting International Professional Program. provides programming for visiting students and scholars seeking non-degree education and experiences.
We highly value the diverse perspective that our international students, scholars, and visitors bring to our campus. We believe that it is essential for our students to learn within the international and multicultural society in which we must all work and live.
Office for International Students and Scholars
OISS staff meet with international students and scholars and their families about immigration, employment, housing, health care, financial concerns, academic problems, travel and other personal issues. The office offers orientations and other special programming that help international students and scholars integrate into and adjust to the academic, cultural and social life of MSU. Featured programs include Friday evening coffee hours, an international student essay competition, a welcome reception hosted by MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon and the East Lansing Kiwanis Club and a campus-wide global celebration event at the MSU Union. Additionally, OISS serves as MSU’s liaison to foreign embassies, sponsoring agencies and educational foundations that support international students.
Visiting International Professional Program
MSU's Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP) offers innovative global education for professional; a goal for professional men and women who understand that in order to maintain a competitive edge in a competitive world, one must accept the challenge of worldwide demands for new knowledge.
Visiting professionals and students are currently engaged in specialized lectures, academic classes and seminars as well as professional field trips, site visits and independent research as part of VIPP programs that utilize a vast array of resources to meet the goals of VIPP: professional development, cultural enhancement, information technology and global awareness. Featured programs include American culture nights once a month and special welcome and graduation receptions for each new group.
Scholarships, Fulbrights and Financial Aid
MSU Grants & Scholarships
LOANS
- Short-term Loan (STL)
Office of Financial Aid provides short term loans for international students. Download the STL recommendation form and bring it to OISS for an advisor's recommendation.