Exchange students are short-term, non-degree seeking students who study at MSU for one or two semesters while also being enrolled and completing degree requirements at their home universities. Students enrolled at one of MSU's exchange partner institutions may apply to study at MSU as an exchange student for one or two semesters after they have been nominated by their home university.

Criteria for Exchange Participation

Students should work with their home university to apply for an exchange program at MSU. To be eligible to become an exchange student you must meet the following criteria regardless of institution, country, or field of study.

• There must be a formal two-way exchange agreement between MSU and the partner university.
• The home university must nominate you for the exchange program.
• MSU must be able to accept the student's application.
• MSU must be able to secure a full-time course load for student prior to admission for immigration purposes (12 credits -undergraduate, 9 credits - graduate)

Admissions Requirements

Exchange students must meet all of the below admissions requirements. For questions about these requirements, refer to your home institution or contact our team.

Nomination by Home University

Applicants for the exchange program must be sponsored to participate in the exchange program. This is shown through supplying a copy of the nomination from your home university to MSU.

Academic Level

Most MSU exchange agreements are open to undergraduate students only. There are certain agreements which include graduate level participation. If unsure, please inquire with our team at msuex(at)msu.edu. 

Academic Performance

Students must be in good academic standing with their home university. Specific requirements and prerequisites may apply to certain courses or academic departments at MSU.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Standardized English Language Proficiency test results are required unless English is designated as the primary language of instruction at the students home institution. The Exchange Coordinator at MSU may also contact prospective students to schedule a virtual interview to ensure all MSU requirements are met. Minimum testing scores for admission are as follows (choose one):

• Internet Based TOEFL (IBT) 79, with no sub-score below 17
  An IELTS score of 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.0.
• Duolingo score of 110

Note: MSU will accept the TOEFL Home Edition test. 

Please note that graduate level students may have different requirements pending their intended coursework or faculties. 

Statement of Interest

Applicants will be asked to submit an essay (500 word maximum) addressing the following prompts:

• Why do you want to study abroad? Why are you are interested in the studying abroad at MSU?
• How will studying abroad help you meet your academic, professional and personal goals?
• What personal strengths do you have that support your acceptance into this program?
• How do you plan to apply your experience upon returning to your home institution?

Proof of Financial Support

To obtain a visa to study in the U.S. all prospective exchange students must provide documentation verifying that they'll have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies at MSU. This documentation must be included with the initial application and can be personal (student or parent) bank account statements or bank letters stating the student will have sufficient funds for each semester at MSU.

• All documents must be in English, on bank letterhead and stamped, signed and dated by the bank.
• Financial funds must be liquid and available to the student during their exchange program at MSU.
• If you plan to use your parent or legal guardian's financial documents to show proof of funding, please complete the Statement of Financial Support Form and upload it along with all other financial documents. 

Need to have a document translated? Visit the MSU Translation Center website for assistance. 

Apply

If you meet all of the requirements listed above, please continue to the application required by Michigan State University.

Continue to Exchange Application >