International Students Thriving At Michigan State University

Michigan State University (MSU) is a popular choice for international students, with around 4,540 international students out of a total of 49,695 students enrolled as of 2020. MSU has a diverse international student population, with students from at least 50 countries, and the number of international students has been increasing over the years. The university is ranked 16th out of 1,279 colleges and universities in the US for its popularity with international students.

International student scholarships

Michigan State University (MSU) has a diverse international student population, with students from at least 50 countries. In 2018, there were 4,540 international students at MSU, comprising 9.1% of the student body. The university offers a range of scholarships for international students, including:

• The MSU Non-resident Scholarship, which has various award levels for high-achieving students based on academic performance. All international students admitted to MSU are automatically considered for this award.
• The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, which is awarded to a select group of international undergraduate students who demonstrate a commitment to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message by bridging intercultural divides. It covers $25,000 towards tuition annually and is renewable for eight semesters.
• The Red Cedar Scholarship, which is awarded to dependents or grandchildren of Michigan State University alumni. It provides $1,250 annually and is renewable for eight semesters.
• The Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship, which is awarded for use with an MSU-sponsored or co-sponsored study abroad program outside of the United States. The amount ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the length of the program.
• The Honors College Excellence Scholarship, which is awarded to a select group of non-Michigan residents and international students who are Honors College invitees. It provides $13,000 annually over eight semesters.
• The Professorial Assistantship, which is offered to a select number of international and homeschooled Honors College invitees based on a holistic review of their individual academic records.

In addition to these scholarships, MSU also provides short-term loans for international students through the Office of Financial Aid. There are also opportunities for scholarship and financial support through the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS). Graduate students may also be able to obtain funding from their academic departments.

International student enrolment data

Michigan State University (MSU) has a long history of welcoming international students, with the first international students enrolling back in 1873. Since then, MSU has become extremely popular with international students, with approximately 4,540 international students enrolled in 2020, according to an analysis of student visa data. This number has grown at an average rate of 2.1% over the years, with a total of 4,400 active F-1 students in Spring 2024.

MSU's international student body is diverse, with at least 50 countries represented on campus. The three countries with the largest on-campus communities are China, South Korea, and India. In 2020, MSU was home to approximately 2,924 Chinese students, 288 South Korean students, and 269 Indian students. The number of international students from these countries has been increasing over the years, with the exception of South Korea, which has seen a decline.

International students make up about 9.1% of the total student body at MSU, which had a total enrollment of 52,089 students in Fall 2024. Of the international students, 2,656 were undergraduates, out of a total of 38,491 undergraduates.

MSU's international students have a positive economic impact on the Greater Lansing area, contributing approximately $213.7 million to the local economy through their spending on various sectors such as education, housing, dining, retail, transportation, telecommunications, and healthcare. This economic impact supports 2,262 jobs in the region.

International student visa requirements

Michigan State University has been welcoming international students since 1873 and currently has around 4,540 international students enrolled, making up about 9.1% of the student body. The university has a detailed admission process for international applicants, who are defined as those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are on a temporary visa or will require any type of visa to study in the U.S. Here is a step-by-step guide to the international student visa requirements for Michigan State University:

Step 1: Apply for Admission

International students must apply for admission by the February 1 priority deadline to receive an admissions decision by March 31. The final application deadline is April 1. The application process involves submitting test scores, transcripts, and other required documents.

Step 2: Review Admission Criteria and Requirements

International applicants should carefully review the admission criteria, dates and deadlines, test requirements (such as TOEFL and SAT), credit transfer policy, and immigration information. Graduate applicants should refer to the Graduate School website for specific instructions.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

In addition to the standard application materials, international students may be required to provide additional documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency. It is important to review the specific requirements for your country and academic program.

Step 4: Obtain Immigration Documents

If you are admitted to Michigan State University as an international student, you will need to obtain the appropriate immigration documents to study in the United States. The specific documents required depend on the type of visa you will be holding:

• For an F-1 visa, you will need to submit the Advanced Enrollment Deposit (AED), provide proof of financial support, and upload a scan of your passport. Michigan State University will then issue the Form I-20, which you will use to apply for the F-1 visa stamp and enter the United States.
• For a J-1 visa, you will need to submit similar documentation, and Michigan State University will provide the Form DS-2019. You will then apply for the J-1 visa.

Step 5: Apply for the Student Visa

Once you have received the Form I-20 or DS-2019 from Michigan State University, you can proceed to apply for the appropriate student visa (F-1 or J-1) at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Make sure to follow the specific instructions provided by the university and the U.S. government for your visa application.

Step 6: Complete any Necessary Visa Transfers or Changes

If you are transferring to Michigan State University from another U.S. institution or changing your visa status, you must complete the necessary processes. For visa transfers, you will need to complete the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) transfer process. For visa status changes, you will need to take additional steps to update your immigration status.

Step 7: Comply with English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you are provisionally admitted to Michigan State University due to English language proficiency requirements, the university will initially issue an I-20 for "Language Training." Once you fulfill the English language proficiency requirements, the university will issue a new I-20 for undergraduate study in your requested major.

Obtaining a student visa to study at Michigan State University involves a comprehensive application and documentation process. It is important to carefully review the requirements and instructions provided by the university and U.S. immigration authorities to ensure a smooth application process.

International student population growth

Michigan State University (MSU) has a large international student population, with approximately 4,540 international students out of a total of 49,695 students as of 2020. This number has been increasing over the years, with an average growth rate of 2.1%. In 2018, the international student population was 4,540, up from 4,034 in 2017 and 6,263 in 2017. The number of international students at MSU has grown steadily since 2013, with the exception of a slight dip between 2015 and 2017.

MSU's international student population is diverse, with students from at least 50 countries. The largest international student communities at MSU are from China, South Korea, and India. In 2020, there were approximately 2,924 Chinese students at MSU, making up an estimated 5.9% of the entire student body and 64.4% of the international student population. The number of Chinese students at MSU has been increasing at an average rate of 1.3% over the years.

MSU also has a significant number of international students from South Korea and India. In 2020, there were 288 South Korean students and 269 Indian students at MSU. While the number of South Korean students has been declining, the number of Indian students has been increasing at an average rate of 8.6%.

The international student population at MSU not only contributes to the academic and cultural environment but also has a positive economic impact on the Greater Lansing area. International students at MSU contribute an estimated $213.7 million to the local economy through their spending on education, housing, dining, retail, transportation, telecommunications, and healthcare. This economic impact supports 2,262 jobs in the region.

To support its growing international student population, MSU offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the MSU Non-resident Scholarship, which is awarded based on academic performance. Additionally, MSU has an early action deadline of November 1 and a priority application deadline of February 1 for international applicants, with admissions decisions released by March 31.

International student economic impact

Michigan State University (MSU) has a diverse international student population, with representation from at least 50 countries. In 2018, the university hosted approximately 4,540 international students, comprising about 9.1% of its student body. This number has been increasing over the years, with an average growth rate of 2.1%.

The presence of these international students has a significant positive economic impact on the Greater Lansing area. MSU's international students contribute $213.7 million to the local economy through their spending on various sectors such as education, housing, dining, retail, transportation, telecommunications, and healthcare. This economic activity supports 2,262 jobs in the region.

The impact of international students at MSU is part of a broader trend in the United States, where international students contributed $45 billion to the US economy in 2018, according to the US Department of Commerce. This contribution includes not only their spending but also their role in scientific and technical research, bringing diverse perspectives to US classrooms, and fostering long-term business relationships.

Frequently asked questions