Michigan State University
East Lansing · Official website ↗
Michigan State University is in East Lansing, United States. Tuition for international students: $45,040 per year (2026-27 figure). Language: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79. Applying: intake: Fall; application fee $75. Scholarships: 8 from the university.
✓ 38 facts from 16 official pages, each with the exact sentence it comes from · checked 2026-11-12 · How we verify
International students should also budget for health insurance, visa and travel costs not shown here.
Quick summary
| Cost per year | tuition $45,040 per year + housing and meals $14,146 per year |
|---|---|
| Money from the college | Need-based aid: not yet determined. Merit scholarships: international students can receive them. 7 named scholarship(s) confirmed open to international students. |
| Chances of admission | not yet determined English minimum: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL (1–6) 4, TOEFL 79, Duolingo 110, PTE 53. |
| Application deadlines | Earliest: Nov 1 (Early Action — Apply early and hear early; not binding — you can still choose another college.) Last round: Regular Decision, Apr 1. |
| Where and how students live | East Lansing · 87 km from GRR airport |
| Housing | First-year housing: Required; housing and meals $14,146 per year |
| Working while studying | co-op / paid work terms are part of degrees |
| After graduation | 25% go on to further study |
Plain-language summary of the verified details below. Where it says “not yet determined”, we have not found it on an official page yet.
Financial aid & requirements for international students
| Aid & admission for international applicants | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
|---|---|
| Meets full financial need | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
| Merit scholarships | Yes — international students can receive merit scholarshipsSources (1)“The MSU Non-resident Scholarship has various award levels granted high-achieving students based on their academic performance, with consideration given to the overall rigor and success within their curriculum. All international students admitted to MSU are automatically considered for this award.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Forms for international aid applicants | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
| Must request aid when applying? | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
| SAT / ACT policy | Test-optional (SAT/ACT may be submitted)Sources (1)“MSU is test optional, which means international students are encouraged, though not required, to submit SAT or ACT scores.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| English proficiency | English test required unless an exemption applies
Sources (7)“You must provide proof of English language proficiency if both of the following are true: - You are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) - English is not your first language”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“You may meet MSU's English language requirement if you have completed three consecutive years of full-time high school in the United States, starting in ninth grade, with a 3.0 or higher GPA and no English language learning classes listed on your transcript.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“If taken on or after January 21, 2026: - Regular admission: Score of 4 with no section score below 4, except 3.5 for speaking”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“If taken before January 21, 2026: - Regular admission: Score of 79 with no subscore below 17”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“IELTS Regular admission: Score of 6.5 or higher”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Duolingo English Test Regular admission: Score of 110 or higher”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) Regular admission (undergraduate): Minimum score of 53; minimum subscore requirement of 48”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Conditional admission / English pathway | Yes — conditional admission or an English pathway is offeredSources (2)“MSU accepts the following tests as proof of English language proficiency. See the test details below for the minimum scores required for regular and provisional admission.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“If you're admitted on provisional status, you'll need to take the MSU English Language Test (MSUELT) when you arrive on campus.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Scholarships for first-year students
MSU Non-resident Scholarship
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: $3,000–$18,000
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (4)
“The following scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students with non-U.S. residency status. Unless otherwise noted, the application for admission is all that you need to submit in order to be considered for each award.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The MSU Non-resident Scholarship has various award levels granted high-achieving students based on their academic performance, with consideration given to the overall rigor and success within their curriculum. All international students admitted to MSU are automatically considered for this award.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“President's Award: $18,000”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Global Community Scholars Scholarship: $3,000”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Honors College Excellence Scholarship
- Who can receive it: All applicants, including international students
- Amount: $13,000 / year
- Renewal: Renewable — up to 4 years
- Can be combined with other awards: Yes
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (4)
“Awarded to a select group of non-Michigan residents and international students who are Honors College invitees. The Excellence Scholarship awards $13,000 annually over eight semesters.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The value of an Honors Excellence Scholarship is $6,500 USD per semester; $13,000 USD/year. (Total value: $52,000 USD).”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The Honors Excellence Scholarship (HES) may be used only at Michigan State University and renewed for a total of eight (8) consecutive academic year semesters while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“This award may be combined with the MSU International Tuition Grant, Global Ambassador/Neighbor awards, and the Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Honors College Distinction Scholarship
- Amount: $5,000 / year
- Renewal: Renewable — up to 4 years
- Can be combined with other awards: Yes
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (4)
“Awarded to non-resident Honors College invitees who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents or citizens of Canada or Mexico; $5,000 annually; eight semesters.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The value of an Honors Distinction Scholarship is $2,500 per semester; $5,000/year. (Total value: $20,000).”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The Honors Distinction Scholarship (HDS) may be used only at Michigan State University and renewed for a total of eight (8) consecutive academic year semesters while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“This award may be combined with the MSU International Tuition Grant, Global Ambassador/Neighbor awards, and the Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: $3,000–$5,000 one-time
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (3)
“Awarded for use with an MSU-sponsored or co-sponsored study abroad program outside of the United States; $3,000 or $5,000, depending upon the length of the program.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Programs that require more than eight weeks abroad will qualify for $5,000, while programs consisting of eight weeks or fewer will qualify for $3,000.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded to incoming first-year students with international residency for tuition purposes with an MSU-sponsored study abroad program in a country outside the United States.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Professorial Assistantship
- Who can receive it: All applicants, including international students
- Amount: $3,500 / year
- Renewal: Renewable — up to 2 years
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (3)
“Offered to a select number of international and homeschooled Honors College invitees based on a holistic review of their individual academic records.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Professorial Assistants receive an annual stipend of approximately $3,500 for working 8-10 hours per week on faculty-mentored research or scholarly activity, renewable for four semesters.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Consideration for these awards is automatic, and no additional applications are required.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Red Cedar Scholarship
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: $1,250 / year
- Renewal: Renewable — up to 4 years
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (3)
“Awarded to dependents or grandchildren of Michigan State University alumni; $1,250 annually, renewable for eight semesters.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The Red Cedar Scholarship is awarded for tuition purposes to incoming first-year students with international residency who are also dependents or grandchildren of an MSU alum.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“($1,250 annually for four years)”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Global Spartan Scholarship
- Who can receive it: International students only
Sources (1)
“- Global Spartan Scholarship (GSS) Scholarships for incoming international freshmen at MSU.”isp.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Renewal: Renewable — up to 4 years
Sources (3)
“(Amount varies; renewable annually for four years)”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Awards are contingent upon the student recipient maintaining international residency for tuition purposes.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Awards are limited to eight consecutive semesters of enrollment (fall and spring of an academic year) as an undergraduate.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Programmes
| Bachelor's programme | Computer Science (B.S.) · 4 years Source (4)“First Year”engineering.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Sophomore Year”engineering.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Junior Year”engineering.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Senior Year”engineering.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Finance (BS) Source (2)“Listed below are the Undergraduate Degrees offered by Michigan State University.”reg.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Finance (BS)”reg.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Mechanical Engineering (B.S.) · 4 years Source (4)“First Year”engineering.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Sophomore Year”engineering.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Junior Year”engineering.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Senior Year”engineering.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
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Applying
| Intakes (start months) for first-year entry | Fall (reference) Source (1)“Most students enter MSU in the fall semester. Admission to other semesters may be limited or not available at all.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $75 one-time Source (1)“The $75 application fee is required to officially submit your application for admission.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Application requirement | English proficiency test: Required Source (1)“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.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Proof of funds / financial documents: Required (reference) Source (1)“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.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Personal statement / main essay: Required Source (1)“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.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Teacher recommendation: Not accepted Source (1)“Do not send letters of recommendation, photographs, portfolios or additional personal essays. Doing so will delay processing of your application.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Admission test scores (SAT/ACT/ATAR…): Optional Source (1)“MSU is test optional, which means international students are encouraged, though not required, to submit SAT or ACT scores.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12School transcript / academic records: Required Source (1)“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.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Deadlines (fall 2027 entry)
| Early Action — Application | Nov 1 Apply early and hear early; not binding — you can still choose another college. Source (2)“Early action – Nov. 1”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“To apply early action, students must submit their application and all required materials by Nov. 1.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision — Application | Apr 1 The normal round; not binding. Source (2)“Regular decision – April 1 (Priority: Feb. 1)”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Michigan State University continues to accept undergraduate applications until April 1.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Dates as published by the college; check the official page for time zones and supporting-document deadlines.
Costs for international students
| Tuition | $45,040 per year (2026–27 figure) |
|---|---|
| Housing and meals | $14,146 per year (2026–27 figure) |
| Living costs (college estimate) | $18,593 per year (reference) |
| Student health insurance | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
| Proof of funds for the I-20 | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
Sources (7)
“International Estimated 2026-27 undergraduate cost Tuition and fees Tuition: $45,040”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Undergraduate students taking 12-18 credit hours will be charged a flat tuition rate.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“International Estimated 2026-27 undergraduate cost”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Food and housing: $14,146”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The cost for food and housing includes the three weeks between fall and spring semesters.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Minimum Funding Requirements for Issuance of an Immigration Document”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Living $18,593 $18,593”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Where students live
| First-year on-campus housing | Required Source (2)“First-year and second-year students must live in on-campus housing for the first four semesters they are enrolled.”liveon.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Students are required to live on campus for their first four semesters at MSU, not including summer semester.”liveon.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|---|
| Housing available during breaks | Yes (reference) Source (1)“The cost for food and housing includes the three weeks between fall and spring semesters.”admissions.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Work and after graduation
| Co-op / paid work terms built into degrees | Yes (reference) Source (2)“Does MSU Engineering Have a Co-op Program? Yes! Our program is extremely flexible for students and employers. The work assignment can be a traditional co-op (alternating school and work) or it can be stand-alone experiences either in summer or during the semesters and for any length of time.”engineering.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Students must be engaged in work relevant to their major, paid, and supervised by an engineer.”engineering.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
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| Accelerated bachelor's + master's programme | Yes Source (2)“The Shared BA-MA is an integrated program in which some credits taken to fulfill your undergraduate requirements can be counted toward fulfilling the requirements for an M.A. as well.”lilac.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“With respect to time, for many students the Shared BA-MA program can allow you to complete the MA degree in less than the usual two years.”lilac.msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Graduates going on to further study (college survey) | 25% Source (2)“Graduation Terms: Spring/Summer 2019, Spring/Summer 2020, Spring/Summer 2021, Spring/Summer 2022, Spring/Summer & Fall 2023, Spring/Summer & Fall 2024, Spring/Summer & Fall 2025”msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Continuing Education: 25%, 29%, 27%, 27%, 25%, 26%, 25%”msu.edu ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Location
| City / state | East Lansing |
|---|---|
| Nearest major airport | Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), about 87 km in a straight line |
| Map | View on OpenStreetMap ↗ |
Setting from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard); airport from OurAirports (public-domain data).