1. How do I become an agent at Montana State University?
We have a very selective process and only work with a few top agents in each region. The first step is to complete our Prospective Agent Application form and submit it to may.heriza@montana.edu. A committee will assess your application and conduct reference checks before making a decision.
2. Do you pay commissions?
Yes, we pay a standard 10% commission to contracted agents for the first two semester’s tuition at MSU. Our ACE Language Institute also pays a commission for students that study ESL prior to University study. That requires an additional contract with ACE directly. If you are interested in applying for their contract as well, please contact Mary Ulrichr at: mulrich@cultural.org.
3. Do you waive the application fee for agents?
We are not able to waive the application fee for any agent, counselor or student do to Board of Regent regulations. The undergraduate online application fee is US$36 and the paper application fee is US$30. The graduate online application fee is US$50 and the paper application fee is US$60. Application fees can easily be paid with a credit card when using the online application system or with a bank check for paper applications. For students seeking conditional admission to MSU, we do not require any separate application or fee to the ACE Language Institute. We take care of everything for you.
4. Will you authorize me to become an exclusive agent in my country or region?
No, we do not offer exclusivity to any agent. Instead we prefer to work with a few select agents in each region. We can guarantee that we will not work with too many agents in any one region so as to cause problems for our partners.
5. Are the students who apply through my agency guaranteed admission to Montana State University or offered any special consideration?
No. We promise to give you the best service possible, however there is no special consideration for applications sent through agents. Our standards and admission policies are the same for all applicants. What we can promise you is regular communication and updates about your applicants and a direct contact to us to ask all questions. We can also guarantee that applications will be processed as quickly as possible!
6. If I email you my student’s transcript, can you let me know if they might be accepted to MSU? Can you tell me if my student might be accepted before he applies?
Yes, we are happy to take a look at applicant’s credentials before you file a formal application. For undergraduate applicants we can easily provide a yes or no answer very quickly. For graduate applicants the process is very competitive and takes place within each department. We are happy to offer you some basic guidance on whether a student looks competitive for a certain program or not, but would not be able to guarantee anything. Please send all such queries to Ms May Heriza at: may.heriza@montana.edu.
7. How can I get more brochures or recruitment materials?
Please email May Heriza with your request at: may.heriza@montana.edu. If you need them for a particular event please be sure to request them approximately a month out to ensure processing time.
8. Since I am an agent, is there anything special I must include with the applications I send you?
Yes. In order to better serve you, it is very important that we know which applications you send to us. With each application you send to us please be sure to include a cover letter with:
- your company information
- the address you wish the admission documents sent to
- the students name, course of study and intended semester
- request for conditional admission if that is the situation
- representative’s name and email address for contact
- any special requests on behalf of the student
You can see a sample cover letter in the Representative Handbook. Also be sure to include your company mailing information in the current address block on the application. Please note that we do require a direct email address for the student on the application.
9. Where will I-20's be sent and by what type of mail?
I-20’s will be sent to the agent’s address indicated on the cover letter of the application. An email will be sent to inform you that the admission documents are completed and in the mail to you. Our standard policy is to send documents through Global Priority Mail. Please be aware that this service can take up to 2 weeks to reach some countries and is not trackable. If you or the student would prefer to get admission materials faster, please be sure to include an addition US$50 courier fee along with the application fee. When the courier fee is paid we will ship documents through FedEx and will email you with the tracking number.
10. How long will it take to process my student’s application?
Undergraduate: Undergraduate applications are very fast and generally take 2 – 3 days once all of the application documents are received. This means we can have admission materials to you within a week if the courier fee is paid, or just over 2 weeks if not.
Graduate: The graduate application process is much slower because it is competitive admission and all decisions are made internal to each department. In general, the process can take anywhere from 1 – 6 months. Please be aware that graduate deadlines are firm and that most strong applicants apply by the priority deadlines of September 1st for Spring semester and January 15th for Fall semester.
11. How will I know if you have received the application and materials I have sent to you?
We will email the person on the cover sheet to inform you that we have received the application and will continue to let you know when other materials are received. You can also contact us to find out the status if you have not heard.
12. Do you offer conditional admission to students who have not taken the TOEFL or IELTS? What about students who do not meet your English requirements?
Undergraduate: Yes, we do offer conditional admission at the undergraduate level for any student who either has not taken the TOEFL exam or does not meet our minimum requirement of a 71 iBT for the TOEFL or 6.0 for the IELTS. In order to offer full admission we do require official results directly sent from the testing centers. Conditionally admitted students will automatically be applied to the ACE Language Institute and will be required to take an English Placement Exam upon arrival at MSU. There is no separate application fee or process for conditionally admitted students.
Graduate: No, in general there is no conditional admission for graduate students, unless it is a government sponsored applicant. Each department sets their own TOEFL standards, but in general the minimum is 80 iBT for the TOEFL and 7.0 for the IELTS and we do require official scores from the testing centers. For a government sponsored applicant we have a process of requesting provisional admission from the departments. Please contact Ms May Heriza for questions about that process at:may.heriza@montana.edu.
13. What are the application requirements?
General Information: All applications from agents must be submitted with a cover letter so that we know that the application is coming from your agency. It is very important that you include your email address in the cover letter so that we can let you know we received the student’s application and ask any important questions. If you would like the student’s admission documents sent to your agency, please include your agency’s address in the “mailing address” block on the application form. In the “permanent address” block we need the students direct mailing address - - not your agency’s address. We are required by U.S. law to have the student’s permanent home address when the student applies for admission and also require a direct email address as well. If you write your agency’s address in the “permanent address” block there will be a delay in processing while we contact you to get the students home address.
Undergraduate Applications
- Application Form and Application Fee
Two options:
This option offers an application form tailored specifically to international applicants. It can be mailed with your other application documents, along with a bank check for US$30 made out to "Montana State University".
This online application form is used for all students (domestic & international) so there may be some questions that do not fit your circumstances. It is most important that you include your full name, date of birth, mailing and e-mail address, and general information about your academic study. Once the online application is received we can confirm and complete all the necessary details. This option allows for convenient use of a credit card to pay the US$36 online application fee.
2. Evidence of Financial Support
Two documents:
a) International Student Financial Certificate: It guarantees the required minimum funds per academic year and is mandatory for each student. It must be signed by the student and the student's sponsor.
b) Bank Statement: this official document issued by the sponsor's bank shows the minimum required funds.
3. English Language Proficiency.
There are several ways to proof your English proficiency:
a) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language administered by ETS): a minimum score of 71 iBT)
b) IELTS (administered by the British Council): a minimum score of 6.0
c) Completion of Level 6 at the American Cultural Exchange (A.C.E.) Language Institute at MSU.
MSU offers conditional admission to students who are academically qualified but who do not need the language requirement. Students who are conditionally admitted first attend the A.C.E. Language Institute and complete level 6 before attending MSU. If you are interested in receiving conditional admission, please specify it in a cover letter or on your application form.
The students who are citizens of countries where English is an official language do not need to submit a proof of English proficiency, unless English is not the student's native language.
4. Academic Records. In order for the MSU Office of Admissions to evaluate academic qualifications and placement level:
FRESHMEN must submit official secondary transcripts posting date of completion. Official transcripts (bearing the school seal and signature) should be sent directly from the school to the University and must include an English translation. Certified true copies of original transcripts are acceptable. Any GCE A-level examination results must also be submitted and will be considered for transfer credit.
TRANSFER STUDENTS must request official transcripts from each international or U.S. post-secondary institution attended, directly from the institution(s) to Montana State University.
Special Circumstances
If you are a non-degree seeking student, a freshman foreign student graduating from a U.S. high school, or permanent resident, please view the Application Instructions for Special Circumstances.
Graduate Applications
- Application and application fee – can either be accomplished online or downloaded at: http://www.montana.edu/gradstudies/cat_international.shtml
- Bachelor degree (or higher) or the equivalent from an accredited / government recognized university. Those degrees are generally four-year-long programs. B average or higher from your Bachelor degree (or the equivalent) - 3.0 / 4.0 GPA . Official transcripts are required
- All departments require that you take the GRE. A good preparation to the GRE has been proven to make a difference!
- Evidence of Language Proficiency through either an official TOEFL score above an 80 iBT or a 7.0 IELTS
- Signed Financial Certificate – part of the application
- Bank Statement indicating necessary funds for 1 year of study – US$25,000
- 3 letters of recommendation
- personal statement
- resume
14. Does Montana State University offer a major or specialization in…
Montana State University offers over 100 bachelor programs, 50 masters programs and 28 doctoral programs. For a complete listing of our majors and specializations please visit our website at: http://www.montana.edu/wwwcat/programs/progalpha.html . Please note that we do not offer an MBA program!
15. Will you accept 3 year bachelor degrees from my country?
Students with a 3 year bachelor degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis and should apply using the same procedure outlined above.
16. How does a student get transfer credit from their previous studies at another institution?
Montana State University only assesses transfer credit for admitted students. Once the applicant has been admitted, please submit course descriptions and transcripts for all of the college level coursework accomplished. Please be sure these descriptions are in English and include, contact hours, subjects covered, books used, and exams performed. Also, please note that we only accept transfer credit from accredited institutions. The assessment process can take up to a month to accomplish.
17. What are the deadlines to apply to MSU? Can we apply students after the deadlines?
Undergraduate: We offer a rolling admission cycle for undergraduate applications. The general deadlines are May 15th for Fall semester and October 15th for Spring semester. We will accept applications after these posted deadlines, however cannot promise that the students will have time to attain their visa and get their flights in order to arrive on time for the semester. For late applications please do include the U$50 courier fee since it is important you get the documents as quickly as possible! It is best if you can send all applications by the deadlines. We will be as flexible as we can.
Graduate: Graduate deadlines are firm and departments will not accept any applications or application materials after the deadlines. Any applications not completed by the deadline will be considered for the next admission cycle. Final graduate deadlines are May 1st for Fall semester and October 1st for Spring semester, however students should strive to meet the Priority Deadlines since most admissions are made from this group. Priority deadlines are September 1st for Spring Semester and January 15th for Fall Semester.
18. How much does it cost to attend Montana State University?
Montana State University offers exceptional academic programs at very reasonable tuition rates as compared to comparative schools. Undergraduate tuition is US$20,500 and living expenses average US$8,000 per year for an I-20 total of US$28,500. Graduate tuition is US$14,400 and living expenses average US$10,100 per year for an I-20 total of US$25,000.
19. Do you offer any scholarships or financial aid? Do you offer assistantships for graduate students?
Undergraduate: There are 2 scholarship opportunities for undergraduate applicants. For students applying as freshmen who do not have any previous college credit, there is an Achievement Scholarship based solely on SAT/ACT scores. You can see the complete awards chart at: http://www.montana.edu/admissions/scholarshipsnonres.shtml . This scholarship is renewable based on maintaining a 3.0/4.0 GPA at MSU. The second scholarship is for both freshmen and transfer applicants and is based on academic performance exceeding a 3.0/4.0 GPA. All applicants will automatically be considered for this scholarship based on the marks presented with their application. This scholarship is worth US$3,500 for the first year of study. Please note that students cannot be awarded both scholarships, but would be offered the best one.
Graduate: Some graduate departments offer teaching and research assistantships. Students should check with the department they are applying to in order to learn more and see if they would be eligible.
20. Can students work on campus?
Yes, according to U.S. visa regulations international students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during their academic study or full time during any holidays or summer. Working off campus requires special approval.
21. How many international students are at Montana State University?
There are 400 international students representing 75 countries at MSU.
22. Do you have any special international student organizations or clubs?
Yes, we offer a number of clubs and programs outlined below. There are also many specific country associations, such as the Chinese Student Association and the Indian Student Association.
For a complete list of international associations please visit our website at: http://www.montana.edu/international/msu/groups.htm#BFIS
- Bozeman Friends of International Students (BFIS), which matches students with a friendship family in the Bozeman community
- Global Culture Club (GCC), the club for foreign students and scholars on campus
- Friends Beyond Borders, a program that pairs new international students with American student mentors
- ESL and American Culture Class for spouses
- the annual International Education Week and International Street Food Bazaar
23. Do you have campus housing? How do students apply and what are their options?
Undergraduates: Campus housing is guaranteed for all undergraduate students! We have 10 different dormitories located across campus with a variety of themes and services offered. All dormitories offer a cafeteria, computer laboratory, lounge, free internet service and laundry facilities. All freshman are required to live on campus their first year of study. Transfer students and all students past their first year are welcome to live on or off campus. Apartments and houses are available to rent near campus, however none are as close and convenient as the dormitories. Students can apply for housing online at: http://www.montana.edu/reslife/application.php . A US$200 deposit is required and will reserve the room. Since many international students arrive on campus early there is temporary housing available in the dormitories for students who have already applied for a room. This is the cheapest and easiest option for getting students settled upon arrival. We are able to arrange the temporary housing based on the students arrival details.
Graduates: Family and graduate housing is available on campus and many graduate students prefer this option since it is often the cheapest and closest to campus. For information and application procedures please visit their website at: http://www.montana.edu/fgh/ . Please be aware that graduate housing fills up quickly and students are encouraged to apply as soon as they are granted admission.
24. Do you have an on campus ESL program?
Yes, we have spectacular ESL programs at our ACE Language Institute located right next to campus with most of the classes actually held on campus. The ACE Language Institute can accommodate students at all levels of English through level 7 which is for graduate students. Conditionally admitted students will take the English Placement Test offered by the ACE Language Institute and those needing English would study there until completion of level 6. No TOEFL is necessary! Students studying at the ACE Language Institute are treated just like MSU students and have access to all student facilities, including: the dormitories, gymnasium, clubs, etc. ACE students have the option of staying in the dormitories or using the homestay program depending on their interest.
25. Will you accept documents that I send to you by fax of email? Can I certify or attest student documents myself?
Yes, we will accept faxed or emailed copies of most application materials for the initial application. Prior to the start of classes students must present an official transcript and diploma. We do require official SAT exam scores as well as TOEFL or IELTS scores. We do not accept documents certified by the agent. They must be certified by the institution, the Ministry of Education, an Education USA office or another formal body.
26. Should I send the SEVIS fee to you? How do I pay the SEVIS fee? Can you help me with questions regarding the SEVIS process?
The SEVIS fee is not charged by Montana State University. Please do not send the SEVIS fee to us. Details on how to pay the SEVIS fee are included in the student’s admission documents. Should you have any questions, please contact our visa expert at: international@montana.edu .
27. Will you accept students with GPA’s below the minimum posted score?
No, we cannot make any exceptions based on GPA’s below our freshman minimum of a 2.5/4.0 GPA or our transfer of a 2.0/4.0 GPA.
