1.4 International Application Process

International applicants should provide the following during the online application process. In those cases where documents must be mailed, please use the following address: Montana State University, The Graduate School, P.O. Box 172580/104 Montana Hall, Bozeman, MT, 59717 or have electronic transcripts sent to: [email protected].

Deadlines—Each admitting department sets its own application process and deadlines. Look at the Programs on this link; each program name hyperlinks to learn more on the program, deadlines, what is needed to apply, if you need to secure a faculty advisor prior to applying, and more. Know that International applications must be prepared to submit a completed application with a minimum of one-hundred (100) days prior to the start of the intended term. Many departments request more time for the application review, particularly if the department indicates a priority deadlines pertaining funding. MSU typically needs a minimum of 75 days from the time an offer is made to start of term, to allow for the issuance of an I-20,

• A completed Application for Graduate Admission.
• Payment of a non-refundable application fee of U.S. $60.00, which will not be waived, deferred, or refunded (See Board of Regents Policy). The fee must be paid by credit card before the application will be processed or reviewed. 
• Evidence of English Language Proficiency. At the time of applying, MSU requires applicants from countries where English is a second language to present evidence of proficiency in the use of the English language. See the box below for the countries waived; if your country is not on the list - the English proficiency exam will not be waived. Minimum test scores from acceptable testing agencies are: TOEFL: 80-internet-based [iBT], IELTS: 6.5, or 120 Duolingo (We are not accepting Pearsons PTE). These are only minimum scores; MOST departments have set higher scores especially for those students who will be offered funding through an assistantship - check the program webpage to learn their requirements.
         Certificates of completion with official grade reports and the instructor's recommendation from accredited alternative English as a Second Language programs may be considered and can be uploaded into the application for review, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis . MSU reserves the right to request students to submit additional proof of English proficiency, even if they meet the above-listed requirements. 
• Transcripts reflecting all undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate study from each international and U.S. college/university**. International transcripts must be translated and transcribed to US standards.

 An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants with post-baccalaureate coursework must have a graduate GPA of at least 3.00. Unofficial transcripts can be used for the application review process. If offered admission, you will be required to supply official transcripts. Official transcripts are only those which come directly from your previous university OR through a transcribing/translating company, directly to MSU.

Note: If you have received a bachelors, master's or doctorate from an institution in the U.S. or a country listed below, an English proficiency examination is not required. If your country is not listed, the requirement to supply and English proficiency exam will not be waived.

• Three (3) letters of reference. You will be asked to provide information about your references. The electronic process will prompt each reference to submit a signed reference letter in English.. You do not need to wait to submit your application; these letters will move into your application even after it has been submitted.
• The Graduate Records Exam is NOT required to apply for any program at MSU. 
• Copy of applicant’s passport.
• A personal statement.
• At the time of applying, MSU does not require certification of financial support from applicants with non-immigrant visas. The U.S. government requires international applicants to show proof of funds to cover at least the first year of study if they are offered admission. If you are receiving full funding from a Department at MSU, you will not need to submit futher financial certificate information. To understand costs associated with attending MSU, please refer to the Cost to Attend MSU page. Students will need to submit the International Student Financial Certificate found on the OIP Forms Page, and proof of funds when offered admission to MSU.  This proof can be in the form of an official letter in English from a banking institution showing the amount of funds available to the applicant during the academic year. These documents can also be uploaded during the application process if you have them available at the time of applying. If an applicant will enroll in online courses only and will not apply for a student visa to enter the U.S., it is not necessary to provide proof of funds.
• Immunization records are required once admitted. Registration holds are placed on all students until proof of required immunizations are submitted. Questions should be referred to the MSU Student Health Service, +1-406-994-2311.
• A resume, if required by the admitting department. 

During the application process, an applicant can provide unofficial scores; however, if accepted, registration will be prohibited until an official score report is received from the testing service.

General Information— All international graduate students are required to comply with a number of U.S. regulations. See International Student and Scholars Information.