Incoming Exchange Students
Exchange Student Orientation Instagram Scavenger Hunt
Montana State University and the Office of International Programs welcomes students from around the world. Students wishing to attend Montana State University for one or two semesters may do so through our partner universities exchange agreements. Use the information below to learn more about the exchange program and opportunities at MSU.
Applicants applying for exchange must first be nominated by their home institution. Upon nomination, applicants must follow the procedure below to apply to exchange at Montana State University.
Your application guide was sent to you in your nomination email. Please email [email protected] if you were nominated and have not received an email guide.
Applications are due in the Office of International Programs on:
- April 1 for the following fall (August-December)
- October 1 for the following spring (January-May)
For students coming from countries whose native language is not English, please refer to the following link describing the English proficiency levels required to study at MSU.
Once you have been accepted to attend MSU, your MSU online application will reflect the next steps in the process, including confirming your placement, submitting health records, and scheduling an airport pick up (free service). For information about immunizations records that are required prior to your arrival to MSU, please click here.
In order to register for courses, please use the following guides:
You will first need your MSU Student ID number, which will be located on your online MSU exchange profile.
International Exchange Students are required to attend two orientation sessions upon arriving at MSU:
- Monday August 20
- Tuesday August 21
Please arrive in Bozeman, MT no later than Sunday, August 19th, 2018 to ensure you are able to attend the orientations. Further details of the exact time and location will be provided at a later date.
Information about MSU
- MSU Fact Sheet
- Academic Calendar
- Colleges and Majors
- List of Partner Universities
- Academic Training Program
Information on Course Selection
- Course Catalog
- Course Search
- Registration Handbook (example)
- Description of a Credit Hour
- Course Fees
Susan Welker, Director of Study Abroad & Exchanges, will be your academic advisor while you are at MSU.
Exchange students find their own housing when coming here to Montana State University. You have the option of choosing on-campus or off-campus housing.
You may apply for housing after being accepted and prior to receiving your student ID. Below are a few links to webpages to help find housing, whether you want to stay on campus or off campus. Priority deadline for on-campus housing applications for the fall semester is March 1st. Applications for the spring semester are processed on a first come first serve basis.
Participating in exchange is not only abroad learning at a foreign institution; it
is also about experiencing local culture. Below are a few links highlight ways you
can engage in the local community.
Friends International Buddy Program
The Friends program is a short program at the beginning of the semester that pairs up MSU students with new international students that are either studying abroad at MSU or starting towards a full degree. The program seeks to help international students settle in more easily, as well as foster friendships between international and domestic students. A friend and I started the program because we both had "buddies" while studying abroad and found it incredibly helpful and fun! As a part of the program you're paired up with an MSU student who will answer questions before you arrive, help you move in, get settled, and ready for classes! Click here for more information. If you have any questions or want to take part contact [email protected].
Bozeman Friends of International Students
Share your culture while learning about another!
BFIS is a voluntary program that was established to encourage friendship with international students and to allow them to get a closer experience of "the American way of life." Matches of students and families or individuals are made according to stated interests and preferences to the extent possible. Ideally, a lasting friendship forms between the community member(s) and student. There are unlimited ways to build a friendship. Getting together at least once per month is suggested. Some typical activities for BFIS members are: sightseeing- lunch, dinner or coffee- attending a cultural or sports event- celebrating a birthday or holiday together. To become involved, contact Deborah Chiolero by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (406) 994-7722 with any questions. BFIS matches will be made promptly and notification will be given by phone or mail.