Welcome to Montana!

Phase 1 - Nomination 

Step 1: Home University Official Nomination 

  • Make sure to check with your home university's international office on exchange application steps.  
  • Once you have completed your home university's international exchange application requirements, your home university will officially nominate you to study at Montana State University as an exchange student. 
  • Note: If you wish to study at Montana State University for a semester or a year and your university does NOT have an exchange agreement with MSU, please contact our international admissions team at [email protected]. 

Phase 2 - Application Process  

Step One: Login to your My Global Connection application

  • Students who have been nominated will need to officially apply through the MSU My Global Connection application system. 
  • ISEP Exchange Student Application:
    Apply Now
  • Direct Exchange Student Application:
    Apply Now
  • In your My Global Connection application you will need to submit: 
    • Proof of funds (to cover housing and meal costs while on exchange) amounting to $5,150 for one semester or $10,300 for two semesters.
    • English proficiency requirements 
    • Application essay 
      • Please tell us 1) Why you want to study abroad at Montana State University, and 2) What your personal, academic, and professional goals are for your exchange experience. 
    • Official transcript
      • Direct exchange students from a partner university need an overall GPA equivalent to a 3.0 on a 4.0 US scale. This is equal to a US 'B' average in all courses. 
      • ISEP exchange students need an overall GPA equivalent to a 2.75 on a 4.0 US scale. This is equal to a US 'B-' average in all courses. 
    • Passport
    • Proposed courses, modules, topics, or classes of study 
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • There will also be information in your My Global Connection application regarding how to secure on-campus housing, safety information, and banking information. 
  • Note: ISEP Exchange students will only need to supply their passport, transcript, and read the important information. 

Step Two: Apply for Housing 

  • Housing is limited near and on campus in Bozeman. Please apply for housing as soon as possible, Housing deposits will not be refunded unless you are not able to attend due to immigration limitations. 

Phase 3 - Acceptance and Visa 

Step One: Official Acceptance

  • Student will be notified of their acceptance by: 
    • Spring term (January - May) - middle of October 
    • Fall term (August - December) - middle of April 
  • Once accepted, MSU will mail your acceptance packet to your home university's international office. Official acceptance packets include:
    • Official acceptance letter
    • Immigration documents 
    • MSU Welcome Packet
  • Note: ISEP Exchange students will receive their immigration documents from the ISEP Global Office, NOT MSU.

Step Two: Visa Application 

  • If you are a United States citizen holding a valid U.S. passport, you do not need to apply for a short term student visa. 
  • All other students will need to apply for a J-1 College and University Student program visa.
    • Click here to review information on the J-1 as a college or university student visa application process

Phase 4 - Pre-Arrival Information and Course Registration 

Step One: Complete Post-Acceptance Application Material 

Step Two: Course Registration 

  • We will send you a detailed email with instructions on the course registration process. Additionally, there will be a learning content section in your My Global Connection application that details the course registration process along with tips, contact information, and troubleshooting information. 

Step Three: Airport Pick-Up 

  • MSU offers a complimentary airport pick-up service for students arriving within two days before orientation. In order to receive this service, students must fill out the airport pick-up request form located in your My Global Connection application at least one month prior to arrival

Phase 5 - Arrival to MSU

Step One: Attend Orientation

  • Attend the mandatory international student orientation (check for the correct dates and times in your acceptance letter)
  • Bring with you:
    • Your passport
    • Your DS-2019 (ISEP students only)

Step Two: Class Schedule Edits and Arrival Forms 

  • Make sure you attend classes. Many classes at MSU require you to attend every class for credit
  • There will be an add/drop period for courses following registration. You can add courses within five days of the course starting and you can drop courses within ten days of courses starting.
  • Please come to our office during drop-in advising hours to get assistance filling out and signing any forms needed upon arrival
    • Note: the form can be left at our office front desk for signing and we will notify you when it has been completed and ready for pick-up 

Step Three: Exploring the US and Beyond

  • If you plan to travel outside the US, you will need to have your DS-2019 form signed and approved for travel. Please come to our office during drop-in advising hours or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment. 
  • Note: ISEP students will turn in their DS-2019s at orientation. These forms will be mailed to the ISEP office to be signed and then returned to you.

Phase 6 - Returning Home 

Step One: Pay Your Student Account 

  • If you paid your student account in full and do not have outstanding bills, we will send an official copy of your MSU transcript to your home university (if you are an ISEP student we will send it to ISEP)

Step Two: Share Your Experience 

  • We want to hear from you! Please share your experience/blog/photos with us to share to future MSU Exchange students email them to [email protected].