International Applicants

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University provides life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community as it works to advance the common good in uncommon ways. The university makes an impact locally and globally through research, engagement, innovation and education. International student enrollment is growing, with more than 6,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degrees from more than 130 countries.

MSU defines international applicants as anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or is not a permanent resident of the U.S. These individuals may be required to submit additional materials – such as an English language proficiency test score – in addition to the basic application components required of all applicants. See below for details by program.

MS in Management, Strategy & Leadership – International Student Application Process and Proof of English Language Proficiency

International applications will be considered complete when all of the following have been received:

• A completed application form with a one-time, nonrefundable $100 application fee, made payable in U.S. dollars.
• Official transcripts or mark sheets, diplomas and or certificates sent directly to MSU from each institution attended. Photocopies are not acceptable. Records not issued in English must be submitted with a word-for-word English translation. Translations may be prepared either by an authorized translator in the home country, or by an ATA American Translation Agency (see www.atanet.org).
• Proof of English language proficiency (see below) for applicants whose native language is not English.
• Current resume (in English) detailing professional work experience, academic credentials and related accomplishments, and pertinent biographical information.
• Three letters of recommendation (written in English) from professional, work-related references, preferably supervisors. Letters that attest to your ability to work within and lead teams, as well as to your contribution to a professional business environment, are strongly recommended.
• A statement of intent essay (written in English), no more than two pages, outlining your interest in the program, what you hope to achieve and how you plan to use your degree or certificate.

In addition to the regular admission requirements, the following documents are required for applicants with international degrees:

• Official transcripts issued by the degree granting school in the original language of study in an envelope sealed by the degree-granting university – not opened by the applicant or anyone else prior to delivery to MSU or its agents.
• An Official English translation of the transcript also in an envelope sealed by the translation service or degree-granting university – not opened by the applicant or anyone else prior to delivery to MSU or its agents.
• Official diploma issued by the degree-granting university in the original language of study in an envelope sealed by the university – not opened by the applicant or anyone else prior to delivery to MSU or its agents.
• An Official English translation of the diploma also in an envelope sealed by the translation service or degree-granting university – not opened by the applicant or anyone else prior to delivery to MSU or its agents.
• If applicant currently lives in the U.S., they must provide a copy of their U.S. Visa or permanent resident card

– These records must show courses taken and grades earned, and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. If a document is translated, it should be certified as accurate and correct by an appropriate public or school official, or sponsoring agency or government. The original record should be also included. The chief academic officer of the university has authority to grant waivers of usual entrance requirements upon recommendation of the Dean of the Graduate School.

– Students who attended a higher learning institution in China must provide a China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) verification report.

Students who are required to prove English proficiency will be required to do so by meeting certain minimum standards on any one of the following tests (all tests must have been taken within two years of a student’s application and all test scores must be valid through the student’s first day of class):

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A total score of 550 with no subscores below 52 (paper version), or 80 with no subscore below 19 (22 for writing section) (Internet-based version) is required. The official report must be received by the Office of Admissions directly from Educational Testing Service.
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) (Testing and Certification Division, The English Language Institute, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA). An average score of 83 or higher with no subscores below 80 is required for the main test parts. A MELAB speaking score of at least 3 is also required. The official report must be received by the Office of Admissions directly from the University of Michigan English Language Institute.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A score of at least 6.5 is required. The official report must be received by the Office of Admissions directly from IELTS.
• Michigan State University English Language Test (English Language Center [ELC], Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824–1035, USA). An average score of 80 to 85 with no subscores below 80, or a minimum average score of 85 with no subscores below 78 is required.
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A). Minimum overall score of 53; no subscore below 51 for reading, listening, and speaking; no writing subscore below 59.

*Test takers should use the Michigan State University institution code 1465. Using institutional code 1465 will send your TOEFL results directly to the Office of Admissions at Michigan State University.

Students that would like a to have their scores mailed directly to campus should use the below address:

Michigan State University
The Eli Broad College of Business
Department of Management, North Business Complex
632 Bogue Street
Room N-475
East Lansing, MI 48824

– International applicants who have acceptable academic credentials may be admitted to Michigan State University on a Provisional basis with average TOEFL scores of at least 520 (paper version) or at least 70 (Internet-based version), or an average score of at least 72 on the MELAB, or 6 on the IELTS, or 72 on the Michigan State University English Language Test (MSUELT), or 48 on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A).

– Applicants that fail to meet the standards for English Proficiency may seek English Language training and then retake an English Language Proficiency test in an effort to improve their score and satisfy these criteria. If an applicant retakes an English Language Proficiency Test in order to improve their score, we encourage the applicant to also submit evidence that they have also taken steps to improve their English Language Proficiency by providing a certificate or other documentation that attests to their have taken English Language training.

– Additional information can be found at: http://grad.msu.edu/apply/docs/EnglishLanguageRequirements.pdf

– In rare cases, MSU may grant a waiver to the English Proficiency requirement. This is at the sole discretion of the university. Students considered for a waiver will be asked to provide evidence (e.g., academic or professional work) of their proficiency in the English language.

 

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