Admissions

International Applicants

Graduate Application Requirements

Requirement	Description	Deadline
English Language Requirement	Required for all applicants except those applying for the Performance Diploma Program. If you are not a citizen of the United States or if your native language is not English, you are required to demonstrate your level of English proficiency by taking and submitting scores from one of the MSU-accepted language tests. Graduate applicants applying for performance degrees who have a degree from a US accredited university may be exempt from this requirement. Those applying for degrees in Composition, Music Education, Music Theory or Musicology must provide a language exam regardless of previous study in the United States. TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, MSUELT, or MELAB are accepted. MSU’s Institutional code is 1465. When scheduling testing, note that it may take a month or longer from the time of the request to send scores until they are received and recorded in the Office of Admissions. Click here to learn more about acceptable minimum scores for international graduate applicants.	Dec 1
Financial Requirements and the I-20	You will be required to show proof of financial resources and support equal to or greater than the estimated cost of tuition and living expenses as outlined on the below form. Note: Proof of sufficient funding is not a factor in the admissions decision. Qualified applicants cannot be fully admitted until proof of sufficient funding is provided. Affidavit of Support document	No later than June 1
Transcripts	Prior to Dec 1, we allow applicants to upload unofficial copies of all their post-secondary transcripts and diplomas. Admitted students must submit official copies directly from their schools in order to matriculate. At that time, quickly request that all secondary schools attended, colleges or universities attended, or examination boards send original or attested copies of all transcripts, diplomas, mark sheets, and certificates directly to Michigan State College of Music Admissions Office (see address below) in an official, sealed envelope. In addition, where the original documents are not issued in English, also provide an official English translation of each document. Please know that translations certified by a notary are not acceptable. Michigan State University College of Music Admissions Office 333 W Circle Dr room 149 East Lansing, MI 48824 IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS: Documents are considered official when they are sent directly from the school to the Music Admissions Office. If the school will not mail to us, request it mailed to you sealed in their official school envelope. If we receive the documents from you with that seal unopened, we can consider it official. World Education Services (WES) credential evaluations DO NOT substitute for official transcripts.	Unofficial copies due Dec 1; official due no later than June 1

Transferring from a US school directly to MSU?

If you currently have an active I-20 and need to transfer it to MSU, visit the Transfer In section of this page. You will need do this quickly after you decide to enroll. International students are not allowed, by law, to work/gig in their first year in the U.S. If you transfer your I-20 to MSU, you are not considered a first-year student and will be able to work/gig. If you fail to transfer your I-20 in time and MSU issues a new one, you would be considered a first-year student again.

Important: In applying, applicants must certify that all documents submitted as part of the application for admission are authentic. Any falsification of academic records through omission or misstatement may result in cancellation of admission and/or other disciplinary action by Michigan State University. Each student is responsible for all information contained in his/her application for admission. Students who employ consultants in the application process are still responsible for the content and authenticity of their own applications.