How to Apply

All applications should be submitted online for all professional programs (GPEP, SGPEP, GPRP, GYPP). We strongly recommend that you use Chrome, FireFox, or Safari for the online application. Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge may not submit your application correctly.

• Please check program fees before you apply.
• Global Executive Workshop is for groups only. To arrange a Global Executive Workshop, email us at vipp@msu.edu..
• If the online application link does not work for you please download and complete the fillable PDF application form and submit it to vipp@msu.edu with other application materials.

Application Materials

Please gather these important documents before you start an application. Enter your name exactly as it reads on your passport. Use the same name on all additional documents, including your curriculum vitae or resume.

• 1 digital photo (headshot)
• Passport copies (scanned, not photographed) for yourself, your spouse, and any dependent(s) (unmarried children under the age of 21) who will be accompanying you. We cannot process your application unless all passports are attached.
• CV (curriculum vitae) or resume
• Statement of Purpose (1 page) Describe your personal and professional background and experiences as well as your goal during the program.
• Copy of certificates of graduation from the colleges or universities you have attended at the highest level only.
• Copy of English test scores that demonstrate English proficiency.
  • The minimum requirement is TOEFL: 60-78 (internet-based test) or 500-549 (paper-based test), or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0 with no element below 5.
  • If you do not have test scores or you don't meet our minimum requirements, we will conduct an interview by Skype or by telephone.
• Copy of financial support letter from your sponsor is the most important element of the application to demonstrate you have the financial means to apply for a US visa. The amount of financial requirement varies depending on your program type and fees. The total funding must cover your program fees, living expenses, family expenses, and health insurance.
  • VIPP processes a J-1 non-degree visa only. Your study must be supported by an external agency other than yourself (your company, government, or foundation) and their support should be more than 51 percent of your total cost. If the sponsor letter is not ready at the time of application you can submit it later after you consult with our program coordinator.
  • How to calculate the total cost: Add program fees (Fees vary. Refer to your specific program.) + living expenses. (See the Fees and Finance page for how to calculate living expenses.)
  • The financial support letter from your sponsor must be written in English, printed on the official letterhead of the sponsor, and signed and dated no more than 6 months before submission. It also should indicate the funding amount and duration of support.
  • Copy of personal bank statement only if your sponsor does not cover all expenses of your stay. When your sponsor does not fully cover all expenses of your study, you must demonstrate you have enough personal funds to support your study in the U.S. Your designated program coordinator will inform you whether you need to submit the personal bank statement and how much additional funds you must prove. Your personal bank statement should be written in English on the official letterhead, signed, and dated no more than 6 months before submission.
• A non-refundable application fee of $175. This must be paid before your application can be processed (see below).
• A copy of transcripts (if possible, please submit copies in English. This document is only needed if you are applying for college student programs such as Global Young Profession Program (GYPP) and Specialized Global Young Professional Program (SGYPP)

Application Fee Payment:

A non-refundable application fee of $175 must be paid before your application can be processed. Payment can be made by one of the methods below:

• Online by credit or debit card

• A cashier's check, payable to Michigan State University, and posted to:

  Visiting International Professional Program
  Wonders Hall
  891 Birch Rd, Room 2HW4
  East Lansing MI 48825, USA

• Bank transfer to MSU designated bank account:

  Bank Name: Bank of America
  Address: 2600 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48084
  Account Name: The Board of Trustees/Michigan State University
  ABA Routing Number: 026009593
  Account Number: 1935-218139
  SWIFT Code: BOFAUS3N
  CHIPS (Clearing House Interbank Payments System) participation number: 0959
  Special Notes on the wiring form:
  Department: ISP/VIPP - Scott Frump
  VIPP Account Number: DS100448, Sub Account: LTERM

Program Dates and Application Deadlines:

We accept applications on a rolling basis. The VIPP academic year consists of a fall semester, a spring semester, and a summer semester. VIPP follows the Michigan State University academic calendar. VIPP fall semesters generally begin in the last week of August or first week of September and end in the first week of December. VIPP spring semesters generally begin in early January and end the last week of April.

To accommodate visiting professionals who may arrive in the middle of the semester, VIPP courses are half-semester-long courses which normally begin early January, mid-March, late August or late October.

Application Review Process:

Once we receive your application we go through two stages of approval process within MSU. We submit your detailed study plan, visa application, and financial proof to OISS (Office of International Students and Scholars). They review documents to ensure that you are eligible for a J-1 visa and have a concrete plan to meet the requirements to maintain J-1 visa status. Normally it takes at least one month for them to review and get back to us.

Simultaneously, we submit your application to the Export Control at MSU. The U.S. government regulates the transfer of information, commodities, technology, and software considered to be strategically important to the U.S. in the interest of national security, economic and foreign policy concerns. The Export Control Office at MSU reviews if your study plan complies with U.S. government laws and regulations related to these matters. This is a critical part of the approval process and it takes time. They thoroughly review your resume, affiliation, funding source, and professional background.

Please note that these two offices are independent units on campus and operate on their own schedule. We respect their time and we hope you understand that it takes time to complete this review process. This is why it is important to apply early- at least three months ahead.