All VIPP Programs are fee-based. We do not provide any financial aid to applicants. When you apply for admission to a VIPP program, we will process a J-1 non-degree student visa for you. In order to receive a J-1 visa, you must prove you have enough funding to cover your study and living expenses for yourself and/or any accompanying family members (restricted to your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) as legal dependents.
To be eligible for a J-1 non-degree student visa, at least 51% of the total cost of your study (including VIPP program fee, living expenses, and health insurance premium) should be supported by your sponsor—your company, government, or other external agency. A sponsor's official letter of support must be submitted along with other application materials for us to process DS-2019 for yourself and any accompanying family members. Family expenses are not included in the 51% of total cost. If the sponsorship is not sufficient to cover all the expenses, you must provide a personal bank statement.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that they understand the program they are applying for and preparing themselves for the final costs.
VIPP receives the estimated funding requirements for visiting scholars (J1-students and J1-scholars) annually from the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The funding requirements are updated in August of each year. The following list is the breakdown of the amount of cost to be proven through financial documents for school year 2026-2027.
J1 Student:
J1 Scholar:
Example:
For 1 year-long J1 student program, add program fees* + living expenses ($32,419) + family expenses (spouse: $9,000; each child add $6,000 each) + mandatory MSU health insurance for yourself ($3,054) + health insurance for family members ($9 a day for each member).
*Fees vary. Refer to the program-specific information below.
The program fee must be paid within 3 weeks upon arrival, in full or by installment, and is non-refundable.
The following is a cost overview to be used in calculating the final fee estimate.
Our fees vary depending on the program. Make sure you understand which program you are applying to and all financial obligations. In addition, there is non-refundable application fee of $175 for all applicants (except settlement service only participants.)
Program Fees:
Payment by installments is acceptable and a fee is charged on each installment. Up to 4 installments are allowed. Participants can work with the fiscal officer to develop an installment plan, and both sign the plan with each installment payment details included.
Installment Fees:
Living costs vary depending on family size, housing, transportation, and general lifestyle. However, a minimum of $32,419 per year is required by the U.S. Department of State to process a visa for a participant alone as a living cost, excluding the health insurance premium. Add an additional $9,000 per spouse and $6,000 for each accompanying child for your total living cost. This means that approximate monthly living costs will begin from a minimum of $2,700 for a participant alone. If you are here with a spouse and one child, the minimum monthly financial requirement will be more than $3,784. Even if you plan to save, this is the minimum requirement needed to apply for a visa. Every family has a different lifestyle, so plan accordingly.
The following figures are an approximate estimation in each category for reference and should not be an absolute guideline to determine the final living cost. Travel and leisure costs are not considered here.
The cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the area ranges from $900 to $1200 monthly depending on location, quality, and apartment amenities. Two-bedroom apartments range from $1200 to $1800 monthly depending on location, quality (including the number of bathrooms), and apartment amenities.
If you plan to purchase a car, you'll need to set aside the price of the car as well as registration fees. You should anticipate paying monthly auto insurance premiums, which would range from $50-$150 depending on the coverage you select, the type of car, your driving experience, and other factors.
Expect that you will have to pay for utilities and other services: electricity, gas, water, cable, garbage, and phone. Some apartments cover utilities or cable. Groceries are relatively inexpensive in our community.
All VIPP participants and their accompanying family members are mandated to purchase MSU health insurance to apply for a J-1 visa and maintain their legal status. Plan approximately $11 per day for each member of your family in your budget. If you are here by yourself, your health insurance cost will be $3,988 per year.
Learn full details about health insurance requirements, costs, and purchase options at MSU Human Resources and Office of International Students and Scholars.