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. You can submit payment one of three ways:
- Online by credit or debit card.
- A cashier's check, payable to Michigan State University. Mail the check to the following address:
Visiting International Professional Program
Wonders Hall
891 Birch Rd, Room 2HW4
East Lansing MI 48825
- 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
VIPP Account Number: DS100448
Sender: Your Name
The additional document below is needed only if apply for college student programs such as GYPP (Global Young Professional Program) and SGYPP (Specialized Global Young Professional Program).
