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.

Eligibility Requirements

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. 

Total 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 table is the breakdown of the amount of cost to be proven through financial documents for school year 2025-2026.

For example, for 1 year-long J1-student program — Add program fees (Fees vary. Refer to the program-specific information below) + 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).

VIPP Program Fees

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.)

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.

    2 installments – 2% fee charge

    3 installments – 3% fee charge

    4 installments – 5% fee charge

Living Costs  

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.