Applying to Montana State University as an international undergraduate student is an easy process, and we're glad to help you along the way.

How to Apply

There are four simple steps to applying:

  1. Complete your application. An online application can be submitted at: http://www.msuadmissions.com/international. A paper application can be downloaded and printed at International Undergraduate Application Form.
  2. Pay the application fee of US$38 for the online application or US$30 for the paper application. The fee must be paid in U.S. currency. Checks should be made payable to Montana State University. The application fee will not be waived, deferred, or refunded. The fee must be paid before the application will be processed. Pay now at https://www.montana.edu/admissions/apppay.html
  3. Submit your proof of English proficiency.  There are several ways this can be done. For more information, please visit our Options for Meeting the English Proficiency Admissions Requirements webpage. If a student cannot provide proof of English proficiency, we can provide conditional admission, which leads to enrolling in our intensive English program prior to beginning the academic program. Please note that students who are conditionally admitted will not be considered for scholarships until they are fully admitted and fulfill the English Proficiency Requirement. Students completing Interlink should contact OIP to request a review of their application during the final weeks of Interlink's classes for scholarship eligibility. 
  4. Submit your transcripts. If you are applying as a freshman, please send us your high school transcript. If you are applying as a transfer student, please submit transcripts for all post-secondary coursework completed. Please be sure to send the front and back of your transcripts. Any transcripts that are not in English must be translated by a Certified English Translator in addition to the original transcript. We will review unofficial transcripts for admissions purposes but do require submission of official transcripts prior to registering for MSU courses. Official transcripts should be sent directly from your school to Montana State University. 

Additional Requirements

Test Optional

The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education has ended the requirement that students provide ACT or SAT test scores for admission to its campuses. This change is effective immediately and for the foreseeable future. If you have ACT or SAT test scores, please submit them. These scores can be used in place of a supplemental assessment administered through MSU to determine math placement.  

International Students Graduating from U.S. or Canadian High Schools

International applicants who attended high school in the United States would usually be required to submit SAT or ACT scores. We require official test score sent directly from the testing service.

  • SAT school code: 4488
  • ACT school code: 2420

Non-degree-seeking Students

International undergraduates interested in taking a limited number of courses at MSU without pursuing a degree may apply for one year of non-degree status. Applicants must submit the following:

  • A letter of intent outlining educational objectives, purpose of study, and specific terms and dates of attendance at MSU
  • Review and provide the required documents for financial capability as listed on our Costs page

NOTE: Montana State University does not tolerate fraudulent documents. If your application documents are found to be fraudulent, you will be denied admission. Your acceptance can also be revoked due to fraudulent documents. You will not be eligible for admission for up to two years. 

Application Deadlines

  • July 1 for Fall Semester (starts in late August)
  • November 15 for Spring Semester (starts in early January)
  • March 15 for Summer Semesters (starts in mid-May- summer session I or mid-June - summer session II)

Applications received after these dates may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applying at least six months before these dates is strongly encouraged.

Notification of Admission

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, international student admission packets will be sent electronically. If you have a special need for your packet to be sent via mail, please inform your admission advisor after your I-20 has been prepared.

Applicants are reviewed for admission when all required documents have been received at the Office of International Programs. Successful candidates will be sent an admissions packet that includes a letter of acceptance, an I-20 form necessary for obtaining an F-1 student visa, and a MSU welcome guide that includes information regarding orientation, the registration process, life at MSU, and other details to help you prepare for your move.

The sooner you submit all of your required documents, the sooner you can learn your admissions status.

Sending Documents

Unofficial scanned copies of documents, when accepted, can be sent via email to [email protected]. Official test scores, transcripts, and other items must be sent to the following address:

Office of International Programs
Attn: International Admissions
PO Box 172260
183 Strand Union Building
Bozeman, MT 59717 USA