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International Students FAQ
ADMISSIONS | REGISTRATION | WORKING/EMPLOYMENT | TRANSFERRING
Admissions
What does it cost to attend Mountain State University?
Mountain State University estimates your cost of attendance at US$19,500 per year. This cost includes tuition, fees, on-campus housing and meals, and other expenses including insurance. This estimation is based on the current cost of attendance for the 2009-10 academic year but may vary depending upon the program of study you intended to pursue.
I sent an application. Why is my I-20 delayed?
Before you can receive an I-20, all documents required by your application must be received at MSU. Most delays are because of an incomplete application.
What documents do I need?
Please review the information on our admissions checklist.
What should my affidavit of support look like?
While there isn't a specific format that is required, a sample of the affidavit of support letter can be found by clicking here.
What if I do not have a TOEFL or IELTS score?
Any international student who does not have a qualifying TOEFL or IELTS score will be required to enroll in MSU's English Language Enrichment Program.
If you are from a country where the native language is English, please have the school indicate that your instruction was in English and that the native language is English. If you live in a country where the native language is not English, you are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam even if your school was taught in English.
Are any scholarships available to international students?
At this time, there are no scholarships available to incoming freshman international students. You may apply for an Ambassador Scholarship after your arrival at MSU.
I have college credit from my country. How can I get credit for those classes at Mountain State University?
Mountain State University does accept qualifying transfer credits from overseas educational systems. In order for Mountain State University to give you credit for those courses, you must submit a certified copy of your academic records to Education Credential Evaluation (www.ece.org). This organization will review your transcript and send a copy of its evaluation to Mountain State University.
Registration
Can I take a semester break?
Taking a term off is generally not possible for students at a semester-based school (that is, one that divides the academic year into two terms). Most students who are able to take a term off attend a school with an academic year that is divided into three quarters instead of two semesters. Most students at Mountain State University are not required to take classes during the Summer 1 and 2 terms, which is considered your term off. If you take fall or spring off. you may find yourself exceeding the U.S. government's limit of five months with no educational activity.
I want to take an online or independent study class.
Mountain State University offers courses in a wide variety of formats. We have traditional classes, accelerated study in groups called cohorts, independent study, and online classes. International students are permitted by the U.S. government to take no more than 3 credit hours a semester (of the required 12 hours) online or though independent study. This means that you need to have 9 credit hours of courses through traditional study (in front of an instructor, in seat) to maintain your F-1 status.
I have not paid all of my balance; will the University allow me to register for the new term?
Mountain State University requires that you have a zero balance in your student account before you can for the next term, and no exceptions are made to this policy. It is important that you clear your previous term's balance so that you can register. If you make monthly payments on the amount you owe, you will find it less of a burden than trying to come up with a large sum at the end of the term.
Why does someone from International Student Service need to sign my registration form?
A representative from the International Student Services office must sign your registration form each term to make sure that you are enrolling in the correct number of hours and types of courses. Mountain State University offers several ways of taking classes and if you chose one that is not approved under your F-1 visa, it could jeopardize your immigration status.
Working/Employment
Can I work off campus?
Yes, with the correct approvals. Off-campus work that relates directly to your degree and does not exceed 20 hours per week (including clinical and practicum experiences required by your degree program) can be approved by MSU as Curricular Practical Training. Any off-campus work that does not qualify as Curricular Practical Training is considered Optional Practical Training and requires permission from USCIS.
How do I apply for Curricular Practical Training?
CPT is authorized by MSU. In order to get approval you must provide International Student Services with a letter on the letterhead of the organization explaining the job duties you will be performing. If your degree program requires a practicum, it is also considered Curricular Practical Training. Students in health science programs must have approval from International Student Services before beginning work at a clinical site. While you are not being paid for these types of employment, they are still considered work. Each time you change clinical or practicum sites you must make sure that your I-20 reflects the new site!
How do I apply for Optional Practical Training?
OPT requests must be made to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Click here for application requirements. Submit these items to International Student Services, so that they can submit the request to USCIS and process your new I-20.
Can I work on campus?
Yes, although you must complete an application and US tax documentation before beginning work. While we wish we could hire every international student attending MSU, employment opportunities on campus are limited by budget constraints.
Transferring
How can I transfer to one of Mountain State University's branch campuses?
Complete a Campus Transfer form, available at International Student Services.
How can I transfer from Mountain State University to another school?
Each college and university has its own requirements and processes. Check with the school that you plan to transfer into for international student transfer information.
How can I transfer into Mountain State University?
Submit an MSU Transfer Eligibility form (available from International Student Services) to your current school, and submit an MSU application with all required materials to MSU's International Student Services office.