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As an international student, your requirements and admissions process will vary depending on whether or not you're seeking a degree. The application steps listed below are for students seeking a degree. If you're not seeking a degree, follow the Nondegree Admissions. Other general information regarding international students can be found on the International Student Services page.

International degree-seeking students

International students studying on an F-1 visa are not eligible to apply to graduate certificate programs because they are not degree-granting programs.

International Student Services Office contact information and other information can be viewed on the International Student Services page.

Graduate application deadlines

International students must follow procedures required for all prospective students. However, due to longer processing time involved in evaluating international transcripts, applicants are required to submit applications by the following deadlines, unless otherwise specified by your program of interest.

For international transfer students, deadlines are:

  • Fall semester: June 30
  • Spring semester: November 15

For overseas students, deadlines are:

  • Fall semester: May 1
  • Spring semester: October 1

Graduate admissions requirements for international students

In addition to the required application materials for the graduate program in which you are applying. International students must submit the below as part of their application:

Transcript evaluation

All transcripts from non-U.S. schools must be evaluated (course-by-course) by:

Proof of English Proficiency (official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score)

  • TOEFL and IELTS scores are to be submitted via the appropriate CAS system
  • Duolingo scores must be sent directly to the university
    • Minimum scores: TOEFL 80 IBT, 213 CBT, 550 PBT, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 105-110
    • IBT=internet based; CBT=computer based; PBT=paper based

Additional documents

If admission is received, international students also need to submit:

  • Financial statement
  • Immunization records
  • Passport, visa, I-94, international home address and phone numbers
  • Checklist for Newly Admitted International Student

Submit the materials to:
International Student Services Office
Metro State University
700 Seventh Street East
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55106-5000

Financial statement

Applicants must be financially self-sufficient and able to provide proof of at least $25,120. To receive an I-20 and F-1 Visa, you must show that you have adequate funding to meet all the expenses that will be incurred in your proposed program of study. You must submit a current (not over 90 days) and certified copy of your financial statement from a registered bank or savings institution in U.S. dollars showing adequate financial resources for the period of intended enrollment. The I-20 will not be processed until we have received this information.

For questions concerning the I-20 or your financial documents, contact the International Admissions Office at 651.793.1219. If support is coming from outside of the U.S., then submit a certified letter from the sponsor indicating that they will be responsible for all educational expenses and a bank statement showing availability of U.S. $25,120 plus the additional amount required for each dependent. Copies will not be accepted.

Immunization

Minnesota Law (M.S. 135A, 14) requires all students born after 1956 be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus (every 10 years), mumps and rubella. Minnesota high school students who graduated in 1997 or later are exempt from the immunization requirements. In addition, a student may be exempted for medical or conscientious reasons. Unless exempt, a student must provide immunization data at initial registration. For more information and to obtain an Immunization Form, contact the Admissions Office, or visit the Immunization Record form page.

Graduate transfer students

An international transfer student is a student coming from an accredited college/university overseas or within the U.S.

  • Transfer students must have a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in an American equivalent system. If your grade reports are not issued with a U.S. 4.0 grading system, the program office to which you are applying will evaluate your grade report or mark sheet to determine eligibility.

For students transferring from another U.S. institution, the following documents are also required:

  • A copy of the current I-20 or visa approval document.
  • A completed Transfer Verification Form (obtainable from the International Student Services Office).

Undergraduate admissions requirements for international students

As an international student, you're required to provide certain information before attending Metropolitan State University.

  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Proof of adequate funds to attend (at least U.S. $24,445).
    • $7,515 - Tuition
    • $2,422 - Books and supplies
    • $14,508 - Living expenses
  • Photocopy of passport (picture page, page with expiration date)
  • Photocopy, if available, of visa page and I-94, clearly indicating the port of entry
  • International home address and phone numbers - if you only have a P.O. box, more information is needed (i.e., street name, house number or section of town or rural areas)

A first-year student is a student starting college or university for the first time or transferring with fewer than 16 semester credits. An official transcript from the secondary school must be submitted directly from the issuing school(s).

Your academic performance will be evaluated for acceptance to Metropolitan State. If your grade reports are not issued with a U.S. 4.0 grading system, International Student Services will evaluate your grade report or mark sheet to determine eligibility.

A transfer student is a student coming from another college or university with more than 16 college/university level credits. A transfer student can be transferring credits from a college/university overseas or within the U.S. All transfer credits must be from an accredited college/university.
For students transferring from another U.S. institution, the following documents are also required:

  • A copy of the current I-20 or visa approval document.
  • A completed Transfer Verification Form-this form must be mailed directly to the International Student Services Office from the current institution (See Step 2 below)

All international students are required to have health insurance. Contact United Health Care Student Resources for questions and an application. Health insurance coverage is considered official once the forms are received at United Healthcare Student Resources through Financial Management.

Important: International students (F-1 or J-1 visa visiting scholars) are not eligible to apply for the student health insurance available elsewhere on the website. It is only for U.S. residents.

International student applicants must follow procedures required for all prospective students. However, due to longer processing time involved in evaluating international transcripts, international applicants are required to submit applications by these deadlines.

For transfer students, application deadlines are:

  • June 30: Fall Semester
  • November 15: Spring Semester

For overseas students, application deadlines are:

  • May 1: Fall Semester
  • October 1 - Spring Semester

Application steps for international undergraduate students

  • Apply for undergraduate admission
  • Submit transcripts

    If you have attended a non-U.S. post-secondary institution, college or university a course-by-course transcript evaluation by a NACES accredited agency is required for admission.

    NACES accredited agencies:

    Please note:

    • An official copy of your course-by-course transcript evaluation must be sent directly to the International Admissions Office. We do not accept faxed copies or copies from students. The report must show the equivalence of a U.S. GPA (grade point average) of at least 3.0.
    • It can take six to eight weeks to receive a transcript evaluation report. Initiate this process well in advance to ensure your report is received prior to the application deadline for your program of interest. Metro State University is not responsible for any delays in receiving the report.
  • Submit other required documents

    In addition to your transcripts, international students must also provide the following information:

    • Proof of English proficiency. Official TOEFL scores must be submitted; student copies are not acceptable. Metropolitan State's school code for TOEFL is 6445. TOEFL minimum scores for admission are 500 on paper test, 173 on computer-based exam, 61 on internet-based exam. You can also submit your official IELTS score. You must achieve a 6 or higher. You may also have additional English requirements from our placement office. More information about placement assessments.
    • Photocopy of passport (picture page, page with expiration date)
    • Photocopy, if available, of visa page and I-94, clearly indicating the port of entry
    • International home address and phone numbers—if you only have a P.O. box, more information is needed (i.e., street name, house number or section of town or rural areas)
  • Learn about International Student Services

    ISS can help you with:

    • International admission paper processing and policy information dissemination
    • New international student orientation
    • Immigration advising related to F-1 status
    • Advising for on-campus and off-campus employment and work authorization
    • Interaction with faculty and other support services units including the Registrar's Office and the Admissions Office
    • Referrals to student support services, such as the Career Center, Student Counseling Services, English as a Student Second Language Office, and Women's and LGBTQIA+ Services
    • Learning about educational, social, and cultural events involving international students
  • Evaluate your transfer credits

    You’ll receive a transfer evaluation 12 - 14 business days after receiving an acceptance letter. This evaluation (called a Transfer Audit) explains how your transfer credits have been accepted and applied to General Education and Liberal Studies (GELS), including the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).