Admission Requirements for International Applicants

For information specifically tailored to your particular application situation, choose one of the following.

F-1 Applicants F-1 Applicants F-1 Applicants

 

In general, all applicants must submit the following:

International application form

A non-refundable $30 USD application processing fee

You may pay by check or money transfer.

Certification statement

Transcripts (your past courses with final grades)

Lists of your past courses with final grades from high school, college and/or university. Transcripts must be official or a certified copy and in English, or with an English translation attached. Please note that grade requirements vary for admission into individual Ferris academic programs.

A financial statement signed by your sponsor

If you have more than one sponsor, an official, certified and notarized affidavit of support must be sent. The affidavit MUST provide the full name of ALL sponsors.

A current bank statement (updated to within the past six months)

Reflects funds to cover one year of educational expenses. You can provide this in either of the two forms listed below:

  • An original monthly account statement that identifies the name of the account holder, account number, and currency
  • An original letter from the bank stating the name of account holder, account number, date, currency used, and amount. It must be signed by a member of bank staff whose name, position, and contact information are provided in the letter.

Please Note the Following Regarding Bank Documents:

  • All documents must be clear and in typed or printed format (not handwritten). Bank stationery must be identifiable and include the bank's address, phone number, and fax number.
  • The bank statement can also be requested by the consular officer issuing the student visa AND might be requested by the immigration officer at the port of entry into the United States. Students must also be prepared to provide bank statements in these possible situations.
  • Bank statements must be in the name of the student or sponsors who sign the financial statement. Bank statements in the name of persons not identified in the application, financial statement or affidavit of sponsorship will not be accepted.

A copy of your passport's ID page

A program choice for Ferris State University

Proof of English proficiency

Proof of English proficiency is required to enroll in a standard academic program at Ferris. However, a paper TOEFL test is provided to incoming international students with low or missing TOEFL scores upon orientation. To enter a standard academic program, students must attain the scores below. An Intensive English Program is available for those who do not meet minimum English proficiency scores.

  • TOEFL
    • Score of 500 or better on paper-based test
    • Score of 61 or better on Internet based test
  • IELTS score of 5.5 or better
  • MELAB score of 72 or better
  • SAT (verbal section) score of 450 or better
  • ACT (reading section) score of 18 or better
  • IB English
  • ELS completion of level 112 with C or better (for undergraduate admissions)

Please Note the Following Regarding English Proficiency:
Proof of English proficiency may not be required if applying from a country in which English is the native language or if the student has completed non-ESL English academic courses at an approved college or university with C grades or above.

A health certificate

You will also need to bring with you a health certificate completed by a licensed physician showing the immunization date for measles and rubella.

Please mail all application materials listed above to:

Office of International Education
Ferris State University
1301 S. State Street
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2748
USA

Note: Eligibility and Student Visas

When a student is admitted to any FSU program, the Office of International Education will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (form I-20 or DS 2019) which the international student must present to the visa officer at a United States Embassy or Consulate in his or her home country when applying for the F-1 or J-1 (student) visa.

In preparation for the visa application, the student should obtain a passport (or a travel document) from his or her home government. The student should also obtain documentation to show the availability of adequate financial support. The financial support documentation, valid passport, form I-20 or DS 2019 and record of SEVIS fee payment must be presented to the United States visa officer when applying for an entry visa to the United States.