Each year Ferris State University welcomes students from many nations, recognizing the educational and cultural advantages of a diverse student body.

To apply all applicants must send the following:

1. International application form
   
   
2. Application processing fee : $30 (non-refundable). You can use check, money transfer)
   
   
3. Transcripts from high school, college and/or university (a list of the courses you have taken with grades you received) – They should be official or a certified copy in English, or with an English translation attached. Programs have different grade requirements for admission.The average incoming freshman high school cumulative grade point average is a 3.17.
   
   
4. Financial Statement - It must be signed by the sponsor. If there is more than one sponsor, an official, certified and notarized affidavit of support must be sent. The affidavit MUST bring the full name of ALL sponsors.
   
   
5. Bank Statement - It must be updated (less than three months) and cover one year of educational expenses. It can be:
   
   

   • a. An original monthly statement of account that identifies the name of the person, account number, and currency, or
   • b. 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 responsible bank staff whose name and position need to be identified in the letter.
   • c. Any of the documents have to be typed or printed (not handwritten), and clear. The bank stationary has to be identifiable with address, phone number, and fax number.
   • d. 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 be ready to provide them also in these occasions.
   • e. The bank statements will have to be in the name of the student or sponsors who sign the financial statement. Bank statements in name of persons not identified in the application, financial statement or affidavit of sponsorship will not be acceptable.
     
     
6. Health certificate completed by a licensed physician showing the immunization date for measles and rubella must be brought with the student. It does not need to be sent with the application materials.
   
   
7. English Proficiency :
   
   

   • TOEFL 500 (paper based test)
   • 61 (internet based test)
   • IELTS 6
   • MELAB 72
   • SAT 450 (Verbal)
   • ACT 18 ( Reading )
   • IB English
   • ELS - Completion of level 112 with C or better for undergraduate admissions
     
     

   An exception to the requirement of proof of English proficiency will be made if the applicant is applying from a country where English is the native language or if the student has completed English academic courses at a college or university in the US (not ESL) with C grades or above.

   
   
8. English Support Program - For students whose English score is close to but does not reach the TOEFL requirements, an English Support Program is available – two semesters maximum.
   
   
   • TOEFL between 50 and 61
   • IELTS between 5.5 and 6.0
     
     
9. Passport - Copy of the ID page

Additional requirements for J1 (exchange) students

1. J1 (Exchange Students) application form
2. Health Insurance: Exchange students or government sponsored students with J1 visa should carry health insurance for the duration of the program. Proof of insurance should be brought and will be kept in the student's file.
3. Class descriptions . The choice of classes for exchange students who apply for one or two semesters has to be authorized by Ferris and more specifically by the academic advisor of the college the student will attend. Transcripts and class descriptions should be sent with the application package in time for such evaluation.

Mail all application materials to:

International Center
Ferris State University
FLT408
1010 Campus Drive
Big Rapids, Michigan 49307
U.S.A.

Eligibility, Student Visa Information

When a student is admitted to any FSU program the Office of International Student Admissions and Services 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 /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/her home government. The student should also obtain documentation to show the availability of adequate financial support. The financial support documentation, valid passport (travel document), 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 .

You will be given a date to arrive. A required orientation session will be provided for all international students.