Exchange Students Requirements & Deadlines

Advisor Nomination Period:

Fall Semester: December 1 – June 1
Spring Semester :May 1 – October 1

Student Application Deadlines:

Fall Semester (August to December): June 15
Spring Semester (January to May): October 15

If you wish to apply or complete an application after the deadline, please contact the Office of International Education for support: [email protected] 

Online application: Please complete your online application.

Learning Plan: The Learning Plan tells Ferris State which classes you plan to take during your semester exchange.  Most students take between 12-15 credits (4-5 classes) per semester. Exchange students are able to take 1 online class. On your Learning Plan, please include your 4-5 first choice courses along with 3-4 alternate courses.

Upload your required documents to the application portal. 

1. Copy of your transcripts (in English)

2. Copy of a bank statement or letter from the bank showing at least $7000 USD if you’ll be studying for one semester or $14,000 USD if you’ll be studying for two semesters. You will also be required to complete a Financial Sponsor Statement if the name on the bank document is someone other than yourself (the student).

3. Copy of your Passport Identification PageCopy of your English proficiency test score such as IELTS or TOEFL. If you do not have an official English test score to submit, you will be required to take an English proficiency at Ferris during orientation.

4. Include your city of birth in the body of the email. This information is required in order to process the immigration paperwork.

5. Completed Learning Plan that has been reviewed and approved by your home university advisor. This can be forwarded in a separate email if not complete when you are ready to apply.

6. Address to which you would like our office to send your admission package

*Please note, Ferris State University reserves the right to require official/original documents upon request.

1. Visit the Course Catalog to see the different programs that Ferris offers.  Each program listing includes a check sheet that lists course offered in that program. You can also look up Course Descriptions on this page which are short explanations of what is taught in each class.

2. Go to “Look Up Classes” and select term of study.

3. Choose a subject of classes. These will need to be approved and signed by your home university advisor. 100 and 200 levels are typically open to everyone, 300+ may require pre-requisite course work.

4. Make a list of classes you'd like to take on your Learning Plan.

5. Review days and times and fill in the sample time table on the second page of the Learning Plan.

6. E-Mail the Learning Plan that has been reviewed and approved by your home university advisor to the OIE at [email protected]. 

For additional instruction see the How to Complete the Learning Plan document.

Click on this Apply link, to begin the online application process. You will be asked to create a user account, please select the application category for International – All Degree Levels. Next follow the step-by-step instructions to complete your application. Any of the other apply links on the Ferris State University site can also be used.