Michigan State University: what international applicants need

What are Michigan State University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Michigan State University has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Action on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on April 1, 2027.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Michigan State University's acceptance rate?

84.8% for students who started in fall 2024: Michigan State University admitted 52,690 of its 62,138 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Michigan State University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Michigan State University is test-flexible for 2026–27: it accepts other exams in place of the SAT or ACT, and its testing page lists which ones.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Action deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (April 1, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is March 6, 2027: scores on March 19, 2027, registration by February 19, 2027 (late registration February 23, 2027).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Michigan State University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 590–680 in Math and 590–680 in Reading and Writing (39% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 25–31.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Michigan State University's application fee for international students?

Michigan State University's application fee is $75 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Michigan State University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

No. Michigan State University accepts the Common App fee waiver from US students only.

• If the fee is a real obstacle, write to the admissions office: some universities grant waivers on request.

Which English tests does Michigan State University accept?

Michigan State University doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Michigan State University require?

Michigan State University doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Michigan State University require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Michigan State University requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does Michigan State University have?

2,182 of Michigan State University's 41,234 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 5.3%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Michigan State University cost for international students?

Michigan State University is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $43,842 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $16,458). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $12,564. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $61,624 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does Michigan State University give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2025-26, Michigan State University gave institutional scholarships or grants to 1,054 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2025-26 Source