Office of International Admissions
SVSU is a medium-sized university located in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region. On our campus, international students are treated as individuals, not numbers. Each student receives personalized attention inside and outside of the classroom. Our campus is quiet, safe, and inclusive, where international students can come to learn, develop their skills and SOAR!
350
International Students
50
Countries Represented
#36
Top Public University in Midwest
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Apply for Admission
Transfer Undergraduate Students
Graduate Students
Questions?
Chat with an admissions counselor now! Schedule a 30-minute virtual appointment with an international admission counselor.
First Year Undergraduate Students - How to Apply
Application
- Start an Application
- First Year Admission Requirements
- Copies of High School Transcripts
- 2.5+ GPA Minimum for Program Admission (Based on 4.0 GPA Scale)
- Evidence of Financial Support
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Deadlines
These are suggested dates by which a student should apply. SVSU has rolling admissions with end dates determined by visa interview availability.- Fall 2025: July 1, 2025
- Winter 2026: November 1, 2026
Application Checklist
- Complete the Common Application or the SVSU Application
- Pay the $50 Application Fee
- Copies of All Transcripts
- Submit a Copy of Your Passport
- Provide Evidence of Financial Support
- Provide Proof of English Language Proficiency
- OPTIONAL: Provide SAT/ACT Scores to Test Out of Placement Testing During Orientation
Contact Admissions
If you have questions regarding your application, we are here to help.
- Phone: +1 (989) 964-2797
- Email: intadmit@svsu.edu
- Book an appointment with admissions
Transfer Undergraduate Students - How to Apply
Application
- Start an Application
- Transfer Admission Requirements
- Copies of University Transcripts
- Copies of High School Transcripts (Unless 24 Credit Hours Earned in University)
- 2.5+ GPA Minimum for Program Admission (Based on 4.0 GPA Scale)
- Evidence of Financial Support
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (Students With at Least 24 Credit Hours Earned in an English-Speaking University may have the English Proficiency Requirement Waived)
- Syllabi for Classes Wishing to Transfer In
- Deadlines
These are suggested dates by which a student should apply. SVSU has rolling admissions with end dates determined by visa interview availability.- Fall 2025: July 1, 2025
- Winter 2026: November 1, 2026
Application Checklist
- Complete the Common Application or the SVSU Application
- Pay the $50 Application Fee
- Copies of All Transcripts
- Submit a Copy of Your Passport
- Provide Evidence of Financial Support
- Provide Proof of English Language Proficiency (Students With at Least 24 Credit Hours Earned in an English-Speaking University may have the English Proficiency Requirement Waived)
- Email Syllabi to Abbey Swanson, International Admissions Counselor, for Evaluation
Contact Admissions
If you have questions regarding your application, we are here to help.
- Phone: +1 (989) 964-2797
- Email: intadmit@svsu.edu
- Book an appointment with admissions
Graduate Students - How to Apply
Application
- Start an Application
- Master of Business Administration Admissions Requirements
- Copy of Undergraduate Transcript
- 3.0+ GPA Minimum for Program Admission (Based on 4.0 GPA Scale)
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Evidence of Financial Support
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Master of Computer Science and Information Systems Admissions Requirements
- Copy of Undergraduate Transcript
- 3.0+ GPA Minimum for Program Admission (Based on 4.0 GPA Scale)
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Evidence of Financial Support
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Deadlines
These are suggested dates by which a student should apply. SVSU has rolling admissions with end dates determined by visa interview availability.- Fall 2025: July 1, 2025
- Winter 2026: November 1, 2026
Application Checklist
- Complete the Common Application or the SVSU Application
- Pay the $50 Application Fee
- Copies of Undergraduate Transcript(s)
- Submit a Copy of Your Passport
- Provide Evidence of Financial Support
- Provide Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation (2)
- Resume
Contact Admissions
If you have questions regarding your application, we are here to help.
- Phone: +1 (989) 964-2797
- Email: intadmit@svsu.edu
- Book an appointment with admissions
English Language Proficiency Requirements
As an international student, you are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The following scores are admissible for both graduate and undergraduate students:
As an international student, you are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The following scores are admissible for both graduate and undergraduate students:
Undergraduate Students ELP Requirements
- 85 Duolingo English Test
- 61 TOEFL IBT
- 5.5 IELTS
- 56 Pearson PTE
Graduate Student ELP Requirements
- 105 Duolingo
- 79 TOEFL IBT
- 6.5 IELTS
- 56 Pearson PTE
Scholarships and Funding Sources
International scholarships are awarded to highly qualified undergraduate applicants, and all undergraduate applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships just by applying. SVSU does not offer full-cost or full-tuition scholarships for graduate or undergraduate students.
Red and White Award
$10,320
This scholarship is awarded to all undergraduate international students, regardless of their GPA. This award brings the cost down to that of a domestic US student for undergraduate international students.
President's International Scholarship
$1,000 - $5,000
This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate international students based on their academic merit. This award further brings down the cost of attendance for our international undergraduate students.
SVSU YES & FLEX Alumni Scholarship
The SVSU YES & FLEX Alumni Scholarship is a renewable award of $1,500 per year awarded to international undergraduate and graduate students. It is awarded in recognition of academic achievement and participation in the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Student (YES) program or the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program.
GAC Pathway Scholarship
The GAC Pathway Scholarship is a one-time $2,000 award to students who have successfully completed the Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) Program at a recognized GAC center anywhere in the world. In recognition of the rigorous requirements and coursework of the GAC program, all GAC graduates are automatically awarded.
Donor-Funded Scholarships
By completing one online form, students will be considered, based upon their responses, for all SVSU donor-funded scholarships for which they may qualify. Students may be asked additional questions to determine their eligibility for other scholarships. The deadline for donor-funded scholarships is March 15th. Apply for donor-funded scholarships
Are You Interested in Working on Campus?
All international students are eligible for up to 20 hours of on-campus employment. Job postings can be found on Workday. You'll find a variety of on-campus opportunities, including roles for the upcoming semester. As an accepted student, make sure to log in through MySVSU > Workday to explore and apply. How to apply for on-campus jobs >
Career Services supports students from freshman year and beyond to gain work experience here on campus. Through job search assistance, payroll distribution, and legal employment compliance Career Services makes sure students are set up for success while a student at SVSU.
Cost of Attendance
Undergraduate Degree Costs
| Tuition and fees | $24,000 |
| Housing and meals* | $11,450 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $2,570 |
| Total cost of attendance (includes health insurance) |
$38,020 |
Graduate Degree Costs
| Tuition and fees | $14,400 |
| Housing and meals* | $11,450 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $2,570 |
| Total cost of attendance (includes health insurance) |
$28,420 |
* On-campus housing is available, but it is not required. Costs are estimations that can vary and may include personal expenses not payable to SVSU.
Life at SVSU
Your Home Away from Home
Nestled on a beautiful 782-acre campus in the heart of the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan, Saginaw Valley State University is conveniently placed between Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland. This vibrant, yet sage are offers endless opportunities for fun and exploration, from professional sports teams to exciting concert venues to scenic waterways, and bustling downtowns - the Great Lakes Bay Region has something for everyone.
Major metropolitan cities nearby include Detroit, Chicago, and Toronto
Take a virtual tour of the SVSU campus or schedule a visit in person
Housing, Dining, Clubs, and More
With students coming to SVSU from over 50 countries, you're going to come into contact with a unique group of people. Whether you're staying in our dorms, which have been voted #1 in the United States, or you join one of our more than 200 student organizations, you are sure to find your community and build lifelong friendships here at SVSU.
About The Great Lakes Bay Region
Sailing aboard a tall ship, browsing Michigan’s largest antique center, biking between local coffee shops, or relaxing on the beach of Lake Huron at State Park, Michigan Great Lakes Bay Region has been voted one of the “Best of the Midwest” by Chicago Tribute. Centrally located between Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland, SVSU is a safe, inclusive, and vibrant campus with access to staple Michigan attractions.
Bay City
Cozied near Pure Michigan's eastern shoreline with easy access to the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron, you'll find Bay City - a waterfront city. Downtown, you can find some of the best antiquing in Michigan to a collection of well-curated artisan boutiques and restaurants.
Midland
Dotted by mid-century modern architecture and artful spaces, the inspired city of Midland is alive and vibrant, both in and outdoors. Here you can find the nation's largest canopy walk, soaring up to 40 feet in the air and tucked into the 54-acre Whiting Forest it overlooks. Just across the bridge (and included in your admission), you can find the Dow Gardens - a whimsical botanical garden, with groves of towering pines and interesting architectural bridges make this oasis worth visiting during any season. The city of Midland is also home to the Great Lakes Loons, a professional baseball team and hosts a professional women's gold and tennis tournament each year.
Saginaw
At the heart of the Riverfront district, you'll find both a bustling, modern city market-with over 40 venders tucked inside-and the grand 1927 Temple Theatre just blocks away. One of North America's most authentic Japanese tea houses, and an art museum encased in Italianate gardens can be found near downtown Saginaw. Saginaw also is home to the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League.
SVSU Through the Seasons
The Great Lakes Bay Region enjoys four season - fall, winter, spring, and summer. The summers are warm, and the winters are cold, snowy, and windy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 18-degrees F to 80-degrees F (-7 degrees C to 27 degrees C) and is rarely below 3 degrees F (-16 degrees C) or above 88 degrees F (31 degrees C).
Our People
With just over 8,000 students on campus, more than 350 international students, and over 200 student organizations to join, you are sure to find your community when you reach campus and become a Cardinal. If you're enthusiastic about art, music, theatre, games, or athletics, you'll find a group of like-minded individuals on campus here.
Students Clubs and Organizations
With nearly 200 students clubs and organizations at SVSU supporting on-campus and off-campus events, you are sure to stay busy at SVSU. Whether you are into are, gaming, music, politics, science, sports, or theatre, you'll almost certainly find other at SVSU who share your same passion.
Dining on Campus
SVSU dining is home to 12 eateries, offering a variety of food ranging from classic American favorites to delicious tastes from home. As you start to find your new favorite foods on campus, resources for different dietary beliefs and nutrition and allergen needs are available.
Housing on Campus
SVSU leads the nation with its dorms. Niche has ranked SVSU #1 for on-campus housing options. SVSU is a safe, secure residential campus that offers residence halls, apartments, and townhouses on campus through SVSU Housing. International students are not required to live on campus while a student at SVSU.
View on-campus housing options >
View on-campus housing rates >
Office of International Programs
SVSU's Office of International Programs works with our international students to ensure their time at SVSU is both successful and enjoyable. OIP is responsible for International Student Orientation and advisement on immigration matters such as maintaining visa status, applying for CPT or OPT, and more.
International Student Club
SVSU has an active International Student Club, which meets on campus Tuesdays at 10PM. This is a great way to meet other international students and become an active part of our campus community. The club also organizes Two large events each year: The International Food Festival in the fall and the Intercultural Night in the winter.
Career Advancement Through CPT and OPT/STEM OPT
As a student at SVSU, you'll learn in the classroom and in the real-world. Our instruction is future-focused, tech-infused, and designed for you to apply your knowledge in hands-on environments and SOAR!
Gain work experience during your degree
- CPT is work authorization for off-campus opportunities such as an internship or co-op. For SVSU students, co-ops and internships are usually paid.
- To be eligible, F-1 students at SVSU complete one full academic year before participating in CPT. CPT is only used prior to graduation.
Stay and work in the US for 1 year after graduation
- A 1-year work authorization available for F-1 international students who have been full-time students for at least two consecutive semester and plan to seek employment in the United States in their fields of study.
- F-1 students, regardless of major, may apply for OPT - usually for work after graduation.
Extend your OPT for an additional 2 years
- F-1 international students who completed a bachelor's or master's degree in STEM-designated programs and are currently working with post-completion OPT may apply for the STEM extension of 2 years of additional employment, for a total of 3 years.
- While not guaranteed, many of our students are successful in finding OPT-STEM extension opportunities.
Curricular Practical - Training (CPT)
Extend your OPT for an additional 2 years
- F-1 international students who completed a bachelor's or master's degree in STEM-designated programs and are currently working with post-completion OPT may apply for the STEM extension of 2 years of additional employment, for a total of 3 years.
- While not guaranteed, many of our students are successful in finding OPT-STEM extension opportunities.
Optional Practical - Training (OPT)
Stay and work in the US for 1 year after graduation
- A 1-year work authorization available for F-1 international students who have been full-time students for at least two consecutive semester and plan to seek employment in the United States in their fields of study.
- F-1 students, regardless of major, may apply for OPT - usually for work after graduation.
OPT-STEM Extension
Extend your OPT for an additional 2 years
- F-1 international students who completed a bachelor's or master's degree in STEM-designated programs and are currently working with post-completion OPT may apply for the STEM extension of 2 years of additional employment, for a total of 3 years.
- While not guaranteed, many of our students are successful in finding OPT-STEM extension opportunities.
Job Search Support
Our advisors in Career Services and in the Office of International Programs provide comprehensive support in your career search, offering guidance on work applications, eligibility verification, in sourcing opportunities, and step-by-step instructions both pre- and post-graduation.
Connect
We travel the world to meet you!
Our representatives are looking for the best and brightest students from around the world. Meet us to learn about our undergraduate and graduate programs and special services for international students.
Where we'll be this Fall...
| Dates | Location(s) |
|---|---|
| September 2–6 | Taiwan – Taipei, Taichung, Hsinchu |
| September 9–12 | Peru – Lima, Cusco |
| September 17 | Indonesia – Jakarta |
| September 19 | Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City |
| September 26–27 | UK – London |
| September 30 | Belgium – Brussels |
| October 1 | Netherlands – Utrecht |
| October 9–10 | Mexico – Mexico City |
| October 13–15 | Panama – Panama City |
| October 16–19 | Taiwan – Taipei |
| October 18–19 | South Korea – Seoul |
| October 23–24 | Peru – Lima, Cusco |
| October 26–28 | Canada – Toronto, Mississauga |
| October 27 | Peru – Lima |
| October 29 | Colombia – Bogota |
| November 5–7 | Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City |
| November 9–12 | Thailand – Bangkok |
| November 22–23 | Cambodia – Phnom Pehn, Siem Reap |
| November 24–27 | Ireland |
Contact Us
Abbey Swanson
International Admission Counselor
acswans1@svsu.edu
+1 (989) 964-7337
Victor Finch
Director of International and Graduate Admissions
vafinch@svsu.edu
+1 (989) 964-4094