Academic Excellence
- Work towards your degree- and have your achievements recognized at home
- Many resources support you throughout your journey at SVSU
- Enroll in any academic program here and gain specialized skills and knowledge
Semester or Year at SVSU
We are proud to present our newest type of program for international students at SVSU: A One- or Two Semester enrollment at SVSU while earning credit for classes.
Our goal is to fill the gap between non-credit Short Study Programs, Full-time degree enrollment. Enrolling at SVSU for periods of up to four Semesters with credits is possible through our University Partnership and Dual Degree Programs, but we want to open our doors to all international students to work toward their degree within a shorter time at SVSU to return home with the earned credits on top of an excellent American college experience.
Advantages At A Glance
Saginaw Valley State University welcomes international students from around the world for a Semester at SVSU — a non-degree visiting student program that lets you experience U.S. university life for one or two semesters without enrolling in a full degree program. No partnership agreement between SVSU and your home university is required. You enroll in regular SVSU courses alongside degree-seeking students, earn transferable academic credits, and become part of our campus community. It’s a full semester, on a real campus, at Michigan’s most affordable public university.
We are offering the Semester at SVSU for students who...
• Want to experience U.S. university life without committing to a full degree
• Are self-sponsored and not part of an official exchange partnership
• Want to improve their English in an academic environment
• Want transferable credits recognized by their home institution
• Are from any country — no partnership agreement required!
- Michigan’s most affordable public university, making it an exceptional value for an authentic U.S. academic experience.
- #1 Ranked housing out of all Michigan Campuses
- Safe, convenient, and immersive campus experience with a welcoming community
- Helpful resources to support you in every step of your Journey- Including before and after your semester!
- Exceptional International Student Services offered
About the Application Process
Your application can be today!
How to apply:
- Submit your application to SVSU through our Admissions Page
- We will require official high school transcripts, proof of English Language Proficiency, proof of sufficient funds, and an official letter from your home institution confirming enrollment and good academic standing.
- Review the exact requirements on the
After Receiving Your Letter of Acceptance:
- We will send you a form I-20, with which to start your visa application as soon as possible
- Review your financial aid and estimated cost; More on this can be found on our Costs and Scholarships Site
English Proficiency Requirements
Minimum Requirements For Each
- Duolingo: 85 total score
- IELTS: 5.5 overall band score (Send via your IELTS Testing Center using institution code 1766*)
- TOEFL iBT: 61 sum of highest section scores (Send via ETS using institution code 1766*)
- Pearson PTE: 45 overall score
- SAT: 900 total score (Send via College Board using institution code 1766)
- ACT: 18 composite score (Send via ACT using institution code 1766)
*Scanned copies of IELTS or TOEFL iBT score reports can be uploaded. Our admissions staff will verify the validity of the score.
**The English language proficiency requirement may be waived for applicants from certain countries.
Application Timeline
Application Deadline
- Fall Semester (Start in August): July 1st
- Winter Semester (Start in January): November 1st
We strongly encourage early applications (4-6 months before program start) to allow for processing time and for you to be best prepared.
After admission, review the payment deadline and other important semester dates.
Spring and Summer Semesters will not be eligible for this program.
Next Steps
- Apply for your Visa, expect the process to take between 4 and 12 weeks and plan accordingly
- We highly recommend on-campus housing, make sure to submit your housing application early.
- View the detailed next steps; Make arrangements for your free airport and housing key pickup, connect with an academic advisor, and more.
- We are here to help you with every step in the process! Do not hesitate to contact us at intadmit@svsu.edu or intlstu@svsu.edu.
CONTACT US.
Study Abroad
Kal Spencer
studyabroad@svsu.edu
+1-989-964-4268
International Partnerships
Collin Glenn
intpartner@svsu.edu
+1-989-964-2593
International Student Advisor
Hannah Turk-Lerash
hrturk@svsu.edu
+1-989-964-4059