While it is highly recommended that students participate in one of MSU’s more than 300 education abroad programs, there may be times when a student finds a program not offered through MSU that better fits their needs and interests. This is referred to as a Non-MSU Program.
Non-MSU Programs are not official partners of the University, have not been vetted by MSU, and are not listed in Via Global.
It is possible for a student to participate in a Non-MSU Program provided a petition to participate has been approved. The petition process takes several weeks to complete, and there is no guarantee of approval.
Without an approved petition, students will incur significant challenges that include lack of MSU enrollment, transcript denial, rejection of financial aid, and no international health insurance or access to 24/7 medical and security assistance.
To ensure sufficient time for the multi-step application and review process (both with MSU and the Non-MSU Program provider), you should begin at least a semester in advance.
By choosing to participate in a Non-MSU Program, you should be prepared for a rigorous and self-guided experience. You must uphold a significant degree of pro-activity and professionalism to be successful.
MSU will not be able to assist with arrangements, and you may be required to secure your own arrangements including housing, flight, visa/residence permit, etc.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the program information, complete any requirements set by the Non-MSU Program (applications, forms, visa information, orientation, etc.) and seek out support and resources directly from the Non-MSU Program as needed. Note: You will be held to any policies of the Non-MSU Program, including financial policies, so it is very important to understand and consider non-refundable fees and deposits, withdrawal and refund policies, and important deadlines, for example.
You will be expected to complete any necessary course approvals through the Course Approval process, and ensure you understand all parameters of credit transfer. You will be responsible for consulting with your MSU academic advisor to determine if/how the approved coursework would fit with your degree plan. You will also need to ensure an official transcript is sent to Michigan State University.
You will be responsible for:
Non-MSU Program costs are paid directly to the provider or institution and will not be billed through Michigan State.
If using financial aid, consult with the MSU Office of Financial Aid to be sure you understand how your aid will apply to a Non-MSU Program (some aid may not apply).
If you currently receive financial aid or plan to receive aid, the Office for Education Abroad will facilitate sharing cost information with MSU’s Office of Financial Aid during the Non-MSU Program Application process. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be considered for aid. You should then work with the Office of Financial Aid directly to learn of award amounts and how funds will be disbursed. See Financial Aid and Loans for more details.
Students participating in a Non-MSU Program may apply for the Education Abroad Scholarship if they meet eligibility requirements and apply by the appropriate deadline. All other scholarships (campus and national) should be researched by the student to see if a Non-MSU program can be considered for their awards.
NOTE: The Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship offered through the Office of Admissions for non-resident students CANNOT be used for a Non-MSU Program.
In this meeting you will review the process to ensure you are prepared for participation.
You must also meet with your academic advisor prior to the petition process.
Schedule your Meeting
Once you have met with the Global Learning Coordinator, you will receive a link to the online petition. The petition will require the following:
Complete any application materials required by the Non-MSU Program. This would be external to any MSU applications.
You may begin your application while your petition is under review. However, it is strongly advised you pay attention to any policies related to application fees and deposits to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is refundable.
If your petition is fully approved, you will be required to complete the Non-MSU Program Application in Via Global.
As part of the application, you will need to upload formal acceptance/admission to the Non-MSU Program.
When your application is accepted, you will need to commit to participation in Via Global.
After commitment, you will have access to the Course Approval Form (CAF) where you will submit the actual coursework you plan to take for formal approval. Both the MSU College of your major and the MSU College for any coursework you plan on taking will approve coursework and will require course syllabi.
Course information (including alternate courses) should be submitted prior to departure to ensure approval and allow you to better understand how the program will fit into your degree plan.
During the time you are abroad, you will be enrolled in “placeholder courses” equivalent to the minimum number of credits required for the program.
MSU BILL
Students participating in a Non-MSU Program will be billed a $650 Program Fee by Michigan State University.
When you submit your application in Via Global, your MSU Student Account will be billed a $100 application deposit. You may withdraw at any point and for any reason prior to your acceptance with no financial penalty. The $100 application deposit will be refunded back to your MSU Student Account.
When you commit to the program, you will be billed an additional $200 commitment deposit to your MSU Student Account. Once committed, the $100 application deposit and $200 commitment deposit are non-refundable.
Both the application and commitment deposits are applied to the overall MSU Program Fee of $650, so you will have a remaining balance of $350 that will need to be paid by the due date indicated in your MSU Student Account. Refer to the Billing and Payments webpage for details.
Also be sure to review the MSU Withdrawal and Refund/Charge Policies webpage.
NOTE ABOUT INSURANCE: All MSU students participating in an experience abroad are provided with international health insurance coverage and International SOS membership through Michigan State University. This is required and cannot be waived (even if your Non-MSU Program provides/requires students enroll in their insurance) and is included as part of your MSU Program Fee.
NON-MSU PROGRAM BILL
You will be responsible for paying any bills received from the Non-MSU Program. Michigan State University will not send payments on your behalf.
Program fees will be at the discretion of the program host/provider, and you will be held to their financial policies and processes, including withdrawal and refund policies.
Once committed, you will be provided information on how to access MSU’s online pre-departure orientation materials in D2L. You will also be invited to attend a regional orientation provided by Michigan State.
In addition, you may have orientation programs offered through your Non-MSU Program.
Questions about the Non-MSU Program process should be sent to the Global Learning Coordinator, Erin Kunert.
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