Michigan Tech welcomes graduate students from around the world. Our international students bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to a community focused on research, innovation, and solving complex challenges.
If you are considering graduate study at Michigan Tech, use the information below to learn more about application requirements, English language proficiency, costs, immigration documents, and other considerations for international applicants.
International Application Fee
A $10 application processing fee is required for all international applicants. There is no application fee; however, the processing fee must be paid before you can upload supporting documents.
A separate processing fee is required for each application you submit. If the fee is not paid within 15 days of submitting your initial application, your application will be canceled.
English Language Proficiency for Admission — Summary
Michigan Tech issues an Academic I-20 to eligible admitted students. We do not currently offer an English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
International graduate applicants who are not from an exempt country must demonstrate English language proficiency to be considered for direct admission to a degree program.
Test scores must be dated within two years (24 months) of your intended enrollment date. You may submit your best qualifying score as long as it falls within this two-year period. Some programs may require English language proficiency scores above the university minimum, so be sure to review the requirements for your specific program.
Michigan Tech accepts the following tests:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum overall score of 4.5 for tests taken on or after January 21, 2026.
- TOEFL iBT tests taken before January 21, 2026: Minimum overall score of 79. Test Center, Home, and Paper Editions are accepted.
- IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5.
Who is exempt from this requirement?
Applicants from certain countries are exempt from submitting an English language proficiency test score. Review the List of Exempt Countries to determine whether your country qualifies.
Some programs may have additional English language proficiency requirements. Review your individual program page for details. If a program has additional requirements, an exemption may not apply even if your country appears on the exempt list.
Programs and Costs
Michigan Tech uses one graduate tuition rate; international students do not pay a separate out-of-state or international tuition rate. Current tuition and fee information is available on the Cost of Education page.
Admitted students can find information about courses, registration, student billing, and other next steps on the Resources for Admitted Students page.
Program Restrictions
In most cases, international students living outside the United States are not eligible for Michigan Tech online programs. Review our authorization pagee for a list of countries where Michigan Tech can offer online education.
- International students cannot pursue an on-campus graduate certificate unless they are also pursuing a graduate degree.
- International students are typically not eligible for non-degree-seeking status unless otherwise authorized through participation in a negotiated agreement.
- Students who hold active F-1 status at another institution may be eligible to take a limited number of Michigan Tech online courses as non-degree-seeking students.
- F-2 dependents may also apply for non-degree-seeking status.
Upon Acceptance
Following acceptance, international students will need to submit a Certificate of Finances Form to prove their funding. International students seeking F1 visa status must guarantee that they have adequate funds for their educational and living expenses while in the United States. All funds listed must be documented by official bank statements and/or funding letters. For more information on acceptable and non-acceptable sources of funds, see the Certificate of Finances Form on your portal.
Incoming students who seek to travel with their dependent spouse or child(ren) must complete the Dependent Information section of the Certificate of Finances Form. Students must also provide a copy of each dependent's passport to your portal before dependent I-20s will be issued. For more information about bringing dependent family members to the United States, visit the Bringing Family to the United States page.
All international students are required to pay a $100 processing fee to be issued an I-20 or DS-2019. This fee is non-refundable. That is, if you receive an I-20/DS-2019 and do not attend Michigan Tech, you will not be given a refund of your payment.
International students transferring from another institution in the United States may have additional forms to fill out regarding I-20 status. These will be available in your application portal.
Further information for accepted international students can be found on the Resources for Incoming Graduate Students page.
Express Shipping
For express shipping of Visa paperwork Michigan Tech partners with eShip Global to send your immigration documents through FedEx or UPS. DHL pick-up is unavailable at our university's location.
- To request express shipping, you must first create an account with eShip Global.
- Request your shipment by choosing the "Receive" option with your account.
- You must provide your Michigan Tech ID (M number), mailing address, e-mail address, phone number and credit card information.
- Select Office of Graduate Admissions as the recipient of the mailing labels.
- You will receive a tracking number when you submit your request, which will allow you to track the status of your shipment on the eShip Global web site.