Incoming Graduate Students | Michigan Tech Graduate School

Congratulations once again on your admission to the Michigan Tech graduate program! We work to ensure that you have the information, services, and resources to make the academic year as smooth as possible for all students. Below, you will find important information as you prepare to enroll.

Attention Incoming Students

Transcripts and Proof of Degrees

We require official transcripts and proof of degrees from our incoming students. Please register for a time to submit your documents through the Transcript Submission Portal. You will need your application username and password to login to the portal. Submission details and additional information is located in the portal.

Please do not hesitate to email gradadms@mtu.edu with questions and concerns about your specific situation. Our regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EDT), Monday through Friday.

International Students

Michigan Tech extends a heartfelt welcome to international students! It is a big decision to study abroad. To ease your transition into the Michigan Tech community, we have provided the following information to get you started as you prepare to join us in Houghton.

International Programs and Services (IPS)

The International Programs and Services (IPS) website has useful information on travel, clothing, and campus life for new students as well as more life-work resources for all international students.

International Student during Parade of Nations clasping hands in prayer

Mandatory Life@Michigan Tech Course

Life@Michigan Tech is a seven-part workshop series that provides information and tools to help students adjust to college culture generally and to social and academic life at Michigan Tech specifically. The workshops will begin the first week of the semester. These workshops are mandatory for all new international undergraduate, transfer, exchange, and graduate students. Expect an email with information about time, dates and location for the workshops.

The (IPS) office supports international students with resources and documentation upon arrival and during their time at Michigan Tech. IPS provides documentation for:

Curriculum Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Still have questions? Email ips@mtu.edu. For information on visa support and travel:

What do I need to bring with me to campus?

We have alist of recommended laptop specificationsfor various disciplines. In addition to your laptop, plan to pack a few basic amenities, your phone, and some clothes for your first few days here. Learn from current Michigan Tech students in From a Husky on what to pack.

If you are receiving an Educational Loan that is paid directly to Michigan Tech, you will need to make sure that you still have personal funds available to you to pay for initial necessities before your loan can be disbursed. The University does not refund overages of Educational Loans until your semester bill is covered. This means you will need to make sure that you have adequate personal/family funds that can cover food, housing deposit, and the first month's rent (especially if you are living off campus), in addition to household goods for your new living space.

Late Arrival Policy

All incoming international students are expected to arrive on-campus, on time, for the beginning of their first semester. To request a late arrival, please contact the Graduate School at gradadms@mtu.edu. Typically, late arrivals are limited to no later than the first week of classes, but it is dependent on academic program approval.

Once I'm in the US, how do I get to Houghton?

Airport Information

There are daily flights from O’Hare International Airport (in Chicago, airport code: ORD) to the Houghton County Memorial Airport (airport code: CMX).

Arrival Information

International Program and Services (IPS) organizes arrivals for incoming students, please refer to them for further guidance.

For more information on travel options, see directions to campus.

Next Steps

Accept/Decline/Defer

Only fully admitted students (that is international students who have provided proof of funding and actively working to attend, domestic or online) can accept their admission. Accept, decline, or defer your admission directly from your Husky Portal. If you are an international student who has not provided proof of funding you can decline your admission in your Husky Portal and you will need to reapply to a future semester. Approximately 2 weeks before the semester, any deferral request or to decline your admission, must be emailed to gradadms@mtu.edu as the Husky Portal is no longer available. Deferrals are due by the first day of the upcoming semester.

Plan to Attend Graduate School Orientation

During orientation week, the Graduate School, individual departments, and the Center for Teaching and Learning offer events to prepare you to achieve both a great education and a comfortable friend-filled life at Michigan Tech.

The Graduate School invites you to attend our welcome session, which will introduce you to the Graduate School staff, Career Center, Transportation Services, Graduate Student Government, Public Safety and other essential services. The Graduate School also offers “Orientation to Graduate Studies and Research” as an online course. This required session will introduce you to the expectations for graduate students and the basics of responsible conduct for research. Enrolled students will receive additional information in August.

For more information about the dates and venues for orientation activities, see Graduate School Orientation. Orientation is still evolving and you will be updated as new information becomes available.

Department Orientations

Many departments organize discipline-specific orientations for new graduate students and training for Graduate Teaching Instructors and Graduate Research Assistants. Please consult your graduate program director or department chair for more information.

Register for Courses

Contact your advisor and/or Graduate Director for guidance on course selection.
Utilize the Academic Calendar for important deadlines including course add/drop dates, refunds, withdrawal dates, term dates, weeks, financial deadlines, and holidays.
Registration for courses can be done on the Student Registration card in Experience. For more information on how to register see the Registration page. The Registrar’s Office (Administration Building, Room 130) can assist with your registration. You can also email: registrar@mtu.edu.

Registration Errors

Students may experience registration errors when adding courses. Sometimes waivers must be approved by the department/instructor before a student can take the course for which they are experiencing the registration error. Contact your advisor or email registrar@mtu.edu if you still have questions about the registration error.

If registration deadlines are missed (utilize Academic Calendar), late course add approval of the instructor is needed. A signature on Late Add Form and/or email from instructor to registrar@mtu.edu is sufficient. For registration errors relating to a course outside of your department, waiver must be obtained from the outside department.

Pay Your Student Bill/Confirm Enrollment

Payments can be done via your Payments Page or in the Cashier’s Office, Administration Building, Room 103. For more information on how to confirm enrollment, pay bill, and methods of paying your bill, see the Financial Services Center.

Get Health Insurance

All International Students, supported and unsupported graduate students, and student athletes are required to participate in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). All domestic undergraduate students may participate on a voluntary basis and have the option to enroll online. Please visit the HR's Student Insurance pagefor more information on enrolling.

If you have a comprehensive health plan that meets Michigan Tech’s coverage requirement and is accepted in the United States, then you do not need to purchase a health plan through Michigan Tech. You must waive your coverage online through UnitedHealthcare MTU Student Center. J-1 students must fill the J-1 Waiver Request and Compatibility Form and submit it to the Student Health Insurance Office at the Lakeshore Center. For more information on waivers for J-1 Scholars, call 906-487-1088 or studentinsurance@mtu.edu. Also see Student Insurance for more information on health insurance waivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the costs to attend Michigan Tech?

The cost of your education is dependent on your program, degree, and personal needs. The Cost of Education Calculator can help you determine your expenses for a nine-month period.

What are the living accommodations for graduate students?

On-campus housing for graduate students include Daniell Heights Apartments, University Owned Houses, and Residence Halls. Email housing@mtu.edu or call 906-487-2682 about your housing questions. The Michigan Tech Off-Campus Housing website provides information for those who wish to live off campus.

What kind of laptop do I need?

Michigan Tech requires all students to have a computing device. We have a list of recommended laptop specifications for various disciplines.

What does the Graduate Student Government do?

The Graduate Student Government is a student organization that advocates for Michigan Tech graduate students and organizes programs to support the professional and social life of graduate students. GSG organizes the Graduate Research Colloquium, 3 Minutes Thesis, Merit Awards, Orientation Picnics, and Friday Socials. GSG also partners with the Graduate School to organize professional development seminars and workshops for graduate students. You can get involved with GSG by attending GSG meetings and participating in programs. You may also serve as your department’s elected representative.

How can Career Services help me?

Career Services connects students, employers, alumni, faculty, and staff. They help students communicate the unique skill sets they have developed, both in and outside the classroom. Their collaborative programming and coaching launches support career journeys. All services provided by Career Services are available virtually and staff staff are eager to connect with you.

Campus Jobs

Students may apply for university-wide positions ranging from reception desk staff to tour guides to learning center coaches. See Student Employment for on-campus jobs. Also see Campus and Community Employment for information on community employment.

Career Fair

Career Fairs are organized biannually. For more information on future fairs, see Career Services. The Michigan Tech Career Fair is one of the largest in the country, bringing more than 400 companies and 2,000 recruiters to campus each year. Career Fairs are open to all students of all majors.

Where do I find information about student organizations on campus?

Student Leadership and Involvement provides information about the 244 registered student organizations at Michigan Tech and how to register an organization. Organizations are formed on a wide range of focus including social, club sports, academics, service, and so on. There are also many international students organizations such as the Indian Students Association, Bangladeshi Students Association, and African Students Organization. These organizations serve as an important support system for many of our international students and foster cross-cultural interactions on campus.

Transportation and Community

What does campus and the surrounding area look like?

Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Michigan Tech campus and its surrounding areas have breathtaking scenery year round. Experience campus through information, images, and videos, the Sister Cities (Houghton and Hancock), and the Copper Country. Use our Interactive Map, which allows you to virtually tour campus. Once you arrive on campus, the map can help you navigate campus buildings and locations. The live Webcams provide still images and live views of the campus surrounding.

How do I travel in the area?

There are several options for navigating the Michigan Tech campus, downtown Houghton and the shopping centers.

Campus shuttles take members of the University community around campus and throughout downtown Houghton.

See Transportation Services for more information on other travel options, including the local transit services and Indian Trails bus.

Where will I park my car on campus?

You need a permit from Transportation Services in order to park your vehicle on campus. Different sorts of permits are available to graduate students, including the Michigan Tech apartment housing permits, graduate commuter permit, and the general permit. The type of permit determines where you can park. Permits can be purchased online or at the Transportation Services office.

Am I allowed to ride my bicycle on campus?

Yes. Most buildings have bike racks close by. We recommend using a lock and registering your bike with Public Safety. Registration helps to ensure that bikes found without owners can be returned to the proper person, and this service is free. Fill out the online form to register your bicycle.

Where can I find out more information about the City of Houghton?

See the City of Houghton website for information about the city.