MSU offers limited funding for international students. International students are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid.
International undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for eligible scholarships during the admissions process.
Questions about undergraduate scholarships should be directed to the Office of Admissions.
International graduate students may be eligible for funding through their academic department (assistantships, fellowships and departmental awards). Contact your academic department directly to learn about available opportunities.
Graduate students may also be eligible for funding through the MSU Graduate School. Learn more on The Graduate School’s funding opportunities page.
OISS offers limited financial assistance for international students and scholars experiencing temporary or emergency financial hardship.
Available to eligible students experiencing temporary cash-flow challenges. This is not intended for ongoing financial difficulties or non-educational expenses.
Review the International Student Short-Term Loan document for eligibility requirements, loan details and application instructions.
Provides limited tuition assistance to eligible F-1 and J-1 students who are close to completing their degree. Students may receive this award a maximum of two times during their academic program.
Apply through the Emergency Tuition Award eForm.
Provides limited financial assistance to eligible F-1 and J-1 students experiencing unexpected financial hardship
Apply through the Emergency Assistance Award eForm.
The Family Health Insurance Award Program (FHIAP) offers international students the funding needed to purchase health insurance for their dependent family member(s) who need coverage.
FHIAP has two award cycles each year. Applications for funding to buy health insurance for the fall semester are due in September.
Applications for funding to buy health insurance for the spring semester are due in late January.
Eligible family members: F-2 or J-2 Dependents of F-1 or J-1 students who are not U.S. Citizens.
Please note that the U.S. Citizen children of international students may be eligible for free health insurance coverage through the Medicaid program. Learn more about Medicaid in Michigan.
Applications are currently closed. The opening of Spring 2027 applications will be announced in the OISS Weekly newsletter.
International students and scholars are sometimes targeted by scams through phone calls, text messages, emails and social media.
Scammers often pretend to represent government agencies, banks, universities or other trusted organizations to steal your money or personal information.
Scammers may also use spoofing, which makes a phone number appear to come from a legitimate source. Even if the caller ID looks official, the call may not be genuine.
Remember: U.S. government agencies will never call, email or text you demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest, deportation or other legal action.
Be cautious if someone:
If you think it’s a scam:
Not sure?