1. INTERNATIONAL SPONSORED STUDENTS
Robert Coffey
Assistant Director/Sponsored Student Program Coordinator Office of Admissions
Nicole Namy Coordinator, International Sponsored Student Program (ISSP) Office of International Students and Scholars

2. Who we are Nicole Namy Bob Coffey
Liaison between university, sponsors and students
Coordinate with university representatives to bring sponsored student to campus
Tracking and maintaining financial guarantee records
Monitor academics and immigration records
Provide student support
Bob Coffey
Recruitment activities
Assisting applicant students
Assisting academic departments/colleges with international recruitment
Connecting sponsors/ prospective students with academic departments

3. Admissions (Recruitment) Admissions (Processing)
Workflow
Admissions (Recruitment)
Sponsors
Billing
OISS
Admissions (Processing)
Departments

4. Why do international students come to MSU?
Students from 130 countries travel here to be a part of the Spartan Experience.
The institutional context for our presentation. The US is the top destination country for international students, and MSU is in the Top Ten for international enrollment nationally. We all know what an extraordinary school MSU is. Students from 130 countries travel here to be a part of the Spartan Experience.

5. Sponsored students
A sponsored student is defined as a student who receives a scholarship from a government, organization, or company (as opposed to parents, family, or other individuals).

6. Sponsored students BENEFITS
Students who might otherwise lack the means can attend MSU
Sponsored students can raise the profile of MSU, college, department, program
They enrich the learning (classroom, research) environment; contributing different/global perspectives
They can help develop/enrich scholarly/professional networks between MSU and their home countries/sponsors
Students are usually obliged to return home after MSU, where they apply what they’ve learned to solve problems and change the world (how Spartan of them!)

7. Sponsored students COST SHARING
Sponsors (e.g., IIE) often ask for cost-sharing so that they can fund as many eligible students as possible.
Cost-sharing significantly increases the chances of talented sponsored students being placed at MSU.
The more cost-share offered, the more likely these students (and/or their sponsors) will choose MSU.

8. Sponsored students SUPPORT FOR COST SHARING:
Always start with the academic department or college. This could include:
Assistantships
Awards
In-state tuition
OISS has a limited number of cost-sharing awards to help recruit sponsored students.
Students receiving these awards are typically from countries underrepresented at MSU.
In order to access these awards, the department must commit in writing to fully fund the student after the scholarship and tuition award ends.

9. Sponsors VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT (VIED)
Approximately 10,000 students sent worldwide,
Wide range of fields of study
Year 1, 2
VIED: $27,000 per year
Academic department: $8,200 per year (not including special program fees)
Graduate school pays application fee if the student is admitted. Please review without the fee having been paid
Total: $35,200 – ½ time RA in the department
Years 3, 4, 5
Academic department must agree in writing to provide full support

10. Maintaining immigration status
VISA CLASSIFICATION
Students can either be classified as:
F-1 : The most common visa status for international students. Requires an I-20.
J-1 : For students in specific educational exchange programs. Requires a DS-2019.
Classification is determined by program and funding source.

11. New Policy Guidance for International Students
Provisional Admission vs. Regular Admission

12. Maintaining immigration status
FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT
Master’s: minimum 9 credit hours, or 6 credit hours plus assistantship (fall and spring semesters)
Doctoral: minimum 6 credits, or 3 credit hours plus assistantship (fall and spring semesters)
Summer can be considered a semester off unless it is the first semester the student is enrolled at MSU
Students with F-1 visas may only count one (1) online course per semester toward full-time enrollment

13. Maintaining immigration status
DOCUMENTS:
Students must always have a valid passport.
I-20 or DS-2019 forms must reflect updated information (e.g., name, funding source, degree program)

14. Maintaining immigration status
EMPLOYMENT:
May work on campus (maximum 20 hrs/week) during the academic year and more during university summer, spring, and winter breaks.
Students with J-1 visas need their sponsors’ approval
Any off-campus employment must be authorized in advance

15. Maintaining immigration status
TRAVEL:
Students will need a valid visa, passport, and a recent signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 form to re-enter the USA

16. KEY ASPECTS OF GRADUATE SELECTION PROCESS
Graduate students apply as usual but submit supplemental MCF application (2-year on-campus master’s only)
Department pays application fee and nominates candidates with letter and special form
Candidates must be fully admitted by OA
Key dates:
Applications and supporting documents to departments by February 2
RAF with supporting documents to Office of Admissions no later than February 16
Nominations to ISP by February 25
Final selection complete by April 6

17. GRADUATE SCHOLAR SELECTION CRITERIA
Strong commitment to a professional path in line with an area of study that can positively impact Africa.
An interest in and capacity for give-back, evidenced by commitment and engagement on campus, in professional pursuits and/or community.
Manifest ethical behavior and strong character essential to joining The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Network.
Ability to deal with change, uncertainty, and adversity, as well as interest in other countries and cultures, necessary to succeed as a student overseas and represent one’s home country.
Significant financial need and/or from lowest income bracket in country of origin.
Commitment to give back in ways that enhance the economic growth and social development of Africa.

18. Questions?
Nicole Namy
Bob Coffey