1. International Sponsored Student Program (ISSP)
Presenters:
Patty Croom, Associate Director of Admissions
Nicole Namy, Coordinator of ISSP
Julie Sinclair, Assistant Director of Admissions

2. Tips for maintaining an immigration status
Full-time enrollment
Students must maintain full-time enrollment status during fall and spring semesters. Summer can be considered a semester off unless it is the first semester of enrollment.
Undergrad: 12 credits
Masters: 9 credits or 6 with assistantship
Phd: 6 credits or 3 with assistantship; Doctoral students who pass all required comprehensive exams (ABD): 1 credit per semester
Passport must be valid at all times and I-20 and DS-2019 must reflect all updated information such as name, funding, transfer, major or degree.
Only one online class per semester can be used to count toward full-time enrollment as an F-1 student.
Employment
Eligible to work up to 20 hr/wk on campus during semesters and more during official summer, spring and winter breaks. J-1 require sponsor approval.
All off-campus employment must be authorized in advance.
Travel
Need valid visa, valid passport and recent signature on I-20 or DS-2019 form to re-enter U.S.

3. What is a sponsored student?
A sponsored student is defined as a student who receives a financial scholarship from a government, an organization or a company (not private individuals or relatives).
Students can either be classified as:
F-1 : This visa status is most commonly used by students. Requires an I-20 immigration document.
J-1 : This visa status is generally used for students in specific educational exchange programs. Requires a DS-2019 immigration document.
These statues are usually determined by program and funding source.

4. Admissions Recruitment
ISSP Workflow
Admissions Recruitment
Departments
OISS
Billing
Sponsoring Agencies
Admissions Office

5. Cost-sharing for ISSP Why Cost-Sharing? Where to find support?
University cost-sharing is requested by sponsor agencies (IIE, LASPAU, AMIDEast) so that they can stretch the scholarships to as many students as possible. Cost-sharing is a recruitment tool that will significantly increase the chances of a sponsored student being placed at MSU. The more cost-sharing offered, the better the chances of enrolling these outstanding students.
Where to find support?
Academic Department: The first source of university cost-sharing to be considered should always be the academic department and/or college. This could include assistantships, awards, or providing in-state tuition.
Office for International Students and Scholars: OISS has a limited number of cost-sharing awards to help recruit sponsored students. Students receiving these awards are typically from countries most underrepresented at MSU. In order to receive this award, the department MUST commit in writing to fully fund the student after the scholarship (and the tuition award) ends.

6. Graduate Sponsored Student Statistics
Undergraduate – 43%, Graduate 46%, Non-degree undergrad and ELC – 11%
Master’s – 27%; Doctoral – 73% (visiting scholars not included)
Colleges:
Engineering – 31% CANR – 29% Natural Science – 12%
Social Science – 9% Education – 6% Arts & Letters – 4%
Communication Arts and Sciences – 3% Other colleges – 6%
Main countries: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan

7. Sponsored Programs: Vietnam
VEF: Vietnam Education Foundation
Top students selected from across Vietnam; all in STEM fields; usually good TOEFL and high GRE scores.
Students apply to selected U.S. universities; must receive regular admission; students submit all their admissions to VEF by late March for advice on which university to accept.
Program will send 2 more cohorts (2015 and 2016) and then close
For MS or MS/PhD only
VIED: Vietnam International Education Development, Project 9-1-1
Up to 10,000 students sent worldwide from
A variety of fields including STEM, business, education, social science.
Funded by Vietnamese government.

8. Sponsored Programs: Vietnam
Funding (both programs are identical):
VEF/VIED pays $27,000 per year for 2 years of graduate study
Admitting department contributes $8,200/ years 1 and 2. Special program fees are extra.
Total of $35,200 provides a half-time research assistantship in department for years 1 and 2.
Grad School receives $27,000 from VEF and provides account number to department for RA appointment. Additional $5,000 supports student for summer (included in $8,200 amount).
Melissa Del Rio is contact person
Department must agree to support student for years 3, 4 and 5 of PhD study.
Must sign VEF financial agreement.
MSU Grad School pays $50 app fee IF ADMITTED. Please review without fee having been paid.

9. Sponsored Programs: Iraq
HCED – Higher Committee for Education Development
MOHESR – Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
KRG – Kurdistan Regional Government
Funding for English/provisional admission – limit of $14,000 (even if sponsor letter says one year of English funding)
Suggest a TOEFL of at least 530 for provisional admission as funding is sufficient for one semester of ELC only.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Questions?

13. Thank you! Please feel free to contact us: Patty Croom: croom@msu.edu
Nicole Namy:
Julie Sinclair: