International Graduate Admission Checklist

International students must complete the same admission requirements as domestic students in addition to the international student requirements. International students must be full-time students, taking a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester. International students pay the same tuition and fee rates as non-residents.

All applicants who are non-U.S. Citizens or non-Permanent Residents of the U.S. must have the following to be considered for acceptance to the graduate programs at MSU Denver

1. Apply. Create an account and submit your online graduate admissions application. The $50.00 application fee is due at the time of application.

2. Complete Additional Program Requirements. It is important that you review the admissions requirements for your academic program.

3. Submit Official Transcripts. You must submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Foreign transcripts MUST be received through a professional evaluation service.

  • Request a course-by-course evaluation
  • We highly recommend all servicers can send digital copies of their evaluation directly to [email protected]

4. Submit proof of English Proficiency* — MSU Denver accepts either TOEFL or IELTS scores as proof of English proficiency:

  • A minimum score of 76 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL. An official score must be sent directly from TOEFL Services; MSU Denver’s institution code is 4505. Scores older than two years are not acceptable.
  • A minimum score of 6.0 on the IELTS (Prefer E-Delivery system). An official score must be sent directly from the testing company. Scores older than two years old are not acceptable.

*Proof of English Proficiency is not required for applicants who: Are lifetime residents of Australia, Belize, Great Britain, Botswana, Canada (except Quebec), Commonwealth Caribbean, Ghana, Great Britain, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, and Zimbabwe

5. Submit Financial Support Documents

  • Complete the Affidavit for Financial Support Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) form (for form, email [email protected])
  • Current official bank statement: affidavit or letter from your financial sponsor/s. Financial documents must be dated within six months of the first day of class for the semester you are starting at MSU Denver. They must be uploaded as a document through the application system. The bank statement must be equal or greater to the following amounts based on your degree program, listed here.
  • An additional $12,000 will be required for each Dependent
  • If the bank statement is in a foreign currency the amount will be based upon the day the currency conversion is made by Graduate Admissions.

6. Submit copies of both your Current Passport and Visa, and Current I-20

  • Current I-20: (International transfer students actively studying in the U.S. only) A SEVIS transfer form will be required by all transfer students after being accepted. The PDSO/DSO at your current school can complete this request. MSU Denver cannot issue you a new I-20 until this has been completed (Registrar’s Office forms). If you require a change of status, please contact International Student Support at [email protected].

Next Steps

After all admissions requirements have been received by the academic program, the admissions committee will review your file and make an admissions decision. If an acceptance decision is made, the I-20 will be processed and sent to the address we have on record. You will receive a letter in the mail stating your admissions status. Mandatory international student orientation will be held the first week prior to the start of classes.

Helpful Links:

MPAcc Application Requirements

1. Submit and complete your online application by, or before, the following deadlines:

  • Spring Admission
    • International: September 1
  • Fall Admission
    • International: May 1
  • Summer Admission
    • International: February 1
  • Please note, a $50 nonrefundable application fee must be submitted in order for your application to be considered complete.

2. Submit Official Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.

  • International transcripts must also have an official English translation done by a certified translator and a professional course-by-course evaluation showing equivalency to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
    • Applicants can view a full list of acceptable evaluation provider at NACES.org.
    • The evaluation company should provide the official evaluation to [email protected] at the applicant’s request.
    • Applicants should send official, electronic transcripts to [email protected] from the issuing institution. Scanned copies, PDFs or photos sent by the applicant or any third party are not accepted.
    • MSU Denver official transcripts, or transcripts previously submitted to the university, do not need to be re-requested. The application system will acknowledge MSU Denver records and/or previously submitted transcripts 8-10 business days after the application is submitted.

3. Submit Proof of Completion of one of the following items:

  • GMAT score: Your official GMAT score report sent directly from GMAT.
    • Applicants can register for the GMAT at mba.com.
    • Admissions under this method is based on your GMAT score and GPA. We calculate an index score using this formula: [(GPAx200) + GMAT]
      • If your index is 1200 or above, you will be automatically admitted to the program.
      • If your index is 1000-1199, your application packet will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
      • If your index is below 1000, you do not qualify to be reviewed for admission.
    • Licensure: Official proof of licensure or examination sent directly from the issuing institution, organization, etc.
    • Graduate Degree: Apply with a previous master’s degree or Ph.D. See section 2, above, regarding sending transcripts.
    • Accounting Coursework Assessment: The program offers GMAT waivers for students that show success in undergraduate accounting courses. Reach out to us at [email protected] for further details.

4. Submit Required Supplemental Documents:

  • Your detailed resume
  • List of three (3) references
  • Personal Statement/Essay
    • The essay should address:
      • the significant factors influencing your decision to pursue a Master of Professional Accountancy degree;
      • your personal philosophy, values, and professional experiences;
      • your career plans and focus in the field of accounting;
      • your strengths, unique characteristics, and leadership experiences that are relevant to the accounting profession;
      • a time you were given critical feedback and your reaction;
      • why you believe MSU Denver’s MPAcc program is best suited for your educational and professional goals; and
      • how you will manage the rigorous demands of graduate education.

An MSU Denver admission counselor will confirm via email once your GMAT scores are received by the MPAcc program.

Email [email protected] to ask if you meet GMAT Waiver criteria.

Curriculum, Housing and Scholarship Opportunities

Curriculum

To earn an MPAcc degree at MSU Denver, students complete 30 credit hours, or 10 classes. MPAcc classes typically occur on weekday evenings from 5:30 pm – 8:20 pm, once per week.

Housing

The MPAcc program recognizes that securing a place to live remains a critical component of international student needs. Prospective students can find details on student housing options, transportation, and other housing resources through the Dean of Students Office: https://www.msudenver.edu/housing/

Visit the Off-Campus Housing Website to find rentals: https://offcampushousing.msudenver.edu/

Paying for the Program

MSU Denver offers some of the lowest tuition rates for any MPAcc program in Colorado. The MSU Denver College of Business recently approved a proposal to bring non-resident tuition rates within 10% of in-state tuition beginning in fall 2019. Other graduate programs in Colorado typically charge international students and non-residents of Colorado double the in-state tuition rates. Current tuition and fees information can be found on the . Information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on the . Additional resources to finance your education include:

Diversity at a Glance, at MSU, and in Denver

At a Glance

  • Denver is the capital of Colorado and the largest city in a 600 mile radius.
  • The city sits on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains at 5,280 feet above sea level with access to parks, hiking trails, skiing/snowboarding, watersports, camping, bike trails and more in minutes.
  • Despite snowy conditions around our nearby ski resorts, Denver typically has 300 or more days of sunshine and an average winter temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Diversity at MSU Denver

MSU Denver boasts one of the most diverse student bodies in Colorado. We have been honored with several awards and designations including:

  • Diversity Champion Award recipient in 2016, 2017, and 2018 from Insight Into Diversity Magazine
  • Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award recipient 2014-2018 from Insight Into Diversity Magazine
  • MSU Denver is currently pursuing federal recognition as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)
  • MSU Denver became the first university in the United States to admit DREAM Act-qualifying students

In Denver

  • 16% of Denver’s citizens were born outside the United States
  • 15 of Denver’s 75 neighborhoods have a foreign-born population of 25% or more
  • 34 Foreign Consulates calls the Denver Metro Area home
  • Denver’s Sister Cities include:
    • Brest, France
    • Takayama, Japan
    • Nairobi, Kenya
    • Karmiel, Israel
    • Potenza, Italy
    • Cuernavaca, Mexico
    • Chennai, India
    • Kunming, China
    • Axum, Ethiopia
    • Ulaanbaater, Mongolia