MBA International Student Resources

You are a graduate student if you have completed, or will complete, a four-year bachelor’s degree program or its equivalent at a college or university prior to attending MSU Denver. International students must complete the same admission requirements as domestic students in addition to the international student requirements. Additionally, international students must be full-time students, taking a minimum of six (6) credit hours per semester and 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.

• Companies we suggest:
  • SpanTran is currently accepting and processing digital transcripts for students through this link: SpanTran Application – Metropolitan State University Denver
  • WES
  • ECE
• Request a course-by-course evaluation
• We highly recommend all servicers can send digital copies of their evaluation directly to [email protected].

4. Official 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. 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. Current Passport and Visa. 

If available at the time of application. If not available, your visa and passport must be provided at the new student orientation.

• *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:

• English as a Second Language (ESL) – support only
• Immigrant Services
• Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa
• Applicants can send specific questions to the Office of Graduate Studies.

 1. The online master’s application

• Spring Admission
  • International: October 15 (priority deadline) *
• Fall Admission
  • International: May 1
• A $50 nonrefundable application fee must be submitted in order for your application to be considered complete.

* We will still continue to review all complete applications on a rolling basis through December 22nd.

2. A NACES-certified evaluation of the applicant’s previous college degree(s)

• The evaluation should be sent to [email protected].

3. Submit one of the following Required Application Materials:

• Official GMAT Scores. Applicants can learn more about and register for the GMAT at www.mba.com
  • Applicants should request that official scores are sent at the testing center on your test date. An admission representative will send a personal email to confirm receipt of your GMAT scores.
  • GMAT scores typically take 8-10 days to receive.
• Professional Portfolio.
  • Only applicants with five or more years of supervisory/managerial experience should submit a professional portfolio. The MBA Admission Review Committee will decline to review any application using a portfolio that does not showcase five or more years of substantial work experience after completion of a bachelor’s degree.
• Proof of a Previous Master’s Degree.
  • An official course-by-course evaluation must be provided for any previous masters or doctoral degree earned from outside the U.S.

4. Submit both Required Supplemental Documents:

• Your detailed resume
• List of three (3) references
  • These should be professional and/or academic references listed with contact information.
• Personal Statement / Essay
  • The personal statement / essay is a critical part of your admission application and will be the basis for evaluation of your writing skills, capacity for self-awareness, and personal growth.
  • Average length is between 2-5 pages.
  • Please use a serif font (e.g., Times New Roman or Georgia),12 point font, and double space.
  • Address the following information in your essay:
    • the significant factors influencing your decision to pursue an MBA degree,
    • your relevant strengths, characteristics, and professional and leadership experiences,
    • your career goals,
    • why you believe the MSU Denver MBA program is best suited for your educational and professional goals, and
    • how you will manage the rigorous demands of graduate education.

Applicants can submit updated materials any time before the admission deadline. Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis prior to the deadline. Admission decisions are typically returned to applicants within 2-3 weeks of complete application submission.

For more details on the essay, portfolio, or GMAT exam, please email [email protected].