INTRODUCTION:

Morgan State University welcomes applications from international students. We believe, the education we offer our students is greatly enhanced by the richness of the interaction between students from widely diverse background. As a historically black institution, Morgan State University has a great regard for human diversity and maintains a health atmosphere of acceptance and respect for all people, regardless of race, religion, color, creed, gender, marital status, age, and national or ethnic origin.

As a research and doctoral granting institution, Morgan State University offers a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. Designated as Maryland's only public urban university, Morgan provides extensive academic(1) and professional development in many programs that address urban issues and concerns.

The Academic Year: Top

The academic year at Morgan runs from late August through the middle of May. There are two summer sessions which run from late May to early August. New students are admitted to the Fall (August - December) and Spring (January - May) semesters only. Both the Fall and Spring semesters are approximately sixteen weeks (each) in length, with a recess from late December to mid January.

Admission: Policies and Procedures Top

Policies:

1. Credentials
   Applicants educated under the British system must submit official evidence of at least five (5) passes at the 'O' level, General Certificate of Education (GCE) or equivalent regional exams (W.A.E.C., E.S.L.C., E.A.E.C. etc.) These passes must be with grades of A,B, or C. Students from the Caribbean who write the C.X.C. exams must have grades of 1,2, or 3. Please note that only the classical academic subjects (Math, English Language and Literature, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Physics, Spanish, French, etc.) will be accepted. Morgan State is prepared to give college credit to those who have earned Advanced Level passes in certain academic subjects with grades of A,B, and C.

   Applicants educated in South Africa must submit the Senior Certificate with a minimum aggregate of 40% of the total possible marks, or the Joint Matriculation Certificate with a minimum aggregate of 45% of the total possible marks.

   Applicants educated in the Netherlands Antilles must submit the H.A.V.O., H.B.S., V.W.O., or A.M.S. Diploma for admission. Holders of the V.W.O. Or A.M.S. diploma may receive some college credit.

   Foreign credentials not accounted for above may be subject to an official evaluation by an independent authority (at the applicant's expense). The Office of Admissions will invoke this policy on a case-by-case basis.

2. Test of English as a Foreign Language
   Applicants from countries where English is not the medium of instruction, must demonstrate their ability to use the English language by scoring a minimum of 550 on the TOEFL. For information on this examination, write to: TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6155, Princeton, NJ 08541-6155, USA, or inquire at the U.S. Consulate nearest to you, or visit TOEFL's website at (www.toefl.org).
   

3. Designated Agent
   The university will not accept documents submitted by an applicant's friend or relative unless the applicant states in writing that the friend or relative is authorized to act as her/his agent. In this instance, documents will be treated as if they came directly from the applicant. Admission decisions will not be discussed with anyone but the applicant unless she/he states in writing that we may discuss same with an agent who has been instructed to act on her/his behalf. In each case, be sure to include the complete name of the agent. If correspondence and/or acceptance letters are to be sent to the agent, please be sure to include her/his address.

4. Documents

   • Documents (copies) submitted to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment become a part of our permanent files and cannot be returned or sent to another school. Original documents will be returned upon request.

5. Deadlines
   For priority consideration, your application for the Fall semester should be Submitted by April 1; application for the Spring semester should be submitted by September 15.

Procedures: Top

1. The Application
   Submit the completed application, the US$20 nonrefundable application fee, certified copies of supporting academic credentials, completed supplemental application for international students, and completed financial certificate. Please note again, the application priority deadlines; April 1, for the Fall and September 15, for the Spring. Although an applicant may meet admission requirements, admission and execution of I-20 cannot be guaranteed if these dates are not met.

2. Form I-20
   The Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) student status (Form I-20) will accompany the acceptance letter. This form gives details of the student's admission to Morgan State University, an estimated budget of expenses, the source(s) of funding, and the type of program for which the student has been accepted. Form I-20 must be presented to the United States Embassy/ Consulate to apply for the F-1 (student) visa.

Transfer Students From US Institutions: Top

1. International students (F-1) transferring from an American college or university including those in Maryland, must have a cumulative Grade Point Average 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and must be in good academic standing at the last institution attended. A student MUST submit a "TRANSFER ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION" form, completed by an official of the last school you attended.
   
2. Applicants must submit official transcripts directly from each US college/ university attended. Students transferring twenty-four (24) credits or less should also submit secondary school credentials, and are required to satisfy BOTH the criteria for admission as a freshman and as a transfer.
   
3. If a student is admitted to Morgan as a transfer student, the Form I-20 we issue must be presented to the International Student Advisor (Upon the student's arrival to school). The Advisor will complete the transfer process and notify the INS of said transfer.

Student Expenses: Top

The cost of living in the United States may be more than a student expects. It is impossible to predict exact expenses for attending Morgan State University for four (4) years. The following estimate of expenses can help you determine your needs. This estimate is based on and academic year of two (2) semesters from August to May and a 3 month summer vacation period. All costs are subject to change.

Academic year 2001 -2002

Tuition and Fees	$10,718.00
Living Expenses	$ 6,000.00
Personal Expenses	$ 3,100.00
Books & Supplies	$ 1,000.00
Total	$ 20,818.00

Regardless of living arrangements, you will be required to certify that the minimum sum of $20,818.00 will be available for your first year of study at Morgan, and that funding will be available from the same or equally dependable source for your duration of study.

Downloadable Application Forms: Top
MSU Application for Admission
Supplemental Application for International Students
Financial Certificate
Transfer Eligibility Certification (Students transferring from US Colleges only)

Important Links:
International Student Services
Caribbean Students Association
Academic Calendar
Academic Programs
Residence Life

Sincerely,

Edwin Johnson
Director of Admissions and Recruitment

*Morgan State University is approved by the United States Department of Justice and the Office of Immigration to accept students who wish to enter this country on student visas or as "exchange visitors."

Download a copy of the SUPPLEMENTAL INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION SHEET