International Applicants

International students bring valuable perspectives to the University of Michigan School of Public Health. If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may have additional application and immigration requirements depending on your degree program and whether you plan to study online or in person.

Start your application early. Some requirements for international applicants, including credential evaluations and English language proficiency testing, can take additional time to complete.

Quick links

  • Application requirements and transcripts [add jump link]
  • English language proficiency [add jump link]
  • Online MPH program [add jump link]
  • Visa and immigration requirements [add jump link]
  • Financial requirements [add jump link]
  • STEM OPT [add jump link]
  • International student resources [add jump link]

Before You Apply

The requirements for international applicants vary by degree program. Use the information below to find the requirements that apply to you.

MPH and MHSA applicants

International applicants to the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) programs must meet the same academic requirements as other applicants and may have additional requirements for international credentials and English language proficiency.


If you earned a degree from a college or university outside the United States or English-speaking Canada, you must submit a World Education Services (WES) ICAP Course-by-Course evaluation of your academic records, when applicable.

Michigan Public Health and SOPHAS accept electronic foreign evaluations from WES. Paper WES evaluations are not accepted.

SOPHAS applicants receive a WES discount  when they send their evaluation directly to SOPHAS.

If you have questions about your WES evaluation or whether your international degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree, contact WES directly.

Canadian transcripts: SOPHAS considers transcripts from English-speaking Canadian institutions non-foreign and verifies them without a WES evaluation. Transcripts from Canadian institutions where the language of instruction is French require a WES evaluation. More information on reporting your Foreign and French-Canadian transcripts is available on the SOPHAS website.

Learn more about international transcripts through SOPHAS

Applicants to the MPH and MHSA programs whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption.

Accepted English proficiency tests

Michigan Public Health accepts the following English language proficiency tests:

Test of English Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Official TOEFL scores must be sent to both:

  • University of Michigan institution code: 1839
  • SOPHAS code: 5688

Minimum TOEFL score requirements:

  • For TOEFL exams taken before January 21, 2026, the minimum acceptable TOEFL score required for admission is 100 Internet-based (iBT, including ITP Plus and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition).
  • For TOEFL exams taken on or after January 21, 2026, the minimum acceptable TOEFL score required for admission is 5 Internet-based (iBT, including ITP Plus and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition).

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Official IELTS scores must be sent electronically to SOPHAS and the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor.

  • Minimum IELTS score: 7.0

English language proficiency test scores are valid for two years from the test date. Official scores must be received from the testing agency by the applicable application deadline.

Michigan Public Health or an academic department may request additional evidence of English proficiency, such as an interview, writing sample, or additional testing.

English proficiency exemptions

You may qualify for an exemption from the English language proficiency requirement if one of the following applies:

  • You are a native English speaker.
  • You are an applicant from Puerto Rico.
  • You completed all of your undergraduate education and earned your undergraduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction was English only. Degree requirements must be completed before you begin classes at U-M.
  • You completed all of your graduate education and earned your graduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction was English only. Degree requirements must be completed before you begin classes at U-M.
  • You are currently a University of Michigan student.

Important: Completing only part of a degree in English does not necessarily qualify you for an exemption. Certain one-year graduate degrees and research-only master's degrees may also not qualify.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for an exemption, contact Admissions before submitting your application.

MS and PhD Applicants

International applicants to residential Master of Science (MS) and PhD programs should follow the international applicant requirements provided by the University of Michigan's Rackham Graduate School.

Rackham provides information about:

  • Required academic credentials from non-U.S. institutions
  • International transcripts
  • English language proficiency requirements
  • Required tests and application materials
  • Because requirements vary by program, contact your department or program coordinator with specific questions.

View Rackham Graduate School international applicant requirements

Applying to the Online MPH Program

International students who plan to complete a fully online degree from outside the United States have different requirements from students studying in person.

The Online MPH is a fully online program. Students who complete the program online do not need an F-1 or J-1 student visa and are not required to complete the I-20 or immigration process described below.

Online international students also do not need to provide proof of funding for immigration purposes.

Important: Check degree recognition in your country

Before enrolling in an online degree program, international students should determine whether the University of Michigan degree will be recognized in their country of residence.

Some countries may have specific requirements for:

  • Recognition of foreign online degrees
  • Distance education
  • Employment or government positions requiring specific credentials
  • Enrollment in additional educational programs
  • Collection and use of student data
  • Tax obligation

The University of Michigan does not guarantee that an online degree will be recognized or meet distance-education requirements in a student's country of residence.

Students are responsible for understanding the requirements that apply in their country before enrolling.

Learn more about the Online MPH Program

After You're Admitted: Visa and Immigration Requirements

International students admitted to a residential program who plan to study in the United States will need to complete additional immigration steps before arriving on campus.

Most international students studying in the U.S. will use F-1 student status. Some students may instead qualify for J-1 exchange visitor status, depending on their circumstances and sponsorship.

Your immigration process

The process generally follows these steps:

Accept your offer of admission through Wolverine Access and create your U-M uniqname.

After accepting your offer, you will receive information about beginning the immigration document process.

You will be asked to provide documents required for immigration processing, including financial documentation and information about your passport and immigration status, as applicable.

The University of Michigan International Center reviews your documents and processes your immigration document. You will receive instructions for accessing your I-20 or DS-2019 when it is ready.

If you do not already have the appropriate U.S. immigration status, use the SEVIS number on your immigration document to pay the required SEVIS fee and schedule your visa appointment.

Your I-20 or DS-2019 will include your reporting or program start information. Make your travel arrangements accordingly.

After arriving in the United States, complete the required immigration check-in with the University of Michigan.

Additional information available here.

Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa stamp to enter the United States for study, but they must have the appropriate Form I-20 or DS-2019 when entering the United States.

Financial Requirements for International Students

International students admitted to residential MPH and MHSA programs must provide documentation showing that they have sufficient financial resources to support their studies.

For immigration purposes, the University of Michigan requires proof of funding to cover estimated expenses for one year of study, including applicable university fees, books and supplies, living expenses, and health insurance for the student and eligible dependents.

View current tuition and estimated expenses

If you have a financial sponsor

If a sponsor will pay your educational expenses, make sure your sponsor understands that the MPH and MHSA programs are two years in length. Sponsorship should account for the potential duration of your program, not only the amount required for your initial I-20.

If your funding source changes or becomes unavailable, it could affect your ability to continue your studies and maintain your immigration status.

Graduate student employment

If you receive a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) or Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA) position, you may use your offer letter as documentation of that funding.

Learn more about funding and financial aid.

Health insurance and dependents

International students and their accompanying dependents must have the required health, hospitalization, and accident insurance coverage during enrollment.

If you plan to bring a spouse or children to the United States, you must also demonstrate sufficient financial support for your dependents and account for their health insurance costs.

Online international students: Students enrolled in fully online programs do not have in-person enrollment requirements and are not required to provide proof of funding for immigration purposes.

Working in the United States After Graduation: STEM OPT

Some Michigan Public Health degree programs are eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension, which may allow eligible F-1 students to receive additional employment authorization in the United States after completing their degree.

Currently, the following Michigan Public Health programs are STEM OPT eligible:

  • Biostatistics
  • Environmental Health Sciences, excluding the Environmental Health Policy and Promotion MPH
  • Epidemiology
  • Nutritional Sciences, excluding the MS-CN program

The following programs are not STEM OPT eligible:

  • Health Management and Policy
  • Health Behavior & Health Equity

STEM OPT eligibility can affect your program decision if you plan to seek employment in the United States after graduation. Review the current federal requirements and consult the University of Michigan International Center for guidance specific to your circumstances.

Resources for International Students

The University of Michigan provides resources to help international students prepare for their studies and adjust to life in the United States.

University of Michigan International Center

The International Center provides information and support related to:

  • Immigration and visas
  • Taxes and Social Security
  • Health insurance
  • Life in Ann Arbor
  • Intercultural and international programming

Visit the International Center

English Language Institute

The University of Michigan English Language Institute (ELI) offers courses and resources designed to support non-native English speakers, including academic English and communication skills.

Visit the English Language Institute

Michigan Public Health International Student Support

Learn more about the resources and support available to international students at Michigan Public Health.

Explore international student support

Additional Resources