International Students
Greetings from The Graduate School at Grand Valley State University! Our goal is to make your search for a Graduate Program as simple as possible, and to invite you to our campus. Below are some links for you, the ideal International Student.
International Graduate Student Credit Requirements
Starting Fall 2023, new and returning international students are no longer permitted to take a majority of their courses online. Immigration is reverting to pre-COVID rules as follows:
Graduate students must take at least 9 credits each Fall & Winter semester
- At least 6 of those credits must be in-person
- 1 class (3 credits) maximum can be taught in an online format, if taking the minimum course load of 9 credits
- Hybrid courses will be considered in-person if it meets in person at least 25% of the time (approximately 4 weeks of in-person meeting in a standard semester).
- If taking more than the minimum course load (more than 9 credits), the additional credits can be online
Examples:
- 9 credits: 6 credits in-person, 3 credits (1 class) online ✔ permitted
- 9 credits: 6 credits in-person, 3 credits (3 classes) online ✘ not permitted
- 12 credits total: 6 credits in-person, 6 credits (4 classes) online ✔ permitted
- 12 credits total: 3 credits in-person, 9 credits online ✘ not permitted
Welcome International Students
Visit the International Student Website to find out more about what we have to offer International Students.
An International Student Orientation is provided to help you feel comfortable here.
Padnos International
The Padnos International Center acts as a home away from home for international students.
International Student Expectations are provided through the Padnos International Center.
Admission Resources
Graduate admission requirements can be found through the Office of Admissions.
Visit International Transcript Evaluation Services for a list companies that offer international transcript evaluations.
For Saudi Arabian Students
The Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) has informed Grand Valley State University that any entirely internet / online-based courses must first be approved. GVSU has provided a Request to take Online Classes Form.
Admitted Student Resources
To help make your transition to Grand Valley as easy as possible, review the following Admitted Students Resource:
◊ Visa and Immigration Information
◊ On-campus Housing Information
◊ Class Registration Information
◊ ESL Writing and Literacy Support
The Graduate School also provides all graduate students with Student Resources for academic success.
Career Services also proves resources for those seeking Employment Opportunities.
Ratan Chandra Ghosh next to the engineering group project Automated Detection of Various Parking Permit and Violation at The Graduate Showcase. The Graduate Showcase is an event, offered by The Graduate School and Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence, to highlight exceptional work done by graduate students.
Joseph Ohaeche, Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Winter 2023 President of the Graduate Student Association, Dean's Citation Award Recipient
International Graduate Student Spotlight: Joseph Ohaeche
During his time in the Cybersecurity program, Joseph was an exemplary student. He served on the Graduate Student Association and even stepped up to become the President. Joseph advocated for the concerns of fellow graduate students. His leadership, service, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion were all recognized at the Winter 2023 Graduate School Citation Awards.