Do I have to complete all the application?

Yes, the application must be completed and all school education must be listed from primary to current studies with the dates of study at each institution listed on the application form.

Am I required to pay the $40.00 application fee?

You are required to pay the $40.00 application fee unless you are attending as part of an exchange program with another university. 

What happens if I do not pay the application fee?

Applicants that do not have a paid application fee will not have their files evaluated without the application fee.  The only exception is students who are on official BSU exchanges.

How can I pay the application fee?

Payment can be made by check, money order, or cashier's check.  We do not accept credit cards.

What are my chances of getting admitted and what are your admission requirements?

A complete file is required before a file can be evaluated for admission.  Admission requirements can be found at our website

What are the international deadlines?

BSU has a rolling admissions policy so if you do not send in your materials in time to meet one deadline your file will automatically be considered for the next semester. 

Preferred Application deadlines:

Due to incresased time required for students residing outside the US to obtain the required visa from their local US consulate, we strongly recommend that you apply well in advance of your intended semester of enrollment to allow yourself time to complete all the necessary paperwork required for obtaining a visa.  We will give preference to those applicants who follow the preferred Application deadlines outlined below:

I am a permanent resident, do I have to apply through your office?

For purposes of admission to Ball State University, if you are not a permanent resident (green card holder) or citizen of the United States, you will apply using the International Application. 

If you are applying as a freshman or transfer undergraduate student and you are a US citizen or permanent resident, even if any part of your education has been done outside the United States, you will apply through the Admissions Office. 

If you are applying for a master's, doctoral, or specialist (beyond a bachelor's degree) program and you are a permanent resident with a degree from a US university or a US citizen you will apply directly to the Graduate School. If you have a Permanent Residency card but you do not have a degree from the U.S., then you will apply using the International Application.

The Rinker Center for International Programs welcomes all new students who are coming to us from schools outside the   United States, and/or whose citizenship is not American to join us for orientation.

What should I do if I cannot provide all of my materials before the deadline?

If you are unable to meet the deadline for a certain semester your file will be evaluated for the following semester.

How long will it take before an admission decision is sent to me?

Our office is unable to process incomplete files, so we strongly encourage you to provide all required documents so that we may process your application in a timely manner.

Will I be required to have health insurance?

Health care in the U.S. can be extremely expensive and consequently, BSU requires ALL students, including international students, to maintain adequate health insurance.

International students who arrive without adequate coverage will be required to purchase the BSU plan. Health care policies are reviewed at the International Orientation.

Can I have the BSU health insurance policy waived?

International students who demonstrate adequate medical insurance coverage (must exceed J-1 insurance minimum) may receive permission to forgo the BSU policy. Health care policies are reviewed at International Orientation. 

May I register for classes on-line?

All new International students must attend the International Orientation prior to registering for classes. You will meet with an academic advisor during the International Orientation. Your academic advisor will discuss any conditions regarding your admission and advise you concerning registration of courses. After being advised, your advisor will enter a code into the computer allowing you to schedule for courses.

How do I pay for my courses?

Tuition and fees should be paid at the Registrar's Office and must be paid within 72 hours (3 days) of registering of courses. Fees can be paid by check or cash. For more information, contact the Bursar's Office at 765-285-1643.

What happens if I cannot send in my financial documentation until a later date but my other application materials are at BSU?

Financial documentation is not an admissions requirement, however, we do ask for this information at the time of application. U.S. Immigration regulations require BSU to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to attend the institution. We are unable to issue immigration documents without this information. To insure your immigration documents are mailed to you in a timely manner, please do not delay in providing your financial documentation.

How do I find housing?

You need to decide if you want to live on campus or off campus. Residence hall rooms and university owned apartments are available to international students through the Office of Housing and Residence Life at Ball State University. Students should look at the Web site and decide if on-campus housing is the best option for them. Students who wish to live in university housing need to let the Center for International Programs and the Office of Housing and Residence Hall Life to notify them of your housing needs. Upon arrival you will need to have cash to pay for the deposit and you will sign a room and board contract.

Students who wish to live off-campus may utilize the campus newspaper, the Ball State Daily News and the Muncie Star Press to search for available accommodations. Limited postings and information will also be available in the Center for International Programs. Students living off campus will be responsible for finding their own accommodations.

Second option

International students are responsible for obtaining their own housing either on-campus or off-campus. Students who wish to live on campus need to make arrangements with  the office of Housing and Residence Life. Students who live on-campus have two options: a shared residence hall room or a university-owned apartment that is shared with one other student.

Those students who prefer to live off-campus can choose to live alone, with another international student, with someone from the Ball State or Muncie community, or with any spouse and/or children who accompanied them to Muncie.

Students who wish to live off-campus may still purchase a dining plan.