Study at Minnesota State Moorhead as an Exchange Student

Spend a semester or academic year in Minnesota while earning credits toward your degree at your home university. Discover a welcoming campus community, small class sizes, and an affordable Midwestern U.S. experience.

Who should apply?

This program is for students attending one of MSUM's partner universities who want to study at Minnesota State Moorhead for one semester or one academic year while earning transferable credit toward their degree.

Why Choose Minnesota State Moorhead

 

130+ Academic Programs

Choose from a wide range of courses and disciplines.

 

Affordable Midwest Living

Lower living costs than many major U.S. cities.

 

Fargo-Moorhead Community

A metro area of approximately 270,000 residents with arts, sports, restaurants, and entertainment.

 

Free Student Transit

Minnesota State Moorhead students ride MATBUS free through the U-Pass program.

Your Exchange Student Journey

Get
Nominated
 
Submit Your
Application
 
Plan Your
Courses
 
Prepare for
Arrival
 
Become a
Dragon

Work with your home university and Moorhead staff every step of the way, from nomination through course selection, housing, and arrival on campus.

Important Dates & Deadlines

Additional dates can be found in the Academic Calendar.

Fall Semester

  • Nomination Deadline: April 15
  • Application Deadline: May 1

Spring Semester

  • Nomination Deadline: September 15
  • Application Deadline: October 1

Apply Now

Academics

Course Selection

Minnesota State Moorhead offers more than 130 majors, minors, and emphases, providing exchange students with a wide selection of courses.

Before arrival, you'll work with an MSUM coordinator and your home institution to confirm eligibility and approve course selections so credits transfer smoothly.

Most exchange students take 12-18 credits per semester.

Useful Links

Understanding MSUM Credits

Minnesota State Moorhead operates on the semester hour. One semester credit equals 50 minutes of class time per week over a 16-week term, including finals.

US Credits Equivalent
1 Credit ≈ 1 Japanese Credit
1 Credit ≈ 2 ECTS Credits
1 Credit ≈ 4 UK Credits

Housing & Dining

All new incoming exchange students are required to live on campus.

It's a cost-effective and convenient way to settle in quickly and connect with other students right away. Residence halls sit just steps from classrooms, dining, and campus activities, and each hall includes study lounges, laundry rooms, kitchenettes, and Wi-Fi.

Meals are centered around Kise Commons, the university's main dining hall, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with a rotating variety of stations to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Campus dining also includes options like the Dragon Café, Starbucks, and a convenience store, giving you flexibility for grabbing food between classes or on the go.

Explore Housing and Residential Life Explore Dining

Four state graphic of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota with major cities represented

Small-Town Comfort, Big-City Amenities

Moorhead sits directly across the Red River from Fargo, ND, part of a metro area of approximately 270,000 people. Enjoy a college-town feel with big-city amenities: an active arts scene, hundreds of restaurants, and free public transit for students.

Downtown Fargo and downtown Moorhead are both within minutes of campus and packed with things to do. You’ll find an active arts scene and community events year-round. From festivals and concerts to frequent sporting events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in and around Moorhead.

Getting around is easy too. Minnesota State Moorhead students ride MATBUS for free through the U-Pass program, and the airport, bike trails, and hundreds of restaurants are all within a short journey of campus.

Discover More in Moorhead

How You Pay for Your Exchange

When you study abroad through an exchange program, your tuition and other expenses depend on whether you are paying your home institution or your host institution (Minnesota State Moorhead).

Example: If you attend a partner university in Japan or Europe through an exchange agreement, you typically continue paying tuition to your home university while paying living expenses during your stay at Minnesota State Moorhead.

The specific costs you are responsible for may vary depending on your exchange agreement and program. Be sure to check with your home institution and Minnesota State Moorhead before making travel arrangements.

Paying Through Your Home Institution

Estimated total cost of attendance, including housing, meals, insurance, and personal expenses.

Residency Status
Per Semester
Academic Year
International undergraduate degree-seeking student
Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree 4-5 year program
$9,376
$18,752
Cost Breakdown
 
 
waived
waived
$5,936
$11,872
$1,166
$2,956
waived
waived
Books, course materials, supplies & equipment**
$500
$1,000
Personal Expenses**
$1,250
$2,500
Health insurance: Fall coverage is $1,166. Spring students are charged $1,790 for spring and summer coverage combined. Summer-only coverage is $624. See International Student Health Insurance for details about coverage.

Paying MSUM Directly

Residency Status
Per Semester
Academic Year
International undergraduate degree-seeking student
Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree 4-5 year program
$15,216
$30,432
Cost Breakdown
 
 
$4,972
$9,944
$5,936
$11,872
$1,166
$2,956
$868
$1,736
Books, course materials, supplies & equipment**
$500
$1,000
Personal Expenses**
$1,250
$2,500
First dependent: $7,000; Additional dependent(s): $6,000 each
Health insurance: Fall coverage is $1,166. Spring students are charged $1,790 for spring and summer coverage combined. Summer-only coverage is $624. See International Student Health Insurance for details about coverage.

Questions? We're Here to Help.

Connect with our team for guidance and support.

directory photo
Kerri Spiering, Ph.D.
Interim Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Engagement
Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Global Engagement
Send Email | Phone: 218.477.2959218.477.2959
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