International Students

General Information for International Students

For admission purposes we consider an international applicant to be anyone who does not hold U.S. citizenship status, regardless of his or her legal status or location of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens should apply as an “international student”.

U.S. Citizens

  • Born in the United States or a U.S. territory or
  • Naturalized as a U.S. citizen
  • Hold a valid U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate as proof of citizenship

Permanent Residents (treated like U.S. Citizens for admissions)

  • Not a U.S. citizen but hold a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”)
  • Allowed to live and study in the U.S. without a student visa

International Students

  • Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Typically need a student visa (e.g., F-1) or other temporary visa to study in the U.S.
  • May currently live inside or outside the United States

Summer Immersion Programs

Application Process

In addition to the program application, international students must submit the following documents to their MySchoolApp account.

Medical Information

All participants are required to have medical insurance by the time the program starts and for the whole duration of it.

Visa Information

Students attending Summer Immersion Programs may do so under a B-1/B2 (business visitor) visa, or any other valid U.S. visa they currently hold, as long as the program is short-term, recreational, and does not award academic credit. The Office of Pre-College Programs will provide an official acceptance letter, which may be used to support a B visa application. However, please note that the university has no control over the U.S. Embassy or Consulate's decision to issue a visa, nor over processing times.

Credit Summer Programs

Application Process

Applicants must submit an official high school transcript in English showing all completed years at the time of application. Transcripts must be issued directly by the school with original seals, stamps, or signatures.

Alternatively, certified copies may be accepted if verified by:

  • The issuing institution
  • A U.S. Consulate’s education or cultural office
  • Recognized U.S. sponsoring agencies (e.g., Fulbright, IREX)

Note: Students applying to the Intensive English Program are not required to submit transcripts.

Please visit the website for the program you are interested in to learn about the application process.

Additional Costs for International Students

  • Taxes on Cost-of-Living Expenses: International students and permanent residents may be required to pay taxes on expenses considered "cost of living" expenses (i.e., housing, meal plans, etc.).
  • Course Fees: Most courses include additional fees that are not covered by tuition scholarships and must be paid separately.

Visa Information

International students enrolled in credit-bearing summer programs (such as Summer College, Lott Leadership Institute, or the UM Summer Language Institute) must enter the U.S. on an F-1 student visa. Tourist visas are not permitted for these programs.

  • Students already living and studying in the U.S. do not need a new visa.
  • After admission, the university will issue Form I-20, which is required to apply for an F-1 visa.
  • Visa issuance is handled solely by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Before applying, check for the latest student visa updates.

How to obtain an F1-Visa

  • After admission, the Office of International Students and Scholar Services will issue Form I-20, required to apply for an F-1 visa.
  • Pay the SEVIS fee via the SEVIS I-901 website
  • Complete the online visa application and schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Students must bring the I-20 and admission letter to their visa interview.
  • Visa decisions are made solely by U.S. Consular Officers.

Canadian Citizens do not need an F-1 visa but must:

  • Pay the SEVIS fee
  • Present the I-20 and fee receipt at the border or airport to be admitted as an F-1 student.

Important:

Due to visa processing delays at U.S. embassies worldwide, students are strongly encouraged to apply early and begin the visa process as soon as they receive their documents.

We recommend staying up to date with immigration information throughout your application process and participation in our programs.

For questions, contact precollegeintl@olemiss.edu or call +1 (662) 915‑7621.

Medical Information

Health Insurance

  • All international students in credit-bearing programs are required to enroll in the university’s health insurance plan.
  • This insurance covers a percentage of primary care, illness treatment, injury, and diagnostic testing.
  • Students are responsible for any uncovered medical costs and must pay any remaining balance before the program ends.
  • Additional international insurance for major medical emergencies is strongly recommended.
  • Insurance waivers may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Required Immunizations (MMR)

  • Mississippi law requires proof of immunization against:
    • Measles
    • Mumps
    • Rubella
  • Usually administered as MMR vaccine in two doses, with the first dose given after 12 months of age.
  • Acceptable documentation:
    • Immunization card
    • Official lab results confirming immunity
    • Medical records confirming prior infection
  • Students without proof must receive any missing MMR doses upon arrival, at their own expense.
  • Medical exemptions are allowed with a doctor's statement, including timing for temporary exemptions.

Tuberculosis (TB) Testing

  • All students must be tested for TB upon arrival, including:
    • Blood test (Interferon Gamma Release Assay – IGRA)
    • Chest X-ray
  • Testing is done on campus and included in the program cost.

Important:

Students cannot enroll in classes until both MMR immunization and TB testing requirements are met. Students are encouraged to complete immunizations before arriving to avoid delays.

Special Programs for International Students

Customized Summer Programs for International Schools – Summary

The Office of Pre-College Programs offers specialized summer programs for middle and high school institutions worldwide, tailored to each school's academic goals. Programs are developed in collaboration with the institution and may involve partnerships with the UM Intensive English Program or other university departments.

Examples of Past Courses:

  • Introduction to Engineering (with ESL support)
  • Southern Studies & Current Events (ESL focus)
  • International Relations (customized to home curriculum)
  • Citizenship, Responsibility & Civil Society (customized content)

Program Details:

  • Customizable elements include: application process, eligibility, admissions, program length, cost, and logistics.
  • A minimum of 10 students is required to run a program.

For questions or more information, contact precollegeintl@olemiss.edu or call +1 (662) 915‑7621.