How to Defer Your Application
We understand that things come up and visa appointments are hard to schedule. If you are unable to attend Minnesota State University, Mankato during the semester you are admitted, you must follow these directions to defer your application.
Graduate students should email gradapp@mnsu.edu for deferral information.
Update for International Students
February 6, 2026
We have released a detailed FAQ regarding the recent travel ban, visa pauses, and deferred admissions for students impacted at MSU Mankato.
Step-by-Step Guide on Deferring your Application
1. Log into your existing application using your StarID and password.
Log into your application
Don't remember your StarID or password?
(+) Reset Your Password (-) Close InformationDon't remember your StarID? Start here:
- Navigate to the "What is my StarID?" page
- Choose "I know my email address," enter your personal email address and click "Continue"
- Check your email for a verification code and follow the directions in the email.
If you receive the notice "We cannot find a person that matches the information you provided." when you submit your email address, you can request your email address be updated here.
Don't remember your StarID password? Start here:
- Navigate to the "Reset my StarID Password" page
- Choose "I know my email address," enter your personal email address and click "Continue"
- Check your email for a verification code and follow the directions in the email.
2. Generate a new application for the correct term.
First, click the "+ Apply to Another Institution" button to begin your new application.
Then find and click Minnesota State University, Mankato on the map of Minnesota that appears (circled and highlighted below) to update your previous application.
Why do I need to re-fill out the application?
(+) Learn Why (-) Close InformationWe require that students update their application each semester so we can capture any new information, including:
- Email and mailing addresses
- Education updates, such as university coursework
- Desired Program of Study
3. Certify all information on your application is correct and submit the application.
For specific information on how to complete all fields of the application, visit the Bachelor's Application Instructions page.
To submit your completed application, you will need to type in your StarID password and click "Submit Selected Application(s)."
Do I need to pay the $20 application fee again?
(+) Do I need to pay? (-) Close InformationIf you have previously paid the $20 application fee or used a promo code for Minnesota State University, Mankato, you will not be charged an application fee when applying for a future term.* The undergraduate application fee is a one-time fee.
4. Monitor your email for admission updates or requests, including your updated admission decision.
In certain cases, you may need to provide updated documentation to complete your application. Within 48 hours of submitting your updated application, your personalized dashboard will update with any updated documentation requirements.
Upon admission to the new term, you will receive a "Congratulations" email with instructions on how to find your new admission letter.
When will I receive my updated I-20?
You MUST request your new I-20 by submitting an updated copy of your passport and financial documentation.
(+) Form I-20 Information (-) Close InformationMinnesota State University will not automatically send you an updated I-20. Since student financial documentation is often outdated by the time you are admitted to a new term, you must submit new, current financial documentation.
Please note:
- You may change financial sponsors when requesting a Form I-20 for the new admission term.
- The I-20 Request process was updated in June 2022. Carefully read the Next Steps for Admitted International Students to ensure you follow the most updated procedures.
Travel Ban & Visa FAQ
Due to a recent U.S. presidential proclamation restricting visa issuance to nationals from 39 countries, including some key countries for MSU international students (such as Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe), F and J student visas are currently suspended for these countries. For more details, please visit the US Department of State webpage. MSU’s Global Education staff is closely monitoring these changes and will keep students and admissions coordinators informed.
I am interested in studying at Minnesota State Mankato but my country is on the banned list.
MSU welcomes international students and values its diverse community. Due to recent US visa restrictions for some countries, you might face challenges getting a student visa (F or J). You can still apply to our Intensive English, Undergraduate, and Graduate programs and be admitted. If you can’t get a visa right away, you may be able to defer your admission and start later when visa policies change. Depending on how long you defer, you might need to reapply.
What does Deferred Admission mean?
Deferred admission means you’ve been accepted to the university or a specific program, but your start date is postponed to a later term. If the deferral is for one or two semesters, you usually don’t need to reapply. For longer deferrals, reapplication may be required. Contact your admissions counselor for guidance on your specific situation.
Call us at +1-507-389-5200 or email us at international@mnsu.edu.
I’ve already applied and paid the application fee but had to defer. Will I have to pay again?
We will make every effort to waive admissions fees for individuals with deferred application due to visa issuance challenges. In some instances, if you have to defer for a year or more, you may need to reapply to the program. Please connect with your admissions counselor in the Kearney International Center for more information about waived application fees if you have been deferred.
Call us at +1-507-389-5200 or email us at international@mnsu.edu.
How long will my country be on the banned list?
Some countries are on the US travel ban list due to security requirements related to passports and visas. There is no set timeline for when a country might be removed from the list. Prospective students should regularly check US Visa News to stay updated on their country’s status.
I can’t get a visa, can I study online at MSU?
Yes, we’re happy to welcome you to our online programs. Please review the program requirements and learning responsibilities before applying. Some online programs don’t have scheduled Zoom meetings, while others require regular attendance. In-person programs may differ from online ones. Due to US export controls, individuals in certain regions—Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela—cannot pursue online degrees. This restriction is based on location, not citizenship. So, if you live outside these areas, you can apply even if you’re a national of one of these countries.
Please note: MSU cannot guarantee recognition of its degrees outside the US. Make sure you understand how a US degree is valued in your country.
