MorningStar University
MorningStar University welcomes students from around the world who desire to grow in Christ, be rooted in His Word, and be equipped for a life of Spirit-led leadership. We believe the Lord calls people from every nation, tribe, and tongue, and we count it a privilege to receive students from many backgrounds into the life of this community. At MSU, international students are not viewed as outsiders, but as a vital part of the family. This is a place to learn, grow, serve, and be formed in an environment centered on Jesus, marked by community, and devoted to helping each student walk faithfully in the calling of God.
If God is stirring your heart to leave what is familiar and step into a new season, you are not alone. Coming from another nation can feel big, costly, and uncertain—but the Lord often meets us powerfully when we respond to His call with faith. MSU is more than a school experience; it is a place of spiritual formation, community, and preparation. We want international students to know that your background matters, your calling matters, and your presence here matters. God is raising up sons and daughters from the nations, and you may be one of those He is drawing into deeper consecration, clarity, and purpose. There is room for you here to be strengthened, equipped, and encouraged as you follow Jesus and prepare for all He has for your life.
If you’re an international student planning to attend MSU, this page will guide you through the process of receiving an I-20 from MSU and applying for an M-1 student visa. Please review the steps carefully and begin early, as embassy appointment timelines and document requirements can vary by country.
MSU College of Leadership is a SEVIS-approved school that can issue I-20 forms to allow students to apply for M-1 visas. In order for a student to receive an I-20 from MSU, the following steps must be completed:
Step 1: Complete the online application.
Step 2: Pay the application fee.
Step 3: Complete the English proficiency test.
Step 4: Have your references verified.
Step 5: Prove your financial resources (SEVIS requires that students have sufficient funds in the bank to cover all MSU expenses for the year).
Step 6: Be accepted as an MSU student. Students will receive an acceptance letter by email and mail, usually within two weeks of the completion of Step 5.
Once all of these steps have been completed, you will be mailed an I-20 form that you will need to take to the U.S. Embassy in your country to apply for the M-1 visa. To find the embassy nearest you, visit www.usembassy.gov and search for your country. Each U.S. Embassy has a website that is listed there. Use the embassy website to determine the next steps you need to take to obtain your M-1 visa. Some embassies allow you to apply online and some require an in-person interview.
Please contact your embassy for further information and for the documentation they require. Closely follow the instructions they provide to avoid delays in your visa process.
Some U.S. Embassies have a 6-week waiting list, so please account for this when applying for MSU.
When you arrive at Customs and Border Control in the U.S., make sure you have your passport and M-1 visa, your I-20 form, and other relevant supporting documents, such as a bank statement, to show to the U.S. Immigration Officer. You will need to provide the address where you will be staying once you arrive at MorningStar. You will also need to write this address on arrival forms that will be given to you on your flight to the U.S.
If you are staying in the bunkhouses, your address will be:
375 Star Light Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29715
For information regarding the M-1 visa, application process, rules, and other SEVIS programs, please visit:
https://www.ice.gov/sevis/students
If you still need help regarding this process, you may contact the MSU office by email or phone.
Contact Info
Phone: 803.547.8494
Email: MSUOffice@MStarM.org