Incoming ISEP Students
We are excited that you are interested in the International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP)!
Your university must be an ISEP member university to study through this program. Find out if your university is a member of ISEP on .
First, students apply to their home institution’s International Office and request placement at the 91次元. Once nominated by their home institution, the student’s application is forwarded to ISEP’s office. ISEP then reviews the student’s application and places the student at an appropriate U.S.-member university. Students cannot apply directly to the 91次元.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact our office here: global.engagement@mso.umt.edu
Click through the tabs below to learn more about the specifics of your study abroad in Montana!
Important ISEP Program Information
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Incoming ISEP applicants must:
- Apply to and be accepted by ISEP
- be placed at the 91次元 by ISEP
- meet the English Language Proficiency requirements, outlined on our program brochure
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After applying to ISEP, then being accepted and placed at UM, students must then apply to UM through UM's internal application. Please note that students will not be able to create and work on an application until invited by our office to do so.
Students will receive the invitation from UM International Students and Scholars (ISS) office to start an online application once we have received the placement from ISEP. If you need clarification, please contact us at: iss@umontana.edu.
Once a student has access to the application (which will be sent to them by ISS staff after a student has been placed at UM by ISEP), the student will be able to access the online application by following the directions and links in the invitation email sent to them by ISS.
In order for a student's application to be considered, the student must complete all required questions in the application and upload all required documentation by the application deadline.
All questions regarding the application itself should be directed to iss@umontana.edu for support.
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Learn more about registration, the UM course catalog, class schedules, GrizPortal, and English as a Second Language course recommendations on our Academic Information webpage.
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Fall 2025
Please note that dates and costs are subject to change without notice. Any changes will be published here first.
Date Event August 12 Early Arrival August 14 - 15 International Student Orientation Aug 18 - 22 New Student Orientation (domestic and international) August 25 Autumn Semester Classes Begin September 1 Labor Day – No Classes, Offices Closed November 11 Veterans Day Observed – No Classes, Offices Closed November 26 Student Travel Day – No Classes November 27 - 28 Thanksgiving Break – No Classes, Offices Closed December 5 Last Day of Regular Classes December 8 - 12 Final Exams Spring 2026
Please note that dates and costs are subject to change without notice. Any changes will be published here first.
Date Event January 11 Early Arrival Housing Open January 13 International Student Orientation January 14 New Student Orientation (domestic and international) January 15 Classes Begin January 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No Classes, Offices Closed February 16 President's Day Holiday - No Classes, Offices Closed March 16 - 20 Spring Break - No Classes May 1 Last Day of Regular Classes May 4 - 8 Final Exams Estimated Costs per Semester
Estimated Costs Item Cost New Student Fee $157 International Student Fee $150 Lewis & Clark Apartments $736 / month Meals $200 - $400 / month
(depending on eating habits)
Early Arrival Housing $25 / night Textbooks and Supplies, Special Course Fees
$1000 / semester, varies by class UM Student Health Insurance
Not applicable, ISEP students must purchase health insurance directly from ISEP -
After completing the Lewis and Clark Village (LCV) housing application, ISEP students will be offered a room at LCV (pending availability). LCV is conveniently located on the South Campus of the 91次元. The apartment complex is within walking or biking distance to campus and is just a short drive or bus ride. UM bus services are free and available for convenient transportation to UM's campus.
Because the Lewis and Clark apartments have a built-in kitchen, students will not be charged for an on-campus meal plan. However, that doesn't mean that students cannot indulge in the many on-campus dining opportunities. ISEP students will receive a meal stipend that they can use at local restaurants, grocery stores, or on-campus dining halls.
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Since you are required to enroll in the , you do not have to purchase the UM Blue Cross Blue Shield Student Health Insurance, nor show proof of other equivalent health insurance coverage.
Students living on campus have the option to protect their belongings through exclusive student-endorsed renter's insurance program. For about $11 per month, you'll be able to receive protection for damaged or stolen property. Learn more here. -
Visa
ISEP students' visas are sponsored by ISEP, and not by the 91次元.
Travel Authorization
ISEP students wishing to travel outside of the United States (even for travel to Canada!) during their exchange period must have their Form DS-2019 signed by ISEP central PRIOR TO THEIR
TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.After you begin at UM, International Students and Scholars (ISS) will confirm your arrival with staff at ISEP Central who will then email you an updated Form DS-2019 with travel signature.
Working While on Exchange
It is essential that you obtain permission to work while on exchange in the U.S. otherwise you will be in violation of your visa status. As a J-1 exchange student, you can work part time on-campus (up to 20 hours per week) while classes are in session in fall and spring. No off campus employment is allowed unless a student has applied for and received explicit employment authorization to do so. This authorization is called Academic Training; you may be
able to complete an academic training period (an internship) as part of your exchange. ISEP Exchange students must request authorization for employment and Academic Training through the International Students and Scholars (ISS) office. Requests for academic training must be submitted to ISS by the 10th class day of any given term for which a student is requesting Academic Training. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Authorization for employment can be requested at any time as long as the student shows proof they already have a job offer.
If you plan to work, you will need to apply for a Social Security Card at the Social Security Office, located at 3701 American Way, Missoula, MT 59808, phone (866) 931-9029. If you need help preparing an application for a SSN, and understanding which documents to bring to the appointment, don't hesitate to reach out to ISS for assistance at iss@umontana.edu.