University of Michigan

Overview

Michigan's main campus is in Ann Arbor, a university city west of Detroit. For students in southwestern Ontario, it is one of the closest large US universities. It is a public institution, so residents of Michigan pay lower tuition and out-of-state and international students pay more. Undergraduates apply to a particular school or college, such as Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), Engineering, or one of the professional schools that admit students directly from high school.

Application plans for fall 2027

Michigan uses the Common Application and offers three plans. It added a binding Early Decision option in recent years, so older guides may list only Early Action.

Michigan notes on its requirements page that the admission process and requirements are being updated, so check its application changes notice before you submit.

Testing policy

Michigan's help centre states that for the 2027 application cycle, U-M will be test optional. You may submit SAT or ACT scores if you want them considered, and you can self-report them; admitted students who self-reported then send official scores from the testing agency. Not submitting does not count against you.

Costs and aid for international students

As a public university, Michigan funds most of its need-based aid for residents and US students. International applicants should read the Office of Financial Aid pages on eligibility and plan for the full nonresident cost of attendance. We have not quoted a figure here because tuition differs by school and year level; use Michigan's published tuition tables for 2026-27 or 2027-28.

Which plan suits a Canadian applicant

Early Decision gives an answer by December 24 but commits you to Michigan if admitted, which only makes sense if you know the international cost is affordable. Early Action keeps your options open and still produces a decision by late January. Regular Decision, with a February 1 deadline, is later than most US universities, which helps students who finish their Canadian applications first. Whichever plan you choose, expect Michigan's supplemental questions to ask why you chose your school or college, so research specific programs before you write.

1. September: choose your Michigan school or college and read its page.
2. October: draft the Michigan supplemental essays.
3. November 1 or February 1: submit, then self-report any test scores you want considered.

Notes for Canadian applicants

Canadians apply as international students and submit their provincial transcripts through the Common App school forms. Because Michigan admits by school, your essay about why you chose that school or college carries weight; name specific programs or courses. For border and student status rules, see the US State Department student visa page.

StudyBrix resources that fit Michigan's large first-year courses include the study skills deck and our article on final exam study plans. The United States guide explains how public and private US universities differ.