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Home / Come to MU / Students / Exchange-sponsored Students / Sponsored student program

Sponsored student program

/international.missouri.edu/www/images/photos/korean-student-flag.jpgkorean-student-flag.jpgA student flying the Korean flag

The Sponsored Student Program within the International Center provides a liaison with sponsoring agencies. International Center staff members collaborate with a variety of departments on campus so that the sponsor can communicate directly with the center.

A sponsored student is an international student who receives educational funding through a source such as an outside university, an institution, a government agency, an organization or a business. This must be a written agreement made with our office and usually involves a third-party billing arrangement.

A student may come on a J-1 visa and a DS-2019 issued by a sponsor or by the International Center. Some sponsors allow students to come on F-1 visas and have I-20s, usually issued by the International Center.

  • Each sponsor has particular requirements based on sponsor policies. Do not assume that you will have certain benefits or requirements just because other international students have them. If your DS-2019 or I-20 was issued by your sponsoring agency, you should refer your questions to the adviser at your organization. 
  • Watch your MyZou account.  Even though your education is funded by a sponsoring agency, it is your responsibility to monitor your bill in the MyZou system. If you see charges that should not be on your account, please contact the sponsored-student adviser. You must provide copies of your contract to the International Center and the Office of Cashiers so that your sponsor is billed for the appropriate charges.
  • The sponsored-student adviser can help. Our role is to keep you in compliance with the requirements of your sponsor (bills, transcripts, insurance) and help you navigate the university. We also will help if you want connect with community members through internships or other service projects. We become your first stop for basic questions about life on campus and in the community.

Contact the sponsored-student adviser.