Undergraduate – Steps to Apply for International Students
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Steps to Apply
Applications must be completed prior to the following dates:
- Fall (August) application deadline: March 1
- Spring (January) application deadline: Oct. 1
2. Submit English proficiency exams.
To demonstrate English language proficiency, non-native English speakers must meet the minimum scores on one of the following exams, complete an English high school curriculum or qualify for a waiver of an English language proficiency exam based on country of citizenship.
| Curriculum or Exam | Minimum Score or Grade |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 3.5 |
| IELTS | 5.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | 90 |
| Pearson Test for English (PTE) | 44 |
| Gateway English Test (E3PT) | 62 |
| SAT Reading and Writing | 490 |
| ACT Composite | 18 |
| iTEP | 3.6 |
| Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) | Pass |
| Korea College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) | 2 |
| Cambridge IGCSE/O-Levels | C |
| Cambridge AS/A Levels | C |
| Sri Lankan O-Levels | C |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 5 |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | 3 |
| West African Examination Council (WAEC) | B3 |
Waiver of English Language Proficiency Test Based on Country of Citizenship
Citizens of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Overseas Territories, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Christmas Island, Cook Islands, Dominica, Eswatini, Falkland Islands, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Kenya, Kiribati, Ireland, Jamaica, Jersey, Liberia, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norfolk Island, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, St. Helena, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Sint Maarten, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales) and Northern Ireland, Virgin Islands, Zambia and Zimbabwe do not need to submit English language proficiency test scores to meet the English language proficiency requirement for admission to the university.
Waiver of English Language Proficiency Test Based on U.S. Undergraduate Coursework
Applicants that have successfully completed a college-level English composition course at an accredited U.S. institution with a grade of C or higher do not need to submit English language proficiency test scores to meet the English language proficiency requirement for admission to the university.
Waiver of English Language Proficiency Test Based on U.S. Accredited High School Education
Applicants that are graduates of a U.S. regionally accredited high school (e.g., WASC, NEASC, Middle States) within the United States or outside of the United States do not need to submit English language proficiency test scores to meet the English language proficiency requirement for admission to the university.
We require original or attested copies of all academic records at the time of application. This includes all transcripts, certificates and diplomas (including secondary and postsecondary).
Transfer Admissions
International students transferring from a college or university within the United States:
As part of the admission process, you must request official transcripts be sent directly from your home institution to SDSU. Transcripts delivered by the applicant are not considered official. The international office will send the documents to the Office of Records and Registration to be evaluated. This evaluation will determine the number of credits that will transfer to SDSU and the class standing of the incoming student.
If you would like an idea of how the courses you have taken at a U.S. college or university, please use our .
International students transferring from a college or university outside of the United States:
Coursework completed at postsecondary institutions outside of the U.S. must be submitted for a course-by-course evaluation. South Dakota State University considers evaluations from World Education Services to be more accurate than other evaluation services. If you would like to have an idea about how many credits may transfer before you arrive in the U.S., you must provide SDSU with a course-by-course evaluation from . We also recommend requesting the WES International Credential Advantage package, as that includes an official copy of your transcript. If you do not select that option, you must request that official postsecondary transcripts be sent to SDSU directly from your previous institutions.
The cost of the evaluation is paid by the student. This process should be started as soon as the student receives a visa. Due to the differences in the educational systems around the world, South Dakota State University reserves the right to require you to take the necessary courses to meet the requirements of your desired program.
The sooner you complete the credit evaluation process, the better we will be able to provide you with accurate, academic advising for you to fulfill your degree requirements at SDSU.
English Language Proficiency Test Scores
Applicants that are graduates of a U.S. regionally accredited high school (e.g., WASC, NEASC, Middle States) within or outside of the United States don't need to submit an English language proficiency test scores
Applicants that have successfully completed a college level English composition course at an accredited U.S. institution with a grade of C or higher do not need to submit English language proficiency test scores to meet the English language proficiency requirement for admission to the university.
The bank documents must meet the following requirements:
- Bank statement or bank letter with signatures and bank seal or stamp.
- Clearly list the type of currency and amount of funds.
- Match the name of the signer on the financial certification.
- Have an issue date within six months of the receipt of the application.
- Written in English or provided with a certified translation.
6. Submit a passport copy.
- Submit a copy of your passport biographical page.
7. Submit a copy of your I-20.
- We need a copy of your 1-20 if you are currently in the U.S.
The 2023-24 estimated cost of attendance for an average plan of study is $25,322, depending on the applicant's age (not including dependents). See the amount required for I-20 issuance.
Submit materials and documents in one of two ways:
