Graduate Admissions
International students
Dakota State University is an incredible place to pursue a graduate degree. As an international graduate student, your admission process is unique. Please know we are here to help you through the process.
Admission requirements
As with any student accepted to Dakota State University, you will need to meet certain requirements as an international graduate student.
Demonstrate academic ability
There are certain requirements you’ll need to meet to demonstrate your ability to successfully complete a graduate program at DSU. Specifically, you will need to:
- Have obtained a baccalaureate degree that is equivalent to a four-year undergraduate degree in the US
- We reserve the right to ask for an evaluation of foreign transcripts by a DSU-recognized transcript evaluation agency
- Have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent on an alternative grading system)
Pass the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
You must have taken the GRE within the last five years. The GRE test can be waived if one of the following conditions are met:
- A cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale for a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US college or university
- Official admission into and demonstrated success in a regionally accredited graduate program in the US Demonstrated success is defined as grades of "A" or "B" in at least nine hours of graduate work
- Graduation from a regionally accredited college/university in the US at least 15 years ago or more
Be proficient in the English language
You must demonstrate proof of English proficiency by one of the following ways:
- TOEFL iBT: 76
- TOEFL PBT: 550
- IELTS: 6.0 (with no sub-score less than 5.5)
- PTE Academic: 53
- Completion of ELS Level 112
Your English proficiency scores must be submitted within two years of the examination date. Please note that an official TOEFL or PTE Academic score must be sent from the testing agency.
For the TOEFL, the institution code for DSU is 6247.
Verify you are financially self-sustaining
We need you to be able to show that you have financial support for at least two years. This is why we ask that you fill out the Certificate of Financial Responsibility form (PDF).
Obtain student health insurance
As a foreign national student, BOR Policy 3.14 requires that you have credible health insurance as determined by the South Dakota Board of Regents. You will be responsible for purchasing health insurance coverage that meets BOR Policy 3.14 requirements, any federal visa requirements, and IRS regulations.
The South Dakota Board of Regents has chosen two GeoBlue plans for you: the Basic Plan and the Enhanced Plan. You will be required to provide proof of coverage to the International Programs Office. If you do not provide proof of insurance, you will not be able to enroll in any South Dakota Board of Regents university.
Insurance Carrier: GeoBlue
- Inside the US call (844) 268-2686; Outside the US call (610) 263-2847
- Register for the Basic Plan, Access Code: PCS-44605
- Register for the Enhanced Plan, Access Code: PCX-44607
Ready to apply?
You’ve met the requirements and you’re ready to begin the application process. What’s next? Let us show you how to get started.