Graduate Admissions

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.

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.

The Board of Regents has chosen AHP plans for international students:

AHP Plans

Use this link to enroll

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.

How to Apply as an International Graduate Student