Undergraduate Admissions
International students
We’re glad you’re considering Dakota State University and we’d love to welcome you to our campus in Madison. It’s our intention to do everything we can to make sure you have success in the classroom, graduate on time, and leave prepared for success in the years ahead.
Admission requirements
As with any student accepted to Dakota State University, you will need to meet certain requirements as an international undergraduate student.
Demonstrate academic ability
In order to demonstrate your academic ability to meet the academic challenges at DSU, you’ll need to meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Maintain an above-average academic record at least equivalent to a "B-" (2.60 on a 4.00 GPA scale)
- Get an ACT composite score of 18 or above, or get an SAT score of 950 or above with subscores of at least 480 on the Math and 450 on the Critical Reading
Submit original academic transcripts
Your academic transcripts need to be originals or official certified true copies. If your transcripts are not in English, certified true translations must be attached.
If you're unable to provide transcripts in English, you must have them evaluated by either ECE or WES and have the evaluation sent directly to DSU. All upper secondary school-level work needs to be demonstrated through your transcripts.
It is common for applicants to submit transcripts prior to completion of their final year of secondary school. If you must submit transcripts prior to completion, please indicate your expected graduation date and send your final transcripts as soon as possible.
Be proficient in English
If you’re not a native speaker of English, you must demonstrate proficiency in English with one of the following exams and the indicated minimum score:
- TOEFL iBT: 71
- TOEFL PBT: 525
- IELTS: 6.0 (with no subscore less than 5.5)
- PTE Academic: 52
- SAT: Minimum sub-score of 450 on both Critical Reading and Writing, Math 480
- ACT: Minimum sub-score of 20 on the Writing/English
- Completion of ELS Level 111
- GTEC-CBT : 1150
- Duolingo: 105 (with no subscore less than 90)
- WAEC: C5 or higher in English
DSU reserves the right to request official test scores if needed. All Duolingo scores must be sent from the testing portal directly to DSU.
For the TOEFL, the institution code for DSU is 6247.
Ready to apply?
You’ve met the requirements and you’re ready to begin the application process. What's next? Learn how apply.