University of South Dakota (USD) is the state’s oldest university with a total enrollment of 9,920 students. The university offers 202 undergraduate majors & academic programs and 84 graduate programs to its students. With an acceptance rate of 86.4%, applications are accepted for Fall and Spring sessions for all UG and PG University of South Dakota courses.
The international admission process is managed by the international office of the University of South Dakota. For international admissions, English proficiency scores and standardized test scores are required. The average cost of attendance for an international student is 22,354 the University of South Dakota. Approximately 81% of freshmen receive some kind of financial aid.
Also Check: Tests to Study in the USA
A minimum GPA of 2.7, on a 4.0 scale, is a mandatory requirement for all applicants. In addition to GPA and test score, international students require a visa for which an I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status) from the university is required.
COVID-19 Update
Admission changes are made in admission test scores and English proficiency tests due to COVID-19.
- Due to the COVID-19, most of the graduate programs that earlier required an admission test (for example, GRE and GMAT ) are waived off for upcoming semesters. For more information, students should contact their enrollment coordinator in Graduate Admissions.
- GMAT is accepted online for some programs.
- Duolingo English Test is now permitted for applications until spring 2023 as a temporary solution for proving English proficiency.
Highlights
| Application Mode | Online and Paper Mode |
| Application Fee | Non-Refundable |
| Academic Calendar | Semester-Based |
| Acceptance Rate | 86.4% |
| Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Graduate, Certificate |
| Application Payment | Credit Card |
| International Scholarships | Available |
| Standardized Test Scores | Required For Some Programs |
| Admission Interview or Counseling | Not Mandatory |
| Intake Session | Fall/Spring |
| Admission Helpdesk for UG | 1-877-269-6837 isrt@usd.edu |
| Admission Helpdesk for PG | 05-658-6200 isrt@usd.edu |
University of South Dakota Admission Deadlines
Students must submit their applications at least two to three weeks before the deadline. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
| Courses | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Fall semester) | July 1 |
| Undergraduate (Spring semester) | November 15 |
| Graduate | Varies with Programs |
University of South Dakota International Admission
Admission process at the University of South Dakota is similar for both International and domestic students. Those who have submitted all of the required documents to the University before the deadline are given special consideration. Mentioned below are the documents international students are required to provide.
Admission Requirements:
- Application form
- Application fee
- Official High School transcript
- Scores of Tests to Study in the USA
- English Language Proficiency test score
- Valid Passport
- Official statement of Finances
ELP Language Requirements
English proficiency is required for students seeking admission to the University of South Dakota. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
| Test | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL IBT | 71 | 79 |
| IELTS | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| PTE | – | 53 |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 | 105 |
| TOEFL CBT | 530 | – |
US Visa Process
Students are advised to apply for an F-1 student visa. Before filing for an entry visa, students are required to pay the SEVIS fee; It is managed by the US Department of Homeland Security. Students need to make an appointment at the nearest US embassy or consulate in their native country for a visa interview.
Visa applicants must submit the following documents to the US embassy or consulate:
- Valid passport
- I-20 form
- Visa application forms
- Two passport size photograph
- Documented proof of financial support for at least one year
- Proof of SEVIS Fee payment (receipt)
- Personal interview at the US embassy
Students must schedule a visa interview at a nearby US Consular after submitting their documents. The interviewer may ask questions about the study year, the reason for studying in the United States, Proof of financial capability, plan to fulfill all of your expenses for a year, motivations for returning home after the completion of education.
Also Check: Applications process for USA student visa
University of South Dakota Undergraduate Admissions
Undergraduate degrees are available at the University of South Dakota in a variety of fields, including Education & Teaching, Mathematics, Communication, Art & Design, and Science & Technology.
Where to Apply: Common application fee: 20 USD
Academic Requirement:
- Completed Application Form
- Official High School Transcript
- Minimum 2.6 CGPA (4 Scale)
- English Proficiency Scores
- Valid Passport Copy
- SAT/ACT (Not mandatory)
- Official Financial Ability Form
- Official Financial Statement
Hard copy of the documents can be mailed here:
Enrollment Processing Center
University of South Dakota
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069-2390
University of South Dakota Postgraduate Admissions
The University of South Dakota offers graduate programs in a variety of fields, including Business Administration, Communication, Science and Technology, Law, Performing Arts and Medicine, and Health and Wellness.
Where to apply: Common application fee: 35 USD
Academic Requirements:
- English Proficiency Scores
- Official University Transcripts
- Official Admission Test Scores – GRE/GMAT
- Recommendation Letters
- Statement of Purpose
- Financial Statement
Hard copy of the documents can be mailed here:
University of South Dakota
414 E. Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069-2390
Below is an overview of the application requirements of some graduate programs-
| Requirements | Accountancy (MPA) | MBA | Curriculum & Instructions (Ed.D.) | History (MA) | Physics (MA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 3 Weeks Before the Start of the Semester | 3 Weeks Before the Start of the Semester | 2 Weeks Before Semester Starts | 3 Weeks Before the Start of the Semester | 3 Weeks Before Semester Starts, Priority Deadline For Fall Semester – Feb 1 |
| Resume/CV | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Recommendation Letter/Letter of Recommendation | 3 Required (At Least 1 Professional LOR) | 3 Required (At Least 1 Professional LOR) | 3 Professional LOR Required | 3 Academic Or Professional LOR Required | 3 Professional LOR Required |
| GPA | 2.85 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| GMAT | Required | Required – Online now | Not Required | – | – |
| Statement Of Purpose | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Sample Writing | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required | Required | Not Required |
University of South Dakota is an acclaimed university for international admissions. The applications are reviewed based on academic excellence and extracurricular activities. Preference is given to the early applicants. Only officially translated transcripts are accepted along with the original document. For the convenience of students, a paper application mode is also available. For any admission query or information, students can email the university admission office at isrt@usd.edu.
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