Application procedure of South Dakota State University Graduate School (International Applicants)

Thank you for your interest in South Dakota State University! Please read these instructions carefully before beginning your application.

Applications will not be reviewed until all required documents are received by the SDSU Graduate School. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions to clarify any of the following documents required for admission.

Admission Requirements

South Dakota State University Graduate School requires:

• A minimum GPA of 3.0 to receive unconditional admission. 

• An official bachelor's degree transcript and professional academic transcript evaluation (This requirement cannot be waived).
• • If you are completing your bachelor's degree at the time of application,  you may submit an incomplete transcript and evaluation. If you are accepted, a complete transcript and evaluation with completed degree will be required by the end of your first semester of coursework.

• A minimum TOEFL score of 527 paper-based, 197 computer-based, or 71 Internet based, or IELTS score of 5.0.
• • Some programs have higher minimum requirements. Find program specific requirements by selecting your program of interest in the Graduate Catalog.

Steps to Admission

1. Submit the Online Application. 

2.  Pay the Application fee. The $35.00 application fee can be paid online through the online application system at the time of application submissionor by sending a check or money order to the Graduate School:

SDSU Graduate School

Administration 130

Box 2201 

Brookings, SD 57007

3.  Submit a Professional Academic Transcript Evaluation. This is a mandatory requirement for all universities attended outside the U.S. This requirement cannot be waived.

• Evaluations must include transcript authenticity, GPA calculation, and U.S. degree equivalency and be sent directly from the evaluation service.

• Transcript evaluations must be performed by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) accredited evaluation service member.

• Educational Perspectives provides an SDSU-specific site for your convenience.

4.  Submit Transcripts.

• Request official transcripts from each higher education institution attended.

5.  Submit TOEFL or IELTS Scores. 

• Minimum requirements can vary - select your program of interest in the Graduate Catalog, and see the admission requirements section for your program's minimum requirements.
• This score must be an original document sent directly from the testing center. 
• The institution code for SDSU is 6653. Scores must be within two years of examination date.

6. Submit Financial Support Documents.

• Evidence of available financial support for at least two years for Master's degrees or four years for Doctor of Philosophy degrees must be provided.
• An outline of tuition, fees and estimated living expenses and the required financial form is available on our Office of International Affairs web page.

7.  Submit Proof of Immunity. 

• Medically signed proof of two properly administered measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) immunizations OR immune titers for measles (rubella), mumps, and rubella. A tuberculosis (TB) test is required for students from certain countries of origin and must be performed upon arriving on campus; TB tests done outside the U.S. will not be accepted.

• For additional information, contact Student Health Services at 605-688-4157.

8. Submit All Program Required Documents. Individual programs may ask for additional documents above what the Graduate School requires. Select your program of interest in the Graduate Catalog, and refer to the Admission Requirements for program specific requirements. Examples may include:

• Letters of recommendation

•  Resume

•  Goal statement

•  Curriculum vitae

• Graduate Record Examination.

• The following programs require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission: Agronomy, Biology, Electrical Engineering, Geospatial Science and Engineering, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Wildlife and Fisheres Sciences (highly recommended). The GRE must be sent directly from ETS. Contact ETS for more information about the GRE test.

Admission Process

Step 1
Complete the online application and pay application fee.

Step 2

Submit all required application materials including:

1. Transcript Evaluation

2. Transcripts

3. IELTS or TOEFL Scores

4. Financial Documents

5. Proof of Immunity

6. Documents Required by Your Program of Interest

Step 3
The Graduate School will review your application file. When all required documents have been received, your application file will be sent to your program's department for review.

Step 4
The department will review your application file and provide an initial admission decision before sending it back to the Graduate School. The time frame for this step varies according to each department's review process. Allow for a minimum of 3-4 weeks.

Step 5
The Graduate School Dean provides final review and admission decision. You will receive a letter or e-mail notification of the admission decision.

Step 6
Upon acceptance, the International Student Affairs office will be the main point of contact for any questions or concerns regarding your visa, travel arrangements, and other issues.