We are delighted that you are interested in South Dakota State University. Founded in 1881, SDSU has more than 200 majors, minors and options of study. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. The College of Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET). While the majority of SDSU students are from South Dakota, there are students from almost every state in the country and about 40 foreign countries. We look forward to assisting you in exploring the many excellent educational opportunities SDSU has to offer. Your application will be processed when we receive ALL of the following documents and information. Please use the following as a check-list: 1. Application form [External Hyperlink] 2. Application fee (US$20.) 3. Complete official transcripts of secondary and any university academic records 4. TOEFL score [External Hyperlink] 5. Financial certification form [External Hyperlink] 6. Letter from financial sponsor 7. Bank/Employer/Broker letter required Academic Admission Requirements International students who are non-native speakers of English are required to have a 500 minimum TOEFL (paper based score or the equivalent) is required for admission. The score should be no more than two years old. Click Here for a listing of the TOEFL Requirements. [External Hyperlink] Each application is evaluated based on the U.S. academic scale of 1-4, with 4 equal to an A grade. The ACT and/or the SAT tests are not required for international students. Complete applications from outside the U.S. must arrive by April 15th for Fall Semester and August 15th for Spring Semester. Financial Information Immigration law severely limits work for international students. SDSU does not have financial assistance for undergraduate international students. Therefore, you must be prepared to pay the full costs of attendance and advise your sponsor well in advance of fee payment dates so your funds will arrive in time. However, we would like to emphasize that SDSU educational and living costs are less than most U.S. universities, and Brookings is a safe place to live. The tables of Cost Estimates below are based on two semesters of educational and living costs.  These documents are in Adobe PDF format.  Click here for estimate costs for Graduate Students. [External Hyperlink]  Click here for estimate costs for Undergraduate Students. [External Hyperlink] You must submit financial certification with the application for the extent of time needed to complete the bachelor's degree (four years). Click Here for the Financial certification form [External Hyperlink] An I-20 cannot be issued to you until you are admitted to the university academically and you submit documentation verifying your ability to meet all financial expenses for each year of your course of study. You cannot obtain a visa to enter the United States until you have an I-20. You will also need to furnish proof of finances when you apply for a visa at the U.S. Consulate in your country. Transfer of Credits The process of establishing credit for previous post-secondary studies begins when all documentation has been received and the transcripts have been evaluated by the Director of Admissions. If you are admitted academically, the transcripts are sent to the department for evaluation of credits. Credit is given when the course content is similar to the course content at South Dakota State University. The transfer of credits can then progress smoothly. Your English proficiency, your major and your academic ability affect the time you may need to complete your degree. Student Health Requirement All students who were born after January 1, 1957 must show evidence signed by a doctor that they have received 2 inoculations for measles, 2 inoculations for rubella. A tuberculosis scratch test taken within the last 6 months in the United States and signed by a doctor is also required. Do not send the evidence with your application; hand deliver it when you arrive. Inoculations that are out of date or incomplete will be given after you arrive. You will not be allowed to enroll if your inoculations are incomplete. There is a Medical Clinic and Counseling Center on campus serving SDSU students and families. These services will be described during Orientation week. International students are required to purchase and maintain university health insurance for themselves and their dependents for the duration of their enrollment at SDSU. Sincerely, Tracy Welsh, Director of Admissions Donna Raetzman, International Student Adviser Contact Information: International Student Affairs, South Dakota State University Box 2201, Admin. Bldg. 101, Brookings, SD 57007-1098 Telephone: 605-688-4122, Fax: 605-688-6540 Send questions via e-mail t International Student Affairs When sending an e-mail message, please include: Your Name Street Address Town or City State or Province Postal Code Country Phone Number