International Students
Application forms
Study in the States
Learn more about getting your education in the United States from Study in the States.
International General Admission Requirements
International students must meet the following admission requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education with full regional accreditation for that degree. International students must have an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree that is the equivalent to a four-year undergraduate degree in the U.S. The university reserves the right to ask for an evaluation of foreign transcripts by a DSU recognized transcript evaluation agency.
- Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.70 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on an alternative grading system).
- GRE (no more than 5 years old): See program requirements for which test is required for specific programs. The test must have been taken within the last five years. The test can be waived if one of the following conditions is met:
- A cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale for a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.;
- Official admission into and demonstrated success in a regionally accredited graduate program in the U.S. Demonstrated success is defined as grades of A or B in at least 9 hours of graduate work.
- OR Graduation from a regionally accredited college/university in the U.S. at least 15 years ago or more.
- TOEFL (no more than 2 years old): Ability to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in written and oral English to be successful in graduate school. Applicants whose native language is not English, and who have not obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited American college or university must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score at least 79 Internet-based (550 paper-based, 213 computer-based). The IELTS is accepted and students must score at least a 6.5.
Students scoring below 79 Internet-based (550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 6.5 IELTS), but who otherwise meet the academic requirements, will be required to take non-credit concentrated English Language training at the Dakota State University Language Institute or some other similar language program. They will not be admitted to an academic program until they score 79 Internet-based (550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 6.5 IELTS) on the TOEFL or pass the Michigan Test of English Language.
Students with a verbal score on the GRE/GMAT that is significantly below the DSU average will be required to take remedial English language coursework through the language institute. - Verification that they are financially self-sustaining. DSU requires evidence that foreign applicants have financial support for at least two years. International students must provide an affidavit of financial support. See the DSU Declaration and Certification of Finances form.
- Other factors (such as student maturity, references, or special expertise) also may be used to determine admission to the program.









