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Please read these instructions carefully before beginning your application. Applications will not be reviewed until all required documents are received by the ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Graduate School. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions to clarify any of the following documents required for admission.

International Admission Requirements

South Dakota State University Graduate School requires:

• A minimum GPA of 3.0 to receive unconditional admission.
• A professional academic transcript evaluation for degrees earned outside the United States (This requirement cannot be waived unless your highest degree was earned or will be earned in the U.S. prior to enrollment at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ).
  • If you are completing your bachelor's degree at the time of application, you may submit an incomplete evaluation. If you are accepted, a complete transcript and/or evaluation with completed degree will be required by the end of your first semester of coursework.
• Official U.S. transcripts where a degree is earned (or will be earned), and official U.S. transcripts where graduate level coursework has been taken.
• A minimum TOEFL score of 71, TOEFL Essentials score of 7.5, IELTS score of 6 or Duolingo score of 100.
  • ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ accepts MyBest TOEFL scores.
  • Some programs have higher minimum requirements. Find program specific requirements by selecting your program of interest in the .

Steps to Admission

1. Submit the online application for the appropriate term.

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   Pay the application fee - It is recommended that the fee be paid through the online application system when possible. You may also pay by sending a check or money order to the Graduate School:

   ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Graduate School
   Morrill Hall 130
   Box 2201
   Brookings, SD 57007

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   Submit a Professional Academic Transcript Evaluation. This is a mandatory requirement if you attended a university outside the United States. This requirement cannot be waived unless you've earned a higher degree in the United States. If your highest degree was earned or will be earned in the United State prior to enrolling at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ, then you are only required to submit official transcripts of any previously earned degrees.

   • 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 (NACES) or accredited evaluation service member.
   • , and provide an ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ-specific site for your convenience. TEC and IEE have reduced rates if the ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ specific link is used.
   • Do not send your official transcripts to the Graduate School if you are completing an evaluation for those transcripts. Your evaluation replaces the requirement for official transcripts.

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   Submit U.S. Transcripts.

   • Request official transcripts from each higher education institution where a degree or graduate level credits were earned in the U.S.

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   Submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores.

   • Minimum requirements can vary - select your program of interest in the , and see the admission requirements section for your program's minimum requirements.
   • The IELTS score can be provided by the student if the TRF number is clearly visible on the bottom of the score sheet.
   • The TOEFL score must be sent directly from ETS. The institution code for ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ is 6653.
   • The Duolingo scores must be clearly visible on the provided unofficial score sheet and an official copy sent to the Graduate School.
   • Scores must be within two years of examination date.

   The English proficiency requirement can be waived if you meet one of the following criteria:

   • Citizen of one of the following countries listed below.
   • Completed a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, at which English is the primary language of instruction, located in a country in which English is a recognized, primary language (not necessarily official).
   • Completed two full semesters in a degree program within the U.S. – determined on a case-by-case basis, dependent on overall GPA of completed coursework.
   • Accepted Countries for English Proficiency Waiver:

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   Submit Financial Support Documents.

   • Evidence of available financial support for one year must be provided.
   • An outline of tuition, fees and estimated living expenses with assistantship and without assistantship and the required financial form is available at Office of International Affairs.

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   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. More information about immunization and health requirements.
   • For additional information, contact Student Health Services at 605-688-4157.

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   Submit All Program Required Documents. 

   Individual programs may ask for additional documents above what the Graduate School requires.

• If submitting Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, send directly to the Graduate School from ETS. 
  • The ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ GRE code is 6653. 
  • For a program within the College of Engineering, use GRE code 2862.
• Contact for more information about the GRE test.

9.  Departmental Review. 

   When all required documents have been received, your application file will be sent to the appropriate department for review. Allow for a minimum of 3-4 weeks for departmental review. You will receive an email notification of the admission decision.

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     International Office. 

    If offered 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. Please note, ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ is not authorized to issue I-20s for certificate level programs. International students must be in an on-campus, master's or doctoral level program to be issued an I-20.