University of South Dakota Admissions
The University of South Dakota is a public research university located in Vermillion, South Dakota. As the state’s flagship university, the University of South Dakota is recognized for its strong liberal arts tradition, dedicated faculty, and commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education. The university offers a comprehensive academic experience that fosters intellectual curiosity and prepares students to become leaders in their chosen professions and communities.
Undergraduate Admissions
- The University of South Dakota does not require ACT or SAT scores for general admission.
- A personal essay is encouraged.
- Official high school transcripts are necessary for a thorough review of academic performance.
- Letters of recommendation are optional but can strengthen an application.
- English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test) are required for international students whose native language is not English.
- Financial documentation demonstrating the ability to cover educational and living expenses is also essential for international applicants.
Graduate Admissions
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is a prerequisite for all graduate programs at USD.
- A competitive undergraduate GPA is generally required for admission to graduate studies.
- Some graduate programs may require standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended are required.
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references are typically required.
- A well-crafted statement of purpose outlining academic and career goals, as well as research interests, is essential for most graduate applications.
| Application Fee | 35 USD |
| Acceptance Rate | 99% |
| ELP Tests Accepted |
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| Standardized Test Scores (PG) | GMAT, GRE |
| International Application Deadlines | UG: October 01 PG: Vary by program |
University of South Dakota Graduate Admissions Requirements
The University of South Dakota offers over 80 graduate programs, including on-campus, online, and certificate options. International students seeking admission to the University of South Dakota will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:
University Eligibility
- An undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.
- Test Scores: GMAT and GRE scores are optional.
- English language proficiency scores:
- Duolingo: 110
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- PTE: 53
- IELTS: 6.0
Documents Checklist
- Official Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Resume/CV
University of South Dakota Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs
The University of South Dakota offers over 200 undergraduate programs. International students seeking an undergraduate degree at the University of South Dakota will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:
University Eligibility
- High school diploma/transcript
- A cumulative GPA of 2.6 (4.0 scale) in all high school courses.
- Test Scores: Optional
- English language proficiency scores:
- Duolingo: 105
- TOEFL iBT: 71
- PTE: 48
- IELTS: 6.0
Documents Checklist
- Financial Documents
- Passport
- Official Transcripts
University of South Dakota Deadline for UG
International students have to fill out and submit their application before the following University of South Dakota admission deadline:
Intake | Deadline |
Spring 2026 | October 1 |
Fall 2025 | April 30 |
University of South Dakota Selection Criteria
The University of South Dakota employs a holistic admissions approach, considering both academic and non-academic factors. USD also considers factors like extracurricular activities, personal essays, and leadership roles.
Undergraduate Admissions:
- GPA: A GPA of 2.6 or higher on a 4.0 scale is generally expected.
- Class Rank: Applicants in the upper 50% of their high school graduating class are also considered.
- Standardized Tests: ACT scores of 21 or higher, or SAT scores of 1070 or higher are recommended.
- Personal Essay: A strong personal essay can showcase a student’s unique experiences and aspirations.
- Letters of Recommendation: Letters from teachers or counselors can provide valuable insights.
Graduate Admissions:
- GPA: A GPA of 3.0 or higher is generally preferred for graduate programs.
- Letters of Recommendation: 1-2 letters from professors or supervisors who can speak to academic abilities and potential.
- A well-written personal statement is crucial for demonstrating suitability for the program.
- GRE Scores: Some graduate programs may require GRE scores, but it’s program-specific.
- English Proficiency: International students need to demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum academic requirements for international UG admission at the University of South Dakota?
For undergraduate admission to the University of South Dakota, international students generally need the equivalent of a US GPA of 2.6 or higher on a 4.0 scale. While not strictly required for general admission, an ACT score of 21+ or an SAT score of 1070+ can be beneficial, especially for scholarship consideration.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students at the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota requires international applicants to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. For undergraduate admissions, you can meet this with a TOEFL iBT score of 71+, IELTS Academic score of 6.0+, Duolingo English Test score of 105+, or PTE Academic score of 48+. For graduate admissions, the requirements are slightly higher: a TOEFL iBT score of 79+, an IELTS Academic score of 6.0+, a Duolingo English Test score of 110+, or a PTE Academic score of 53+.
What GPA is required for international graduate admissions at the University of South Dakota?
Graduate programs at the University of South Dakota, international applicants are generally required to have a competitive undergraduate GPA, typically a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some programs may have slightly different requirements, so it’s advisable to check the specific program’s admission criteria.
What is the process for obtaining a student visa (F-1) after being admitted to the USD?
After admission to the University of South Dakota and demonstrating financial ability, you will receive an I-20 form. You then need to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. Following this, you can schedule an F-1 visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Essential documents for the interview include your valid passport, I-20 form, proof of SEVIS fee payment, and documented proof of financial support for at least one year. The University of South Dakota’s International Office provides resources and support for this process.
Can I transfer credits to the USD if I have studied at another institution in the U.S. or abroad?
Yes, the University of South Dakota accepts transfer credits. If you are transferring from an accredited college or university in the United States, please contact the International Admissions office at isrt@usd.edu for specific guidance. For credits earned from institutions outside the U.S., it is highly recommended to submit a professional academic transcript evaluation that includes transcript authenticity, GPA calculation, and U.S. degree equivalency, although USD can evaluate most transcripts in-house.
