The University of South Dakota (USD) admissions are moderately selective for both domestic and international students, with an undergraduate & postgraduate acceptance rate of 98%. The university enrolls over 606 students across its campus. It boasts a dynamic and diverse international student body from over 37 countries. The University offers over 280 undergraduate and 80 graduate-level degrees and certificates across its various colleges, including Arts & Sciences, Business, and Professional Sciences. Applications are accepted on various terms for fall and spring semesters. The minimum GPA required for graduate admissions is 2.6 on a 4.0 scale, which is 70% aggregate, out of which a few successful applicants to competitive programs often present a GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0 (87-89%) or higher, respectively. Applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL: 70+, IELTS: 6.0+, or Duolingo: 100+).
Letters of recommendation, detailed SOPS, and sometimes interviews are part of the admissions approach at USD. Extracurricular activities, work experience, and leadership involvement are also considered, particularly for professional and business programs. You may apply to multiple programs simultaneously, though each application is reviewed independently. Once an application is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation within 24-48 hours. Final decisions are communicated within 4–8 weeks, depending on the program and term.
- University of South Dakota Programs and Fees
- University of South Dakota Acceptance Rates
- University of South Dakota Admission Deadline
- University of South Dakota Postgraduate Admission Deadlines
- University of South Dakota Admission Requirements
5.1 University of South Dakota PG Admissions
5.2 University of South Dakota UG Admissions
- FAQS
University of South Dakota Programs and Fees
The table below shows some of the popular courses offered by the University of South Dakota for Postgraduate International students:
| Courses | Duration | Tuition fee | Tuition fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Biomedical Sciences | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Chemistry | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Physics | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Sustainability | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Psychology | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Communication Sciences & Disorders | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
The table below shows some of the popular courses offered by the University of South Dakota for Undergraduate International students:
| Courses | Duration | Tuition Fee Range | Tuition fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc in Computer Science | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Psychology | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BA in Political Science | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Environmental Science | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Data Science | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Statistics | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Mechanical Engineering | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Computer Engineering | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Biological Sciences | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
University of South Dakota Acceptance Rates
The table below showcases the University of South Dakota's acceptance rate trend for undergraduate and postgraduate programs from 2021 to 2025. Students can observe that the acceptance rates have been steadily increasing, which makes the university highly attractive.
| Years | Acceptance rate |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 98.95% |
| 2023 | 98.95% |
| 2022 | 99.46% |
| 2021 | 87.01% |
| 2020 | 90.95% |
University of South Dakota Admission Deadline
The main intake for the Undergraduate programs at the University of South Dakota is fall (late August) and spring (early January). Applications are typically submitted through the USD Undergraduate Application with key deadlines as follows:
| Application | Deadline | Enrolment Deadline | Arrival Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall season | June 1, 2025 | July 1, 2025 | August 20, 2025 |
| Spring season | October 15, 2024 (closed) | December 1, 2024 (closed) | January 9, 2025 |
University of South Dakota Postgraduate Admission Deadlines
The main intake for the Postgraduate programs at the University of South Dakota is in the fall and spring of the year. Applications are typically submitted through the USD Graduate Application with key deadlines as follows:
| Application | Deadline | Enrolment Deadline | Arrival Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall season | April 30, 2025 | July 1, 2025 | August 20, 2025 |
| Spring season | October 15, 2024 (closed) | December 1, 2024 (closed) | January 9, 2025 |
University of South Dakota Admission Requirements
The University of South Dakota offers admission to International students throughout the year by 2 intakes: Fall (late August/early September) and Spring (January). The process of taking admission to the university is quite similar for domestic students. International students require proof of English language proficiency. The minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) required is 2.6 on a 4.0 scale, which is 70% aggregate, though some graduate programs may have higher GPA expectations. Below are the program-specific admission requirements:
University of South Dakota PG Admissions
The University of South Dakota offers over 80 graduate and doctoral programs to international students in fields like engineering, education, nursing, marine science, architecture, music, and communication. Tuition fees vary throughout the programs, ranging from $12,768 per year. Graduates often secure roles with starting salaries of $58,369 per year. The table below shows the requirements for taking admissions as follows:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | Gradcas Application Portal |
| Application Fee | $38 (non-refundable) |
| Academic Requirement | Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale |
| English Proficiency Scores | IELTS: 6.0 TOEFL: 79 Duolingo English Test: 110 Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53 |
| SOP/LOR |
2 Letters of Recommendation A detailed SOP (500–1000 words) |
| Additional Requirements |
Resume/CV Interview (if required) Writing Sample (for some programs) |
University of South Dakota UG Admissions
The University of South Dakota offers over 280 undergraduate courses, including business, Health Sciences, Engineering, and the Arts. The table below shows the requirements for taking admissions as follows:
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | USD Undergraduate Application |
| Application Fee | $20 (₹1,685 INR) |
| Academic Requirement | Completion of Class XII with a Minimum of 70% aggregate. |
| English Proficiency Test Scores | TOEFL: 71 IELTS: 6.0 Duolingo: 100 PTE Academic: 50 SAT: 490 in Reading and Writing ACT: 18 in English |
| Admission Requirements |
Official high school certificates Personal SOP 1-2 letters of recommendation |
| Admission Deadlines |
Fall Semester: Early August Spring Semester: Early January |
In conclusion, the University of South Dakota offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, a student-friendly admissions process, affordable tuition fees, and a supportive environment for academic and personal growth. The university is recognised for its value-driven education, commitment to student success, and accessible scholarship opportunities for international students. While it provides standard intakes (Fall and Spring) like many U.S. universities, it distinguishes itself through lower application costs, flexible admission criteria, and a strong focus on individualised attention.
The University of South Dakota serves as an excellent option for students seeking a quality education in a welcoming, community-oriented, and cost-effective setting, ideal for those looking to build a solid academic foundation in the United States.
FAQS
Ques: How can I apply to the University of South Dakota as an international student?
Ans: You can apply through the USD Online Application Portal or the Common Application.
Ques: Does USD offer scholarships to international undergraduate students?
Ans: Yes. USD offers Coyote Beginnings Scholarships and Coyote Beginnings Grants, based on GPA and test scores, worth up to $4,000 per year.
Ques: Will USD help with my student visa application?
Ans: Yes. Once admitted, USD provides the Form I-20, which you need to apply for an F-1 student visa.
Ques: Is there on-campus housing for international students?
Ans: Yes. USD offers multiple on-campus housing options for undergraduate students with meal plans.
College Student Profiles
University of South Dakota Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MBA Business Analytics 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (30th Apr 2026) | USD 13,127 /Yr | 35 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL-79, IELTS-6.0, Duolingo-110 | |
MBA 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (30th Apr 2026) | USD 13,127 /Yr | 35 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL(79), IELTS(6.0), Duolingo-110 | |
Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake (1st Apr 2026) Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Aug 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (5th Dec 2026) | USD 15,309 /Yr | 36 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL- 79, IELTS- 6.0, Duolingo- 110, PTE- 53 | - | |
M.S Computer Science 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jul 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (5th Dec 2026) | USD 13,140 /Yr | 36 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL- 79, IELTS- 6.0, Duolingo- 110, PTE- 53 | - |
B.B.A Operational Analytics 4 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jun 2026) | USD 13,299 /Yr | 20 | GPA 2.6, TOEFL-71, IELTS-6.0, Duolingo-105 | - |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
Reviews
1 Reviews Found
Likes
- I really liked the freedom that college life afforded.
- I really enjoyed the Greek system there.
Dislikes
- I didn't like how much people drank or binge drank.
Overview
Since I was a resident of the state it was very easy for me to get it. I had to take a test called the ACT. I took it twice and got a very decent score. I was immediately accepted into the freshman class that year.
Scholarship
I received a scholarship for writing a short essay on Native American issues in the state. It was just read by the Native American studies department and ranked. I applied for more but only really was awarded that one.
Comments