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University of South Dakota Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

Q: Does the University of South Dakota give scholarships for international students?

Various scholarships are available from the University of South Dakota. The University of South Dakota grants student scholarships of around USD 10.7 million (INR 89 Cr) annually. All prospective students can apply for scholarships from the University of South Dakota through the online academic scholarship application. The application for the academic scholarship is usually accessible in the Fall of each year, with a mid-November priority deadline and an early December final deadline. (USD 1=INR 83.88) Students can check the University of South Dakotas scholarships for international students below: Scholarship Name Scholarship Award Coyote Beginnings USD 4,000 (INR 3.3L) Legacy Scholarship USD 1,000 (INR 83K) Valedictorian Scholarship USD 500 (INR 41K) Dual Credit Scholarship USD 600 (i-6 USD credit hours) (INR 50k) Premier Scholarships USD 40K to USD 48K (INR 33L-INR 40L) Departmental and Geographic Scholarships USD 10K to USD 40K (INR 8.3L-INR33L) Army ROTC Scholarship 100% tuition fees USD 6,000 for room (INR 5L) USD 600 for books (INR 50k) USD 420 for living allowance (INR 35K)

Q: How is the University of South Dakota?

The University of South Dakota, one of the state's premier universities, is committed to welcoming students from across the world of tomorrow via innovation, research opportunities, flexible scheduling, and hands-on learning experiences. Almost 9,000 students, including those from abroad, applied to the University of South Dakota because of its stellar reputation, high rankings, top-notch academic programs, and beautiful campus. More than 200 undergraduate courses and 80 master's degrees in a variety of disciplines are offered by the University of South Dakota. Business analytics, accounting, business administration, computer science, mathematics, biology, basic biomedical sciences, chemistry, physics, and biomedical engineering are a few of the most sought-after majors.

Q: How to get into the University of South Dakota?

To gain admission to the University of South Dakota, international students must follow the guidelines listed below: Step 1: Select a program: International students must select a degree from 200 bachelor's and more than 80 graduate programs after meeting the requirements for admission. Step 2: Complete the application: Now, to apply for a graduate programme or an undergraduate program, go to the official website (gradcas.liaisoncas.org/application/) or use the common app, and fill out the necessary information, such as academic background, GPA, results from standardized tests, English language proficiency, and more. Step 3: Pay the application fee. To apply for an undergraduate program, students must pay USD 20 (INR 1.6K), for a postgraduate program, USD 38 (INR 3.1K), and for an MBA program, USD 35 (INR 2.9K). (USD 1=INR 83.88) Step 4: Await a response: After reviewing the application, the university will send an offer letter to enroll in the programme in a few weeks. Step 5: Pay tuition: The amount of tuition that students must pay depends on the course. For graduates, the tuition at the University of South Dakota ranges from INR 6L to INR 21L. The approximate cost of undergraduate tuition is INR 10L.

Q: What are some useful tips for students starting their first semester at the University of South Dakota?

Coming to a new country and starting a new life is not at all an easy thing. Students must adhere to the following tips if starting the first semester at the university: Never skip classes: Attend each session as it maintains the flow of the chosen curriculum and students will grasp it fast Never hesitate to ask doubts: No doubt is a * doubt. Ask anything that arises in your mind. Use student loans wisely: The tuition fees may seem affordable but there are too many expenses associated with it, including food, hostel, insurance, books, expenses, and more. Make time for a workout: Never skip meals, exercise, or compromise with your health. Give priority to health. Engage in extracurricular activities: This will help students grow new bonds with people and develop some experience.

Q: What are all the things that students can do in their free time as the University of South Dakota?

The University of South Dakota offers various options for students to spend their time accordingly. The university offers more than 200 student clubs and organizations, which include various academic societies and cultural clubs that students can join as per their wishes. Students can also enjoy the outdoor opportunities available around Vermillion and nearby cities of Sioux Falls and Omaha. Additionally, students can also opt for working part-time jobs, as it is encouraged for them to get acquainted with the American work culture. First-year students can do on-campus part-time jobs. Students can work up to 20 hours per week and earn a minimum of USD 11.50 per hour. It is worth noting that international students would have to pay income tax as per US federal laws and would have the same labor rights as any other worker. Moreover, the part-time work generally is not recognised as an experience unless the students take an internship course through their academic program.

Q: What kind of housing support and options are available for international students at the University of South Dakota?

According to the University of South Dakota, over 1000 on-campus housing options are available for students choosing to live on campus. For students choosing off-campus housing, the Gallagher International Centre (GIC) looks after the university’s overseas affairs and provides strong support to students throughout their housing process. Applicants must consult with the GIC team before signing a housing lease to avoid complications. Affordable housing offers are available within walking distance of the campus, but applicants must avoid signing any lease before securing their visa. Moreover, talking about the transportation facilities available around campus, it is worth noting that the university does not provide any dedicated late-night safe rides. Vermillion is considered a very safe locality, even during late hours, where most of the places are at a walkable distance. Hence, making it quite safe and student-friendly.

Q: How much does it cost to attend the University of South Dakota?

The USD provides over 200 undergraduates and 80 master's programs in specializations such as Business Analytics, Business Administration, Accountancy, Computer Science, Mathematics, and more. The University of South Dakota tuition fees for international students range between INR 6L and INR 21L for graduates and around INR 10L for undergraduates. Students can check the table below for the tuition cost of the popular courses at the university: Courses 1st Year Tuition Fees MBA/PGDM (4 courses) INR 10 L - 12 L MS (10 courses) INR 9 L - 18 L BSN (1 course) INR 11 L MIM (3 courses) INR 10 L - 12 L BSc (30 courses) INR 11 L BBA (14 courses) INR 11 L BA (18 courses) INR 11 L BE / BTech (4 courses) INR 11 L MA (19 courses) INR 10 L - 21 L PG Certificate (10 courses) INR 7 L

Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?

The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores , undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.

Q: Is the University of South Dakota hard to get into?

With a 99% acceptance rate, the University of South Dakota is easy to get into. The university follows an easy approach during admission. The university takes a simple admissions procedure. The high acceptance percentage does not mean that the university admits every applicant; rather, it suggests permissive admittance as compared to another university. Students must prove themselves by scoring excellent academic scores, English proficiency requirements, and standardized test scores. Also, the university prioritizes factors, such as rigor of secondary school record, class rank, academic GPA, standardized test scores, application essays, recommendations, and more.

Q: What is the tuition fee for international students at the University of South Dakota?

The University of South Dakota tuition fees for international students range between INR 6L and INR 21L for graduates and around INR 10L for undergraduates. Students can check the table below for the tuition cost of the popular courses at the university: Courses 1st Year Tuition Fees MBA/PGDM (4 courses) INR 10 L - 12 L MS (10 courses) INR 9 L - 18 L BSN (1 course) INR 11 L MIM (3 courses) INR 10 L - 12 L BSc (30 courses) INR 11 L BBA (14 courses) INR 11 L BA (18 courses) INR 11 L

Vermillion, South Dakota, USA

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University of South Dakota Admissions
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International students can apply for the University of South Dakota admissions in the Spring and Fall semesters. The University of South Dakota application deadline 2025 for UG and PG programs is given below:

Undergraduate Deadlines:

Spring: Oct 15, 2025
Fall: Jun 1, 2026 (tentative)

Graduate Deadlines:

Spring: Oct 1, 2025
Fall: May 1, 2026 (tentative)
MBA: Three weeks before the semester starts (all intakes)

University of South Dakota Admissions

Table of content

University of South Dakota Admission Overview 2026
University of South Dakota Courses: Eligibility and Fees 2025
University of South Dakota Admission Process 2026
- University of South Dakota MS Admissions 2026
- University of South Dakota MBA/PGDM Admissions 2026
University of South Dakota Application Process 2026
University of South Dakota Scholarships 2026
University of South Dakota Students review
University of South Dakota Admissions 2025 FAQs

University of South Dakota Admission Overview 2026

Established in 1862, University of South Dakota has gained a global academic reputation and is renowned for its excellence in teaching, research, and international student engagement.

University of South Dakota offers a diverse portfolio of 144 programs across UG and gradute level. Indian students can choose from 89 bachelor’s programs, including B.E. / B.Tech, BBA, B.Sc., B.A. and LL.B.. These programs generally run for 2 years to 6 years and emphasize hands-on training, global case studies, and industry exposure. Postgraduate aspirants from India can access 55 master’s degrees, including MS, MBA/PGDM, M.A., MFA and MPA. These master’s programs typically span 18 months to 3 years and may include internships or thesis-based research projects.

Indian students must make a budget for University of South Dakota tuition fees, visa fees, accommodation, health insurance, and daily expenses. Undergraduate tuition fee is USD 13,299 - 14,152 (INR 11,66,721 - 12,41,554), while postgraduate tuition tuition fees is USD 12,500 - 22,708 (INR 10,96,625 - 19,92,172), depending on the course and specialization.

Indian students can apply through the official University of South Dakota portal. It's essential to meet the eligibility criteria and prepare scanned copies of academic documents, English test scores, and identity proofs. Once documents are uploaded and verified, applicants pay the non-refundable University of South Dakota application fee to complete their submission. The basic admission eligibility for international students is given below:

(1 USD = Rs. 87.73) As of Aug 26, 2025

Particular	University of South Dakota Info
Application fee	UG: USD 20 PG: USD 35
Standardized tests required	UG: Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and SAT PG: Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL, GRE and PTE
Total International students enrolled	N/A
No.of students per faculty	14

University of South Dakota offers a diverse range of programs in UG and Graduate level. Some popular majors are Computer Science Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. International students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit all the required documents based on the level of the program. The University of South Dakota admission requirements for international students are discussed below:

Programs	Academic Qualifications	English Proficiency Requirements	First-Year Tuition Fees
MS (2 years)	A graduation degree from a recognized university with minimum 2.7 CGPA	IELTS: 6 scores	N/A
MBA/PGDM (24 months)	A graduation degree from a recognized university with minimum 2.7 CGPA	IELTS: 6 scores	N/A
M.A. (1 year - 24 months)	A graduation degree from a recognized university with minimum 3 CGPA	IELTS: 6 scores	USD 12,500
MFA (2 years - 3 years)	A graduation degree from a recognized university with minimum 2.7 CGPA	IELTS: 6 scores	USD 22,708
B.E. / B.Tech (4 years - 5 years)	A standard XII from a recognized university with minimum 2.6 CGPA	IELTS: 6 scores	N/A
B.Sc. (2 years - 6 years)	A standard XII from a recognized university with minimum 2.6 CGPA	IELTS: 6 scores	N/A
BBA (4 years - 5 years)	A standard XII from a recognized university with minimum 2.6 CGPA	TOEFL: 71 scores IELTS: 6 scores	USD 14,152

University of South Dakota Admission Process 2026

International students interested in joining University of South Dakota must follow a step-by-step admission process that includes filling out the application form, submitting the required documents, paying the application fee, and more. The University of South Dakota admission process for international students is outlined below:

Choose fields: Students can explore their preferred area of study from a wide range of over 144 UG and graduate programs. Some of the popular streams include Engineering, Business & Management Studies, Law, Medicine & Health Sciences and Science.
Submit the documents: UG and graduate applicants need to submit documents such as SOP, LOR and CV, and more.
Pay the application fee: After completing the application form with your personal and academic details and uploading the required documents, pay the non-refundable University of South Dakota application fee of USD 20 for undergraduate programs and USD 35 for postgraduate programs—to finalize your application.
Wait for response: Once the application is submitted, students can expect to receive a response—either an offer letter or a rejection—via email within a few weeks.
Apply for a visa: After receiving confirmation from the university, students must apply for a USA student visa. Required documents include a valid passport, study permit, financial proof, the university's offer letter, and more.
Pay tuition: Students must pay the University of South Dakota tuition fees, which is USD 13,299 - 14,152 for undergraduate programs and USD 12,500 - 22,708 for graduate programs.

Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q: How much does it cost to attend the University of South Dakota?

Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?

Q: Is the University of South Dakota hard to get into?

University of South Dakota MS Admissions 2026

13 courses 18 months - 2 years

University of South Dakota offers a 18 to 24 months MS program. Some of the streams that are popular among international students include Engineering, Business & Management Studies, Law, Medicine & Health Sciences and Science. Some of the most chosen programs by international students include Computer Science Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. To be considered for admission, students must meet the minimum eligibility criteria. Moreover, applicants must also have an idea of the hostel fee of USD 9,508. Additionally, applicants are required to submit essential documents such as SOP, LOR and CV, and more as part of the application process.

Total Tuition Fees₹ 10L - 18.7L

Eligibility Criteria

Accepting Exams: GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT

Commonly asked questions
On MS Admissions

Q: What is the most popular major at the University of South Dakota? Why?

Q: Is the University of South Dakota good for an MSc in Business Analytics?

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University of South Dakota MBA/PGDM Admissions 2026

4 courses 18 - 24 months

University of South Dakota offers MBA/PGDM, typically for a duration of 18 to 24 months, for students who are keen to grow their career in their desired field. Some of the popular streams include Engineering, Business and Management Studies, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences and Science. The programs are offered in various industry-focused specializations, which include Computer Science Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, among others. Moreover, applicants must also have an idea of the hostel fee of USD 9,508. The minimum admission requirements include eligibility as per the program. Students would also need to submit necessary documents like SOP, LOR and CV as per the program.

Total Tuition Fees₹ 10.7L - 12.8L

Eligibility Criteria

Accepting Exams: GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT

Commonly asked questions
On MBA/PGDM Admissions

Q: How much is the University of South Dakota MBA for international students?

Q: What are the best reasons to attend the University of South Dakota?

View course details

University of South Dakota Application Process 2026

International students must follow the steps below to complete the University of South Dakota admission process:

Choose a program: Explore and select course from 144 programs. Make sure to review each program’s eligibility requirements.
Fill out the application form: Apply through the University of South Dakota portal or other common applications by entering personal and academic details, writing essays (if required), and uploading standardized test scores and English language proficiency results.
Pay application fee: The application fee for international students is USD 20 for UG and USD 35 for graduate.
Wait for a response: Once the application is submitted, University of South Dakota will review it. Students typically receive a decision and, if successful, an offer letter within a few weeks.
Pay tuition fees: Accepted students must pay the tuition fees based on the program. For undergraduate courses, the tuition fee is USD 13,299 - 14,152. For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees is USD 12,500 - 22,708.

Commonly asked questions
On Application Process

Q: What is the tuition fee for international students at the University of South Dakota?

Q: What are the English requirements for the University of South Dakota?

Q: What are the requirements to get into the University of South Dakota?

University of South Dakota Scholarships 2026

University of South Dakota offers various scholarships to reduce the financial burden for international students, including those from India. These scholarships support students throughout their academic journey and ensure that talented applicants will not suffer due to financial limitations. Some of the most prestigious and competitive University of South Dakota scholarships include USD- Music Scholarship, USD- Art Scholarship for Current Students and USD- Arts Scholarship for Incoming Students. International applicants are recommended to apply early, as many scholarships require additional documents and are reviewed during admissions. The availability and amount awarded can vary depending on the course and academic level. Check the table below to explore popular scholarships at University of South Dakota, including funding amount.

Name of scholarship	Amount Covered
USD- Music Scholarship	N/A
USD- Art Scholarship for Current Students	N/A
USD- Arts Scholarship for Incoming Students	N/A

Commonly asked questions
On Admission

Q: How many international students are at the University of South Dakota?

Q: What is the acceptance rate for the University of South Dakota?

University of South Dakota
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.1/5

5 Verified Reviews Info Icon

Vibe of Campus

Easy going
Friendly
Sporty
Liberal

Student Views

40% students never faced discrimination in this university

Internships2.8

Part time work2.8

Post study jobs3.2

Quality of faculty3.4

Student Life4.2

Value for money4.2

Public transportation1.8

Safety4

Indian Food1.8

Permanent Immigration2.6

Gagan Phani Chandra Polukonda Verified Icon

Computer Science (M.S) - Batch of 2024

1.6

Good for masters not for knowledge.

Tips: I did not experience any cultural shift here yet. Many things here are almost the same as back in India but also we are unaware of a lot of things and need to explore the culture here. There is no way to know the things happening around you unless it is a university event, so look out for those. I did not get any scholarship and it is very difficult to get a scholarship. And also the assistantships. On a scale of 5 I will give it 3.

Likes (Value for money): The college's fee is not well justified because the professors aren't good enough for the fee we pay and it is not a good university if you want to increase your knowledge through Masters. This is what I can say from my experience till now.

Dislikes (Public transportation): Well the campus is almost in the centre of the town but there is not much public transportation to go. There are only two buses that go through our college, one in the morning and one in the evening that too they go to different destinations. It is affordable and convenient.

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2023Read more

Saikrishnayadav modiboyena Verified Icon

Computer Science (M.S) - Batch of 2024

2.9

College is budget friendly, academics manageable. No need to fear about racism and gun culture.

Tips: Basic knowledge of your course is enough to maintain 3+ GPA. Students can manage academics without pressure. The vermilion city was a kind of remote area and there are no Indian restaurants, or Indian grocery stores up to 40 miles. There is no oppurtunity for part times in the city other than on-campus.

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2023Read more

Kalainidhi Tirounavoucarassou Verified Icon

Computer Science (M.S) - Batch of 2023

3.5

Cheap university and cheap cost of living

Tips: Students can’t do off campus jobs and it's hard to get part time. Hard to find Indian restaurants. Transportation is crap in this city. Car is a must for students, especially at this university. No more Indian groceries nearby. Prefer staying off campus for saving money.

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2023Read more

Nikul Vyas Verified Icon

BS/MS in Computer Science - Batch of 2018

2.7

Campus is welcoming and full of activities.

Tips: The college is located at a small town named Vermillion, SD near Missouri river and on the border of Nebraska & Iowa. However, there's no public transport so having a car becomes mandatory. USD's mascot is a coyote and when you attend the games you do get the feel.

Likes (Student Life): The campus is really welcoming, and small-town presence makes the students feel included in the community. The campus provides lots of activities for international students to get involved. Each day, the campus will have some or the other activities going on, apart from computer science department where there is a Nepali professor partially favoring students from Nepal to provide assistantships & scholarships for free. All other departments are much better. If you are a CS major, I'd not recommend this college.

Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): The federal laws are not merit based and the PR options are skim. The international office does try their best to assist students with all the process however, the laws in US are structured in such a way that getting a PR becomes next to impossible for legal immigrants.

Reviewed on 6 Nov 2022Read more

Anonymous

Computer Science (M.S) - Batch of 2023

4.7

Affordable tuition fees and good faculty.

Tips: The college fee is affordable. Students can take advanced courses from the field of Artificial intelligence and Machine learning. Professors are industry experienced and they teach tough concepts in an easy way. So, it is easy to understand them and they teach us from the basics.

Likes (Part time work): The University has various on-campus jobs from GA/RA/TA to IT service desk/Library/Gamer services, etc. There is a job portal where we can apply for multiple jobs and get selected. During winter/summer breaks also we can find part time jobs on the campus.

Dislikes (Public transportation): As it is a college town, so it is a walkable city. We can just manage with a bicycle or by walking. Public transport is available at an affordable cost based on the need - Vermillion public transit. During winter, it's better to have car as it snows here.

Reviewed on 28 Sep 2022Read more

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University of South Dakota Admissions 2025 FAQs

Q: Does the University of South Dakota give scholarships for international students?

Q: How is the University of South Dakota?

Q: How to get into the University of South Dakota?

Q: What are some useful tips for students starting their first semester at the University of South Dakota?

Q: What are all the things that students can do in their free time as the University of South Dakota?

Q: What kind of housing support and options are available for international students at the University of South Dakota?

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