University of South Dakota: what international applicants need

What are University of South Dakota's application deadlines for 2026–27?

University of South Dakota admits on a rolling basis for 2026–27: there's no single deadline, and it answers applications as they come in, so applying early is safer.

What is University of South Dakota's acceptance rate?

98.8% for students who started in fall 2024: University of South Dakota admitted 5,892 of its 5,965 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does University of South Dakota require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

It depends. University of South Dakota requires SAT or ACT scores from some applicants or programs only for 2026–27, and its testing page says which.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.

What SAT score do you need for University of South Dakota?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 595–695 in Math and 530–620 in Reading and Writing (4% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 19–25.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is University of South Dakota's application fee for international students?

University of South Dakota's application fee is $25 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does University of South Dakota accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. University of South Dakota accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does University of South Dakota accept?

University of South Dakota doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does University of South Dakota require?

University of South Dakota doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does University of South Dakota require the Common App personal essay?

No. University of South Dakota doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.

How many international students does University of South Dakota have?

408 of University of South Dakota's 7,619 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 5.4%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does University of South Dakota cost for international students?

University of South Dakota is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $12,942 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $9,432). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $10,356. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $29,246 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source