FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ADMISSION

Can the application fee be waived for international students?

No.

For what terms can international students apply to enter?

Fall Semester (August entrance) or Spring Semester (January entrance)

What forms of payment are accepted to pay the undergraduate application fee?

You may pay the undergraduate application fee of $35 USD by check, money order, or credit card (Visa).  If you are paying by check or money order, please make it payable to North Dakota State University.  It is also possible to pay by credit card or wire transfer. 

What are the application deadlines for international students?

May 1 for Fall Semester (August entrance) and November 1 for Spring Semester (January entrance) for undergraduate international students.  For graduate international applicants, the deadline for Fall Semester is May 1 and August 1 for Spring Semester. 

Are notarized documents accepted as official copies of marks sheets/transcripts or bank statements?

No.  All marks and bank statements must be certified by the school or institution itself.  We do not accept notarized documents. 

What is the TOEFL school code for North Dakota State University?

6474. 

Are international students required to take standardized tests such as the SAT for admission purposes?

No.  We do not require the SAT for international undergraduate applicants, but recommend it for certain majors, such as engineering. 

Is the IELTS accepted at North Dakota State University?

Yes. We require a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 for full-standing admission to North Dakota State University.  Graduate programs often require higher scores depending on department requirements.  Please visit the NDSU Graduate School website at www.ndsu.edu/gradschool for more information. 

Are there scholarships available for undergraduate international students?

Yes.  We currently offer the Academic and Cultural Sharing Scholarship to incoming undergraduate freshman and transfer students.  It is only available to F-1 non-immigrant applicants.  The scholarship is awarded as a tuition discount.  Currently, recipients of the Academic and Cultural Sharing Scholarship save $6,300 per academic year on tuition costs. 

How do I know if I am supposed to apply for admission through the Office of International Programs of the Office of Admission?

If you are in non-immigrant status or planning to apply for a F-1 student visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate outside the United States, you would apply for admission through the Office of International Programs.  If you hold immigrant status in the United States (permanent residency/greencard holder), you would apply through the Office of Admissions. 

Can I defer my admission to a future term if I am unable to attend for the initial term I was offered admission?

Yes.  Please be sure to let us know that you wish to defer so that we can send you the updated immigration and admission documents. 

If my English proficiency is lower than NDSU’s required minimum scores, can I receive conditional admission?

Yes.  We offer an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for students who fail to meet the minimum English requirement.  The level of instruction is at the intermediate and advanced levels of English.  Therefore, we require a minimum TOEFL score of 140 (CBT), 460 (PBT), or 48 (iBT) for entrance into the IELP.  For more information on the IELP, please click on this link:  http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/International/english_program/english_program.shtml

Can I get transfer credits for other university or post-secondary coursework I have already completed at a U.S. or foreign institution?

Yes.  We request that you send all official marks (transcripts) as well as official course descriptions for all post-secondary course work completed with your application for undergraduate admission.  Then, your documents will be evaluated for transfer credits at NDSU.  A letter and evaluation will be sent to you to explain in detail the amount of transfer credits you are able to receive.  It is not guaranteed that all credits will transfer in.  The evaluation process depends on a variety of factors.