International Program Center

Facts

Student Enrollment:
Bemidji State University welcomes international students from around the world. BSU is a public university, founded in 1919 with a current enrollment of approximately 5,000 students from 45 states and 40 foreign countries, all of whom benefit from the vast resources of the Minnesota State College and Universities System (MnSCU).

Program Offerings:
BSU is both an undergraduate and graduate coeducational state (public) supported institution. The University offers bachelor degree programs in more than 50 fields of study along with over 10 master's degree programs. BSU is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities.

Location:
BSU is located in the spectacular lake country of north central Minnesota, less than 220 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. The University sits adjacent to the city of Bemidji, which is recognized as the first city on the Mississippi River and one of the 110
best small cities in America.

Climate:
The local climate offers a great variety among the four seasons. Although summers are generally warm and comfortable (17C to 32C), winters may be very cold (-7C to -37C). A heated indoor walkway system provides access to almost every building on campus from the residence halls.

Travel to Bemidji:
Most international students arrive at the Bemidji Regional Airport on the Mesaba Northwest Airlink from connecting flights. It is recommended that international students book flights to Bemidji, (BJI), going through U.S. Customs at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport (MSP).

Bemidji is also served by Jefferson Lines, a commercial motorbus.

Community:
The city of Bemidji is the financial, cultural, and social hub of north central Minnesota. Please visit the following websites for more information on the community of Bemidji:
Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce: http://www.bemidji.org
Bemidji Visitor's and Convention Bureau: http://www.visitbemidji.com
Bemidji Regional Airport: http://www.bemidjiairport.org

Academic Calendar:
The academic year is divided into two sixteen-week semesters. Each semester is a
complete unit of study requiring examinations and completion of coursework. BSU also offers courses in the summer. Summer session begins in June and ends in mid-August. Course lengths vary from 3-5 weeks within the summer session dates.
Please note: New entering international students may not initiate study beginning in a summer session.

Current academic calendar information:
http://www.bemidjistate.edu/Catalog/0607upcatalog/
Frontpages/Section0/calendar.html

The International Program center:
The International Program Center at Bemidji State University serves international students as prospective students and during the application/admission process, provides transfer credit evaluations, conducts the international student orientation sessions, and serves as
a resource throughout enrollment on matters related to F-1 and J-1student visa status.

A Family Friends program is available to provide international students with an American friend while studying in the U.S. The program provides for unique opportunities in gaining additional insights into the American culture. Participation is this program is voluntary.

English as a Second Language:
Bemidji State offers English as a Second Language (ESL) service courses for international students. Students must meet the minimum TOEFL score requirement for admission, but often still need additional assistance to increase English language skills to be competitive
in the college classroom. ESL assessment is completed during the new international
student orientation programs.

Costs:
Bemidji State University is pleased to be able to offer resident tuition rates to international students. This results in a savings of over $6,000 per year to undergraduate international students, with graduate students realizing a savings of almost $3,000! Current tuition
rates can be found at: http://www.bemidjistate.edu/students/tuition_fees/

Along with the very competitive tuition rates, BSU also offers ‘banded tuition’ for undergraduate on-campus students. This means the tuition rate stays the same starting
at 12 credits. Banded tuition allows students to plan more efficiently for degree completion.

In addition, on-campus residential hall room rates will remain at the same cost for a student upon entry into the halls, for up to 5 years. This is a great savings and very useful as students plan their budgets.

Housing:
Bemidji State University’s six residential halls have room or floor options that fit diverse student lifestyles. Most halls remain open during semester break and holiday breaks at no additional charge. A variety of dining services are available on campus. Please visit the
Office of Residential Life web page at http://www.bemidjistate.edu/reslife

Health Insurance:
International students are required to purchase medical and hospitalization insurance through the MnSCU contracted insurance provider. The U.S. does not have a nationalized health insurance plan. Because students are responsible for the payment of medical services, enrollment conditions are such that students must be covered by health
insurance throughout their entire period of study. Students are billed annually for the mandatory insurance coverage. Please visit https://www.uhcsr.com
for information on the contracted provider.