International Students

Admission

The Admission Application Process:

1. Submit a completed International Student Application for Admission form and application fee. Options:
   
   • A. Complete the on-line International Student Application for Admission form, along with the $20.00 application fee, payable through your credit card, or
   • B. If you are unable to supply a credit card number for the application fee, you may access the application form in PDF format. Download and print a hard copy of the application, complete the information and mail to BSU, along with the fee and required documents. (Address is on the form).
   • C. E-mail, write, or call, the International Program Center to request an application to be mailed to you.
2. We require original transcripts or officially certified copies of original transcripts from all institutions previously attended, including all secondary/high schools, colleges, universities, or technical polytechnic schools you have attended or are currently attending. Uncertified photocopies are not accepted. Scanned e-mail copies are not accepted. If the language of the records is not English, a certified translation must be included with the official transcript. The following documents are not necessary and you do not have to send them with your application: folders, plastic sleeves, copies of awards or extracurricular accomplishments, SAT, compact discs, etc.
3. If English is not your native or first language, request official copies be sent to Bemidji State University:
• TOEFL scores: Minimum score for undergraduate students of 500 paper/pencil, 173 computer based test, or 61 on the internet based. Graduate students minimum score is 550 paper/pencil, 213 computer based test, or 80 on the internet based test.  www.ets.org/toefl/ TOEFL test code for Bemidji State University: 6676.
  OR
• IELTS scores:  Minimum score for undergraduate is 6.0 and 6.50 for graduate students. IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.  www.ielts.org
  OR
• SAT scores – Undergraduate students minimum combined score range of 980-1010 in critical reading and math. Click here to access upcoming test dates and/or to register. Alternatively, you may also visit College Board's SAT website by clicking here.
  
4. A completed BSU Financial Affidavit Form verifying evidence of adequate funding to meet all of the expenses that will be sustained during the student’s proposed program of study. This form must include the required signatures, supporting bank statements, affirmation of support or official letters.
5. Include letters of recommendations: Undergraduates: None required. Graduates: See the Graduate Studies Web page for details.
   
6. Include a 300-500 word essay describing your academic background, type of program you are seeking and educational objectives at Bemidji State University. In addition to writing the 300-500 word essay, students applying to graduate programs, please see the Graduate Studies Web page.
   

Academic Admission Criteria:

Undergraduate: must have graduated from a secondary/high school with a “C” average or better. Transfer students must have a “C” average or better from any post-secondary schools attended.

Graduate: the minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average for admission to graduate school is a 2.75 on a 4-point scale (A=4.0). All Graduate students are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The Counseling Psychology department requires a 3.0 GPA or at least 3.25 for the last 30 semester credits of graded course work and an undergraduate counseling skills course. If admitted, this course may be taken as a graduate level course during your first semester. Additional undergraduate coursework may be required by Psychology Department faculty.

International Students Transferring from a U.S. Institution:
International students who are currently studying in the U.S. and maintained their F-1 status can easily transfer to Bemidji State University. Along with the other application requirements, students have will need to complete an 'International Transfer Request' form.

Upon admission to Bemidji State, please present your admission letter to your current U.S. school, requesting that your SEVIS I-20 be electronically transferred out to Bemidji State University.Usually, this would occur immediately at the conclusion of your studies at your current school.  Your I-20 would then be transferred in by Bemidji State.

Visa and Travel:
The I-20 is issued after the conditions of admission and financial stability have been met. The Form I-20 must be presented together with evidence of payment of the SEVIS fee, your passport and original records of financial support to the nearest American Consulate. It may be to your advantage to request a multiple entry visa which will allow more flexibility should you desire to visit other countries during your stay in the U.S. Students who will be transferring from another U.S. institution should consult with their present international student advisor as to the required transfer procedures. For planning purposes, we recommend you visit the U.S. Department of State website which lists typical wait times for interview appointments and processing. Please note: Canadian citizens are not required to apply for a visa. Canadians may present their documents at the port of entry. This includes your I-20, evidence of payment of the SEVIS fee, passport and original records of financial support at the port of entry.

Enrollment Requirements:
Once admitted, you will be sent an admitted student packet along with your I-20.
Upon delivery of this packet, you will need to:

1. Pay SEVIS fee according to the instructions provided
2. Apply for your student visa
3. Return the arrival notification form
4. Return residence hall and dining service contract form
5. Return the immunization record form

Upon arrival you are required to:

1. Attend the international student orientation program
2. Purchase the mandatory health insurance
3. Have a Mantoux Skin test (a test for tuberculosis)-which is administered by our student health service.
4. Participate in the English language assessment

Application materials should be mailed to:
International Program Center
Deputy Hall 103, #13
1500 Birchmont Drive NE
Bemidji, MN 56601

Graduate Studies:http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/graduate_studies/