The International Program Center works in conjunction with the BSU School of Graduate Studies for all international applicants who apply for admission to study in an on-campus graduate program. Our office deals specifically with the application documents needed for visa issuance after all other aspects of the application are handled through the School of Graduate Studies.
Graduate Application Process
Review the admission criteria and our instructions below prior to applying for admission.
All application materials, including supporting documents (e.g. bank statements, transcripts) become the property of Bemidji State University and cannot be returned. Any documents submitted that are not specifically requested by Bemidji State will not be considered in the applications process.
1. Complete Your Application
Complete an International Student Application online.
Submit only one application. Submitting more than one (via online or paper) application delays processing. Under “Citizenship“ on the application’s first page, be sure to select “International Visa Holder or Seeker.”
The “Social Security” number is optional. Only include a social security number if one has been issued to you by the United States government. “333-22-4444” is only an example: DO NOT enter that as a social security number. If you do not have a SS number, leave that blank, as it delays processing.
2. Pay the International Application Processing Fee
A $50 international application processing fee payment is required to complete your application submission. This fee must be paid before we process your application, is non-refundable, does not guarantee admission and cannot be waived.
To pay the fee, access the PayMyTuition Portal, search for Bemidji State University, and follow the directions.
3. Submit Application Documents for Visa Issuance
Submit all supporting documents via email to international@bemidjistate.edu. Include your BSU-issued 8-digit student ID and full name when submitting supporting documents.
Documents that require a signature must be signed with a “wet”—original pen-and-ink signature. Computer-generated signatures are not acceptable. Note: BSU may request original or official copies if scanned copies are not sufficient.
Proof of English Proficiency
Graduate applicants must meet ONE of the following requirements for English Proficiency. Applicants need to request that official copies of test results be sent directly to the International Program Center at Bemidji State University from the testing authority.
| Proof of English | Minimum Score or Requirement |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 80 on the internet-based test or 550 on the paper-based test Applicants need to request that official copies of test results be sent directly to the International Program Center at Bemidji State University from the testing authority. |
| IELTS | 6.5 Applicants need to request that official copies of test results be sent directly to the International Program Center at Bemidji State University from the testing authority. |
| MELP | Completion of all Level 4: High-Advanced ESL classes in the Intensive English Program with a S grade. |
| Transferring from a U.S. college or university | Minimum of 24 credits of college/university-level work (remedial courses and ESL do not count toward the 24 credits) that includes at least 2 college-level English courses with a B or higher. |
| U.S. Degree | Official transcript of U.S. accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree |
Financial Affidavit
Here’s how to prepare it:
- The Financial Affidavit Form serves as a proof of your capability to fund your first year of study.
- Your Financial Affidavit must show a total of at least $25,859 USD, the estimated cost to attend BSU for two semesters/one academic year.
- Bank Documents. You have 2 options for submitting bank documents:
- Line-by-line bank statements dated within the last six months (sample bank statement).
- Or a notarized letter from your bank dated within the last six months.
For a detailed step-by-step guide, please refer to our General Instructions for completing the Financial Affidavit.
Other Required Documents
- Sign and submit the International Student Agreement Form.
- Provide a copy of the Name/Identification page of your passport.
- Submit the Authorization to Release Student Information Form (if applicable).
- Complete the Transfer Request Form (if currently studying in the U.S. on an F-1/J-1 visa).