Undergraduate 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.
Canadian students do not need an F-1 student visa but *do* need an I-20 to attend BSU as an international student.
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at international@bemidjistate.edu or by phone at (218) 755-4096.
1. Complete Your Application
Complete an International Student Application.
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 SSN 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 Your Supporting Documents
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.
Statement of Purpose
In your own words, please:
- Describe your academic background,
- Why you want to study at BSU,
- What your educational goals at BSU are and how those tie into your future goals and
- Why you should be selected to study at BSU.
The purpose of this writing is not to impress us; we want it to be honest and allow us to get to know you.
Official Academic Transcripts
- Submit original transcripts or officially certified copies from ALL previously attended institutions, including secondary/high schools, colleges, universities or technical schools.
- If records are not in English, include a certified translation.
- If attending a non-U.S. post-secondary institution without a BSU articulation agreement, get a course-by-course evaluation by a NACES-accredited agency. SpanTran provides a discount for BSU students.
Proof of English Proficiency
Undergraduate 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 | 61 (IBT)(BSU’s TOEFL Test Code is 6676)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 | 5.5 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. |
| Duolingo English Test (Online Test) | 95 – Applicants must have official test results sent to the International Program Center at Bemidji State University through the Duolingo dashboard |
| SAT | SAT Reading sub-score of 22 or higher |
| 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 |
| MELAB | 70 – with a cover letter from testing institution |
| Pearson (PTE) Academic Test | 47 – only scores accessed via the Score Report website are considered valid |
| ELS Educational Services | Completion of course 109 or higher |
| MELP | Completion of all Level 3: Advanced ESL classes in the Intensive English Program with a S grade |
| Graduation from a U.S. high school | Must have physically attended classes in the U.S. and must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 |
Financial Affidavit
- 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).
All supporting documents may be scanned and submitted to our office via email to International@bemidjistate.edu. You must include your BSU-issued 8-digit student identification number and first and last name.
We reserve the right to request an original copy of documents, should the scanned copy not prove sufficient.