International

Become a Global Yellow Jacket Today!

At BHSU, you’ll receive a high-quality education that’s affordable, safe, and rooted in a strong sense of community. Located in the serene and peaceful town of Spearfish, South Dakota and ranked one of the best small cities in the U.S. for outdoor adventure, BHSU offers low tuition, a low cost of living, and over 80 accredited academic programs. With small class sizes, personalized support, and hands-on learning opportunities, it’s the ideal place to achieve your goals and build your future.

Future Students: Application, Costs, Scholarships

Five international students and Kaitlin Palmer, Director of International Relations, pose for a photo.
Twelve international students pose with Kaitlin Palmer, Director of International Relations, at a conference or convention.
Six international students pose for a photo.
Five students pose with Kaitlin Palmer, Director of International Relations, in the Student Union.
International Students and Kaitlin Palmer, Director of International Relations pose with dining staff.
Students work on Japanese calligraphy.

 

Accepted International Students

Congratulations on your admission to Black Hills State University (BHSU) in Spearfish, South Dakota! The staff in the International Relations and Global Engagement Office are committed to BHSU's global mission and vision, and we are eager to welcome you to our campus and into our community. Please review the information below about applying for your F-1 or J-1 visa to enter the US. You can also find detailed information in our Visa FAQ guide. You should also consult your local Embassy website and the Study in the States website to learn more about the visa application process.

Step 1: Collect and Verify your Documents

  • Verify that all information on your I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1) is correct. If you believe there is an error, please contact the International Relations and Global Engagement Office at International@bhsu.edu.
  • Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity at the time of your visa application and appointment.
  • Remember to bring your financial documentation proving your ability to pay the cost of attendance and your original acceptance letter to the university with you during the visa interview.

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

All applicants for the F-1 or J-1 visa are required to pay the "SEVIS fee." You can learn more about this fee by going to the Study in the States website. You need to complete and submit payment for the SEVIS fee here.

Step 3: Apply for your Visa

After paying the SEVIS I-901 fee, you will be able to apply for your visa and schedule the in-person interview. Each country will have slightly different processes and wait times for the in-person interview, so consult your local US Embassy or Consulate and the Study in the States website for how to submit the visa application and schedule the interview appointment. Note: J-1 students and their dependents (J-2) will be required to provide evidence that they will have insurance that meets the US federal requirements for J visa holders. If you have questions about this, please contact us by emailing international@BHSU.edu.

Step 4: Book Your Flight And Request Airport Pick-Up

At BHSU, we work with our students on an individual level. You will notice our individualized student service from the day you arrive here when you will be greeted at the airport by staff from the International Relations and Global Engagement Office. Below, you will find important information you will need to plan for a smooth arrival to BHSU. We offer complimentary pick-up at the Rapid City Regional Airport prior to the start of each semester (Fall and Spring) and before the start of the new student orientation. If you wish to take advantage of our complimentary airport pick-up service, you must arrive at Rapid City Regional Airport on the dates specified below. To reserve the shuttle, email a screenshot of your flight confirmation to international@BHSU.edu. You will receive communications from our office via email about this service, so check your email regularly! If you are a new international student arriving by our shuttle, you are permitted to move onto campus early directly from the airport. If you do not arrive on our shuttle, you will need to secure your own check-in with Residence Life. 

Fall 2025 Pick-up: Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Fall 2025 Drop-off: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2025, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2025

If you are unable to arrive during these dates, you may secure independent transportation. Here are some options we are aware of, please note, you should organize/reserve transportation prior to arrival:

Step 5: Clearing Us Customs And Passport Control

We recognize your initial arrival in the United States may be stressful! The better prepared you are to talk with the Customs and Border Patrol agent upon your arrival at the US Port of Entry (usually, this will be the airport you arrive to from your international flight), the less stressful it will be. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

  • Review the Study in the States website to learn about the arrival process and requirements.
  • Ensure you have with (NOT in your checked baggage!) the following documents:
    • Passport with at least 6 months of validity
    • US visa (F-1 or J-1)
    • Original, signed I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1)
    • Financial documents (recommended)
    • University admission letter (recommended)
    • Contact information for your DSO at BHSU (recommended)
  • If you have not visited the US before, it might be helpful to watch this video to give you an idea of what to expect as you proceed through US customs and passport control upon arrival at the US port of entry.

Step 6: Review Additional Resources

We know students will rely on their friends, family, and other social networks to gather information about what it is like to study and live in the US. We encourage you to use this information to help prepare for your arrival, but we also know a lot of misinformation is shared through personal networks and the “stories” people tell. In addition to your personal contacts, we suggest you take advantage of these official resources in preparing for your studies in the US:

Video: Studying in the States

Video: Know Before You Go

New Student Orientation is required for all incoming students. Be sure to book your flight to arrive prior to the first day of Orientation. Please see the semester schedule:

Fall 2025 Schedule:
Arrival Days (with airport pickup): Aug. 19 & 20
New Student Orientation: Aug. 21-24
First day of classes: Aug. 25
Last day of semester: Dec.17
Airport Departure Days: Dec. 18 & 19

 

Holiday Schedule

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Current Students