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.
We are excited that you are interested in BHSU, and we look forward to working with you as you prepare to further your education! Below is a checklist that outlines the items required to complete your admissions process. Once we receive all of these items, we will notify you of your admissions status. When applying, be sure to check out our academic majors here: Degree Programs. Please let us know if you have any questions or need assistance at international@bhsu.edu. We are here to help you!
As you prepare to enroll as a student at BHSU, there are a few important steps to complete prior to arriving, as soon as you have received your visa. As you complete the steps below, please feel free to contact us by emailing international@bhsu.edu. We will also be sending you communications through email about completing this information, so please check your email regularly!
BHSU residence halls offer a comfortable, convenient, and economical way for students to stay close to campus. For more information about living on campus, including pictures and videos of housing facilities, please see the Residence Life page. To request your room reservation, complete the short online form, and then submit the $100 housing deposit.
**Note: South Dakota Board of Regent Policy requires unmarried students to live-on campus during their first two years of school except upon appeal. If you are outside of this requirement, or a graduate student, you are welcome to secure your own housing.
The International Relations and Global Engagement Office will guide you through the process of registering for courses prior to arriving on campus. In order to register for classes, you will need to meet (virtually) with your academic adviser. These appointments will be arranged for you approximately 1-2 months before the beginning of the semester. You can begin searching for classes that interest you using the links below. We will reach out to you to schedule the advising appointment with your advisor soon.
We are excited that you are interested in BHSU, and we look forward to working with you as you prepare to further your education! Below is a checklist that outlines the items required to complete your admissions process as an International Student. Once we receive all of these items, and receive notification from the Graduate Office of your admissions status, we will be able to send you your documents to help you apply for a visa. Please let us know if you have any questions or need assistance at international@bhsu.edu. We are here to help you!
BHSU residence halls offer a comfortable, convenient, and economical way for students to stay close to campus. For more information about living on campus, including pictures and videos of housing facilities, please see the Residence Life page. To request your room reservation, complete the short online form, and then submit the $100 housing deposit.
**Note: South Dakota Board of Regent Policy requires unmarried students to live-on campus during their first two years of school except upon appeal. If you are outside of this requirement, or a graduate student, you are welcome to secure your own housing.
The International Relations and Global Engagement Office will guide you through the process of registering for courses prior to arriving on campus. In order to register for classes, you will need to meet (virtually) with your academic adviser. These appointments will be arranged for you approximately 1-2 months before the beginning of the semester. You can begin searching for classes that interest you using the links below. We will reach out to you to schedule the advising appointment with your advisor soon.
We look forward to inviting you to our beautiful campus in Spearfish, South Dakota, USA. Each year, BHSU welcomes exchange students from around the world for a rich and immersive educational experience in the US. The staff in the International Relations and Global Engagement office are here to help you through the application and arrival procedures and are prepared to support you throughout your stay at BHSU. Steps to Apply as an Exchange Student: Must be enrolled in one of BHSU Partner Universities and be nominated by your host institution.
Complete the Application by selecting "undergraduate " and "Non-Degree Seeking" under I want to enroll as...
Email the following documents to international@bhsu.edu and specify which exchange institution you are applying from.
After you receive confirmation that we have received your application and documents, we will email your DS-2019 and BHSU Welcome Packet to you.
We look forward to welcoming you, our International Exchange students, to BHSU soon! To prepare for your arrival, please continue reading the Current International Student sectio below!
Undergraduate Tuition - Based on $367.60 per credit hour & 15 credits per semester (2 semesters) | $11,028 |
---|---|
International Student Fee ($200 per semester) | $400 |
Undergraduate General Activity Fees (GAF) - Based on $39.25 per credit hour & 15 credits per semester (2 semesters) | $1,178 |
Discipline Fees - Vary based on course (estimate) | $690 |
Standard Room - Double Occupancy | $4,220 |
Standard Meal Plan | $3,980 |
Health Insurance | $1,316 |
Books & Supplies | $1,200 |
TOTAL - Per Academic Year (2 semesters per academic year) | $24,012 |
*2025-2026 costs shown. All costs are subject to change by the South Dakota Board of Regents.
*Costs will vary depending on number of credits that students enroll in. 120 credit hours are required to graduate from BHSU. On average, students enroll in 12-18 credits per semester. To graduate in four years, students should register in 30 credits per year.
*Some credits are subject to disciplinary fees. Will vary based on course.
*Personal spending money will vary, please consider $2,000 - $5,000 per semester.
If you are bringing a dependent with you to the U.S. under F-2 status, please provide additional funding documention for $10,032 for your spouse and an additional $6,958 per child.
The following scholarships are eligible for F-1 International Students. Students must first gain admission and send final official transcripts from the issuing institution prior to being awarded scholarship funds. Apply here for admission if you have not done so already.
International Scholarship Application
Priority Deadlines:
Fall Semester - May 1
Spring Semester - October 1
Starting in Fall 2022, BHSU’s Scholarships of Distinction program will award merit
scholarships of up to $4,000 per year to new qualifying students, while funds are
available. Scholarships of Distinction are based on unweighted high school GPA, ACT/SAT
scores*, or a combination of the two. Although there is no deadline or separate application
required for this award, students should apply for admission to BHSU prior to February
1 for full consideration. Students who apply for admission after February 1 will be
considered on a funds available basis.
These scholarships are available to new first-time students who have not previously
attended any other college or university. Official academic credentials will be used
to determine award amounts. If academic credentials improve, students may contact
the BHSU Admissions Office to request that their scholarship file be re-evaluated.
Increased awards may occur if funds are available, but are never guaranteed once an
initial scholarship amount has been awarded.
Scholarships of Distinction amounts represent a scholarship pledge to qualifying students and may be funded by individual scholarships that are made possible through the generosity of BHSU Foundation donors and/or other institutional aid. Individual funding sources that fulfill the Scholarships of Distinction program may vary by name. For example, you may see the Green & Gold Scholarship, Jane Doe Memorial Scholarship, etc. listed to fulfill the overall Scholarship of Distinction amount. Scholarships of Distinction are available for up to a maximum of four years, if students maintain a cumulative college GPA of 3.0, complete 30 credit hours of BHSU coursework each academic year, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Graduate Tuition & Fees - Based on $640.20 per credit hour & 15 credits per year | $9,603 |
---|---|
GAF Fees ($39.25/credit) | $589 |
Discipline Fees ($55.50/credit) | $833 |
International Student Fee ($200 per semester) | $400 |
Based on Apartment or Single Room in Standard Hall (not including summers or breaks) | $5,384 |
Standard Meal Plan | $3,980 |
Health Insurance | $1,316 |
Books & Supplies | $1,200 |
TOTAL - Per Academic Year (2 semesters per academic year) | $26,504 |
Graduate Tuition & Fees - Based on $640.20 per credit hour & 16 credits per year | $10,243 |
---|---|
Discipline Fees ($22.25/credit) | $356 |
GAF Fees ($39.25/credit) | $628 |
International Student Fee ($200 per semester) | $400 |
Based on Apartment or Single Room in Standard Hall (not including summers or breaks) | $5,384 |
Standard Meal Plan | $3,980 |
Health Insurance | $1,316 |
Books & Supplies | $1,200 |
TOTAL - Per Academic Year (2 semesters per academic year) | $23,507 |
*2025-2026 costs shown. All costs are subject to change by the South Dakota Board
of Regents.
*Costs will vary depending on number of credits that students enroll in. 36 credit hours are required to graduate from BHSU's MSIG. 30 credit hours are required
to graduate from BHSU's MBA.
*The MBA has a one-year plan with an estimate budget of $37,529 for year year instead
of two.
*Personal spending money will vary, please consider $2,000 to $5,000 per semester
If you are bringing a dependent with you to the U.S. under F-2 status, please provide additional funding documention for $8,652 for your spouse and an additional $5,004 per child.
Students coming on Exchange Programs may only enroll in one or two semesters of study at BHSU, depending on home institution's policies. Please work directly with your home university to determine if you are eligible.
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees based on 12 credit hours per semester | Waived (Home University Tuition) |
---|---|
International Student Fee | $200 |
Standard Room - Double Occupancy | $2,110 |
Standard Meal Plan | $1,990 |
Health Insurance (Fall=$548.35, Spring/Summer=$737.69) | $737.69 |
Books & Supplies (estimate) | $600 |
TOTAL - Per Semester (fees, room, board, insurance, supplies) | $5,668 |
*Personal spending money will vary, please consider $1,000 to $5,000 per semester.
**2025-2026 costs shown. All costs are subject to change by the South Dakota Board
of Regents.
***Please note, some courses are not eligible for tuition fee waivers such as online
or remedial courses.
****Housing costs may vary depending on the type of room.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
In order to comply with state and federal laws governing F-1 and J-1 visa holding students, you must enroll in and purchase the State of South Dakota Board of Regents health insurance policy each semester. You can learn more about the insurance requirements by going to the student health website.
Under limited circumstances, the SDBOR may approve a waiver if a student provides adequate proof of coverage with a plan that meets or exceeds the approved plan's minimum coverage. The Health Insurance Waiver Request Form is available on the student health insurance website. You need to make sure that the South Dakota Board of Regents requirements are met if you would like to request a waiver by highlighting or circling the coverage minimums outlined. This form must be completed and returned by the first day of classes each semester to the Office of International Relations and Global Engagement. Approval for these waivers is not guaranteed. If approval is not granted, you will need to purchase insurance through the mandated plan.
On-Campus Employment As an F-1 or J-1 international student, you may work up to 20 hours per week on campus. During the summer and winter breaks, you may work up to 40 hours per week on campus.
On-campus employment opportunities are plentiful, and many students do undertake employment
while they study. To locate an on-campus job, please ask your advisor, read the Campus
E-Update emails, and check out the Career Development Page. Here are steps for this process here:
Step 1. Conduct your job search and get a job offer. Use BHSU’s Career Services Office to help!
Step 2. BHSU Human Resources Office will write you a job offer letter and request for you
to do “New Hire Paperwork” Please ask your new supervisor to inform HR of your new
position so they can begin this paperwork.
Step 3. Provide the offer letter from step two to the International Office, then your DSO
will provide you an employment support letter.
Step 4. Then you need to go to Rapid City to apply for a Social Security Card in the Rapid City Social Security Card Office. Before you go, be sure to gather copies of all the below required documents:
⠀We recommend one of the following transportation options. Be sure to check the Social Security Office hours if they are open prior to driving to Rapid City:
⠀Once you have applied for your SSN, show the HR Office your receipt and then you may begin working. You don't have to wait for your social security card to be mailed to you to start work. Once your SSN card arrives, you must bring a copy of it immediately to the HR Office. For more information about working on-campus schedule an advising appointment or email International@BHSU.edu.
After completing one year of study (two semesters) at BHSU, you may be eligible to undertake an on or off-campus internship or employment opportunity under the CPT benefit for F-1 international students. You must receive approval from the DSO in the International Relations and Global Engagement office BEFORE beginning to work under CPT. If you are interested in CPT, please schedule an advising appointment with us by emailing International@BHSU.edu. You may also complete the CPT Request Form and submit it to our office for review two weeks prior to your anticipated start date. DO NOT begin work until you have received approval.
F-1 international students have the benefit of work authorization upon completing their studies. This is called Optional Practical Training, or OPT. OPT is something for which you as the F-1 student must request through the International Relations and Global Engagement office, and then apply to US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). The approval time for OPT is approximately 90 days, and once approval is received, you may undertake employment anywhere in the United States for up to 12 months in a job that relates to your academic field of study. Certain fields of study, called STEM fields, may qualify for up to an additional 24 months of work authorization, for a total of 36 months. If you plan to take advantage of this benefit, you should learn about the process to obtain OPT at least one year prior to your expected graduation. Our office offers OPT workshops and advice to help you prepare your OPT application, but you can also use these resources to inform yourself about the process:
Below, we provide you with the important request forms and letter templates you need as part of maintaining your status and helping us support you. Please download, fill out and return completed forms or templates to the International Relations Office by emailing them to International@BHSU.edu or bringing hard copies to the office in Woodburn 115.
Concurrent Enrollment Agreement
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
SEVIS Record Update (use to change your name, major, or physical address)
Each semester (fall and spring), we will offer free pick-up services prior to the start of the term and a return drop-off service at the end. You are responsible for booking your flights into or out of Rapid City Regional Airport according to the dates below if you want to take advantage of this service. To request a pick-up or drop-off, you may email International@BHSU.edu at least two weeks prior to the drop-off or pick-up date specified below to secure a free shuttle. You are not guaranteed a free shuttle service unless your flight schedule is received and confirmed by our office staff.
Fall 2025 Pick-up:
Fall 2025 Drop-off:
If you cannot travel on these dates, you'll need to organize your own transportation.
Ask a roommate, friend, or classmate to help you and offer to cover the cost of gas.
Rapid Shuttle: Rapid City Shuttle Homepage
City Cab: Rapid City Taxi Cab Homepage
Lyft: Lyft - Rapid City (May or may not be available at arrival time)
Uber: Uber - Rapid City (May or may not be available at arrival time)
Recognizing not all students have their own transportation, we offer a twice-monthly shuttle service to the Walmart in Spearfish.
When: Every other Wednesday 6-7:45pm when fall and spring semesters are in session
Where: Meet at the Library cul-de-sac (circle) by 6pm
Details: Shuttle departs by 6:05pm and returns to campus by 8pm. Students cannot purchase alcohol or other items that
are prohibited on campus.
Departure from Walmart is at 7:45pm at the latest. If you miss the shuttle, you will
need to find alternative transportation.
***Note: The shuttle will not be available if there is no school because of a holiday
or snow day, or during Finals Week. The shuttle is only available during the academic
year when classes are in session.
We can help you prepare your application for a South Dakota driver's license; however, it is your responsibility to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles office and submit the application, take the test, and obtain the license.
The location of the Department of Motor Vehicles office in Spearfish is:
120 Industrial Dr. Suite 3
Spearfish, SD 57783
Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays 8am–5pm
Website: South Dakota Drivers Licensing Information
The Documents You Will Need:
We are here to serve and support you--our international students--on personal and academic matters. It is our goal to make sure you can come to us for any assistance you need.
Walk-in Hours: Mondays and Thursdays 2-3pm
Schedule an appointment now! If none of the times available will work for you, please let us know, and we will work to accommodate you with additional time options.
Remember to inform us if you:
If you need health care or counseling services, you should contact the BHSU Student Health Services Center.
If you are in immediate danger, or have an emergency and need immediate assistance, contact Spearfish police by dialing 911 or BHSU Public Safety immediately by dialing 605.641.6988.
Black Hills State University faculty, staff, and students have access to a literacy support software called Read&Write which they can install on their work and personal devices. An inclusive learning software designed to support individual of all ages, learning styles, and abilities with their tasks in research, read, and write while using their existing tools such as word processors. BHSU's subscription includes OribitNote to read PDF documents and a separate plug-in and/or app for ePUB documents.