Exchange Student Procedure 

All exchange/mobility students must have:

• Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 at your home institution. 

• Be proficient in English. See English Requirements below for more detailed information.

• Have sufficient classes, especially math, to take courses here.

  • This is based on the courses you wish to take.

Before you can apply to come to South Dakota Mines as an exchange student, you have to be nominated by your home university.

All partner universities will receive an email with a link to the online nomination form when the nomination period opens. If you are a partner and have not yet received this link, please email us at international@sdsmt.edu

The nomination deadlines:

• Fall/Autumn semester: March 31

• Spring Semester: October 31

You are considered a 'Non-Degree Seeking Student'. 

• Whether or not you are an undergraduate or graduate student. Mark 'Non-Degree Seeking Student'

• This will cause issues later if you do not.

• https://apply.sdsmt.edu/apply/. 

1. • Check with your university advisor to see if they sent these.

Your home institution is responsible to check your level of English proficiency before nomination. 

• English Speaking Countries

• Most European Countries

  • Student is required to have an English proficiency corresponding to at least B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

  • You will be asked to verify the student has this level.

• For Students from Non-English Speaking Countries 

  • The English proficiency requirement may be fulfilled by meeting one of the following:

    • Duolingo: Minimum score - 105

    • IELTS: Minimum score - 6.0

    • Pearson Test of English-Academic (PTE): Minimum score - 46

    • TOEFL - iBT (internet based test): Minimum score - 79

After we have received and processed your application, you will receive a letter of acceptance.  Begin STEP 2 - Course Request

Keep in mind these items when choosing classes:

1. Pre-requisites: if you do not meet the pre-requisites, the department will not approve your request

2. South Dakota Mines does not guarantee the availability of courses

3. Choose more classes than you think you will take and rank them in order of preference

4. When searching for classes, note that classes are available based on the term and sequence. 

   • Some classes are only offered in fall and some only in spring. 

   • Make sure you look at the term you will attend to find the appropriate classes.

5. You must enroll in a minimum:

   • 9 credits for graduate student

   • 12 credits for an undergraduate student

There are two important links when searching for classes

1. Banner Course List: 

   • You can find the courses offered for your term

     • Filter by the term you wish to attend.

     • Class Search Instruction pdf

2. Course syllabus: 

   • This link will help you find detailed class descriptions for each class.

Now that you have your list of classes, you wish to take. Download this form to request your classes. Once complete, send to international@sdsmt.edu.

Continue To STEP 3

The DS-2019 is the immigration form you will need to apply for the visa and to enter the US.

• Prepare these documents to upload - do not send via email

  • Upload the following - do not send via email:

    1.  a copy of your passport ID page

    2. financial documents showing approximately $6,970 USD 

       1. Even though you are on an exchange, you must still pay certain fees (outlined in the agreement), housing, and personal costs.

       2. Cost of Attendance

       3. Types of financial documents allowed

    3. Financial Support Certification

• Fill out the J-1 Detail Information Form

We will send your a draft in approximately 1-3 business days. You must confirm that all information is correct before we send the final, initial DS-2019.

Received your DS-2019. Start searching for a visa interview. You can view more information on our Visa Resources page.

Received your visa? Let us know.

You will receive login information for the Online Orientation. This will begin a couple of months before classes begin. You must complete the orientation before you arrive in Rapid City.

You can view all important dates such as start of classes, final exams, and more at the Academic Calendar.

United States government regulations and South Dakota Board of Regent policy require health insurance coverage for all visiting students, scholars and their family members who accompany them to the United States.

• Based on federal regulations, the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) requires Visiting Scholars (J-1-Visiting Scholar and J-2-Dependent Status) to purchase health insurance. These visiting scholars are required by federal law to have insurance which covers the time they leave their home country until the date they depart the United States.

Health insurance must include: 

• Minimum Coverage of $100,000 per accident or illness

• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000.

• Medical expenses associated with the evacuation of the exchange visitor of $50,000 or more.

• Deductible not to exceed $500.00 per accident or illness.

Download the Insurance minimum requirement and talk with your home country insurance. If you are still not sure, check with our office.

We have limited housing on and off campus. We recommend our exchange students live on campus, if possible. Finding housing for such a short period of time may cost you more money. 

Visit our Housing Resources page for more information.

• • We offer free airport pick up. You can view more information here.

Make sure to check your admission letter for the date of these check in/orientations. You should arrive at least two days prior.

• SEVIS Check In

  • This is important to check in with all your documents so we can register you in the SEVIS system with the U.S. Government

  • You will need:

    • passport and visa

    • DS-2019

    • immunization documents

    • insurance

• In person orientation

  • This will help you get acquainted with the school and area.