International

Welcome

欢迎 (Huānyíng)

тавтай морилно уу (tavtai morilno uu)

환영 (hwanyeong)

Willkommen

Bienvenue

Sveiki

Dobrodošli

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.

Step 1: Apply

Complete the Application by selecting "undergraduate " and "Non-Degree Seeking" under I want to enroll as...

Step 2: Submit Documents

Email the following documents to international@bhsu.edu and specify which exchange institution you are applying from.

Photocopy of passport (biographical page)
Proof of English language proficiency (One of the following options)
- TOEFL PBT: 500, TOEFL IBT: 61, IELTS: 5.5, E3PT: 62
- TOEIC: 600, Duolingo: 90, iTEP: 3.6, PTE: 44
- SAT Critical Reading\Writing: 480
Academic records/transcripts from home university (In English)
Immunization Form or copy of vaccination cards documenting two (2) MMR dates (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Financial Ability Form, including supporting bank letter or statement. Click here for details on costs

Step 3: Receive Your DS-2019

After you receive confirmation that we have received your application and documents, we will email your DS-2019 and BHSU Welcome Packet to you.

Step 4: Prepare for Arrival!

We look forward to welcoming you, our International Exchange students, to BHSU soon! To prepare for your arrival, please follow the Next Steps and check out more information for Current International Students!

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

Live in a Residence Hall on Campus for FREE! (Up to eight academic semesters). Housing costs vary year to year; however, the current estimated value is $14,000 distributed over four years! This competitive scholarship is awarded only to International Students, and recipients are selected based on a personal essay, GPA, test scores, and extracurricular involvement. Students must be admitted to BHSU to be awarded scholarships.

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.

*ACT or SAT scores used for scholarship consideration must be completed during high school or during the summer immediately following high school graduation. For students starting in the fall semester, scores must be received by BHSU by August 1, prior to fall classes starting, to qualify for consideration for scholarship awards. For students starting in the spring semester, scores must be received by BHSU by December 1, prior to spring classes starting.*

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.

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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 .

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.

Step 1: Book Your Flight And Request Airport Pick-Up

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.

Upcoming Services:

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:

Rapid Shuttle
City Cab
Uber (May or may not be available at arrival time)
Lyft (May or may not be available at arrival time)

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Step 2: 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.

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Step 3: 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

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.

Enroll Now

Plan Details

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:

A job offer letter from Human Resources (HR) for your new position. HR office is Woodburn Hall 202
A support letter from your DSO, Woodburn 115
Your current I-20 (F-1) or DS2019 (J-1)
Your passport (and visa)
Your I-94 arrival record: (given to you at orientation or obtain here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/\#/home)
The application:
- Either paper: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
- OR online: https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time

⠀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:

Prairie Hills transit: https://www.prairiehillstransit.com/
Ask a roommate, friend, teammate, or classmate to help you and offer to cover the cost of gas.

⠀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.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

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.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

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.