Online Application Checklist

On Line Application

The easiest, quickest, and best way to apply to SMSU is to fill out the on line application.   You may fill out the printable version in the links below but this on line version will be the best for you, especially in terms of timeliness. 

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International Admissions Application Checklist

Before documents, you will need to apply for an account in the Minnesota State Colleges and University (MnSCU) system. Your account created in the MnSCU is called StarID which will help you in many ways through your entire application process.

Click on each of the following to view a more in depth explanation of the particular document required.

* For international transfers from both U.S. or foreign universities only

Cover Letter

For the sake of formality, a cover letter is recommended. This cover letter clearly states your intention to apply to SMSU with a list of required documents that are also contained with the cover letter.

Application Form

One of the first documents you would need from us is the application form. SMSU's application form must be filled by all applicants to be considered for admissions. Please read through the entire form and fill in the required information.

Financial Statement Form

Please complete all sections of the financial statement form or send a separate financial affidavit of support from your sponsor. The financial statement or affidavit of support from your sponsor must be notarized by a notary public, government magistrate, or commissioner of oaths; this process indicates to us that he/she is the person wo has access to the funds and that he/she is aware of the commitment he/she is making to support you for the duration of your studies.

Bank Statements

Please submit an official bank statement from your sponsor that has been printed within the last three months. The bank statement must show the equivalent of the amount shown on the application packet. Note that both the financial statement and the bank statement must be from the same individual. Students should expect an increase in costs of about 4-6% each year at SMSU. Photocopies are acceptable; however, they must be attested as certified true copy.

Secondary or High School Education Transcripts

All applicants must provide prove of high school or secondary education to be considered for admissions into SMSU. Please include a certified true copy of your secondary or high school education transcripts in your application.

College or University Education Transcripts

Please provide SMSU academic records of every past secondary and post-secondary institution he/she has attended. Records must be certified true copies or notarized photocopies.

Report of Medical History Form

A report of medical history is required from each applicant when applying to SMSU. As a student, it is your responsibility to provide an accurate past medical history. Please fill in the Report of Medical History form and send it to SMSU with the rest of your documents.

Immunization Record Form

Minnesota State Law (Minn. Statute 135A.14) requires that students born after 1956 must be immunized against 5 major vaccine-preventable diseases:

• Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR): One dose given on or after first birthday. Another dose is recommended for complete protection.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria: One dose every ten years

Please read through the Immunization Record Form carefully and fill in the form as required according to the instructions provided.

English Proficiency

Most individual's in America only speak English (although many are increasingly becoming more multi-lingual) and SMSU's entire curriculum is in English, we must have proof of your English Proficiency to ensure you will be successful at SMSU.   Many applicants come from countries whose educational system may be taught in English and we do recognize that fact.  

If your home country is on this list, then you do NOT need to provide proof of English Proficiency.  This requirement is waived.    If your country is not on this list, then you do need to provide proof of proficiency and this is outlined below. 

If your country is not on the list, then you will need to please provide one of the following English proficiency testing documents.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  • Applicants must earn a score of 500 or better for paper based tests (PBT)
  • Applicants must earn a score of 173 or better for computer based tests (CBT)
  • Applicants must earn a score of 61 or better for internet based tests (iBT)
  • SMSU school code for TOEFL is 6703
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • Applicants must earn a score of 5.5 or higher
• Michigan Test of English Proficiency
  • Applicants must earn a score of 80 or better
• A successful completion of Level 109 at an English Language School
• Combined Critical Reading and Math SAT scores of 990
• For international transfer applicants:
  • A successful completion of one semester of Freshmen English Composition with an earned grade of a "C" or better

SAT or ACT Exams

Additional testing such as SATs or ACTs are recommended when applying to SMSU. If you have taken any of these standardized tests, please include a certified true copy of your official results in your application.

Copy of Passport Information Page

Your passport will be one the last required documents for your application. Please provide us with a colored copy of the informational page of your passport which is the page that includes your basic information like name, date of birth, your photo, valid dates, and many other essential information. Please make sure that the color copy is clear and readable to prevent any error in reading your document or processing your application.

International Student Transfer From

For applicants who are looking to transfer credits from a foreign university, you would need this extra document that will provide Southwest Minnesota State University with the information that can help you to seamlessly transfer your credits and in turn, enter SMSU as a international transfer student.

NOTE: All documents submitted with the application become the property of Southwest Minnesota State University and will not be returned under any circumstances.