Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions we get about the application process on topics including what to do before you apply and how we process your application.

If you want to know more about the process for applying, visit either the Domestic and Permanent Resident Applicants page or the International Graduate Applicants page for the steps you need to take.

If you’re ready to apply, submit your application

If you have questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to the Graduate School at (701) 231-7033 or ndsu.grad.school@ndsu.edu.

Graduate Applicant Questions

To complete your degree-seeking application, you must:

  • Complete and submit the application
  • Pay the $35 non-refundable application fee
  • Submit online letters of recommendation (most programs require 3)
  • Submit official transcripts from each college or university where you have been enrolled or are currently enrolled (applicants are responsible for requesting these)
  • Submit test scores (if required by the program)
  • Meet any additional department requirements


For applicants whose first language is not English or who have foreign transcripts, you must also provide:

  • Documentation of academic-level English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE Academic)
  • A copy of your diploma or degree certificate

You may apply to as many programs as you wish. However, you must submit separate applications, and pay the $35 application fee, for each program.

We will use your previous documents as long as it is within one year of your last submitted application. If it has been more than one year, you will need to re-submit all of the required documents.

All letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically through the online application process. We do not accept recommendation letters by paper, fax, or email. If recommendations are received in any of these formats, they will be discarded.

You can send the online request to your recommenders at any time during the application process. The recommendation process remains accessible after you've submitted your application. You are able to add, remove, and re-notify recommenders. Please be sure to list the correct email address for your recommenders.

We strongly suggest that you ask former or current professors, supervisors, or professionals who know you well and can accurately reflect on your academic abilities.


Letters from family members, friends, housemates, or co-workers are unacceptable.

You do not have to submit a paper copy of your statement of purpose, your resume or vitae, or any other documents that you have uploaded to your online application.

We keep all official transcripts for six months.

GRE and GMAT scores are kept on file for five years.

TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo scores are kept on file for two years.

Deadlines vary by program. Before starting your application, please check the academic program's Catalog page for information on its deadlines and required materials.

To be considered for admission for your intended term, submit all application materials before the deadline.

Official transcripts are transcripts that are sent to the Graduate School in a stamped and sealed envelope by the issuing institution (from the Controller of Examinations or the Registrar, for example). Transcripts that have been opened or tampered with will not be accepted.

Official test scores are those sent directly from the issuing organization (such as Educational Testing Service).

For domestic students, refer to the "Transcripts" and "Test Scores" sections on the Domestic and Permanent Resident Applicants page for more information.

For international students, refer to the "Transcripts (Statement of Marks)" and "Test Scores" sections on the International Graduate Applicants page for more information.

Yes. You are required to send one official copy from all of the colleges and universities that you’ve attended.

Mail transcripts to the address below:


Mailing Address (if using postal service)


NDSU Graduate School
NDSU Dept. 2820
P.O. Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108


Delivery Address (for courier deliveries)


NDSU Graduate School
106 Putnam Hall
1349 12th Avenue NW
Fargo, ND 58102

Some programs require additional materials (such as a resume or writing sample). Please contact the department directly and review your individual program’s web pages for more information.

Many departments award graduate assistantships based on the application for admission. Other departments ask for a separate application form or letter of application to be considered for an assistantship. Please refer to your individual program’s web pages for more information.


Federal loans are also available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Tuition and fee information for the current term is available on the One Stop website.

Engineering Questions

View your program’s deadline by clicking on the name of your program in the list above.

The NDSU Graduate School application fee is $35.00.

No. We require official transcripts prior to application review. If you attended a university outside the U.S., you may submit an official transcript or a transcript evaluation from any NACES member.

Contact your university Registrar or Records office and ask the university to send an official transcript to NDSU Graduate School, ndsu.grad.school@ndsu.edu.

To submit an evaluation from WES or a different NACES-member company, ask the evaluation company to send the evaluation to ndsu.grad.school@ndsu.edu. (Evaluation must be course-by-course).

Transcripts submitted directly from your university must be in an envelope that is sealed and stamped across the flap closure by the university Registrar or equivalent). Send your transcripts to one of the addresses below:

Mailing Address (if using postal service):
NDSU Graduate School
NDSU Dept. 2820
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108

Delivery Address (for courier deliveries):
NDSU Graduate School
106 Putnam Hall
1349 12th Avenue NW
Fargo, ND 58102

No. We require official test scores prior to application review.

Submit official GRE scores to NDSU Graduate School using institution code 6474 (To check if your program requires GRE scores, click on the program name in the list of College of Engineering programs above.)

Submit official TOEFL scores electronically from Educational Testing Services (ETS) using TOEFL code #B887 or to NDSU Graduate School using institution code 6474. Paper copies are not accepted.

Ask the testing agency to send official IELTS test scores electronically or by mail to the NDSU Graduate School. Please note that the academic version is required. The general training version will not be accepted for admission.

Ask Duolingo to send official scores electronically to NDSU Graduate School.

Send your questions to ndsu.eng.admissions@ndsu.edu.

Non-Degree Applicant Questions

NDSU is located in northwest Fargo, which is on the eastern edge of North Dakota, bordering northwest Minnesota.

Click here to search for courses. You can filter by course schedule, delivery method, and semester.

Click here to browse a list of selected non-degree course offerings for Fall 2024. Please note – this list is not all-inclusive.

The Graduate School office is located in 106 Putnam on the NDSU campus.

Non-degree applicants should apply at least one month prior to the start of classes, if possible.

The schedule of semester dates is available through NDSU One Stop.

The NDSU Graduate School application is an online system. Start your application by logging in.

Non-degree applicants must submit the application form and application fee.

ALL applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), or IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or Duolingo score. Score minimums are as follows: 71 on TOEFL; 6 on IELTS; 105 on Duolingo. You must submit your score before your application will be considered. The test date must be within two years of the date of your application to the Graduate School.

The requirement of language score may be waived for applicants from countries where English is the official language or for students who have earned a degree from a U.S. university or college.

There is no cap to the number of courses a non-degree student may take. However, only 10 credits taken as a non-degree student may be applied toward a degree program.

Processing Your Application

Once all your official documents have been received by the Graduate School, your complete application file will be sent to the department for review. The timeline required for the application review process can vary significantly by department. Many departments take 4 to 6 weeks after the stated application deadline, but some can take longer.


An admission recommendation will be made at the program level and will be returned to the Graduate School for a final review. You will receive an email informing you that a decision has been made; at that time, you may log in to your application to view your decision letter electronically.

You may log in to your online application at any time to check the status.

If you need to make changes to your application (such as to change your program or make a correction), email the NDSU Graduate School with your request, and we will determine whether or not the change can be made.

If your application file is not yet complete and is less than one year old, we may be able to update your term to enter. Please email your request to the NDSU Graduate School.

Graduate School

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