7 Best Universities In North Dakota For International Students 2025

North Dakota is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 7 universities in North Dakota, University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University are the top-performing schools in North Dakota.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in North Dakota. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in North Dakota.

How do I get admission to the best universities in North Dakota?

Applying to the universities in North Dakota involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in North Dakota to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in North Dakota?

Tuition fees at North Dakota’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 8,507 USD to 34,800 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 6,060 USD to 34,500 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in North Dakota!

As we cover the best universities in North Dakota for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in North Dakota for International Students

The University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and is known as the largest university in the state. It currently offers more than 200 study programs in various disciplines such as law, medicine, aviation, and engineering. It is also known as one of the regional leaders in academic research. 

North Dakota State University is widely known for its contribution to the agriculture industry. It is classified among universities with very high research activity, especially since it is a very active participant in numerous research projects and collaborations. Considered the largest university in the state, North Dakota State University aims to establish more agricultural research centers in the country.

The University of Mary was founded by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation as a college offering undergraduate degrees in nursing and education. The university was founded together with other schools and hospitals as a result of the ministering of the Benedictine Sister through healing and learning. Healing, teaching, and serving others remains to be the focus of the University to this day.

Minot State University, a public university in Minot, North Dakota, began as the Minot Normal School for Teachers in 1913. There are three colleges at the university: Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education and Health Sciences. They provide 60 undergraduate programs, nine graduate degrees, and an education specialist degree in communication, management, mathematics, and the liberal arts.

Valley City State University was founded in 1890 and currently offers around 65 on-campus undergraduate degree programs and three online master’s degree programs. The university also has four regional universities and five community colleges, aside from their found inside a 55-acre land on its main campus. The students are student-focused, innovative, learning-centered, collaborative, and engaged in collective work as well as driven by their mission to create a distinct, welcoming, and modern community.

Dickinson State University (DSU) opened its doors to the public in 1918. During its early years, the school, formerly named Dickinson State Normal School, was primarily established to train and educate potential teachers. And as the school progressed, it was awarded university status in 1987. Presently, DSU only offers first-class education to its students as it thrives to significantly contribute to the social and economic growth in North Dakota.

Formed in 1939 in reaction to community demand for a local college, Bismarck State College was initially known as Bismarck Junior College. Bismarck State College focuses on student success by delivering affordable, flexible, high-quality, and experiential learning enhanced by public-private partnerships. BSC leads in polytechnic schooling, improving the lives of students and communities.