University English requirements

What PTE score do you need for South Dakota Mines?

South Dakota Mines asks international undergraduates for a Pearson Test of English score of 56. Applicants admitted on the minimum score take English proficiency testing when they arrive. The university has no ESL programme on campus, but applicants who will first study at an intensive ESL programme in the US may get conditional admission.
  • Guide updated · 2 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • PTE

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 2 November 2026

South Dakota Mines PTE minimum

From the international undergraduate admissions page.

Programme or bandPTE overallMinimum per skill
Undergraduate56 (minimum scorers retested on arrival)None stated

Test rules and how to send your score

Scores should be sent directly from the testing agency, though copies of IELTS, TOEFL and PTE scores can be sent for verification. The page does not mention PTE Academic Online or PTE Core, a validity period or a Pearson code.

IELTS on the same page is 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79 (or 4.0 on the new scale) and Duolingo 105, so PTE 56 is the PTE equivalent of IELTS 6.5.

Know your target? Check where you stand

Take a free AI-scored PTE mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.

Take a free mock →

Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.

If you fall short

Conditional admission is possible if you meet every requirement except English and plan to attend an intensive ESL programme in the US first. Under the agreement with ELS Language Centers, undergraduate and graduate students must complete level 112. An I-20 is not issued until the English proof arrives.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your South Dakota Mines programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What PTE score does South Dakota Mines need?+

56 for undergraduate admission.

Will I be tested again on arrival?+

The page says minimum scores require English proficiency testing on arrival.

Can I send a copy of my PTE score?+

Yes, for verification, though scores should be sent directly from the testing agency.

Does South Dakota Mines have an ESL programme?+

No. Conditional admission depends on an intensive ESL programme elsewhere, such as ELS level 112.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 2 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy