Ivanhoe International Center

South Dakota Mines has a strong, inter-connected international community of students, faculty, resources, and support. We work together to help international students thrive at Mines and assist all students who want an education abroad experience.

International students typically make up about 5 percent of the total student population. As of Spring 2026, more than 150 students representing 31 countries were enrolled in undergraduate and graduate studies. The faculty also includes many people with international backgrounds.

Ivanhoe International Center (IIC) Namesake

The Ivanhoe International Center (IIC) was established at South Dakota Mines in the fall of 1994, thanks to a generous gift from alumnus Lytton F. "Buster" Ivanhoe. The IIC is located in the Surbeck Student Center, and it is the center of international activities on campus. A broad program of services is provided to international students and students wanting to study abroad. The IIC has an open door policy for all students.

The IIC Mission

The Ivanhoe International Center develops and supports activities and programs for international students, faculty, and staff coming to South Dakota Mines, and for those who want to engage in international and global experiences, in alignment with Mines Advantage.

Students at an international cultural event.

Become a Hardrocker!

Explore the resources below to start your application journey:

Prospective International Students: Learn about requirements and deadlines.
Costs for International Students: Get a breakdown of tuition and fees.
Admitted Students Page: Your next steps after acceptance.

Explore the many cultural events hosted annually at South Dakota Mines, including the Cultural Etiquette Dinner, International Education Week, Diwali Festival, and Cultural Expo, promoting global awareness.

Learn more about Cultural Events at South Dakota Mines.

F-1 Students

For all international students currently on an F-1 visa: visit the International Student Resources D2L Course for all visa-related information and more. If you are not already added to this course, please reach out to our office.

J-1 Exchange/Visitors

For all international exchange/visitors on a J-1 Visa: visit the J-1 Resources Website for all visa-related information and more.

Education Abroad

Study abroad programs are growing at South Dakota Mines, offering engineering and science students short-term, summer, semester, and year-long opportunities, plus research experiences around the world. Learn more about Education Abroad.