St. Cloud State University, Saint Cloud State University

• Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA,
• Year of foundation: 1869,
• Number of students: approximately 10,500,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of education: mixed.

St. Cloud State University (SCSU) — one of the largest universities in the state of Minnesota, offering more than 200 higher education specializations across six scientific fields. Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral programs are available.

The history of SCSU began in 1869 with the founding of the Third State Pedagogical School. In subsequent decades, the institution changed its name and range of programs offered, only beginning to award higher education degrees in 1926. Gradually developing and striving to keep pace with the times, the university expanded its taught scientific fields, campus area, and teaching staff, so that today it can rightfully be considered one of the leading educational institutions in the state and country.

Every year, around 10,500 students undergo training at SCSU, including approximately 1,500 international students from over 90 countries. By creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere, the university provides each student with the necessary support and assistance, including career counseling, adaptation services, and external funding opportunities.

Comprehensive support is provided to both local and international students from the moment of application until graduation. International students can seek language support from a specialized department, where they will be offered additional classes – one-on-one or in small groups.

The teaching of higher education programs is organized within six specialized faculties:

• Education, learning design,
• Healthcare, wellbeing,
• Liberal arts,
• Science, technology,
• Business.

The university's symbol is a husky dog. Several dogs live on campus in a designated area and excellent conditions, providing psychological support to students and participating in numerous events and the daily life of the community.

The University has six residences located within the campus grounds and offering gendered and co-living options in various room types. Students are accommodated in twin rooms (mostly) with access to shared bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry facilities. Apartments including several single bedrooms, a bathroom, a living area, and a kitchen area are available in one of the residential complexes.

Students have access to a range of meal plans that include a certain number of meals and additional points for spending in cafeterias and dining halls. The meal plan can be customized by choosing both the number of meals and the type of diet: standard, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or other.

More than 250 thematic organizations operate at the university, dozens of sports sections and creative groups, a social work community, volunteer and scientific societies.

Thematic clubs help students find like-minded people and develop their ideas in a supportive community:

• Minecraft enthusiasts,
• American Red Cross community,
• Fine arts,
• Botany, gardening,
• Catholic community,
• Community psychology,
• Cyber competitions,
• Music,
• Drama, theater,
• Board games.

Weekly training sessions are held in sports grounds and halls for various competitive sports. Under the guidance of qualified coaches, students can both maintain an active lifestyle and focus on more professional achievements. Some of the areas offered include:

• Volleyball,
• Football,
• Rowing,
• Rugby,
• Hockey,
• Swimming,
• Water polo,
• Cricket,
• Dancing,
• Badminton.

In most events, whether they are holidays or scientific seminars, participants from creative and academic groups perform. The university has choral ensembles, musical and theatrical groups, communities of designers, photographers, presenters and other specialists. Special attention is paid to social events: fundraising, organizing charity work, as their contribution attracts more people to the activities.

• Accreditation by HLC and NCATE,
• Member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education,
• Online learning options available,
• Student-to-faculty ratio — 20:1,
• 95% of classes are taught by professors and doctors of science,
• A diverse student community with representatives from 90 countries,
• High employment rate after graduation.

The SCSU campus covers an area of 100 acres and is located on the Mississippi River, approximately an hour's drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul. The territory includes dozens of administrative and academic buildings, sports and recreational facilities, walking and relaxation areas. Students study in large lecture halls, additional support and self-study rooms, computer classes, and specialized science laboratories. For leisure activities, the campus provides creative studios with professional equipment, performance venues, and rehearsal rooms. The sports infrastructure includes:

• A full-scale stadium for team sports,
• Sports center with gyms, yoga and dance studios,
• Indoor swimming pool,
• Ice center for hockey and figure skating training,
• Outdoor areas, running tracks,
• Rock climbing center.

The SCSU academic calendar consists of two 15-week semesters and a summer session. Classes are held on weekdays, with breaks organized on weekends and holidays, during seasonal vacations.

Approximate list of additional expenses:

• Registration and administrative fees,
• Accommodation, meal plan and related expenses,
• Books, stationery and personal materials for specialized training,
• Some extracurricular activities,
• Additional academic support and opportunities not included in the curriculum,
• Medical insurance, on-demand service,
• Personal expenses.

Applicants complete an online application form and provide the required documents, paying the registration fee. The admissions committee invites candidates for an interview and possible entrance exams, after which selected applicants receive an official admission letter.

Foreign applicants wishing to enroll in St. Cloud State University must have a passport, health insurance, financial statements, a visa or U.S. residence permit. General requirements for admission to higher education programs will be:

• Academic certificates from previous educational institutions: certificate of complete secondary education, bachelor's degree diploma, master's degree diploma,
• Official transcripts,
• Results of language tests TOEFL iBT (from 61), Pearson PTE (from 44), Duolingo (from 90) or equivalent.

Depending on the chosen specialization and level of education, the requirements for applicants may vary or be supplemented.

The University annually awards a number of scholarships, most of which are based on academic and scientific achievements. Other awards are given for outstanding results in sports, creativity, social life, or are paid out based on preferential criteria.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision