Access to scholarship funding can transform the international student experience—making world-class education at the University of Minnesota affordable and enriching. With over 20 % of Twin Cities undergraduates and a growing global graduate community, UMN offers diverse awards to recognize academic merit, financial need, and research excellence. Whether you’re a high-school graduate in Seoul or a doctoral researcher in São Paulo, understanding the full spectrum of opportunities and deadlines is key to maximizing your chances in 2025.
1. Twin Cities Campus: Incoming Undergraduate Scholarships
1.1 Global Excellence Scholarship (GES)
All international freshmen and transfers admitted on an F-1 visa are automatically considered—no extra application required. Awards range from $20 000, $15 000, to $10 000 per year for up to four years for freshmen, and $10 000 per year for up to three years for transfer students Office of AdmissionsOffice of Admissions. Selection is based on academic merit and the holistic strength of your admission application (transcript rigor, test scores if submitted, and context factors).
1.2 Other New-Student Need-Based Awards
Beyond GES, ISSS administers a small pool of need-based scholarships for incoming undergraduates—these require separate applications and typically open in winter with awards announced at admission ISSS Minnesota. The Colonial Dames of America Scholarship specifically supports graduate and professional F-1/J-1 students planning to return home and contribute locally ISSS Minnesota.
1.3 University-Wide Academic Scholarships
Admitted freshmen who submit a complete application by the priority deadline are automatically reviewed for University-wide merit awards. Decisions are announced by late March, and winners are notified via email Office of Admissions.
1.4 College & Department-Specific Scholarships
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College of Liberal Arts (CLA) offers:
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Joyce Ekman Davis Scholarship ($4 000 for language-focused majors)
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Global Studies Study Abroad Scholarship (up to $3 000)
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Manoel Miranda Scholarship ($1 000 for Latin American Studies)
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Professional Development Fund (up to $1 000) College of Liberal Arts.
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Office for National & International Scholarships (Honors Program) provides advising and nomination support for Fulbright, Rhodes, Truman, and other prestigious awards to undergraduates and recent grads honors.umn.edu.
2. Regional Campuses: Duluth & Crookston
2.1 Duluth Campus Scholarships
UMD’s Rutherford and Rocinante International Student Scholarships are open to incoming undergraduates, with March 30, 2025 deadlines iss.d.umn.eduiss.d.umn.edu. Additionally, each college unit (CAHSS, CEHSP, LSBE, SCSE) offers internal scholarships for continuing students.
2.2 Crookston Campus Scholarships
Crookston undergraduates pay in-state tuition and may receive a 50 % tuition waiver if they’ve completed 24 credits, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate leadership and campus involvement University of Minnesota Crookston.
3. Research & Study-Abroad Funding
3.1 International Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (I-UROP)
I-UROP provides critical funding for UMTC undergrads in eligible credit-bearing abroad programs that include ≥ 100 hours of supervised research umabroad.umn.edu.
3.2 Learning Abroad Center Scholarships
A suite of scholarships supports study-abroad costs—many do not require program acceptance prior to application. Deadlines vary by term; early research is advised umabroad.umn.edu.
4. Graduate & Professional Scholarships
4.1 University-Wide Graduate Fellowships
The Graduate School administers merit-based fellowships and grants for both incoming and current students—no work requirement and no loan debt. They coordinate applications for Fulbright, NSF GRFP, and Bridging Funds, and maintain directories of external awards Graduate School.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Provides monthly stipends, health insurance, housing allowances, and round-trip travel to 140+ countries—~1 900 grants awarded annually Graduate School.
Torske Klubben Fellowship
For students with Norway ties; funds tuition and living expenses—requires nomination by the Graduate School Graduate School.
Community of Scholars Program (COSP)
Offers biannual $1 000 travel grants for research or conference presentations; directories list additional funding Graduate School.
4.2 Colonial Dames & ISSS Graduate Awards
Colonial Dames of America and ISSS offer graduate scholarships for F-1 and J-1 students committed to contributing in their home countries after graduation ISSS Minnesota.
5. Eligibility, Renewal & Deadlines
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F-1 Visa Status: Required for all scholarship eligibility; maintain full-time enrollment for renewal ISSS Minnesota.
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Academic Progress: Most awards require ≥ 30 credits/year and satisfactory GPA.
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Application Timing:
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Admission-based awards (GES & merit scholarships): by application deadlines (Dec–Feb), decisions by late March Office of Admissions.
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Campus-specific scholarships (Duluth, CLA): spring deadlines (e.g., Apr 18 for CLA) College of Liberal Arts.
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Graduate fellowships: nomination cycles vary—check Fellowship Office alerts.
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6. Tips for Maximizing Your Chances
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Apply Early: Complete your admission and scholarship forms by priority deadlines.
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Showcase Strengths: Highlight leadership, community service, and research in your application essays.
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Use Resources: Meet with ISSS advisors and the Honors Scholarships office for guidance.
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Leverage External Awards: Apply for Fulbright, NSF, and country-specific grants—as many UMN offices will help you prepare.
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Maintain Good Standing: Full-time enrollment and strong grades are critical for renewal.
Conclusion
The University of Minnesota’s 2025 scholarship ecosystem offers robust support for international students at every level—undergraduate to doctoral, campus-wide to program-specific, merit-based to need-based. By understanding each award’s criteria, deadlines, and renewal requirements—and tapping into UMN’s advising offices—you can strategically pursue funding that aligns with your academic and professional goals. Start your application journey today, and share your own success tips in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What scholarships are international freshmen automatically considered for?
All international freshmen admitted to the Twin Cities campus are automatically considered for the Global Excellence Scholarship—no separate scholarship application is required ISSS Minnesota.
2. How do I apply for University-wide academic scholarships?
You simply submit your freshman admission application by the regular deadline, and you’ll be automatically reviewed for University-wide academic scholarships—there’s no extra form to fill out Office of AdmissionsOffice of Admissions.
3. Are there need-based scholarships available for new international undergraduates?
Yes. ISSS administers a small pool of need-based scholarships for incoming undergraduates, but these require a separate application and specific timelines ISSS Minnesota.
4. When will I know if I’ve received a scholarship?
Scholarship decisions for admitted freshmen are typically communicated by the end of March each year, giving you ample time before the May 15 enrollment confirmation deadline intlstudy.umn.edu.
5. Can I change my major without affecting my scholarship?
Yes. Global Excellence Scholarship awards are not tied to any particular major or college, so changing your major won’t cause you to lose the award ISSS Minnesota.
6. What are the renewal requirements for the Global Excellence Scholarship?
To renew, you must maintain at least 13 credits per semester, complete a minimum of 30 credits per academic year, and remain in good academic standing; failure to meet these criteria may require an appeal to ISSS ISSS Minnesotaintlstudy.umn.edu.
7. Can I use my scholarship toward a study-abroad program?
No. Global Excellence Scholarship funds cannot be applied to study-abroad programs, although you may regain the award upon return if you meet the renewal criteria ISSS Minnesota.
8. Do international students qualify for U.S. federal or state financial aid?
No. Students on F-1 visas do not qualify for U.S. federal or Minnesota state financial aid programs, and the University assumes full responsibility for financing their education Office of Admissions.
9. When will I receive my I-20 form?
After you confirm enrollment, you must submit the Undergraduate New Student I-20 Request form to ISSS, and your I-20 will be issued within approximately two weeks Office of Admissions.
10. Who is considered an international student at the University of Minnesota?
You are considered an international student if you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or refugee and require a visa (such as F-1, J-1, H-4) to study in the United States
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