University of Minnesota Scholarships for International Students

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The University of Minnesota Twin Cities (U of M) is one of the most notable public land-grant research universities in the United States. U of M achieved the highest classification of R1: Doctoral University with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Here, we will be looking at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities scholarships for international students.

The U of M stands as the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota System and has 19 schools and colleges with nearly 300 degrees and programs to offer. Today, the U of M is the 10th best public research University in the United States with institutes for research and discovery in the fields of Biological Sciences, Public Health, Science and Engineering, Liberal Arts, Law, Education and Human Development, and many more.

The University has over 2.1 million square feet of research grounds, state-of-the-art facilities, and has spent over $1 billion on research expenditures in the latest fiscal year. U of M has produced 25 Nobel Prize Recipients since its establishment in 1851.

University of Minnesota Scholarships

The University of Minnesota offers Academic Scholarships and merit-based financial aid to International Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree.

Need-based financial aid may be given to students from other countries, however, this is limited to several candidates evaluated by U of M’s International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS).

1. Global Excellence Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Eligible Degrees: All Degrees for International Freshmen and Transfer Students
  • Scholarship Amount: $25,000

The Global Excellence Scholarship is a competitive merit-based scholarship given to outstanding International Freshmen and Transfer Students attending on an F1 Visa. All students entering the fall admissions are automatically considered for this University of Minnesota scholarship and can receive a yearly scholarship of $25,000, $15,000, or $10,000 for four years.

Transfer students entering the spring semester will only be considered for the scholarship based on available funds.

The recipient of the Global Excellence Scholarship must demonstrate Academic Prowess and an impeccable record from their previous institution. Recipients are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress and their F-1 status to continue receiving their prescribed scholarship amount.

2. Undergraduate Research Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Eligible Degrees: All Undergraduate Degrees
  • Scholarship Amount: $1,500

The Undergraduate Research Scholarship is awarded to new international freshmen students who wish to pursue extracurricular special projects and research. The scholarship also covers $300 worth of lab supplies, equipment, and/or human subjects needed for the scholar’s project.

The scholarship expenses, however, will not cover the cost of hiring employees and assistance, paid training for the student recipient, and research conducted for college credit.

Students awarded the Undergraduate Research Scholarship will research their chosen project in any field. Mentorship by a chosen U of M faculty will also take place during the duration of the program.

3. Colonial Dames of America Scholarship

  • Scholarship Link
  • Eligible Degrees: All Graduate or Professional Students
  • Scholarship Amount: $17,000+

The Colonial Dames of America Scholarship is available to Graduate and Professional Degree students who intend to return to their home country. This University of Minnesota scholarship is designed to encourage U of M graduates to use their learnings to promote the development of their home country.

Priority is given to applicants who demonstrate financial need and are nearing the completion of their chosen degree.

The amount of this University of Minnesota scholarship can vary on a case-to-case basis, depending on the needs and assessment of the ISSS. Recipients of the award will be asked to attend events and give special presentations, among other requests.

The recipient must maintain satisfactory academic progress in their degree program.

4. International Student Work Opportunity Program

  • Scholarship Link
  • Eligible Degrees: Master’s and PhD
  • Assistantship Amount: Case-to-case basis

The International Student Work Opportunity Program is assistance provided by the U of M to financially challenged International Graduate or Professional Students to receive an assistantship position in the university.

Applicants to the post should have at least completed one academic year in their degree program and can verify their finances with proper documentation. Applicants must also be in a legal F-1 or J-1 status for at least 12 months to be considered by the ISSS.

Students accepted into the International Student Work Opportunity Program may no longer be eligible to receive other types of funding from the ISSS.

5. Research and Teaching Assistantships

  • Scholarship Link
  • Eligible Degrees: Master’s and PhD
  • Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition, Living Stipend, and Benefits

Graduate Assistant Employment is available for all students enrolled in a graduate degree at University of Minnesota. Assistantship posts and employment in the University cover the student’s full tuition. Students also receive medical and dental coverage, informal sick leave benefits, vacations, and many more.

Graduate assistantships are offered across all departments and colleges and allow students a chance to become active in the Council of Graduate Students.

The U of M offers flexible hours for their graduate student assistants to accommodate the student’s academic requirements. Options for appointment hours include Flexible Hourly Appointments, Fixed Hourly Appointments, and Conditional Annual Appointments.

You may view more information on the calculation of benefits on their page.

6. Academic Financial Support

  • Scholarship Link
  • Eligible Degrees: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
  • Scholarship Amount: On a need basis

The Academic Financial Support assistance is available for international students already admitted into a program who have experienced unforeseen financial struggles. The amount extended by the University would depend on the needs of the student. The support given may cover tuition, fees, and other costs.

The applicant for the Academic Financial Support must have completed at least one academic year in their graduate/professional degree or at least two academic years in their undergraduate program.

You may access their Net Cost Calculator to get a tailor-fit estimate for your potential cost as an incoming student of the university. The calculator can help you identify the different need-based aid you are eligible for, however does not include the opportunities for merit-based scholarships, as these are given post-assessment of your first year once admitted into the university.

For more information on specific types of need-based scholarships at the University of Minnesota for international students, you can refer to the ISSS page.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the USA Scholarships Page!