University of Minnesota Fellowship

USA

University of Minnesota Fellowship 

The Sawiris Social Development Foundation is happy to initiate the fourth round of the fully financed Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship Program for applicants requesting a MDP degree from the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, USA.

Candidates are provided with the necessary skills and knowledge through the program through a multidisciplinary curriculum that will enable them to meet the challenges of sustainable development, including the spread of poverty and population growth, food insecurity and climate change, and the management of non-profit projects and programs.

Scholarship Summary

  • Level of Study: Masters
  • Institution(s): University of Minnesota
  • Study in: USA
  • Opportunity Focus Areas: Click here to view all the available masters programs
  • Program Period: Two years
  • Deadline: 
    • December 15: Deadline for consideration for both University of Minnesota fellowships and Humphrey School merit-based aid
    • January 15: Deadline for consideration for Humphrey School merit-based aid

Scholarship Coverage

The scholarship provides the recipients with below benefits:

  • Full tuition.
  • Living expenses.
  • Travel and health insurance.

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Eligibility Criteria for University of Minnesota Fellowship

To be eligible for University of Minnesota Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Required Languages: English
  • Eligible Country: All World Countries
  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a well reputed academic institution in a related field of study.
  • Satisfy the entry requirements into the academic MDP program.
  • Demonstrate excellent professional and academic track record.
  • Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills (extracurricular activities/community work/entrepreneurial initiative).
  • Demonstrate the inability to finance studies from own resources.
  • While no specific experience or academic track is required, students with a strong liberal arts education background and sound quantitative and analytical skills will be best prepared for academic success at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
  • Previous coursework in mathematics, statistics, and economics is recommended.
  • English language proficiency is required. Valid TOEFL or IELTS exam scores with a minimum of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), 100 (Internet-based, minimum 22 on each section) on the TOEFL, or 7 for the IELTS.
  • A valid Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score is required. No specific score is required.
  • HR letter from current employer including salary/salary slip or a bank statement in case of unemployment.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Copy of valid passport ID page.
  • Updated resume.
  • All undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts.
  • One personal photo.

How to Apply for University of Minnesota Fellowship?

Please follow below steps to avail this scholarship:

  1. Choose Your Program: The Graduate School offers offer masters and doctoral degrees for more than 130 research-based graduate programs across two campuses. Which path will you choose?
  2. Review Application Criteria: Application requirements may vary from program to program. Be sure you have the correct materials, and qualifications.
  3. Contact Your Program of Interest: Programs that require specific materials may not review your application for admission until they receive these materials.
  4. Check Application Deadlines: To ensure your application is processed efficiently, we strongly recommend that you submit your completed application and all required materials at least two weeks before your application deadline.
  5. Apply Now: Create an application, upload your transcripts and credentials, and pay the application fee.

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University of Minnesota Graduate Scholarships for International Students: The Complete Guide

Securing admission for graduate studies in the United States is a significant academic milestone, but figuring out how to fund an advanced degree can be overwhelming. Tuition fees, cost of living, and health insurance can add up quickly, especially for international applicants.

The University of Minnesota (UMN), a top-tier Public Ivy research institution located in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul), is renowned for its world-class academic programs. Fortunately, UMN also offers extensive funding opportunities, including fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships tailored specifically for international graduate students.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the best funding pathways at the University of Minnesota, eligibility requirements, and strategies to secure your award.

Types of Graduate Funding at the University of Minnesota

Unlike undergraduate funding, which relies heavily on centralized financial aid, graduate funding at UMN is decentralized. This means support comes from a mix of the central Graduate School, individual academic departments, and external foundations.

1. Central Graduate School Fellowships

These are highly prestigious awards offered directly by the UMN Graduate School. In most cases, you cannot apply for these independently; your academic department must nominate you after you submit your application for admission.

  • Graduate School Fellowship (GSF): Designed for exceptional incoming master’s and doctoral students. It typically provides a full tuition waiver, a competitive living stipend, and heavily subsidized health insurance for the first year of study.

  • Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change (ICGC) Fellowships: A fantastic option for international students from developing countries. This fellowship supports students whose research focuses on global change, international development, social justice, and sustainability. It provides a stipend, tuition benefits, and health coverage.

2. Graduate Assistantships (The Most Common Pathway)

The vast majority of international graduate students at UMN fund their education through assistantships. These are employment-based awards where you work up to 20 hours per week for your department.

Assistantship Type Core Responsibilities What It Covers
Graduate Teaching Assistantship (TA) Grading papers, leading discussion sections, or teaching undergraduate classes. Full or partial tuition waiver, a bi-weekly stipend, and student health benefits.
Graduate Research Assistantship (RA) Assisting a faculty member with lab work, data collection, or academic literature reviews. Full or partial tuition waiver, a bi-weekly stipend, and student health benefits.

Note: To secure a Teaching Assistantship, international students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. If you are preparing to take your language proficiency tests, make sure you understand the registration requirements and score expectations. You can read this detailed breakdown on how to process your international exams and registration to stay ahead.

3. Departmental Scholarships and Grants

Individual colleges within UMN—such as the Carlson School of Management, the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), and the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs—have their own dedicated endowments. When you apply to a specific master’s or PhD program, you are often automatically considered for these merit-based departmental scholarships.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

To land a competitive scholarship or assistantship at the University of Minnesota, your application package needs to stand out. The selection committees generally evaluate candidates based on:

  1. Academic Excellence: A strong cumulative GPA (typically 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale) in your previous undergraduate or graduate coursework.

  2. Standardized Test Scores: While some departments have made GRE or GMAT scores optional, high scores can significantly boost your chances for merit-based fellowships.

  3. Research or Professional Alignment: For RAs and fellowships, committees look for a clear connection between your past experiences and the research goals of the faculty.

  4. Letters of Recommendation: Strong endorsements from professors who can specifically attest to your research potential and analytical skills.

Step-by-Step Application Strategy

Because many fellowships require departmental nomination, the secret to winning funding at UMN is early preparation.

1.Research Faculty and Programs:6-9 Months Before Applying.

Visit the department website of your chosen field at UMN. Identify 2 to 3 faculty members whose research matches your interests. Send them a polite email detailing your background and asking if they are taking on new Research Assistants.

2.Prepare Your Standardized Tests:3-6 Months Before Applying.

Take your TOEFL, IELTS, or GRE exams early. Ensure your scores are sent directly to the University of Minnesota graduate institutional code.

3.Draft Your Statement of Purpose:2 Months Before Applying.

Write a compelling essay outlining your research goals. If you need guidance on structuring an academic narrative that captures the attention of scholarship boards, check out this guide on how to write winning scholarship essays and statements of purpose.

4.Submit Your Complete Application Package:Before the Deadline.

Submit your application before the priority deadline (often in December or January for Fall admission). Ensure you check the box indicating that you wish to be considered for graduate assistantships and fellowships.

 

Crucial Tips for International Applicants

  • Watch the Priority Deadlines: UMN has separate deadlines for general admission and financial aid consideration. To be considered for fellowships, you must submit your application by the early priority deadline.

  • Proof of Funding for Visas: Remember that even if you win a partial scholarship, the US government requires proof of sufficient funds to cover your remaining tuition and living expenses before issuing an I-20 form. Plan your finances carefully to make your visa process seamless.

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