University of Minnesota Global Excellence Scholarship 2025–2026

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The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, a leading public research institution founded in 1851 in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, ranks among the top 25 public universities in the U.S. and #203 globally per QS World Rankings 2025.

Known for its diverse academic offerings and vibrant campus life, it attracts over 6,800 international students from 130+ countries.

The Global Excellence Scholarship (GES) for 2025–2026 provides merit-based financial support to international undergraduate students, including Nigerians, pursuing full-time bachelor’s degrees.

With awards ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 20,000 annually, renewable for up to four years, the GES supports top-performing students to excel in fields like engineering, business, and social sciences.

This guide details eligibility, benefits, application processes, and tips for success for international applicants aiming to join this prestigious institution.

Why Choose the Global Excellence Scholarship?

The GES is a competitive scholarship designed to attract and retain exceptional international talent. Key benefits include:

• Significant Financial Support: Awards of USD 10,000, USD 15,000, or USD 20,000 per year, renewable for up to four years for freshmen or three years for transfer students, offsetting tuition costs (approximately USD 36,000–40,000 annually).
• World-Class Education: Study at a top-tier university with 330+ degree programs, renowned for research in engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
• Career Opportunities: Access strong placement networks with top employers like 3M, Medtronic, and Target, enhancing career prospects.
• Supportive Environment: Benefit from academic advising, mentorship, and a diverse international community on a 1,200-acre urban campus.
• Flexibility: Scholarships are not tied to specific majors, allowing students to explore diverse academic paths without losing funding.

Program Overview

The Global Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award for international freshmen and transfer students admitted to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities for the Fall 2025 semester.

Administered by the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), part of the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance, the GES is automatically awarded based on the admission application, with no separate application required.

Approximately 77% of applicants are accepted to UMN, but GES awards are highly competitive, targeting students in the top 15–20% of their graduating class with exceptional academic preparation.

The scholarship is renewable for up to four years for freshmen or three years for transfer students, contingent on maintaining F-1 visa status and satisfactory academic progress.

Eligibility Criteria

The GES targets high-achieving international students. Specific eligibility criteria include:

• Nationality: Non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, including Nigerians, who require an F-1 visa. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those eligible for Minnesota Dream Act scholarships are ineligible.
• Academic Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent with a GPA in the top 15–20% of the graduating class (typically 3.5+ or equivalent). Competitive applicants often have SAT scores of 1150–1350 or ACT scores of 25–30, though tests are optional for 2025–2027.
• English Proficiency: Minimum scores of TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0), or Duolingo 115. Nigerians from English-medium schools may still need to submit scores unless exempt by UMN’s admissions office.
• Admission Status: Must be admitted to a full-time undergraduate program at UMN Twin Cities for Fall 2025. Transfer students entering in Spring 2026 are considered only on a funds-available basis.
• Enrollment: Must enroll full-time in the semester for which the scholarship is awarded and maintain consecutive enrollment.
• Visa Status: Must maintain F-1 visa status throughout the scholarship period.

Nigerians with strong academic records and leadership potential are well-suited, but competition is fierce due to limited awards.

Benefits of the Global Excellence Scholarship

The GES provides substantial financial and academic support, including:

• Scholarship Awards: USD 10,000, USD 15,000, or USD 20,000 per year for freshmen (up to four years) or transfer students (up to three years), applied toward tuition.
• Renewability: Renewable annually if students maintain satisfactory academic progress and F-1 visa status.
• Additional Funding: Access to ISSS need-based scholarships (USD 1,500–5,000 per semester) and RaiseMe Micro-Scholarships (up to USD 2,500/year).
• Career Support: Personalized academic advising, mentorship, and networking with top employers through UMN’s career services.
• On-Campus Employment: Opportunities for F-1 students to work on-campus, though earnings cannot be used for I-20 financial certification.

Scholarships cannot be adjusted mid-degree for financial hardship or academic performance, but students facing challenges can explore other ISSS funding programs.

Fields of Study Covered

The GES supports all undergraduate programs at UMN Twin Cities, including:

• STEM: Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical), computer science, biology, chemistry, data science.
• Business: International business, finance, marketing, management.
• Social Sciences: Psychology, economics, political science, sociology.
• Arts and Humanities: English, history, music, theatre.
• Health Sciences: Public health, pre-med, kinesiology.

Students can change majors without losing the scholarship, offering flexibility to explore diverse academic interests.

Application Process

No separate application is required for the GES; students are automatically considered upon applying for admission. Steps include:

1. 1. Apply for Admission: Submit the Common Application or Golden Gopher Application by the appropriate deadline:
      • Early Action: November 1, 2025 (recommended for priority scholarship consideration).
      • Regular Decision: January 1, 2026.
   2. Prepare Documents:
      • High school transcripts (translated into English if necessary).
      • English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, if required).
      • Optional SAT/ACT scores (for 2025, test submission enhances scholarship chances but is not mandatory).
      • Certification of Finances form (via Application Tracker) to verify funds for non-tuition expenses.
      • Undergraduate New Student I-20 Request form for F-1 visa holders or transfers.
   3. Submit Application: Complete and submit all materials by the deadline via the chosen application platform.
   4. Await Results: Scholarship and admission decisions are announced by late March 2026 for on-time applicants.

Transfer students for Fall 2025 must apply by July 1, 2025, on a space-available basis, with limited scholarship funds for Spring 2026 entrants.

Tips for a Successful Application

With high competition, these strategies can enhance your application:

1. 1. • Apply Early: Submit by November 1, 2025, for Early Action to maximize scholarship consideration.
      • Highlight Academic Excellence: Include strong grades, rigorous coursework, and, if available, competitive SAT/ACT scores.
      • Showcase Leadership: Emphasize extracurricular activities, community service, or leadership roles in your application.
      • Ensure Complete Documentation: Submit all required materials, including English proficiency scores and financial forms, on time.
      • Contact ISSS for Support: For questions, email isss@umn.edu to clarify requirements or address extenuating circumstances.

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026

Key dates include:

1. 1. • August 1, 2025: Application portal opens.
      • November 1, 2025: Early Action deadline for priority scholarship consideration.
      • January 1, 2026: Regular Decision deadline for Fall 2025 admission and GES consideration.
      • July 1, 2025: Transfer application deadline (Fall 2025, space-available).
      • Late March 2026: Admission and scholarship notifications.
      • August/September 2026: Program and scholarship tenure begin.

Life as a Global Excellence Scholar

Scholars at UMN Twin Cities thrive on a 1,200-acre urban campus in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, with access to cutting-edge facilities, 900+ student organizations, and a vibrant cultural scene.

The GES supports scholars through academic advising, career services, and networking with industry leaders.

Alternative Opportunities

If ineligible, consider:

1. 1. • Illinois Wesleyan University Merit Scholarships: Up to USD 38,000 annually for international undergraduates.
      • Clark University Global Scholars Program: Merit-based awards of USD 15,000–25,000 per year.
      • Berea College Scholarships: Tuition-free education for international students with financial need.

Conclusion

The University of Minnesota Global Excellence Scholarship for 2025–2026 offers international students, including Nigerians, a prestigious opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies at a top public university.

With awards up to USD 20,000 annually, renewable for four years, the GES supports academic excellence and career growth.

Automatic consideration upon admission, with deadlines of November 1, 2025 (Early Action) or January 1, 2026 (Regular Decision), simplifies the process.

Apply early with a strong academic record to join UMN’s global community of scholars. Visit admissions.tc.umn.edu for more details.

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