Welcome International Students

• If you are a freshman applicant, you can apply on the Common App for Freshman.
• If you are a transfer applicant, use the Common App for Transfer.

When you apply via the Common App, add University of Minnesota Twin Cities under the 'Add a Program' tab.

After students are admitted and confirm their enrollment to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, they will be required to submit an Undergraduate New Student I-20 Request form to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). ISSS will then issue a document called the I-20. The student uses this document to apply for the F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest to them. Some students who already have a visa (such as an H or L visa) may choose not to change to the F-1 visa.

Visit Costs, Scholarships and Visas  for detailed information on the cost of attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as well as information on the Global Excellence Scholarship (GES).

International students studying on an F-1 visa in the U.S. do not qualify for U.S. or Minnesota state financial aid programs. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities does not offer a full tuition waiver or scholarship, and the University assumes that international students will take full responsibility for financing their education. All international students attending on an F-1 visa who are admitted for fall admission are automatically considered for a Global Excellence Scholarship. For more information, visit our Costs, Scholarships, and Visas for International Students page.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities requires international students to demonstrate a command of the English language that is necessary for success in college level classes taught in English. To determine whether or not you could be exempted from this requirement, and to see what English language proficiency tests and scores the University of Minnesota Twin Cities accepts, visit our English Proficiency Information page. 

All University of Minnesota Twin Cities undergraduate applicants who are currently on temporary visas or who will need a visa to study in the U.S. will be asked to complete a Certification of Finances form. Information you provide in the Certification of Finances form will be used to help the University’s enrollment committee understand your funding sources for your education, as well as potential support needs of incoming students. A notice and link on Application Tracker will appear for students who need to complete this form. Learn more about the Certification of Finances form.

After students are admitted and confirm  their enrollment to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, they will be required to submit an Undergraduate New Student I-20 Request form to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). An I-20 form  is required for your F-1 visa application. After ISSS receives your I-20 Request form, ISSS will email information on how to receive your I-20 to you within two weeks. 

Incoming international students must attend both international student orientation and freshman or transfer orientation. 

More information on both of these events will be provided once students confirm their enrollment.