Frequently Asked Questions about Scholarships

Expand all

How do I apply for scholarships?

To be considered for University-wide scholarships, simply submit the application for freshman admission. There is no separate application! Admitted freshmen are considered for these University-wide scholarships based on an overall assessment of their admission application.

A few University scholarships require a separate application; a listing of these scholarships is provided here.

How Are Scholarship Decisions Made?

University of Minnesota scholarships are highly competitive. Scholarship decisions are based on a very careful, overall assessment of each admitted student's academic preparation and performance, as well as the additional information provided in the admission application. We use the same academic and context factors from our holistic admissions review process. The strongest consideration in the decision is given to the academic factors, and no single factor is the determining factor in the decision.

Holistic Review

Academic Factors

Because the greatest predictor of college success is academic preparation, the strongest consideration in the decision is given to a student's high school record. Our promise to you is that we will look at the overall trend of your high school performance to understand your academic preparation. The following academic factors are considered:

  • Coursework through high school graduation (Admitted students typically exceed the University's high school requirements. See course requirements.)
  • Grades in academic coursework
  • Class rank/Grade point average (if available)
  • Rigor of academic curriculum based on what is available in the high school (including enrollment in honors, AP, IB, A-Level, or college-level courses when available.)
  • ACT or SAT scores (Submitting an ACT/SAT score is not required on applications for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 terms. All students*, whether or not they submit a test score, will receive full consideration for admission, scholarships, and the University Honors Program. For more information, please visit our ACT/SAT FAQ) 
  • English Proficiency test score (when required)
  • Applicant's academic interests (We review a student's academic preparation related to the major/college for which they are seeking admission.)

Context Factors

Individual circumstances are also considered as part of the overall assessment of each application. Enrolling a diverse student body—with students bringing differing experiences, talents, and perspectives to their scholarly community—is essential to achieving the learning and development outcomes of a University of Minnesota education. 

Our holistic review takes into consideration the individual circumstances that make each individual student unique. While we do not consider an applicant's race and ethnicity, we consider the following context factors in our decision review:

  • Evidence of exceptional achievement, aptitude, or personal accomplishment not reflected in the academic record
  • Participation in extracurricular activities related to your intended major
  • Strong commitment to community service, leadership, and educational involvement
  • Evidence of having overcome social, economic, or physical barriers to educational achievement
  • First-generation college student
  • Significant responsibility in a family, community, job, or activity
  • Contribution to the cultural, gender, age, economic, or geographic diversity of the student body
  • Personal or extenuating circumstances
  • Military service
  • Information received in open-ended questions

What is the next step?

If you haven't already done so, apply for admission. Full consideration for academic scholarships is given to students who submit and complete their freshman application by the corresponding application deadlines dates.

When will I hear if I am awarded a new freshman academic scholarship?

Scholarship award notices will be sent to new freshman scholarship recipients by the end of March of their senior year of high school.

Will there be additional opportunities to apply for scholarships after my freshman year?

Yes. One Stop Student Services manages a web page with information about scholarships for enrolled U of M students. This page includes links to college and academic department scholarships as well as a scholarship search tool for enrolled students. Several scholarships are offered to enrolled students each year.

Are scholarships awarded to freshmen entering the University spring semester?

Yes. Incoming freshmen admitted for spring semester are considered for freshman academic scholarships based on an overall assessment of the admission application. Freshman scholarships for spring semester are awarded on a funds-available basis.

Are there scholarships for transfer students?

Scholarships for transfer students are handled by the student's college or department. For details, you should contact your college of interest.

Are scholarships available for undocumented students?

Under the Minnesota Dream Act, which is also known as The Prosperity Act, undocumented Minnesota high school graduates meeting certain criteria can receive scholarships and financial aid from the University of Minnesota. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education will determine who is eligible to benefit from the Dream Act. Generally, students are eligible if they have attended a Minnesota high school for at least three years, have graduated from a Minnesota high school (or earned a GED in Minnesota), and who have registered with the U.S. Selective Service (applies only to males 18 to 25 years old). The complete details on eligibility are available at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Dream Act website.

Are scholarships available for international students?

There are a limited number of scholarships that are available for international students. For information on scholarships for international students, visit Costs, Scholarships, and Visas for International Students.

RaiseMe Micro-Scholarship Program

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities partners with RaiseMe to offer two micro-scholarship programs. Students at select Minnesota high schools can earn scholarships for their achievements in high school. In addition, a program is offered for new freshmen enrolling in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. Find out more.