Global Excellence Scholarships (GES) are competitive, merit-based scholarships awarded to international freshmen or transfer students. All international students who apply by the deadline are automatically considered for a Global Excellence Scholarship.
Freshmen may receive scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 each year for up to four years. Transfer students may receive $10,000 per year for up to three years when entering the University in the fall semester. Transfer students entering in the spring semester will be considered for scholarships only on a funds-available basis.
Students must maintain their F-1 immigration status to remain eligible for these scholarships.
Learn more about international cost of attendance.
GES Frequently Asked Questions
These frequently asked questions are designed to help recipients of the Global Excellence Scholarship (GES) understand the terms of their awards. Recipients should also reference the award letter they received via email at the time they were notified of their scholarship award (these documents would have been sent prior to enrollment).
Prospective Students
How do I apply for a Global Excellence Scholarship?
All admitted freshmen studying on an F-1 visa who have completed their applications for admission by the deadlines are reviewed for the GES. All admitted transfer students attending on an F1 visa who complete their applications by the priority deadline automatically are considered for a Global Excellence Scholarship. There is no separate scholarship application required.
I am an F-1 international student. Am I eligible for other scholarships?
International students studying on a 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 international students will take full responsibility for financing their education.
We encourage you to seek out scholarships that may be available in your home country and community. You may want to reach out to the nearest Education USA office or try a free national scholarship database search service called Fast Web. If there is someone in your family or a friend who is a credit-worthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident willing to cosign an educational loan, you may be eligible for a SELF loan, administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
When will a decision be made? When will I be notified of the scholarship award?
There are a very limited number of scholarships given out each year. If you have been awarded one, you will receive an email notification. Freshmen recipients will be notified by the end of March. GES for transfer students are awarded May-June.
Are international students eligible to receive any additional scholarships after they begin attending the University?
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. For more information, visit One Stop Student Services Scholarships page
Current Award Recipients
Will I receive my award if I am taking a reduced course load?
Yes, but since your tuition cost may be lower, your award amount could also be lower. Also, Global Excellence Scholarship awards require maintaining full-time enrollment of at least 13 credits per semester. When students do not meet one or more of the scholarship renewal criteria, they are allowed to appeal to have their situation be considered for an exception.
Will I receive my award while studying abroad?
Global Excellence Scholarship awards cannot be applied to study abroad programs. However, you will be able to resume your scholarship when you return from your study abroad program. Credits earned while studying abroad can be used to satisfy the 30-credit annual requirement if they have successfully transferred to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Will changing my major affect my award?
Global Excellence Scholarship awards are not tied to a particular major or college, so changing majors within the University will not cause you to lose your scholarship.
Will changing my visa status affect my award?
Global Excellence Scholarships are only awarded to students on F-1 visas. Students must maintain F-1 status to continue to receive their Global Excellence Scholarship awards.
I am a second-year student; is it possible to increase my award?
All scholarship award decisions are made at the time of admission. Global Excellence Scholarship award rules do not allow for adjustments to be made mid-degree due to hardship, excellent academic performance, or any other reason.
If you are experiencing financial challenges, you may want to contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) regarding ISSS Funding Programs.
I will need to stay at the University for one or more additional semesters to complete my degree requirements. Will I be able to extend my award for this additional time?
Global Excellence Scholarship awards are for four years for students who entered the University as freshmen or three years for students who transferred to the University. If you believe you have extenuating circumstances and need the scholarship for additional time, please contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected].
If I take a leave of absence, will I be able to receive my award when I return to the University?
Global Excellence Scholarship awards require that students maintain consecutive terms of enrollment. If you have taken a leave of absence, you can contact [email protected] to submit an appeal to request the scholarship to continue, but it is not guaranteed.
If I am put on academic probation, will I lose my award?
Global Excellence Scholarship awards are contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress.