University of Minnesota Graduate School Application Guide

# University of Minnesota Graduate School Application Guide ## Eligibility Requirements - **Bachelor’s degree** from a U.S. institution accredited by one of the following bodies: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), or WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). - For international applicants, a comparable degree from an officially recognized institution outside the U.S. is acceptable. - **Undergraduate GPA**: Most programs prefer a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or higher. Specific GPA thresholds vary by program. - **GRE**: Some programs may require the Graduate Record Examination; others do not. Check the individual program’s page. - **English language proficiency**: Applicants whose first language is not English must submit proof via TOEFL, MELAB, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. - **Letters of recommendation**: Required by many programs; submission is online. - **Transcripts**: Unofficial copies of all post‑secondary coursework and degrees must be uploaded. Official transcripts are requested only after admission. ## Application Process 1. Create an online application account. 2. Start a new application for each program you wish to apply to. 3. Upload required documents (transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters). 4. Pay the application fee for each program. 5. Save and submit the application. ## Deadlines - Application deadlines differ by program. The Graduate School encourages early submission to allow efficient processing. - Fall‑term decisions are typically released between February and April, but exact dates vary. ## Funding Opportunities - **Fellowships, grants, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and loans** are common forms of support. - Specific funding options and eligibility criteria are listed on each program’s page. - The Graduate School does not provide application fee waivers; programs may offer fee waivers upon request. ## International Student Notes - International applicants must also navigate the U.S. student visa process. - The Graduate School evaluates credentials in‑house; external evaluations (e.g., WES) are not accepted. - Conditional admission may be offered by some programs; contact the program for details. ## Common Questions - **Can I apply to multiple programs?** Yes, but each application requires a separate fee. - **When should I submit official transcripts?** Only after admission is offered. - **What if I need a fee waiver?** Contact the program; the Graduate School does not issue waivers. ## Unknowns & Limitations - Exact GPA requirements, GRE score thresholds, and application fee amounts are program‑specific and not listed on the general page. - Individual program deadlines are not provided in the source text; applicants must consult each program’s website. - Funding availability and criteria vary widely; the source lists general categories but not specific award details. - The information may be outdated; the source text does not indicate a publication date. ## Recommendations for Applicants - Review each program’s specific admissions page for detailed requirements. - Prepare unofficial transcripts early and keep originals ready for official submission. - Verify English proficiency test scores meet the minimum thresholds for your program. - Contact the Graduate School Admissions Office for clarification on any ambiguous points. --- **Read time:** 4 minutes Source: https://grad.umn.edu/admissions/application-instructions Checked: 2026-10-11T09:24:10.543364+00:00 Confirm details with the official institution before applying.