Degree Level
The Global Excellence Scholarship at the University of Minnesota for the 2024/2025 academic year is available for students pursuing undergraduate programs. Whether you’re a freshman or a transfer student, the GES can help fund your education at one of the United States’ top universities.
Available Subjects
The GES is open to students studying in all subjects offered at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. No matter your field of interest, this scholarship can support your academic journey.
Benefits of the Global Excellence Scholarship
1. Automatic Consideration: No Additional Application Required
One of the best things about the GES is that there’s no need to submit a separate scholarship application. When you apply for admission to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, you are automatically considered for the scholarship. The university employs a comprehensive review process, considering your entire application, including academic achievements, extracurricular involvement and personal essays, to determine the most deserving candidates.
2. Generous Financial Support: Helping You Achieve Your Academic Goals
The GES provides significant financial aid, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 per year. This renewable scholarship is available for up to four years for freshmen and three years for transfer students. Such financial backing can make a substantial difference, reducing the burden of tuition fees and allowing you to focus on your studies.
Renewal and Requirements: How to Maintain Your Scholarship
Receiving the GES is just the first step. To continue benefiting from this scholarship, you’ll need to meet certain conditions throughout your academic journey.
1. Satisfactory Academic Progress
To retain your GES, you must demonstrate a commitment to academic success. This typically involves maintaining a minimum GPA requirement, which is set by the university and making satisfactory academic progress. If you fall below the required GPA, you could risk losing your scholarship.
2. Full-Time Enrollment
You are expected to remain a full-time student, which means enrolling in at least 13 credits per semester. Falling below full-time status could impact your scholarship eligibility, so it’s important to plan your course load accordingly.
3. Valid F-1 Visa Status
The GES is exclusively for international students holding an F-1 visa. Maintaining this visa status is crucial for continuing to receive the scholarship. If your visa status changes, it could affect your eligibility.
Important Considerations: Key Factors to Keep Your Scholarship on Track
1. Reduced Course Load
While it is possible to receive the GES with a reduced course load, the scholarship amount may be adjusted based on the lower tuition costs. Full-time enrollment is typically required for scholarship renewal, but exceptions can be made in certain circumstances. If you need to reduce your course load due to extenuating circumstances, you can appeal for consideration. For more details, you can contact isssfund@umn.edu.
2. Studying Abroad
Planning to participate in a study abroad program? It’s important to note that the GES does not apply to study abroad programs. However, the scholarship will resume once you return to the University of Minnesota. If your study abroad credits successfully transfer back, they can count toward the 30-credit annual minimum required for GES renewal.
3. Changing Majors
Thinking of switching majors? Don’t worry! Changing your academic path within the University of Minnesota will not impact your GES eligibility. The scholarship is flexible, allowing you to evolve academically without the fear of losing your financial support.
4. Visa Status Matters
As mentioned, maintaining your F-1 visa status is essential for keeping the GES. If you lose your visa status for any reason, you will no longer be eligible to receive the scholarship. Staying on top of your visa requirements is just as important as maintaining your academic performance.
5. Award Adjustments
Unfortunately, the university does not allow for mid-program adjustments to the GES award amount. This means that, regardless of your financial situation or academic performance, the scholarship amount remains fixed throughout your undergraduate career. If you encounter financial difficulties, you may want to explore other ISSS Funding Programs for additional assistance.
6. Extending Your Scholarship
Typically, the GES covers up to four years for freshmen and three years for transfer students. If you face extenuating circumstances that require you to extend your studies beyond this period, you can reach out to isssfund@umn.edu to discuss the possibility of extending your scholarship. However, extensions are not guaranteed, so it’s important to plan your academic timeline carefully.
7. Leave of Absence
If you need to take a leave of absence, it’s important to understand how this could affect your scholarship eligibility. While you can submit an appeal to retain your scholarship upon returning from your leave, continued receipt of the GES is not guaranteed. Each case is evaluated individually, so be sure to communicate with the scholarship office if you’re considering a leave of absence.
8. Academic Performance
Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is crucial to keeping your scholarship. If you fall into academic probation, you could risk losing your scholarship. Make sure to stay on top of your studies and seek help from academic advisors if you’re struggling.
Eligibility Criteria
The Global Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award, meaning it’s reserved for the most academically accomplished students. The GES is open to international students, including both freshmen and transfer students, who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement in their previous studies. This scholarship recognizes and rewards students who have excelled in their academic preparation and are among the top of their class.
Taking the Next Step: Your Dream Education Awaits
The Global Excellence Scholarship at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities offers a fantastic opportunity for high-achieving international students to pursue their academic goals in the United States. By understanding the eligibility criteria, award details and renewal requirements, you can position yourself for success and make your dream of studying at the University of Minnesota a reality.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your academic journey, apply for admission to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and you could be automatically considered for the Global Excellence Scholarship. With the right preparation, this scholarship could be your key to an exceptional education and a bright future.
Studying abroad can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but financial constraints often stand in the way. The Global Excellence Scholarship provides a solution to this challenge by offering substantial financial support to deserving international students. If you’ve been dreaming of attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, the GES can help turn that dream into a reality. Keep in mind that this scholarship is highly competitive, so be sure to present your best self in your application.