
Minnesota is home to several colleges and universities that attract international students from around the world. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Cloud State University, Minnesota State University-Mankato, and Minnesota State Community and Technical College are some of the institutions that offer diverse educational opportunities for international students. To apply as an international student in Minnesota, individuals must typically submit required documentation, including proof of English proficiency, financial statements, and visa information. Each campus provides support throughout the admissions process, and scholarships are available for eligible international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of colleges and universities in Minnesota State | 33 |
| Number of campuses in Minnesota State | 54 |
| Requirements for enrollment | A certified financial statement, proof of English proficiency, a copy of the U.S. visa and forms such as I-94 and I-20 ID |
| Leading institutions for international students in Minnesota | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, St. Cloud State University, Minnesota State University-Mankato, University of St. Thomas, Minnesota State University-Moorhead |
| Countries with the highest number of international students in Minnesota | China, India, South Korea, Nepal, Saudi Arabia |
| Scholarships for international freshmen | $20,000, $15,000 or $10,000 per year for up to four years |
| Scholarships for transfer students | $10,000 per year for up to three years |
| Visa types accepted by Minneapolis Community & Technical College | H-1, H-3, H-4, J-1 (au pair), K-1, R1, F-1 |
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Application process
Minnesota is home to 33 public colleges and universities with 54 campuses spread throughout the state. The application process for international students in Minnesota depends on the college or university in question. Each campus that admits international students supports them throughout the entire international admissions process.
The first step in the application process is to decide on the college or university you are interested in attending. Once you have decided, you should contact the international student advisor at that institution. The name and contact information for this person are usually available on the college or university website. If no international student advisor is listed, you should contact the admissions office.
After you have made contact with the relevant person, you will need to submit the required information to the college or university you want to attend. The requirements are based on the admission requirements for domestic students. For example, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities does not partner with third parties to recruit or enrol international students. However, students and their families can request information through the university website.
Some colleges and universities in Minnesota, such as Minnesota State Community and Technical College, only accept international students who are in-status, meaning applicants with a valid F-1 or M-1 visa transferring from a school within the United States. Additionally, Canadian students are accepted without a visa, but they need to obtain an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. After all admission requirements have been met, the college will issue an I-20 form. Once ISSS receives your I-20 Request form, they will email information on how to receive your I-20 within two weeks.
It is important to note that 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 does not offer tuition waivers or scholarships, and it is assumed that international students will finance their education. However, F-1 students may apply for on-campus jobs at the University of Minnesota. Additionally, under the Manitoba-Minnesota tuition reciprocity agreement, students who are Manitoba residents pay the same tuition as Minnesota residents.
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Required documents
Minnesota State consists of 33 public colleges and universities with 54 campuses throughout the state. The decision to admit students is made by each college or university, with requirements based on the admission requirements for domestic students.
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is a state agency that provides financial aid programs and information to help students gain access to postsecondary education. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is one of the five Minnesota institutions that accounted for 74% of international students studying in the state.
When applying as an international student in Minnesota, the specific required documents may vary depending on the college or university you are applying to. However, here is a list of common documents that you may need to submit:
- Passport: You will likely need to provide a copy of your passport as proof of your identity and citizenship. Make sure your passport is valid and will remain valid throughout your intended period of study.
- Academic Records: Official transcripts and certificates from your previous education, including high school and any post-secondary education, are usually required. These records should include details of the courses you have taken and the grades or marks you have achieved.
- Standardized Test Scores: Depending on the institution and program you are applying to, you may need to submit scores from standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or English proficiency tests. Check with your chosen university for their specific requirements.
- English Language Proficiency Proof: If English is not your first language, you may be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. This could include test scores from accepted English language tests.
- Financial Documentation: As an international student, you will likely need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during your stay in Minnesota. This could include bank statements, scholarship letters, or other financial documents.
- Visa Documents: If you are applying for a student visa (such as the F-1 visa), you may need to provide visa application documents, including proof of acceptance and financial support. Check the specific visa requirements for your country of origin.
- Immunization Records: Some universities may request immunization records to ensure you meet their health requirements.
- Letters of Recommendation: Depending on the program, you may need letters of recommendation from teachers or professors.
- Statement of Purpose or Essays: Many universities require a personal statement or essay as part of the application.
- Additional Program-Specific Documents: Certain programs may have additional document requirements, such as resumes or portfolios.
Remember to carefully review the website of the college or university you are interested in attending as they will provide detailed information on the required documents and the application process for international students.
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Visas
Minnesota is home to 33 public colleges and universities with 54 campuses across the state. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is one of the five institutions that accounted for 74% of international students in the state.
International students on F-1 visas in the U.S. are not eligible for Minnesota state financial aid programs. The University of Minnesota does not offer tuition waivers or scholarships for international students, so they are expected to finance their education. However, F-1 students can apply for on-campus jobs at the university.
International students at Minnesota State Community and Technical College must have a valid F-1 or M-1 visa when transferring from a school within the United States. Canadian students do not require a visa but must obtain an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility.
To receive an I-20 form, you must submit an I-20 Request form to ISSS, who will then provide information on obtaining your I-20 within two weeks. Students with other temporary visas do not need to submit the Undergraduate New Student I-20 Request form. Instead, they should contact ISSS to inform them of their temporary visa status and request the removal of the AI Hold from their account.
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Scholarships
Minnesota is home to several prestigious universities that attract students from across the globe. The University of Minnesota, for instance, is ranked as a "best value" university by USA Today, the Princeton Review, and Kiplinger's Personal Finance. The university offers competitive tuition rates, outstanding academic programs, and a focus on student success.
International students in Minnesota have several scholarship opportunities available to them, although it is important to note that eligibility criteria and application processes may vary. Here are some of the notable scholarships:
- Global Excellence Scholarship – Offered by the University of Minnesota, all international freshman and transfer students admitted for the fall semester on an F1 visa are automatically considered for this scholarship. There is no separate scholarship application required, and awards are based on academic merit. For the 2023-2024 academic year, international freshmen could receive scholarships of $15,000 or $10,000 per year for up to four years. Transfer students entering in the fall semester may receive $10,000 per year for up to three years.
- International Maverick Scholarship – Sponsored by Minnesota State University, Mankato, this scholarship is awarded to all new undergraduate international students. The university also offers the Global Maverick Access Scholarship, where current international students can refer a new prospective undergraduate to enroll and receive additional scholarship funding.
- Gladys B Olson International Student Endowed Scholarships – These scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students at Minnesota State University, Mankato, who have completed a minimum of two semesters and have at least two semesters remaining before graduation.
- International Excellence Scholarship – Hamline University offers this scholarship of up to $25,000 per year to international students, along with other scholarships to make pursuing a college degree more affordable.
- Scholarships for Students from Underrepresented Countries – Minnesota State University offers scholarships for first-year F-1 students from underrepresented countries.
- Scholarships for Academic Achievement – Some scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, such as the Charlie Parnell Memorial Scholarship for students pursuing engineering or science degrees, or the John Deere Scholarship for students in Weld Engineering or related programs.
- Scholarships for Female Students – The Joyce Ivy Summer Scholars Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving female high school students residing in Minnesota and other select states.
- Scholarships for Students of Indian Ancestry – The Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to Minnesota resident students of Indian ancestry who demonstrate financial need.
Additionally, there are scholarships offered by organizations like Bold.org, which provides opportunities specifically for international students in Minnesota, such as a $1,000 scholarship for international students who wish to have a positive impact in their home country with their future careers.
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Driving in Minnesota
If you plan to drive in Minnesota, you must have a valid Minnesota driver's license. If you are an international student, you can use your foreign driver's license to drive in Minnesota for up to 60 days after moving to the state. An International Driving Permit (IDP) can be useful as it translates your foreign driver's license into several languages. However, it is not a replacement for a driver's license and you must still carry your license with you. If your foreign driver's license is not in English, you may also want to carry a Minnesota Certified Translation from a licensed translator.
To obtain a Minnesota driver's license, you must provide documentation of your identity, such as your passport and Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, and pay the associated fees. You must also pass a knowledge exam, a vision test, and a road test. The knowledge exam evaluates your knowledge of Minnesota traffic laws and road signs and consists of multiple-choice and true or false questions. You can review the Minnesota Driver's Manual and take free practice tests to prepare for the exam. The vision test is a screening to determine if your vision meets the minimum standards, and you should wear your glasses or contacts if you need them to drive. The road test evaluates your driving skills and can only be taken after you have passed the knowledge and vision tests.
It is important to familiarize yourself with Minnesota's traffic laws and regulations to avoid fines and offenses. Some key rules to keep in mind include always wearing your seat belt, yielding to pedestrians and funeral processions, using headlights in reduced visibility conditions, and stopping for school buses when loading or unloading children. Additionally, there are specific parking restrictions, such as not parking within certain distances of fire hydrants, railway crossings, and traffic signals.
In terms of insurance and registration, all vehicles in Minnesota must have liability insurance, which covers damages if you cause an accident resulting in injuries. Collision coverage and comprehensive physical damage insurance are also recommended for protection against uninsured motorists, theft, flood, or fire. You must always carry proof of insurance coverage and registration when driving and ensure that the owner of the vehicle and the driver are covered by insurance.
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Frequently asked questions
International students need to be in-status, holding a valid F-1 visa and transferring from a school within the United States. Canadian students are also accepted. All international students are required to have insurance coverage for the duration of their studies.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that applicants demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover all educational and personal expenses. This includes tuition, fees, and living expenses for the first academic year. Applicants with dependents must also certify that they can cover those additional costs.
All international freshman and transfer students on an F1 visa who are admitted for the fall are automatically considered for a Global Excellence Scholarship. Freshman can receive scholarships of $20,000, $15,000 or $10,000 per year for up to four years. Transfer students may receive $10,000 per year for up to three years.
After admission and enrollment confirmation, students submit an Undergraduate New Student I-20 Request Form to the University's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). This is required for the F-1 visa application.











































