The Global Excellence Scholarship (GES) 2024/2025 at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a highly coveted merit-based award designed to support exceptional international students. By providing substantial financial assistance ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 annually, the GES aims to make world-class education accessible to deserving students.
One of the most appealing aspects of the GES is its automatic consideration; students are evaluated for the scholarship simply by submitting their admission application to the university. This removes the hassle of a separate scholarship application process, allowing candidates to focus on showcasing their academic achievements and potential through the regular application process.
In addition to offering significant financial support, the GES is renewable for up to four years for freshmen and three years for transfer students, provided that recipients maintain full-time enrollment, satisfactory academic progress and valid F-1 visa status. The scholarship’s flexibility is another advantage-it accommodates changes in majors and provides options for reduced course loads under certain conditions.
However, maintaining academic performance is key, as falling into academic probation could jeopardize the scholarship. With its focus on academic excellence and global accessibility, the GES offers a valuable opportunity for international students to pursue their dreams of studying at one of the top universities in the U.S.
Degree Level
The University of Minnesota USA Global Excellence Scholarships 2024/2025 are available for international undergraduate students applying to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. This scholarship applies to undergraduate-level programs, offering opportunities for both incoming freshmen and transfer students.
Available Subjects
All subjects offered by the University of Minnesota are available under the Global Excellence Scholarship. Whether you’re pursuing engineering, humanities, sciences or business, the GES can be applied across the board, making it an excellent option for a wide range of academic interests.
Benefits of the GES
Automatic Consideration: No Extra Application Required!
One of the standout features of the GES is that there’s no need for a separate application. When you submit your admission application to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, you are automatically considered for the GES. The university reviews your entire application holistically, examining not just your grades but your overall academic record and potential, to identify the most deserving candidates for this prestigious award.
Award Details: Significant Financial Support
The GES provides substantial financial assistance, with scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 per year. This support can be a game-changer for many international students. The scholarship is renewable, offering support for up to four years for freshmen and three years for transfer students. This ongoing financial help can significantly reduce the burden of tuition, making your academic journey smoother and more affordable.
Maintaining Your Scholarship: Stay Committed!
While receiving the scholarship is an achievement in itself, keeping it is equally important. To retain your GES, you’ll need to demonstrate continued academic commitment. This includes maintaining satisfactory academic progress, which is typically defined by meeting a minimum GPA requirement set by the university. Additionally, full-time enrollment (at least 13 credits per semester) is required and you’ll need to maintain a valid F-1 visa status throughout your studies.
Important Considerations: Navigating GES Requirements
Reduced Course Load: What You Should Know
If you ever need to take a reduced course load while receiving the GES, be aware that the scholarship amount might be adjusted in proportion to your tuition costs. Full-time enrollment is generally required to maintain the full value of the scholarship, but exceptions may be considered. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s a good idea to contact the university at isssfund@umn.edu to discuss your options and whether an appeal for a reduced course load is possible.
Studying Abroad: GES and Global Education
Planning to participate in a study abroad program? While the GES cannot be applied directly to study abroad tuition, the scholarship will resume once you return to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. As long as the credits you earn abroad are successfully transferred back to the university, they can count toward your annual minimum of 30 credits required to maintain the scholarship.
Changing Majors: Stay Flexible
Good news-changing your major within the University of Minnesota won’t jeopardize your GES. The scholarship is designed to support your overall academic journey, regardless of how your academic interests evolve. Whether you switch from biology to business or from history to engineering, your eligibility for the GES remains intact.
Visa Status: F-1 Visa Holders Only
The GES is reserved for international students holding an F-1 visa. Maintaining this visa status is crucial for keeping the scholarship throughout your time at the university. If for any reason your visa status changes, your eligibility for the scholarship could be affected.
Award Adjustments: Fixed Scholarship Amount
Once the GES is awarded, the amount remains fixed throughout your academic program. Unfortunately, mid-program adjustments to increase the scholarship-whether due to financial hardship or exceptional academic performance-are not possible. However, if you face financial difficulties, it’s worth exploring other funding options through the university’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Funding Programs.
Extending the Scholarship: Special Circumstances
The GES typically covers four years for freshmen and three years for transfer students. If you need additional time to complete your degree due to extenuating circumstances, you may be eligible to request an extension. To explore this possibility, reach out to isssfund@umn.edu to discuss your situation and the potential for extending your scholarship beyond the standard period.
Leave of Absence: Considerations and Consequences
Taking a leave of absence during your time at the University of Minnesota can have serious implications for your GES. While it’s possible to submit an appeal to have your scholarship reinstated upon your return, there’s no guarantee that the scholarship will continue after a leave of absence. Be sure to consult with the university and carefully weigh your options before making this decision.
Academic Performance: The Key to Keeping Your Scholarship
Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is essential to keeping your GES. If your academic performance declines and you find yourself on academic probation, you risk losing the scholarship. Staying on top of your studies and seeking help when needed will ensure that you can continue benefiting from this financial support throughout your academic career.
Eligible Nationalities
The Global Excellence Scholarship is open to international students from all nationalities. Whether you come from Asia, Africa, Europe or any other part of the world, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can be considered for this prestigious award.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies?
Recognizing the Best of the Best
The GES is a merit-based scholarship that recognizes the cream of the crop among international undergraduate students. It is available to both incoming freshmen and transfer students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in their previous studies. If you’ve consistently ranked at the top of your class and have a track record of excellent academic preparation, you’ll have a strong chance of being considered for this award.
Application Procedure: How to Apply?
The beauty of the GES is that you don’t need to submit a separate application for the scholarship. Simply apply for admission to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and you’ll automatically be considered. The university evaluates your entire application package to identify the most deserving students for this scholarship. Be sure to put your best foot forward in your application, highlighting your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement and any other factors that showcase your potential.
Taking the Next Step: Your Path to a Dream Education
The Global Excellence Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for high-achieving international students to study at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. By fully understanding the eligibility criteria, award benefits and renewal requirements, you can significantly boost your chances of securing this scholarship. It’s not just about meeting the criteria but also about maintaining your commitment to academic excellence throughout your studies.
In summary, the Global Excellence Scholarship for 2024/2025 at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities offers an incredible opportunity for international students seeking a world-class education. With automatic consideration, substantial financial support and a flexible, student-centered approach, this scholarship is designed to empower high-achieving students from around the globe. By taking full advantage of this scholarship, you can set yourself on a path toward academic and personal success at one of America’s most prestigious universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GES renewable and what are the requirements to renew it?
Yes, the GES is renewable. To renew the scholarship, students must maintain full-time enrollment (at least 13 credits per semester), maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the university and keep their F-1 visa status valid.
Can I receive the GES if I change my major after enrolling?
Yes, changing your major within the University of Minnesota will not affect your eligibility for the GES. The scholarship is flexible and will continue to support your academic journey regardless of your field of study.
Does the GES cover study abroad programs?
No, the GES cannot be used for study abroad programs. However, the scholarship will resume once you return to the University of Minnesota and credits earned abroad (if transferred successfully) can count toward your minimum credit requirements.
What happens if I need to take a reduced course load?
In some cases, students on the GES can take a reduced course load, but the scholarship amount may be adjusted based on the reduced tuition costs. Full-time enrollment is required for renewal and exceptions may be considered upon appeal.
What if I need more than four years (or three years for transfers) to complete my degree?
The GES typically covers four years for freshmen and three years for transfer students. If extenuating circumstances cause you to need additional time to complete your degree, you can appeal for an extension by contacting the university.
Will I lose my scholarship if I am placed on academic probation?
Yes, if your academic performance falls below the required standards and you are placed on academic probation, you risk losing the GES. It’s important to maintain satisfactory academic progress to keep the scholarship.
Can the scholarship amount be increased during my time at the university?
No, once awarded, the GES amount remains fixed for the duration of your academic program. Mid-program adjustments to the scholarship amount are not possible, even in cases of financial hardship or exceptional academic performance.
Who is eligible to apply for the GES?
The GES is open to international undergraduate students applying as freshmen or transfer students. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement in their previous studies, with a strong track record of academic preparation.