Here we go! Carefully review all that you need for your graduate school application.
Admissions RequirementsBachelor's Degree
Admission to a UMN graduate program requires a bachelor’s degree issued by an institution with accreditaton from one of the following accrediting organizations in the U.S., or a comparable degree from outside the U.S.
GPA
Many graduate programs prefer an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher for admission. Consult your program of interest for specific GPA requirements.
Caculate grades received in a letter-grade format, to calculate GPA into 4 point scale use the grade calculator from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. For international transcripts where numerical grading scales are used, such as 1-10, 1-20, or 1-100, enter your GPA as calculated on your transcript.
GRE
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores may be required by your program of interest.
English language proficiency
International and domestic applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. A TOEFL, MELAB, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced test is required for applicants whose first language is not English.
Recommendation letters
Many graduate programs require letters of recommendation, submitted and uploaded online. Consult your program of interest for specific requirements.
Transcripts and credentials
Unofficial copies of all post-secondary coursework and degrees are required with your application. Please follow instructions on the Transcripts & Credentials page, as well as the specific information given on the International Student Resources page.
You're Ready to ApplyYou’ve reviewed the admission requirements. The Graduate School can help guide you through the application process.
Choose your program
Learn and explore the specific application requirements of your program of interest. Application requirements include the upload of all unofficial transcripts. Each graduate program may require additional application materials, such as test scores, letters of recommendation or other requirements not set by the Graduate School. Please adhere to the requirements of the graduate program in which you are applying.
Know your application deadline
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that we can process your application as efficiently as possible. Deadlines vary from program to program. It is important you know the application deadline of your program of interest .
Application fees
You will be prompted to pay an application fee while applying online. You can find more information on the Application Fees page.
Apply online
Create and complete your application Note that you can save the form and return to it as often as you wish prior to submission.
Check your application status
For more information, visit the Application Status page, or log in to the admissions system you used to submit your online application.
Questions or concerns
International RequirementsStudent Visa Process
To attend the University of Minnesota Graduate School, you will need to apply for a student visa. Explore Student Visa Process
English Language Proficiency
International and domestic applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. Explore English Language Proficiency
Transcripts & Credentials
Unofficial copies of all post-secondary coursework and degrees are required with your application. Please follow instructions on the Transcripts & Credentials page, as well as the specific information given on the International Student Resources page.
Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions Prospective StudentsWhat are the requirements for graduate school?
Requirements for admission vary from program to program. For the most accurate information, please contact your program of interest.
Can I talk to/make an appointment with an academic adviser or counselor to decide which program I should apply?
The Graduate Admissions Office does not provide this service. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to reach out to programs they’re interested in and request information and/or a meeting with someone in the department to discuss their interests and fit. Most program websites provide detailed information about their program’s focus and curriculum, along with admissions requirements. If you are unsure of whom you should contact, please contact the Graduate School Admissions Office.
What graduate programs do you have? Do you have a list of all of the masters (insert Phd, professional degree, certificate, etc.) programs that your University offers?
To view what programs the University offers, please refer to our Graduate Programs page.
How long does it take to get a graduate degree?
Completing a graduate degree can take anywhere from one to eight years. Much of this will depend on whether you pursue a degree as a part-time or full-time student, level of degree, and program requirements.
Can I get an application fee waiver?
The Graduate Admissions Office does not provide application fee waivers. We encourage you to reach out to your program of interest to determine if this is something your program can support.
When do I need to submit my official transcript(s)?
Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to your application. Official transcripts are required only if you’ve been admitted. Please do not send official transcripts until we request them from you, as this may delay the processing of your application. For more information, please visit the Transcripts & Credentials page.
What is my program’s application deadline?
Deadlines vary from program to program. Please contact your program of interest for specific application deadlines.
Can I apply to more than one graduate program at the same time?
Yes, you may apply for admission to as many graduate programs as you wish. To do so, you must:
We highly encourage you to contact your program(s) of interest regarding their individual admissions requirements, timelines, and processes.