UMD Duluth Scholarships for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) offers a range of opportunities for international students seeking financial assistance to pursue their academic goals. This article provides a detailed overview of the costs associated with attending UMD, as well as a variety of scholarship and funding options available to international students.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance at UMD

Planning for the cost of education is crucial for international students. UMD provides an estimate of the cost of attendance, which includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, health insurance, and living expenses.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for international undergraduate students is as follows:

Tuition and Fees (9-month academic year): $42,694
Books and Supplies (9-month academic year): $1,000
Mandatory Health Insurance (12 months): $3,590
Living Expenses (12 months): $22,496
Total: $69,780

It is important to note that these costs are estimates and are subject to change. Actual expenses may vary depending on individual circumstances. The University of Minnesota is not responsible for any difference between these estimated costs and your actual costs, and cost increases should be expected for each subsequent academic year. Tuition and fees for the 2026-27 academic year will be finalized in July 2026 by the Board of Regents. Some programs and colleges may also have additional mandatory fees or tuition surcharges.

UMD's Commitment to Affordable Education

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and by extension UMD, aims to provide a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. The tuition structure is designed to benefit students who take a full course load. Since UMD charges a flat tuition rate, the tuition cost will not increase for students taking 13 credits or more per semester. Students typically take 15-16 credits per semester in order to graduate in four years.

Read also: Notable UMD Alumni

Merit Scholarship Consideration for International Students

International students seeking merit scholarship consideration must apply for admission by the regular decision deadline. Although UMD is test-optional for admission, a strong composite ACT score may benefit students in the merit scholarship selection process. Students are encouraged to contact their Admissions Counselor with questions regarding the role of test scores in scholarship consideration.

Best of Class Scholarship

UMD offers the Best of Class Scholarship to recognize high-achieving students. To be eligible, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.9 and apply by the Regular admissions deadline of January 15.

For students attending Minnesota schools that do not rank or are unable to rank multiple students as #1 or #2 and wish to receive consideration for the Best of Class Scholarship are required to submit an admissions scholarship appeal. Required documentation includes a signature and verification from a high school official stating that the student would have been ranked #1 or #2 in the class if the school ranked or would have been ranked #1 or #2 if the ranking of multiple students was allowed. Rank is only considered (based on the transcript received) at the time of application for admission. (Students who are homeschooled do not qualify for the Best of Class Scholarship.)

It is important to note that students may only qualify for one admissions scholarship from the Office of Admissions. Scholarships from outside of the university may be combined with your admissions scholarship.

If a student graduates from UMD in less than four years, they are not eligible to receive the remainder of the scholarship. Students graduating (official degree posted) in less than four years cannot transfer the scholarship to UMD non-degree, graduate, or professional school enrollment.

Read also: Paying for UMD

External Scholarship and Funding Opportunities

In addition to UMD's internal scholarships, international students can explore a variety of external funding opportunities to help finance their education. These include:

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: This program provides scholarships to U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program - Critical Need Language Award: This program provides scholarships to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to United States interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central, and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The award includes an additional requirement of federal service following graduation.
CIEE Scholarship: CIEE offers both grants and scholarships to students studying abroad.
Department of State’s Gilman-McCain Scholarship: The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for undergraduate child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Developed under the framework of the State Department’s Benjamin A. colleges and universities who receive any type of Title IV federal financial aid.

Read also: Understanding UMD's Academic Dates
Go Overseas Scholarships: Go Overseas gives away $175,000 in scholarships every year.
Katherine E. Sullivan Scholarship: The Katherine E. Sullivan Scholarship supports a full year of study abroad for students who will have completed at least 120 credits of academic work and will have finished all graduation requirements by the end of the proposed study abroad experience. Students who are in their third year of undergraduate education are especially encouraged to apply
Rotary Scholarships: The Rotary Foundation offers scholarship opportunities through district, global, and packaged grants.

Impact of External Scholarships on Financial Aid

Students who receive scholarships from organizations outside of UMD should be aware that their existing financial aid award will be reviewed, and adjustments may be made based on the receipt of your scholarship(s). Consistent with University policy, the total annual aid amount awarded to a student, including all scholarships and grants, cannot exceed the cost of attendance at UMD. Financial aid awards (e.g., loans, work-study, scholarships, or grants) may be reduced for students whose total aid exceeds the cost of their program for the academic year, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid.

You may see a reduction in other types of aid, such as loans, work-study, or institutional aid.

UMD: A Welcoming Environment for International Students

UMD boasts a diverse community, with students, faculty, and staff representing nearly all US states and over 45 countries. The university provides a welcoming environment for international students to connect, learn, and grow.

English Language Support

The English Language and Culture Institute (ELCI) at UMD offers courses for international students who want to improve their English for academic, professional, or personal reasons. ELCI provides an opportunity to experience life on an American university campus and interact with American students.

Applying to UMD as an International Student

International students on a temporary visa can apply to UMD by accessing the online application, creating an account, and logging in. The application requires a non-refundable fee of $50, which can be paid online with a credit card. The application will not be complete until the fee is paid.

First-year international students must submit high/secondary school records.

tags: #umd #duluth #scholarships #for #international #students