If you are looking to advance your education in the USA with a fully funded scholarship, the University of Minnesota Fellowship 2025 offers an outstanding opportunity. This fellowship supports international students pursuing master’s-level studies, particularly at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, providing comprehensive financial support covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.
About the University of Minnesota Fellowship
The University of Minnesota Fellowship 2025-2026 is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship aimed at international students who aspire to pursue a Master of Development Practice (MDP) degree. This program is designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as poverty, climate change, food insecurity, and sustainable development.
The fellowship is associated with the Sawiris Social Development Foundation, which funds the Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship Program in its fourth round, supporting candidates who demonstrate excellence and a commitment to public affairs and sustainable development.
Why Choose the University of Minnesota and the Humphrey School?
- Multidisciplinary Curriculum: The MDP program offers an interdisciplinary approach combining public policy, economics, environmental studies, and development to provide a broad understanding of sustainable development challenges.
- Global Impact: The program prepares students to contribute effectively to the global community by managing non-profit organizations, implementing development programs, and influencing policy decisions.
- World-Class Faculty & Facilities: Students will learn from distinguished faculty members and gain access to excellent research and academic resources.
- Comprehensive Financial Support: The fellowship covers all major expenses, enabling students to focus entirely on their studies without financial stress.
Scholarship Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Level of Study | Masters |
| Institution | University of Minnesota |
| Location | USA |
| Program | Master of Development Practice (MDP) |
| Program Duration | Two years |
| Application Deadlines | December 15 (consideration for University & Humphrey merit aid)January 15 (Humphrey merit aid only) |
Scholarship Coverage
The University of Minnesota Fellowship provides recipients with the following benefits:
- Full Tuition Coverage: Complete payment of tuition fees for the two-year master’s program.
- Living Expenses: A stipend to cover housing, food, and daily living costs.
- Travel Expenses: Funding to cover travel costs related to study, including airfare.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage throughout the duration of the study program.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the University of Minnesota Fellowship must meet the following requirements:
- Language Proficiency:
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Paper-based: 600
- Computer-based: 250
- Internet-based: 100 (with a minimum of 22 in each section)
- IELTS: Minimum score of 7.0
- Academic Qualifications:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized and reputable academic institution in a related field.
- Meet the entry requirements for the MDP program at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
- Professional and Academic Excellence:
- Demonstrate a strong academic record and professional achievements.
- Display excellent interpersonal skills, including extracurricular activities, community service, or entrepreneurial initiatives.
- Financial Need:
- Demonstrate inability to finance studies independently.
- Recommended Background:
- A solid foundation in liberal arts education.
- Sound quantitative and analytical skills, including prior coursework in mathematics, statistics, and economics, is advantageous but not mandatory.
- Required Documentation:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (no specific minimum required).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- An HR letter from the current employer, including salary details, or a bank statement if unemployed.
- Copy of valid passport.
- Updated resume or CV.
- Academic transcripts for all previous studies.
- One recent personal photo.
How to Apply for the University of Minnesota Fellowship
Step 1: Choose Your Program
- The University of Minnesota offers over 130 graduate programs across two campuses. For this fellowship, focus on the MDP degree offered by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Step 2: Review Application Requirements
- Each graduate program may have specific application materials and deadlines. Carefully check your program’s requirements to ensure you submit all necessary documents.
Step 3: Contact Your Program of Interest
- Some programs require additional materials or have departmental reviews. Reach out to program coordinators to confirm submission requirements.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application
- Collect and prepare your transcripts, recommendation letters, test scores, personal statements, and other documents.
- Make sure your documents meet the language and academic requirements.
Step 5: Submit Your Application Early
- Submit your complete application and all materials at least two weeks before the official deadline to avoid delays.
Important Deadlines
| Deadline | Purpose |
|---|---|
| December 15, 2025 | Consideration for University of Minnesota Fellowships and Humphrey School merit-based aid. |
| January 15, 2026 | Consideration for Humphrey School merit-based aid only. |
Additional Resources and Contact Information
- For detailed program information and to begin your application, visit the University of Minnesota Official Website.
- Explore the Humphrey School of Public Affairs program specifics and contact details on their site for personalized guidance.
Related Scholarships
- Fulbright Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded
- UNICAF Online Scholarship Program 2025/2026 for International Students
- List of Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA 2026
Conclusion
The University of Minnesota Fellowship represents a significant opportunity for international students committed to making a positive global impact through sustainable development. By covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance, the fellowship removes financial barriers and allows scholars to fully engage in their studies and professional growth.
If you are passionate about development policy, social change, and sustainable solutions, and meet the eligibility criteria, this fellowship is an excellent pathway to advancing your career and academic aspirations.