Eligibility & Credit
Eligibility
Visiting international students must meet the following requirements:
- Be in good academic standing with at least one year of university-level coursework; gap year students will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Receive approval from your home university, if required
- Provide proof of academic proficiency in English
Credit
As a GO Minnesota student, you will take 12–16 credits per semester.
If you are interested in transferring the credit back to your home institution, you must speak with your university's international office about the correct process. We recommend you confirm this before submitting your application.
Upon completion of your program, you will receive an official University of Minnesota transcript that includes the classes, credits, and final grades you earned.
English Proficiency Requirements
English Language Proficiency
You must meet the requirement on one of the following English language proficiency tests:
| Test | Overall Score | Writing Score | *AZ Hold |
| TOEFL | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| Duolingo | 120 | 120 | 105-115 |
Pearson Test of Academic English (PTE) | 59 | 59 | 50-58 |
Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) C1 Advanced | 180 | 180 | 170-179 |
Minnesota Battery Test | 80 | 80 | 75-79 |
DAAD (Germany) | C1 |
*Students admitted with an AZ Hold must take a supportive English language course in addition to other courses during their study abroad term. Students may remove their AZ Hold by submitting a new English test prior to arrival, or by taking an English proficiency test administered by the University’s Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) upon arrival to campus.
Program Dates
Fall Semester 2026
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | April 15, 2026 |
| Arrival Date | August 31–September 1, 2026 |
| Mandatory Orientation | September 3-4, 2026 |
| Semester Begins | September 8, 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Break (no classes) | November 23-27, 2026 |
| Semester Ends | December 23, 2026 |
Spring Semester 2027
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | October 15, 2026 |
| Arrival Date | January 11–12, 2027 |
| Mandatory Orientation | January 14–15, 2027 |
| Semester Begins | January 19, 2027 |
| Spring Break (no classes) | March 8-12, 2027 |
| Semester Ends | May 12, 2027 |
Note:
- Dates are subject to change.
- Some applicants may be asked to arrive before the date listed above if they require additional English testing or have other requirements.
- Late applications are considered on a space-available basis.
Cost of Attendance
2026-2027 Semester Fees
| Description | Cost* |
|---|---|
| Program Fee (one semester, 12-16 credits) | $16,220 |
| University Fees (mandatory) | $1,236 |
| International Health Insurance (mandatory) | $1,795 |
| Housing and Meals (estimate, based on double occupancy) | $7,698 |
| Books and Supplies (estimate) | $200 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $27,171 |
*Fees and estimates are subject to change.
Apply
Deadlines
- Fall semester: April 15
- Spring semester: October 15
If the deadline falls on a weekend, materials are due the following Monday.