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.
ESL Requirements
English Language Proficiency
You must meet the requirement on one of the following English language proficiency tests:
- TOEFL: 79 with writing subscore 21
- IELTS: 6.5 with writing subscore 6.5
- Minnesota Battery Test: 75 with writing subscore 83
- Duolingo: 110 with writing/literacy subscore 110
- Pearson Test of Academic English (PTE): 59 with writing subscore 59
- Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) C1 Advanced: 180 with writing subscore 59
Other Accepted Tests
- Germany: DAAD B2 or C1; students will be tested upon arrival and may be required to take additional English language classes.
Program Dates
Fall Semester 2025
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | May 15, 2025 |
| Arrival Date | August 24–26, 2025 |
| Mandatory Orientation | August 28–29, 2025 |
| Semester Begins | September 2, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Break (University closed) | November 24–28, 2025 |
| Semester Ends | December 18, 2025 |
| Departure (last day to legally remain in the U.S.) | February 16, 2026 |
Spring Semester 2026
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | October 15, 2025 |
| Arrival Date | January 11–13, 2026 |
| Mandatory Orientation | January 15–16, 2026 |
| Semester Begins | January 20, 2026 |
| Spring Break (University closed) | March 9-13, 2026 |
| Semester Ends | May 13, 2026 |
| Departure (last day to legally remain in the U.S.) | July 12, 2026 |
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
2025-2026 Semester Fees
| Description | Cost* |
|---|---|
| Program Fee (one semester, 12-16 credits) | $15,785 |
| University Fees (mandatory) | $1,225 |
| International Health Insurance (mandatory) | $1,795 |
| Housing and Meals (estimate, based on double occupancy) | $7,211 |
| Books and Supplies (estimate) | $200 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $26,216 |
*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.