MS in Finance International Applicants

At Minnesota Carlson, we embrace applicants from around the globe. Prepare for an immersive and life-changing journey where you'll cultivate skills, connections, and insights to propel you toward a successful and impactful future.

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Application Deadlines

Be mindful of the time needed to process visas. We recommend you apply as early as possible to allow maximum time. 

  • November 1
    Decision notification: December 8
  • January 15
    Decision notification: February 16
  • February 15
    Decision notification: March 16
  • March 15 -  Final deadline for all International Research Track Applicants
    Decision notification: April 15
  • April 15 -  Final deadline for International Applicants
    Decision notification: May 8
  • May 1 - Final deadline for all Applicants (Summer term start)
    Decision notification: May 8
  • May 15 - Final deadline for all Partner School Applicants (Fall term start)
    Decision notification: May 29

Important: The master’s degree in finance orientation is required for all incoming students—the orientation date for Summer 2026 is to be determined.

What you need to pursue a Master of Science in Finance degree

As an international student, you’ll follow the same application process as U.S.-based students, with a few additional items.

To be considered for admission to the MSF program, you must have a first university degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree. Students with a 3-year degree from India do not satisfy this minimum requirement and must complete an additional year of post-baccalaureate study before submitting an application to the program. If a student is unsure whether their degree is an equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree they should email their transcripts and proof of degree to the Office of Graduate Admissions for review. Their email is [email protected].

You may upload scanned copies of transcripts or other educational documents using the online application system. 

Official documents are not required at the time of application, but will be required upon admission.

If your credentials do not show the university grading system, submit a statement from the university with this information. If credentials do not record the awarding of the degree, submit copies of your diplomas.

If you are from the former USSR or a European country, submit English translations along with your credentials in the original language.

Please submit transcripts and degree award statements in English and Chinese.

If you've graduated from a university in the above countries, you may submit copies of certified or attested mark sheets or reports that detail results of all exams. These credentials must be certified by university personnel or government officials. They should bear the original signature of the certifying official. Do not certify your own credentials.

If you are admitted, you will receive a financial certification statement. The University issues I-20s only after receiving financial support verification.

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funding to meet all educational expenses for the duration of your study in the U.S. This includes tuition, fees, room and board, transportation, and other expenses. Additional financial resources are required if your spouse or children will accompany you.

Full-time students must hold an F-1 student visa to pursue graduate study at the University of Minnesota unless your funding source requires you to hold a J-1 exchange/visitor visa. 

International and domestic applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. Proof of English language proficiency is measured according to the categories detailed below. You are not exempt if you have lived in an English-speaking country for several years, but have not completed any prior education in English.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Applicants providing an exam score must have an exam date within two years of the graduate program start date. Exams exceeding two years will not be accepted.
  • We do not offer an option for the English language ability to be assessed upon arrival on campus.

For additional details regarding this requirement, please visit the Office of Graduate Admission's website or contact them at [email protected].   

Test scores are not required for applicants that have completed post-secondary coursework in:  

  • United States
  • Canada (except Quebec)
  • United Kingdom/Ireland
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Nigeria

To qualify for exemption, the coursework: 

  • Consists of least 16 semester credits or 24 quarter credits,
  • Does not include ESL coursework, and
  • Was completed within the past 2 years, and
  • You were living in one of the countries listed above while completing all of the credits.

Please note that the exam date should be within two years of the graduate program start date. 

Graduate School Minimum Requirements

For exams taken before January 21, 2026:

  • Total Score: 79
  • Writing Subscore: 21
  • Reading Subscore: 19

For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026:

  • Total Score: 4.5
  • Writing Subscore: 4.5
  • Reading Subscore: 4.5

Please note that these scores are the minimum University requirements. No exceptions can be made.

Typically competitive candidates have average scores of 90-105, or 5.0-5.5, on the internet-based TOEFL.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities does not consider MyBest Scores: Sum of Highest Section Scores of the TOEFL iBT Score Report to meet the minimum total score requirement for admission. Applicants should self-report their highest Total Score from the one test date in the Application for Admission. Applicants should also submit the official TOEFL iBT scores via ETS.

Please note that the exam date should be within two years of the graduate program start date. 

Minimum Scores for Admission

  • Total Score: 6.5
  • Writing Subscore: 6.5
  • Reading Subscore: 6.5

Please note that these scores are the minimum University requirements. No exceptions can be made.

Please note that the exam date should be within two years of the graduate program start date. 

Minimum Scores for Admission

  • Total Score: 59
  • Writing Subscore: 59
  • Reading Subscore: 59

Please note that these scores are the minimum University requirements. No exceptions can be made.

Typically competitive candidates have a total score of 65 or higher.

The Duolingo English Test will be accepted with the score and test date requirements listed below. Please visit the Duolingo preparing for the exam, scheduling the exam, and FAQs sites for more information. 

Minimum Scores for Admission through Summer 2027

  • Overall Score: 115 or above
  • Writing Subscore: 115 or above
  • Reading Subscore: 115 or above

Effective Beginning Fall 2027

  • Overall Score: 120 or above
  • Writing Subscore: 120 or above
  • Reading Subscore: 120 or above

Your exam date should be within two years of the program's start date.

NOTE: We do not offer an option for the English language ability to be assessed upon arrival on campus.

We're now accepting the Cambridge C1 Advanced and we're following grad admissions standards for scores. Please note that the exam date should be within two years of the graduate program start date. 

Minimum Scores for Admission

  • Total Score: 180
  • Writing Subscore: 180
  • Reading Subscore: 180

These scores are the minimum University requirements. No exceptions can be made.

For additional information, please review the Graduate School's breakdown on English Proficiency Exams.

STEM-Designated Program

If you graduate from our Master of Science in Finance program, you can receive 3 years of Optional Practical Training time instead of 1 year.

 

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