International Applicants

At Minnesota Carlson, we welcome applicants from all over the world. International students constitute 36% of the typical class profile for the Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations program. Prepare for an immersive, life-changing journey where you will develop the skills, connections, and insights necessary to propel you towards a successful and impactful future.

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Application Deadlines

If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organized.

  • Round 1: December 1
  • Round 2: February 1
  • Round 3: April 1 - final application deadline for international applicants*
  • Round 4: June 1 - final application deadline for international applicants who are currently living in the United States
  • Round 5: July 15**

*After the April 1 deadline, applications from international applicants in the U.S. will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

**After the final deadline, applications are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Application Checklist

International students can apply directly to us using the same application form as U.S. students.

Degrees that require less than 4 years of education are not regarded as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. If you hold this type of degree, you must complete an additional year of higher education coursework to be considered for admission.

Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application. International students should also upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts. There is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review.

If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material.

Minimum academic requirements for international applicants are a 4-year bachelor's degree or a master's degree (2 years after your bachelor's degree).

Click here for important information about uploading your transcripts and credentials.s

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.

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

Full-time students must hold an F-1 student visa to pursue study at the University of Minnesota unless your funding source requires you to hold a J-1 exchange/visitor visa. If you're admitted, you will receive a financial certification statement. The University issues I-20s only after receiving financial support verification. You will be required to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds available to meet all educational expenses for the duration of your status at the University of Minnesota. This includes tuition, fees, room and board, transportation, and other expenses. Additional financial resources are required if your spouse or children will accompany you.

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

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

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

Typically competitive candidates have average scores of 90-105 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

  • Overall Score: 115 or above
  • Subscore for Literacy section: 115 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.

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

Minimum Scores for Admission

  • Total Score: 185
  • With no subscore lower than: 180

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

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How to Apply to U.S. Business Schools as an International Applicant

Are you an international student interested in an MBA or other business master's programs in the U.S.? Here are a few tips to help you navigate the application process to help you earn a spot at your top-choice school.

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