Professional MBA: International Applicants

Explore the Process for Applying as an International Student 

Minnesota Carlson is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive community that encourages all members to reach their full potential through learning, working and service. The Professional MBA format supports the school's mission by providing access to Carlson's brand and network for students.

We accept international students in the Professional MBA program. Note that this program is delivered with a blend of in-person courses on our Minneapolis campus and online courses. UMN cannot grant Professional MBA students a student visa. 

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Key Admission Dates

RoundSpring Start (January)Fall Start (September)
Round 1October 15May 15
Round 2November 15June 15
Round 3December 15July 15

We will accept applications after the deadline if space is available.

Gather Materials for Your Application

Please note that all materials are required for the Professional MBA application. If materials are missing, an application will be marked incomplete, delaying an admission decision. Please check your applicant checklist in the application portal to ensure that all materials have been received. 

Minnesota Carlson requires a first degree comparable to a U.S. bachelor's degree. Generally, this means a degree requiring at least 3-4 years of post-baccalaureate university study. If you are unsure whether your degree is acceptable, please inquire early.

Unofficial transcripts must include your name and the name of the institution. or email them to [email protected] for attachment to your application file. Official transcripts will be required if you are admitted to the program.

Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcript. International credentials must include both the original language document(s) and an English translation. Please include copies of the original language diplomas if a degree was conferred, in addition to original language transcripts or mark sheets.

The University of Minnesota reserves the right to require the submission of official transcripts or credentials at any time during the admission review process.

See the details below for advice on the specific countries listed.

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

Former USSR and EuropeApplicants from these countries should submit official English translations and credentials in the original language.
People's Republic of ChinaPlease submit official transcripts and degree award statements in English and Chinese.
Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, France, and Universities Outside North America on the French SystemApplicants from universities in these countries may submit 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.

Professional MBA is a part-time program. Part-time students cannot be issued an F-1 or J-1 visa. You must have a work permit or a dependent visa to pursue the professional MBA program.

Proof of English Language Proficiency is required of all applicants and must be demonstrated in one of the following ways.

  • Complete at least the last two years of a bachelor's degree or one year of graduate school (full-time) in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Anglophone Africa, or the English-speaking Caribbean and will provide official transcripts
  • Complete education solely in English in a country where English is not the official language with documented proof
  • Will provide the official results of an English language test taken within the last two years

If you do not meet one of the other requirements, you must take the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo exam. It is not necessary to take more than one. Scores must be less than two years old when you apply.

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.

TOEFL

Please note that the exam date should be within 2 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.

IELTS

To be considered for admission, Minnesota Carlson requires an overall band score of 7.0, with no section lower than 6.5.

IELTS test scores are verified using the Test Report Form (TRF) number. You may upload a scanned copy of your IELTS Test Report Form in your application or email the score report to [email protected].

Score reports will be accepted via email from applicants or the testing agency.

PTE AcademicTo be considered for admission, Minnesota Carlson requires a minimum score of 65 on the PTE Academic. The School must receive an official score report from Pearson. When you take the exam, please specify that you wish to have an official score report sent to Minnesota Carlson's MBA Programs at program code JP3-5T-48.
DuolingoTo be considered for admission, we require an overall score of 120 and a literacy section score of 120. Please send test results directly to [email protected].
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