University of Minnesota Twin Cities — Masters 2026
Top 25 Public University · $1B Research · STEM Leader · 3-Year STEM OPT
Est. 1851 · Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
University of MinnesotaTwin Cities
A world-class public research university and flagship campus of the University of Minnesota system. With 19 colleges and schools offering 150+ graduate programs, UMN combines Ivy League-caliber academics with Big Ten campus life — all in the thriving Twin Cities metropolitan area.
As a Top 25 public university with$1B+ annual research funding, UMN offers Indian students unparalleled opportunities in STEM, business, healthcare, and policy — plus 3 years of STEM OPT work authorization in the USA.
170+
Years of academic excellence
6,000+
International students
#26
National Universities (US News 2024)
#6
Top Public Universities (US News 2024)
#8
Public Research Spending ($1.04B)
AAU
Association of American Universities Member
3 yr
STEM OPT Work Authorization
Why Indian Students ChooseUMN Twin Cities
From research excellence to career outcomes in the Twin Cities hub — UMN delivers exceptional value for your graduate education investment.
Top 25 Public University
Consistently ranked among the best public universities in the US (US News #26 National, #6 Public)
Research Powerhouse
$1B+ annual research expenditure — 8th highest among US public universities
STEM Leader
Top-ranked programs in Engineering, CS, Data Science, Health Sciences, and Business
Industry Connections
Partnerships with 3M, Medtronic, Target, Best Buy, UnitedHealth, and 500+ employers
Twin Cities Advantage
Minneapolis-St. Paul: #1 metro for Fortune 500 HQs per capita, vibrant culture, affordable living
Strong ROI
High starting salaries, 3-year STEM OPT, alumni network of 500,000+ worldwide
International Support
ISSS office, 6,000+ international students, cultural centers, dedicated career services
GVK EduTech Guidance
End-to-end application, visa, scholarship & pre-departure support
Popular Masters Programsfor Indian Students
150+ graduate programs across 19 colleges — here are the most sought-after by Indian applicants
Top-Ranked Programs & Estimated Annual Tuition (2025–26)
| Program | US News Rank | Tuition (Intl.) |
|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | #19 | $34,000 |
| MS Data Science | #12 | $32,000 |
| MS Electrical & Computer Engg | #14 | $33,000 |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | #16 | $33,000 |
| MS Biomedical Engineering | #8 | $34,000 |
| MBA (Carlson School) | #31 | $45,000 |
| MPH Public Health | #11 | $28,000 |
| MS Business Analytics | #15 | $38,000 |
* Tuition estimates for 2025–26 academic year. Fees vary by credits & program. Check specific program pages for exact amounts.
Annual Cost of Living (Twin Cities)
Housing (Shared)
On/off campus apartment
$10,000–$14,000
Food & Groceries
Cooking + occasional dining
$4,000–$6,000
Transport & Misc
Metro Transit, personal, insurance
$4,000–$6,000
Total Annual Estimate
Tuition + Living (varies by program)
$45K–$65K
AdmissionRequirements
Competitive but transparent — requirements vary by program, here's the general baseline
Academic Background
4-year bachelor's degree (or 3-year + 1-year masters) from recognized university, min 3.0/4.0 GPA
Standardized Tests
GRE required for most STEM programs; GMAT for MBA; waivers possible for strong profiles
English Proficiency
TOEFL iBT 79+, IELTS 6.5+, Duolingo 110+ (higher for some programs)
Application Package
SOP, 3 LORs, CV, transcripts, test scores, $95 fee — all submitted online
Application Timeline& Process
A structured six-step journey from program selection to your first semester at UMN
Choose Your Program
Explore 150+ graduate programs and identify your best fit
Check Requirements
Review program-specific prerequisites, deadlines, and test requirements
Prepare Application
Gather transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose
Submit Online
Apply via the Graduate School portal with $95 application fee
Receive Decision
Decisions released on rolling basis — typically 6–10 weeks after deadline
Secure Visa & Enroll
Receive I-20, apply for F-1 visa, and complete pre-arrival requirements
⏰ Key Deadlines for Fall 2026
Required DocumentsChecklist
Prepare these documents early — GVK EduTech helps you compile & verify everything
Life at UMN
Campus Facilities &Student Life
The Twin Cities campus spans both Minneapolis and St. Paul — offering urban energy, lakes, parks, and a vibrant arts scene. 50,000+ students create a diverse, inclusive community with endless opportunities.
The Twin Cities Advantage
Minneapolis-St. Paul: Career& Lifestyle Hub
The Twin Cities metro (3.7M population) offers the perfect blend of professional opportunity and quality of life — consistently ranked among the best US cities for young professionals.
- #1 US metro for Fortune 500 HQs per capita (17 companies)
- Medtrronic, 3M, Target, Best Buy, UnitedHealth, US Bank, General Mills HQ
- Thriving tech scene: AWS, Google, Microsoft, Oracle offices + startups
- World-class healthcare: Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota Medical Center
- 10,000+ lakes, extensive bike trails, 4 distinct seasons
- Lower cost of living vs. Bay Area, NYC, Boston, Seattle
- Direct flights to India via Chicago, NYC, Doha, Dubai hubs
- Strong Indian community: temples, groceries, cultural associations
Advantages of Studying atUniversity of Minnesota
Public Ivy Quality
Ivy League-level education at public university tuition
Research Opportunities
Work with world-class faculty on $1B+ funded projects
STEM OPT Eligible
3 years post-graduation work authorization in USA
Career Services
Dedicated international career coaches, 500+ employer events/year
Assistantships (TA/RA)
Tuition waiver + stipend for qualified graduate students
Alumni Network
500,000+ alumni worldwide, strong India chapter
Health & Wellness
Boynton Health (on-campus), counseling, recreation centers
GVK EduTech Support
End-to-end application, visa & pre-departure guidance
Frequently AskedQuestions
1Is University of Minnesota Twin Cities accredited?
Yes, the University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and holds numerous program-specific accreditations including ABET, AACSB, CCNE, and more.
2What is the acceptance rate for international graduate students?
Graduate acceptance rates vary by program but typically range from 15-35% for competitive programs. The university evaluates applications holistically.
3Is GRE required for admission?
GRE requirements vary by program. Many STEM programs require GRE, while some professional programs may waive it based on work experience or GPA. Check your specific program requirements.
4What are the English language requirements?
Minimum TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 110. Some programs may have higher requirements. Students from English-medium institutions may qualify for waivers.
5Can international students work while studying?
Yes, F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours/week on-campus during semesters and full-time during breaks. CPT and OPT are available for off-campus work related to your field of study.
6What is the estimated cost of attendance for international students?
Estimated annual cost: $35,000–$55,000 including tuition ($28,000–$45,000), living expenses ($15,000–$20,000), health insurance ($2,500), and books/supplies ($1,000–$2,000).
7Are scholarships available for international students?
Yes, the university offers merit-based scholarships, departmental fellowships, and graduate assistantships (TA/RA positions) that provide tuition waivers and stipends.
8What is the career outcome for international graduates?
90%+ placement rate within 6 months. Strong industry connections in healthcare, tech, engineering, and business. STEM OPT allows 3 years of work authorization in the US.
Fall 2026 Applications Open
Begin Your Masters Journey at University of Minnesota
Our expert counselors will guide you through program selection, application strategy, scholarships, visa — every step to your admit at UMN Twin Cities.