Want a fully funded master’s in the U.S.? The University of Minnesota Fellowship (2026–2027) offers tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance for international students pursuing the Master of Development Practice (MDP) at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Read on for benefits, eligibility, and a step-by-step application plan.
Quick Facts (Featured-Snippet Ready)
- Program: MDP at the Humphrey School, University of Minnesota
- Funding: Full tuition, living expenses, travel + health insurance
- Who funds: Sawiris Social Development Foundation (Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship)
- Duration: 2 years
- Deadlines: Dec 15 (UMN fellowships + Humphrey merit aid), Jan 15 (Humphrey merit aid)
- Focus areas: Sustainable development, poverty, food security, climate, nonprofit management
Why this fellowship?
The University of Minnesota Fellowship equips future leaders with a multidisciplinary MDP curriculum. You’ll gain analytical, quantitative, and managerial skills to tackle real-world challenges—while your core costs are fully covered.
What the scholarship covers
- Full tuition
- Living expenses
- Travel and health insurance
Who is eligible?
You should:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (related field preferred)
- Meet MDP entry requirements and show a strong academic/professional record
- Demonstrate financial need
- Show strong interpersonal/leadership skills (activities, community work, entrepreneurship)
- Have recommended quantitative prep (math, statistics, economics)
Tests (as provided):
- English: TOEFL 600 (PBT) / 250 (CBT) / 100 iBT (min 22 each section) or IELTS 7
- GRE: valid score (no set minimum)
Documents (typical set):
- Resume/CV
- Transcripts (UG + any graduate)
- Passport ID page + photo
- Two recommendations (at least one from thesis advisor/professor if applicable)
- Proof of income/financial need (HR letter/salary slip or bank statement)
How to apply (step by step)
- Choose your program: Select the MDP at the Humphrey School.
- Review requirements: Confirm test scores, prerequisites, and documents.
- Contact the program: Ask about any program-specific materials.
- Track deadlines: Aim to submit ≥2 weeks before your deadline (Dec 15 / Jan 15).
- Apply online: Create your application, upload transcripts/credentials, and pay the fee.
- Secure recommendations: Add recommenders early, monitor status, and ensure letters upload before you hit final submit.
- Confirm funding track: Indicate interest/eligibility for the Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship and relevant UMN/ Humphrey aid where prompted.
Selection signals they value
- Strong academics with quantitative and analytical skills
- Clear purpose statement aligned with sustainable development
- Evidence of impact (projects, internships, community leadership)
- Fit with MDP’s practice-oriented training
Pro tips to stand out
- Lead with outcomes: In your statement, show measurable impact (numbers, timelines, partners).
- Link experience to MDP labs: Tie your background to MDP fieldwork and capstone goals.
- Show readiness: Highlight stats/econ/methods coursework and applied research.
- Plan for service: Outline how you’ll apply MDP skills in your home region or sector.
The University of Minnesota Fellowship is a rare chance to pursue a fully funded master’s in the USA while building the skills to drive sustainable change. Start early, align your materials to the MDP’s mission, and meet the December 15 priority deadline to maximize funding consideration.
