Scholarships & Grants

The Institute for Global Studies supports our outstanding undergraduate majors with a variety of scholarships and awards. If you have questions about your eligibility for the awards listed below, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

The Institute for Global Studies is proud to offer FLAS fellowships in African and International Studies to fund foreign language and area study for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Minnesota. Global studies students can learn more about the FLAS fellowship here.

In addition, the College of Liberal Arts offers scholarships for continuing students. CLA scholarships are awarded based on need and/or merit. To apply online, complete the application for the College of Liberal Arts Continuing Student Scholarships. You can also learn more about available scholarships here.

The Ralph Mendelson Scholarship

This fund provides support to a declared Global Studies major who will be referred to as the Mendelson Scholar and will receive a $7,500 scholarship for two subsequent semesters. In the first semester the student must conduct research as part of a study abroad program; in the second semester the student will use that research as part of their capstone project.* 

To be eligible for this award you must be:

  • A student in good standing, enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota
  • A declared Global Studies major
  • Planning to study abroad on one of the following schedules:
    • Studying abroad during fall semester 2024 and continuing as a full time student during spring semester 2025; or
    • Studying abroad during spring semester 2025 and continuing as a full time student during fall semester 2025.

To apply for the Mendelson Scholarship, submit the following materials to IGSscholarships@umn.edu by April 5, 2024 with the subject line “Mendelson Scholarship”:

  • A resume (one page maximum)
  • A statement of purpose/cover letter including a brief description of the study abroad experience that highlights a research component  (two page maximum)
  • One letter of recommendation from a faculty member
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Brief statement of financial need (if applicable)

* The scholarship is contingent on the student's overseas travel. If the student cannot travel for any reason they will not receive the award for either semester.

The Global Studies Undergraduate Professional Development Fund

This fund is available to support declared Global Studies majors in overseas or domestic travel to participate in professional development opportunities such as conferences or workshops. Please note that this fund does not support unpaid internships or study abroad.  Awards will be made up to $1,000. The amount will be determined by: (1) the cost of the travel and/or participation in the development experience; (2) the quality of the student’s application materials; and (3) the number of awards granted in a given semester.  If you have a question about whether or not your experience is eligible for this fund, please email glosuga@umn.edu

In order to apply, please send the following to glosuga@umn.edu with the subject line “GLOS Undergraduate Professional Development Fund":

  • A resume (one page maximum)
  • A statement of purpose/cover letter (one page maximum)
  • A brief description of the conference, workshop, or other professional development opportunity
  • Unofficial transcript
  • A basic proposed budget outlining expenses

There is no formal deadline for applications, which will be reviewed at the end of each month.

The Global Studies Undergraduate Study Abroad Scholarship

This fund supports declared Global Studies majors who will spend at least one semester abroad and who will enroll in a formal language course during that time. The scholarship will provide awardees with an award of up to $2,500. Applications for summer and fall semester are due April 5, 2024. Applications for spring semester are due October 15, 2024.

In order to apply, please send the following to IGSscholarships@umn.edu with the subject line “GLOS Study Abroad Scholarship”:

  • A resume (one page maximum)
  • A statement of purpose/cover letter (one page maximum)
  • A brief description of the study abroad experience including a language study component
  • Unofficial transcript

The Manoel Miranda Scholarship in Global Studies

This scholarship annually awards one exceptional undergraduate in Global Studies who demonstrates financial need with up to $1,000 in scholarship funds. The recipient will have a demonstrated interest in Latin American studies and will be selected from applicants with academic excellence and a clear track record of community and/or campus engagement. Applications will be due April 5, 2024.

In order to apply, please send the following to IGSscholarships@umn.edu with the subject line “Manoel Miranda Scholarship”:

  • A resume (one page maximum)
  • A statement of purpose/cover letter (two page maximum) that addresses the applicant’s interest in Latin America, financial need, and community or campus engagement
  • Unofficial transcript