The Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) Scholarship provides funding for new and continuing students who are enrolled full- or part-time in the Intensive English Program (IEP).

With funding made possible by the Karin L. Larson Legacy Fund and other MELP supporters, these scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic performance and a clear vision of how studying with MELP will contribute to their respective academic and/or professional goals.

Who Can Apply

The MELP Scholarship is available for three levels of IEP study.

ScholarshipWho Can Apply

Scholarship for New Students

  • 50% MELP tuition for two consecutive terms
  • Two available each fall, spring, and summer
Full-time students who are new to the IEP

Scholarship for Continuing Students

  • 50% MELP tuition for one term
  • Four available each fall and spring; two available each summer
Continuing full-time IEP students who require an additional term 

Scholarship for Part-time Students

  • 50% MELP tuition for a 10-hour per week course or full tuition for a 4–6-hour per week course
  • Two available each fall and spring; one available each summer 
Part-time students who are new to or continuing to study with the IEP


Note: Student fees, health insurance, living expenses, and academic credit courses are not covered by the scholarship.

Application Deadlines

For Fall Term: May 10
For Spring Term: October 15
For Summer Term: March 1

Eligibility

  • Meet MELP application requirements and be admitted to the Intensive English Program at Level 1 or higher
  • Plan to study in the Intensive English Program for a minimum of one term for continuing and part-time students; plan to study in the Intensive English Program for two consecutive terms for new students
  • Demonstrate a strong academic record and a clear vision of how studying with MELP will contribute to your academic or professional goals
  • Demonstrate strong academic performance in the program
  • Students who have not completed a full semester at MELP must submit a transcript showing the equivalent of a minimum 3.0 GPA on the US scale

How to Apply

  1. If you are a new student, complete the Full- or Part-time Intensive English Program Application.
     
  2. Using your program application login information, complete the Minnesota English Language Program Scholarship Application, including the essay and oral statement describing how studying with MELP will contribute to your academic or professional goals.
     
  3. Submit a complete transcript with an English translation from the institution where you most recently studied (high school, university, etc.). Students who have completed a full semester at MELP can submit their MELP Final Report.
     

Note: To complete a scholarship application that you have already started, or to check the status of a submitted scholarship application, follow the instructions listed in Incomplete or Submitted Applications. 

Strong Academic Performance

Students must demonstrate strong academic performance in the Intensive English Program to be eligible for scholarships. Strong academic performance means students:
 

  • pass all classes with a grade of 70% or higher;
  • achieve an average attendance of 90% or higher;
  • follow the University of Minnesota Student Conduct Code.
     

Instructor input will be collected as part of the scholarship review process for all continuing students. Failing grades, low attendance, or violation of the Student Conduct Code may result in a denial or loss of scholarship funds.

Scholarship Selection

Scholarship decisions are based on eligibility requirements and the strength of your application. Applications will be reviewed by the MELP Scholarship committee. Scholarship decisions are based on eligibility requirements and the strength of your application. We will email your scholarship decision approximately one month after the scholarship application deadline.

The Karin L. Larson Legacy Fund 

Alumna Karin L. Larson ('61) had a long reciprocal relationship with the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS)—its mission, values, community, and most importantly, its students. Prior to her death in 2021, Larson included the College in her estate. The result of her generous gift is the Karin L. Larson Legacy Fund, which provides support to CCAPS learners. Central to Larson's wishes is that her gift increase access to quality education and help students achieve their goals, something she experienced personally as a CCAPS student.

Learn more about Larson and her gift.