Minerva University based in California, San Francisco provides undergraduate and graduate studies for problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, and leaders from across the globe. The university was established in 2013 with students hailing from over 100 countries and territories. Minerva University has been recognized as the world's #1 most innovative university by the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) for three consecutive years.
Minerva University does not have any traditional campus and follows a Global Rotational model. As a student, you will study in various global cities during your undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Current cities include San Francisco, where you will spend your first academic, followed by Berlin, Buenos Aires, Seoul, and Taipei. Minerva will add Tokyo to its Global Rotation Program beginning Fall 2025. Not only that, you will live in residence halls located within rotation cities.
Some of the programs at Minerva University include Active learning, a Skill-focused curriculum, Experiential learning, Seminar-style teaching, and Career Development. As per reports, 85% of the students of Minerva University come from outside the USA. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1 which proves smaller class size and individual focus. For Undergraduate students, 100% have class sizes under 23 students. You do not require an English language proficiency test for admissions though all classes at Minerva are conducted in English. The university measures your English fluency by the challenges in the application.
Minerva University Courses
Minerva University provides undergraduate and graduate courses for all students. The undergraduate majors include:
- Arts and Humanities
- Business
- Computational Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
The tuition fee for the Class of 2029 is $24,500. Along with this, you need to pay for housing and service fees. The courses under the majors include:
| Majors | What You Will Learn |
|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | Arts and Literature |
| Design Across the Humanities | |
| Global and Comparative Humanities | |
| Historical Forces | |
| Philosophy, Ethics, and the Law | |
| Business | Brand Management |
| Enterprise Management | |
| Managing Operational Complexity | |
| New Business Ventures | |
| Strategic Finance | |
| Computational Sciences | Applied Problem Solving |
| Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence | |
| Contemporary Knowledge Discovery | |
| Data Science and Statistics | |
| Mathematics | |
| Natural Sciences | Cells and Organisms |
| Chemistry Across Scales | |
| Earth and Environmental Systems | |
| Matter and Energy | |
| Social Sciences | Cognition, Brain, and Behavior |
| Designing Societies | |
| Economics and Society | |
| Empirical Approaches to the Social Sciences | |
| Politics, Government, and Society | |
| Theory and Analysis in the Social Sciences |
Minerva University Admissions
Minerva University admissions are done in a unique three-part admissions process that focuses on who you are, how you think, and what you have achieved. Part 1 is the basic application form, Part 2 is a series of challenges, and Part 3 is your past accomplishments and academic performance.
Minerva University does not require any application fee for applying. The university has three admission cycles which are Early Action, Regular Decision 1, and Regular Decision 2. They also have a Binding Enrollment option that is available only during our Early Action cycle. Binding Enrollment guarantees an expedited notification within four weeks of completing the admissions process in return for your commitment to attending Minerva University if admitted. Binding Enrollment means:
- You are committed to attending Minerva University
- You are ready to pay your enrollment deposit within 10 days of notification
- You have informed a parent or legal guardian of your Binding Enrollment selection (if you’re under 18) and all elements of the agreement
- You will apply for financial aid within 5 days of submitting your application
The applications for undergraduate students for the Fall 2025 session are now open. You must apply from the official website via the link: https://www.minerva.edu/apply/. The graduate applications for Fall 2024 are closed. You can apply for graduate 2025, but you will be contacted only when the application opens.
Minerva University Application Deadline
There are three sessions of application at Minerva University. The application deadline, decision, and financial deadline are provided below.
| Session | Admissions Deadline | Financial Aid Deadline | Decision by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 1, 2024 | November 8, 2024 | December 17, 2024 |
| Regular Decision I | January 3, 2025 | January 10, 2025 | February 18, 2025 |
| Regular Decision II | February 21, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | April 1, 2025 |
All financial aid applications are due one week after the admissions cycle deadline in which you applied. There are no exceptions or extensions.
Minerva University Selection Process
Minerva seeks students who want to step out of their comfort zones and embrace academic and professional challenges. Ideal candidates are passionate, driven, and high-achieving individuals who aim to impact the world positively. Other qualities Minerva students exemplify are:
- A broad interest in a variety of subjects
- Curiosity about the world and its people
- The continuous drive to excel
- A focus on community
- An inventive, entrepreneurial spirit
- The potential to lead
- The ability to collaborate.
Minerva University Cost of Living
You are required to pay an annual housing fee, which includes room and board in each rotation city. The estimated miscellaneous expenses, such as food, transportation, books, and supplies, are approximately $5,000-$6,000 per year. These other expenses are not paid directly to Minerva and are dependent on personal lifestyle choices. In addition, you are required to submit a one-time security deposit of $1,000 to cover any damages to a residence hall caused by students. The estimated cost of attendance is:
Minerva University Scholarships
Minerva University offers need-based scholarships to international students. You must complete the CSS profile to be eligible for scholarships. In addition to completing the CSS Profile and Minerva’s Financial Aid Questionnaire, all applicants are asked to upload the following documents to their Financial Aid Center:
- Most recent Tax Returns and records of earned income W-2 forms for both parents or the foreign country equivalent (income statements or letter of employment stating monthly salary).
- Parents’ bank statements covering the last 12 months for each account held in their names (checking, savings, investment, etc.)
Minerva's financial aid is determined by your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The process involves assessing your application, documents, and available funds. If you qualify, a package is offered, starting with a loan. Additional aid may include work-study and, if needed, a scholarship. No full rides are offered; all students pay a base EFC each semester.
Minerva University Placements
The university's alumni network is extensive, with 15 percent continuing their education in master's programs, doctorates, or academic fellowships. Furthermore, 97 percent of the alumni held an internship role before graduation and currently work with top companies.
Minerva University is a relatively new college with no traditional campus. You get to travel to various locations around the world and study at the same time. The university provides 5 majors in total and is trying to increase its reach around the world.
FAQs
Ques: Is Minerva University a good university?
Ans: Yes, Minerva University is a good university since it is ranked #1 Most Innovative University in the World. Recognized as the world's most innovative university for the third consecutive year, Minerva is dedicated to developing future leaders and problem-solvers.
Ques: Is Minerva harder than Harvard?
Ans: Based in San Francisco, Minerva is the most difficult school to get into, with a 0.99% admission rate for the class of 2026. The college is far more difficult to enter than the Ivy League colleges on this list. Of 20,816 first-year applicants for the class of 2026, Minerva admitted just 208 students.
Ques: What 7 countries is Minerva University in?
Ans: Minerva University is based in San Francisco, California. The university operates over several global cities where students reside during their undergraduate program. Past and current rotation cities include Berlin, Buenos Aires, Hyderabad, London, San Francisco, Seoul, and Taipei.
Ques: What is special about Minerva University?
Ans: The Minerva University experience is unique among universities. Learning is more than active – it is immersive. Coursework is rigorous and your potential for impact is limitless.
Ques: What GPA is required for Minerva University?
Ans: Minerva University takes a holistic approach when reviewing their applicants, which means they consider multiple aspects of your profile, not just your GPA. While there isn't an official minimum GPA required for admission, a competitive academic profile will certainly help your application stand out.
Minerva University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees |
|---|---|---|
BA Arts and Humanities 4 years | USD 24,500 /Yr | |
B.Bus Business 4 years | USD 24,500 /Yr | |
BCS Computational Science 4 years | USD 24,500 /Yr | |
CDA Decision Analysis 12 months | USD 24,500 /Yr | |
BNS Natural Science 4 years | USD 24,500 /Yr | |
MDA Decision Analysis 21 months | USD 23,700 /Yr | |
B.Soc Social Science 4 years | USD 24,500 /Yr |
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Minerva University comparison
| University Name | Minerva University | Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
| Programs |
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| Acceptance Rate | 1.0 % | 3.0 % |
| Campuses and B-Schools | NA | |
| - | Read Full Comparison |
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Minerva University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Minerva University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.minerva.edu/masters/apply
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Minerva University Campus Location
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