Minnesota Student Teacher Grant

Applicants must attend an eligible Minnesota institution and:

• Be enrolled in an PELSB-approved Minnesota teacher preparation program that requires at least 12 weeks of student teaching for initial licensure;
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by the institution;
• Not be in default on a federal or state student loan;
• Demonstrate financial need; and
• Meet one or more of the following requirements:
  1. Intend to teach in a designated rural school district in Minnesota
  2. Intend to teach in an identified license shortage area.
  3. Belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce.

Click here to view a full list of PELSB approved teacher preparation programs at each eligible college and university.

On a funds available basis, selected undergraduate and graduate students may receive a one-time award of up to $7,500 for one term.

A complete application must be submitted to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education during the academic year in which the student is completing the required 12-week or more student teaching experience. A student may only receive the award for the term of their student teaching experience.

Complete applications must include the following:

• Student Teacher Grants application;
• Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act application; and
• Financial data form submitted by the Financial Aid Office at the institution the student attends.

2025-2026 Application - available by June 1, 2025

Apply for the Student Teacher Grants on the MNAid Student Portal. View how to apply for the Student Teacher Grants online here. Paper application is available upon request. Email financialaid.ohe@state.mn.us.

Priority Application Deadlines for Student Teaching Terms:
Fall 2025: August 1, 2025 
Spring 2026: November 14, 2025

All awards are based on funds availability. Applications will still be accepted after the priority deadlines but eligible students will most likely be placed on the waitlist. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Eligible students with complete applications on file by the priority dates for the specified term will be considered for an award. Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be reviewed based the availability of funds. Students will be notified of their application status via email.

If there are insufficient funds to provide an award to all eligible applicants, the applications will be prioritize based on the financial need of an applicant and then based on which program the student qualifies for.

Only licensure areas within the following fields may be identified as a license shortage area for the Student Teachers in Shortage Areas Grant. Click here to view the full list of the identified License Shortage Areas.

1. English as a second language
2. Early childhood
3. Special education
4. Career and technical education
5. Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math
6. World languages

"Rural school district" means a school district with fewer than 30 resident pupil units (under section 126C.05, subdivision 6,) per square mile. Click here to view the full list of designated Minnesota Rural School Districts.