Merit Scholarships: Eligibility For International Students

International students can apply for merit scholarships, and there are a variety of options available. Some scholarships are offered by universities themselves, such as Syracuse University, Iowa State University, and Boston University, while others are funded by private organizations or the US government. For example, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a popular government-funded scholarship that enables international students to study in the US for one year or more. The Clark University Global Scholars Program offers scholarships of $10,000 or more to first-year international applicants. Additionally, some scholarships are specific to certain regions, such as the Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program, which offers scholarships to 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. To be considered for a merit scholarship, international students typically need to demonstrate strong academic achievement and exceptional talent or accomplishments in areas such as math, science, the arts, extracurricular activities, or leadership roles.

International students' eligibility for merit scholarships

International students can apply for merit scholarships, and some universities will automatically consider international students for merit scholarships upon application. However, the eligibility criteria and application process may vary depending on the university and the specific scholarship.

For example, Syracuse University's Office of Admissions offers several merit scholarship awards to admitted international students. These scholarships recognize academic, personal, and creative achievements. The merit awards are determined at the time of admission based on the student's application, and there is no separate application process for these scholarships. Similarly, Iowa State University offers International Merit Scholarships to incoming international transfer students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and exceptional talent or accomplishments in various areas. To be considered for this scholarship, international students must complete the OneApp scholarship application.

On the other hand, some universities, such as EducationUSA, require international students to submit transcripts for evaluation during the admission process. First-time students who have a high school GPA of 3.0 or above are automatically awarded a scholarship of $8,000 per academic year. Transfer students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Additionally, students may also qualify by providing SAT/ACT scores, although these are usually optional for international students.

It is important to note that merit scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement, personal accomplishments, and creative talents. The scholarships may be renewable for the entire duration of the degree program, but students should refer to the specific scholarship guidelines to understand the terms and conditions.

Scholarship criteria and selection process

International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon application. Scholarship criteria and selection processes are designed to ensure fairness and transparency, with clear guidelines and requirements. This creates an equitable framework where all applicants are evaluated based on the same standards, eliminating bias and promoting a level playing field.

The criteria should align with the scholarship program's goals and values, ensuring that recipients meet academic requirements and embody the program's values and mission. A balance should be struck between academic excellence, financial need, and other relevant factors. For example, some scholarships recognise students from all backgrounds who demonstrate values such as innovation, discovery, and courage.

Scholarship providers may assess academic performance, including extra-curricular achievements, to gauge academic merit and gain insight into applicants' passions, interests, and skillsets. A well-defined scoring system is crucial, with point values or ratings assigned to each selection factor, such as academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and personal statements.

The personal statement or essay is a crucial part of the process, allowing applicants to express themselves, reflect on their values and goals, and demonstrate writing skills. It provides insight into applicants' motivations, passions, and commitment to education and future plans. Clear communication of selection criteria and the evaluation process timeline is essential to ensure a fair and inclusive process, enabling applicants to tailor their applications effectively.

Additionally, the authority and credibility of recommendation sources should be assessed, and if the scholarship has a specific donor or organisation, their guidelines, motivations, and objectives should be considered. Overall, a holistic approach is vital when reviewing scholarship applications to effectively identify deserving recipients.

Combining merit scholarships with other awards

International students are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply to universities. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic success, extracurricular records, or athletic ability.

Merit scholarships can be combined with other types of aid, including need-based scholarships, grants, work-study, federal student loans, and private loans. This can be a great way to graduate from college with minimal debt. However, it is important to note that some scholarship programs have stipulations regarding combining awards. For example, if you are awarded two merit scholarships from the same institution, you may only be allowed to accept one of them. In that case, you would need to choose between the two awards or ask if you could apply them in different academic years.

When applying for merit scholarships, it is important to start researching and gathering application materials well in advance. This will allow you to tailor your applications to each scholarship and showcase how your unique skills and experiences align with the specific criteria. You can also seek guidance from admissions counselors, academic advisors, and financial aid departments to maximize your scholarship opportunities.

Additionally, some universities, like Syracuse University, allow students to combine their merit-based scholarships with other tuition-specific awards, as long as the combined amount does not exceed the total tuition cost. It is always a good idea to carefully review the guidelines and restrictions of each scholarship program to ensure you are compliant with their policies.

Scholarships for top-performing international students

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education as an international student. While most colleges in the US do not offer federal aid to international students, there are many scholarships offered by universities, governments, and private organizations to support international students. Here are some scholarships for top-performing international students:

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most popular government-funded scholarships for international students. It offers scholarships to graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more. The scholarship is open to international students in all fields excluding medicine. The Australian-American Fulbright Commission also offers scholarships to Australian citizens at all career stages to pursue research or study at a U.S. institution.

Chevening Scholarship

The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship for international students pursuing master's studies in any subject. It covers university tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, an economy class return airfare to the UK, and additional grants to cover essential expenditures.

DAAD Scholarship

The DAAD Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship for master's or PhD studies at top German universities. It provides monthly payments of 934 euros for graduates or 1,300 euros for doctoral candidates.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship for international students pursuing master's or PhD studies. It provides a £17,500 stipend per annum, health insurance, academic development funding of up to £2,000, and a family allowance of up to £10,120.

Stanford University Scholarship

Stanford University offers a fully-funded scholarship for international students pursuing master's or PhD studies. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, travel allowance, living allowance, and academic expenses.

Syracuse University Scholarships

Syracuse University offers merit-based scholarships to international students. These scholarships are tuition-specific and can be combined with other tuition-specific awards, including those outside of the university, up to the amount of annual tuition.

In addition to these scholarships, there are many other opportunities available for international students, including the YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, Civil Society Leadership Awards, East-West Center Scholarships, and Bold.org scholarships. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to intercultural learning and exchange. International students are encouraged to explore these and other scholarship opportunities to help fund their education and broaden their cultural experiences.

Application deadlines and requirements

International students can apply for merit scholarships, but the requirements and deadlines vary depending on the scholarship and the university offering it. Here are some essential details to keep in mind regarding application deadlines and requirements:

Application Deadlines:

• The University of Sheffield's International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship for 2025 had an application deadline of 1 pm (UK time) on 22 April 2025.
• The University of New Mexico Presidential Scholarship requires applicants to complete both the admissions and scholarship applications during their senior year in high school by the specified deadline.
• The Rhodes Scholarships, one of the most celebrated international fellowship awards, typically have an annual selection process.
• The University of Southern California (USC) Merit Scholarships have an application deadline of November 1 or December 1, depending on the intended major.

Application Requirements:

• The University of Sheffield's International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship requires applicants to hold an offer to study at the university before applying for the scholarship. The scholarship is open to new international students who meet the eligibility criteria.
• Merit scholarships often require applicants to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, service contributions, and talent.
• Some scholarships, like the University of New Mexico Presidential Scholarship, seek applicants with proven academic and citizenship skills, as well as leadership experience.
• The Rhodes Scholarships select exceptional students worldwide with the potential to excel as scholars, leaders, and contributors to improved UK-US understanding.
• The University of Southern California (USC) Merit Scholarships require students to apply for admission by the specified deadlines, depending on their intended major.
• Many merit scholarships are reserved for students with special qualifications or talents in specific fields, such as athletics, academics, or the arts.
• Some scholarships may require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, while others may offer tuition waivers for international students.

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