International Students: Ohio State University Scholarship Opportunities

The Ohio State University offers a variety of scholarships and grants for international students. While international students are not eligible for merit-based scholarships, they can be considered for university associateships and fellowships. The Office of International Affairs also provides grants and scholarships for undergraduate and graduate/professional students. Additionally, there are scholarships and grants available for international learning, research, and creative endeavours, as well as scholarships offered internally through Ohio State and on a national scale.

Scholarships for international students at Ohio State University

Ohio State University (OSU) offers a variety of scholarships for international students, recognising outstanding academic achievements and supporting students with financial need. Here is a comprehensive guide to scholarships for international students at OSU:

University-Funded Scholarships

OSU offers several merit-based scholarships for incoming first-year students, including international students, who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. These scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on criteria such as grade point average, class rank, rigour of the high school curriculum, and ACT or SAT scores. While some scholarships are specific to the Columbus campus, others are available for students across all OSU campuses. It is important to note that these scholarships have varying eligibility criteria and deadlines, so students should carefully review the scholarship descriptions.

External Scholarships

OSU provides a scholarship-matching tool called ScholarshipUniverse, which simplifies the process of finding and applying for scholarships. Through ScholarshipUniverse, students can explore opportunities not only from OSU but also from more than 10,000 external sources, including churches, professional organisations, civic groups, service organisations, private foundations, and the military.

Departmental Scholarships

Some colleges and departments within OSU offer scholarships or grants that are not listed in ScholarshipUniverse. International students are encouraged to contact their specific college office or review departmental scholarships for more information on these opportunities.

Office of International Affairs (OIA) Grants and Scholarships

The OIA provides funding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, including international students. These grants and scholarships support interdisciplinary conferences, workshops on international themes, travel, international collaborative research, pre-dissertation research, and study abroad programs. The OIA is also one of the initial points of contact for international students when they arrive at OSU, offering a warm welcome and assistance with their transition to campus life and the city of Columbus.

Special Eligibility Scholarships

OSU offers hundreds of scholarships with a wide range of eligibility criteria. These scholarships cater to diverse student profiles and interests. By filing the FAFSA and creating a profile in ScholarshipUniverse by the priority date of February 15, international students can increase their chances of finding relevant scholarship opportunities.

Other Funding Sources

International students at OSU can also explore external websites and organisations for additional scholarship and funding opportunities. However, it is important to be cautious about the terms and conditions associated with these external scholarships, as they may impact the overall financial aid package offered by the university.

Examples of OSU Scholarships for International Students

• Education Future International Scholarship - Available to Indian nationals pursuing any course offered by the university.
• Higher Education Scholarship Test for Indian Students (HEST) - Open to Indian nationals pursuing any course except Medicine/MBBS.
• The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation - For US citizens and US national residents of American Samoa pursuing a public service-related graduate degree.
• National Buckeye Scholarship - For non-Ohio residents (US citizens or permanent residents) with competitive academic credentials.
• Maximus, Provost, and Trustees Scholarships - Available to Ohio and non-Ohio residents (US citizens or permanent residents) with strong academic records.

Grants and scholarships offered by the Office of International Affairs

The Office of International Affairs at The Ohio State University offers grants and scholarships to faculty, graduate and professional students, and undergraduate students. These grants and scholarships are intended to fund interdisciplinary conferences and workshops on international themes, travel, international collaborative research, pre-dissertation research, and study abroad programs.

The Ohio State University offers hundreds of scholarships with varying eligibility criteria and deadlines. To apply each year, file the FAFSA and create a profile in ScholarshipUniverse by February 15. ScholarshipUniverse is a scholarship-matching tool that simplifies the process of finding and applying for scholarships from Ohio State and more than 10,000 external sources. Once you get your Ohio State username and password, log in to ScholarshipUniverse and create your account. Based on your profile and your current academic status at Ohio State, you will be matched with scholarships that you might qualify for. Some scholarships require additional applications, documents, or references, so be sure to complete all required steps.

Ohio State also offers several merit scholarships for incoming first-year students entering the university in the fall semester of 2025. International students are not eligible for these scholarships.

While international students cannot receive U.S. federal financial aid, they are eligible to be considered for university associateships and fellowships.

Scholarships for incoming freshmen

The Ohio State University offers a range of scholarships for incoming freshmen. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements and are highly competitive. Here are some of the scholarships available:

National Buckeye Scholarship

The National Buckeye Scholarship is available to non-Ohio residents who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The criteria for this scholarship are based on academic merit, including grade point average, class rank, rigor of the high school curriculum, and ACT or SAT scores. The award amount is up to $13,500, and it can be combined with other scholarships.

Maximus, Provost, and Trustees Scholarships

The Maximus, Provost, and Trustees Scholarships are open to both Ohio and non-Ohio residents who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The criteria and award amounts are similar to the National Buckeye Scholarship.

Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program

The Stamps Eminence Scholarship is a highly selective program that recognizes undergraduate Honors students with exceptional academic potential, a commitment to service, and strong character. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance at Ohio State for eight semesters, plus an enrichment grant of up to $5,000. This scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Morrill Scholarship Program (MSP)

The Morrill Scholarship Program offers scholarships and educational enrichment opportunities to academically talented students who demonstrate leadership in diversity, social justice, and service. The award levels vary, with the highest level covering the full cost of attendance. This scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.

Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship

The Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship is awarded to Ohio residents who demonstrate significant financial need and academic merit. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, and 176 scholarships are awarded each year.

It is important to note that international students are not eligible for merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen. However, they may be eligible for university associateships, fellowships, and grants provided by the Office of International Affairs. Additionally, international students can use ScholarshipUniverse, a scholarship-matching tool, to explore external scholarship opportunities.

Scholarships for transfer students

The Ohio State University offers scholarships for transfer students. However, transfer students are not eligible for merit award consideration.

The university offers hundreds of scholarships with varying eligibility criteria and deadlines. To apply each year, file the FAFSA and create a ScholarshipUniverse profile by February 15. ScholarshipUniverse is a scholarship-matching tool that helps students find and apply for scholarships from Ohio State and more than 10,000 external sources.

The Office of International Affairs also provides funding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate/professional students. These include grants and scholarships for interdisciplinary conferences and workshops on international themes, travel, international collaborative research, pre-dissertation research, and study abroad programs.

While international students cannot receive U.S. federal financial aid, they are eligible to be considered for university associateships and fellowships. Additionally, the Office of International Affairs provides a few graduate/professional student grants and scholarships.

University associateships and fellowships for international students

The Ohio State University offers several scholarships for international students. These scholarships are also referred to as financial aid or fellowships/associateships and are managed by the university's financial aid office.

The Ohio State University offers three types of graduate associate positions: Graduate Research Associates (GRA), Graduate Teaching Associates (GTA), and Graduate Administrative Associates (GAA). These positions provide graduate students with opportunities to gain instructional, research, and/or administrative experience while receiving financial support.

The university also offers hundreds of special-eligibility scholarships with a wide range of criteria. Students can use the ScholarshipUniverse platform to find and apply for scholarships from Ohio State and more than 10,000 external sources. Additionally, some Ohio State colleges and departments offer scholarships or grants that are not included in ScholarshipUniverse, so it is recommended to contact your college office or review departmental scholarships for further details.

• Education Future International Scholarship - for Indian nationals pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in all courses except Medicine/MBBS.
• Higher Education Scholarship Test for Indian Students (HEST) - for Indian nationals pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in all courses except Medicine/MBBS.
• Gordon Watson Scholarship - for New Zealand nationals pursuing graduate degrees in International Relationships or Social and Economic Conditions.
• The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation - for US citizens or US national residents of American Samoa pursuing graduate degrees in public service-related fields.
• Byron Hanke Fellowship - for applicants from the US and Canada pursuing graduate degrees related to community associations.
• Khyentse Foundation Individual Practice Grants - open to all nationals pursuing short courses or training in Buddhist study and practice.
• Udall Undergraduate Scholarship - for US citizens or permanent residents pursuing undergraduate degrees in select programs.
• NWSA Graduate Scholarship - for current NWSA individual members pursuing graduate degrees in the interdisciplinary field of women's studies.

These scholarships are just a few examples of the opportunities available for international students at The Ohio State University. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so it is important to review the requirements carefully.

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