Scholarships

Top United States Universities With Scholarship Opportunities for International Students

Studying in the United States Universities can be expensive for international students, but many universities offer merit scholarships, need-based awards, departmental funding, graduate fellowships and other forms of financial assistance.

The supplied source identifies 125 U.S. universities that have offered scholarship opportunities to international students. These range from large public universities to private institutions, regional universities and specialized colleges.

Scholarship eligibility can depend on factors such as:

Academic performance
Financial need
Leadership
Co-curricular activities
Degree level
Department
Visa status
Admission term

The source also notes that many scholarships are aimed at first-year international students, although some universities also provide awards for transfer, continuing and graduate students.

Because scholarship rules change frequently, international applicants should always verify the latest amount, deadline and eligibility requirements directly with the university before applying.

US Universities With International Student Scholarships at a Glance

University	Location	Scholarship Opportunity Mentioned in Source
University of Arizona	Tucson, Arizona	Wildcat Award
Arizona State University	Phoenix, Arizona	New American University Scholarship
Colorado State University	Fort Collins, Colorado	Merit scholarships
George Mason University	Fairfax, Virginia	#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
Oregon State University	Corvallis, Oregon	Merit and regional scholarships
University of South Florida	Tampa, Florida	Merit scholarships
Saint Louis University	St. Louis, Missouri	Merit and competitive scholarships
University of Alabama	Birmingham, Alabama	Departmental and freshman scholarships
Washington State University	Pullman, Washington	International Academic Award
University of Tulsa	Tulsa, Oklahoma	Merit scholarships
University of Kansas	Lawrence, Kansas	International scholarships
University of Massachusetts Lowell	Lowell, Massachusetts	Merit scholarships
San Jose State University	San Jose, California	Global Spartan Scholarship
Florida International University	Miami, Florida	Merit, need-based and departmental scholarships
University of Nevada, Reno	Reno, Nevada	International student awards
Northern Arizona University	Flagstaff, Arizona	Merit-based tuition waiver
University of Memphis	Memphis, Tennessee	International Merit Scholarship
Montana State University	Bozeman, Montana	Undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships
Auburn University at Montgomery	Montgomery, Alabama	Undergraduate and graduate merit scholarships
University of New Haven	West Haven, Connecticut	Undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships

1. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is one of the first institutions listed in the source.

It identifies the:

Wildcat Award

as a merit-based scholarship available across on-campus, online and hybrid learning formats.

For international applicants, merit-based awards can be particularly useful because they may reduce tuition without requiring U.S. federal financial-aid eligibility.

The exact current amount and renewal requirements should be checked directly with the university.

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is listed as offering the:

New American University Scholarship.

The source describes it as an undergraduate scholarship for students demonstrating strong academic achievement.

ASU can be worth monitoring for students seeking:

Engineering
Business
Computer science
Data science
Sustainability
Liberal arts

International students should confirm which scholarship categories remain available for their specific admission year.

3. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is listed as offering merit-based scholarships during the fall semester.

The source states that these awards cover in-state costs only.

Because this description may reflect an older scholarship structure, applicants should verify the current value and terms directly with VCU.

4. Colorado State University

Colorado State University is listed as providing merit-based scholarships for international freshmen entering in either the spring or fall semester.

This may be particularly relevant for strong academic applicants seeking programs in:

Engineering
Agriculture
Environmental science
Business
Natural sciences

5. George Mason University

The source lists George Mason University as offering the:

#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

for first-year undergraduate students on F-1 visas.

It states that the scholarship covers 50% of tuition and may be renewable based on the student’s academic record.

Because scholarship amounts and participation in #YouAreWelcomeHere can change, current applicants should confirm this directly with George Mason University.

6. West Virginia University

West Virginia University is listed as providing scholarships for:

First-time freshmen
Transfer students

This can make WVU worth considering for international applicants who are entering university directly or transferring from another institution.

7. Oregon State University

Oregon State University appears in the source as offering:

Merit-based scholarships
Regional availability-based scholarships

for international students.

The cited page in the source specifically references graduate scholarships, so applicants should carefully distinguish undergraduate and graduate funding opportunities.

8. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is listed as offering merit-based scholarships for:

First-year students
Transfer students

admitted for the fall semester.

International applicants with strong academic profiles may therefore want to monitor USF scholarship deadlines closely.

9. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is listed as offering both:

Merit-based scholarships
Competitive scholarships

for international students.

Private universities often provide institution-funded merit awards that can substantially reduce tuition, although scholarship amounts vary.

10. University of Alabama

The supplied source lists the University of Alabama as offering:

Departmental scholarships
Freshman scholarships

for international students.

Applicants should note that the source link appears to reference the University of Alabama at Birmingham, so they should verify carefully which campus and scholarship program they are applying to.

11. Washington State University

Washington State University is listed with the:

International Academic Award.

The source also mentions:

Merit-based scholarships
Departmental awards
Other scholarship opportunities

For applicants comparing public universities, WSU may be worth reviewing for academic-based international funding.

12. Drew University

Drew University is listed as offering:

Need-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships

for international students.

This combination is especially notable because some U.S. institutions offer only merit awards to international applicants.

13. University of Vermont

The University of Vermont also appears in the source’s list of institutions offering scholarship opportunities to international students.

The supplied source does not specify the exact award name or value.

14. University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa is listed as providing merit-based scholarships to international students.

Students with strong academic records should consider checking:

Automatic merit scholarships
Competitive awards
Departmental funding

depending on current university policy.

15. Baylor University

Baylor University is included among U.S. universities reported to provide scholarship opportunities to international students.

The source does not provide a specific scholarship amount or eligibility details.

16. University of Utah

The University of Utah is another institution included on the list.

International applicants should review both university-wide scholarships and department-based awards.

17. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati appears among universities with scholarship opportunities for international applicants.

Potential funding may vary by:

Undergraduate program
Graduate program
Academic merit
Department

18. Ohio University

Ohio University is listed as providing international scholarship opportunities.

Students interested in public universities in the Midwest may want to compare Ohio University with other institutions offering merit aid.

19. Northeastern University

Northeastern University appears in the source’s scholarship list.

The cited opportunity refers to a professional advancement scholarship, so applicants should verify whether it applies to their specific program and degree level.

20. American University

American University in Washington, D.C. is also listed among universities offering international student scholarships.

Its location may appeal particularly to students interested in:

International relations
Public policy
Development
Political science
Communications

21. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is listed as offering scholarships to international students.

International applicants may want to check whether current awards are:

Automatic
Competitive
Renewable
GPA-based

22. University of Nebraska–Lincoln

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is another institution included in the source.

Scholarship opportunities may be available through international-student funding structures and university-specific programs.

23. University of Massachusetts Lowell

The source specifically states that the University of Massachusetts Lowell offers merit-based scholarships to first-time international students.

This may be particularly attractive to students seeking STEM or business programs in Massachusetts without attending the most expensive private institutions.

24. University of New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire is listed as providing scholarships applicable to first-year international applicants.

Applicants should check whether separate scholarship applications are required.

25. Adelphi University

Adelphi University is listed as offering the:

#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

to international students.

This scholarship initiative is aimed at supporting international undergraduate education at participating U.S. institutions.

26. San Jose State University

The source lists San Jose State University and the:

Global Spartan Scholarship.

It states that applicants need a cumulative GPA of at least:

3.5

to qualify.

Because GPA thresholds can change, students should verify the current requirement.

27. Florida International University

Florida International University is listed as providing several types of aid:

Merit-based scholarships
Need-based scholarships
Departmental scholarships

That range may make FIU worth considering for international students seeking multiple potential funding routes.

28. University of Nevada, Reno

The source lists the University of Nevada, Reno as offering:

New and Continuing International Student Awards

as well as departmental scholarships for current international undergraduate students.

This is important because some scholarships remain available even after a student begins university.

29. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University is reported to offer merit-based tuition waivers for:

Undergraduate international students
Graduate international students

Graduate applicants should still distinguish these awards from assistantships or research funding.

30. Wichita State University

The source lists Wichita State University as offering:

Department-based scholarships
Graduate assistantships

for international students.

Graduate assistantships can be especially valuable because they may combine:

Tuition support
Research or teaching experience
A stipend

although the supplied source does not specify Wichita State’s exact package.

31. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas is listed with the:

Texas Public Education Grant

which the source says can provide limited financial assistance to international students on F and J visas.

32. University of Memphis

The source lists the University of Memphis International Merit Scholarship.

It describes the scholarship as merit-based and intended for international students studying on:

J-1 visas
F-1 visas

while taking classes on campus.

33. Texas State University

Texas State University is listed as offering scholarships for:

Freshmen
Transfer students
Continuing international students

This broader eligibility may be useful for students entering the university through different routes.

34. Montana State University

The source specifically notes that Montana State University offers:

Graduate fellowships
Undergraduate scholarships

to international students.

This makes Montana State worth researching for both undergraduate and graduate applicants.

35. Auburn University at Montgomery

The source lists Auburn University at Montgomery as offering scholarships for:

Undergraduate students
Graduate students

based on academic merit.

36. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University is listed as offering scholarships for spring and fall terms.

International students should verify whether scholarship deadlines occur earlier than standard admission deadlines.

37. DePaul University

DePaul University is reported to provide scholarship opportunities for freshmen and current students.

This may allow students to compete for funding both before and after enrollment.

38. University of New Haven

The source lists the University of New Haven as providing:

Undergraduate scholarships
Graduate fellowships

for international students.

Graduate applicants should check whether fellowships are attached to particular programs or departments.

39. University of Bridgeport

The University of Bridgeport is similarly listed as providing:

Graduate fellowships
Undergraduate scholarships

40. New York Institute of Technology

New York Institute of Technology appears in the source as providing scholarships for:

First-year students
Transfer students
Graduate students

This broad coverage can make NYIT attractive to international students at several stages of study.

Other US Universities Worth Monitoring

The source also identifies many other institutions as offering scholarship opportunities for international students, including:

University of Dayton
University of Maryland
SUNY Albany
SUNY Geneseo
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
SUNY New Paltz
SUNY Fredonia
SUNY Brockport
SUNY Plattsburgh
University of the Pacific
University of Central Florida
University of Idaho
California State University Northridge
California Baptist University
Pace University
Kent State University
Mississippi State University
University of New Mexico
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Wright State University

More Universities Offering International Student Aid

Additional universities listed in the source include:

Texas A&M University
Western Kentucky University
Arkansas State University
Widener University
Duquesne University
Murray State University
Quinnipiac University
Northwest Missouri State University
Missouri State University
California Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Tampa
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Mercer University
Southern New Hampshire University
Troy University

Additional Options for International Applicants

The list continues with institutions including:

Valparaiso University
Oglethorpe University
Trine University
Golden Gate University
Tiffin University
Full Sail University
Oklahoma City University
Webster University
University of Findlay
Lipscomb University
Western Washington University
Manhattan College
Monroe College
Canisius College
Agnes Scott University

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit scholarships are among the most common funding options mentioned in the source.

They typically consider factors such as:

GPA
Class ranking
Academic rigor
Standardized tests where applicable
Leadership
Academic achievement

Examples in the source include universities such as:

Arizona State University
Colorado State University
University of Tulsa
University of Massachusetts Lowell
University of Idaho
San Jose State University
Mississippi State University

Need-Based Financial Aid

Need-based funding is also mentioned for some institutions.

Examples include:

Drew University
Florida International University
California Lutheran University
Husson University

Need-based aid generally considers the financial circumstances of the student and family.

Departmental Scholarships

Departmental scholarships can be particularly useful because they target students within a specific academic area.

The source mentions departmental funding at institutions including:

University of Alabama
Washington State University
Florida International University
Wichita State University
University of Nevada
Oklahoma City University

Graduate Fellowships

Graduate students should not focus only on scholarships.

The source specifically mentions graduate fellowships or graduate funding at universities including:

Montana State University
Wichita State University
University of New Haven
University of Bridgeport
University of Findlay

Graduate students should also search for:

Teaching assistantships
Research assistantships
Tuition waivers
Department fellowships

#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarships

The source references the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship at several institutions.

Examples include:

George Mason University
Adelphi University
St. Thomas Aquinas College

Because participation can change by year, applicants should confirm whether each institution remains part of the program for their intended intake.

Scholarships for First-Year International Students

Many U.S. universities focus their largest merit scholarships on incoming first-year students.

Examples from the source include:

Arizona State University
Colorado State University
George Mason University
University of South Florida
University of Massachusetts Lowell
University of New Hampshire
University of Idaho

Students should therefore research scholarship deadlines before submitting admission applications.

Scholarships for Transfer Students

Several institutions also offer scholarships to international transfer students.

Examples include:

West Virginia University
University of South Florida
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Texas State University
Arkansas State University
New York Institute of Technology
Western Washington University

Scholarships for Continuing Students

Some international students may be able to compete for funding after enrolling.

The source mentions continuing-student opportunities at institutions including:

University of Nevada
Texas State University
Arkansas State University
DePaul University
Green River College

How Much Can International Scholarships Cover?

Scholarship amounts vary considerably.

Some may provide:

Partial tuition
Fixed dollar awards
Tuition waivers
Departmental funding

One example in the source is George Mason University’s #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, described as covering 50% of tuition.

However, international students should never assume that every university scholarship covers:

Full tuition
Housing
Meals
Airfare
Health insurance

unless the official scholarship terms explicitly say so.

Are These Fully Funded Scholarships?

Not necessarily.

The source is primarily a directory of universities offering some form of international student scholarship or funding.

Some awards may cover only a portion of tuition.

Others may involve:

Merit awards
Need-based aid
Tuition waivers
Graduate assistantships

Applicants looking specifically for fully funded scholarships should verify whether an award covers both tuition and living costs.

How International Students Should Compare Universities

Scholarship value should not be considered in isolation.

Compare:

Tuition After Scholarship

A $10,000 scholarship may still leave a large balance at an expensive university.

Cost of Living

Cities such as:

New York
Boston
San Francisco

can be considerably more expensive than smaller college towns.

Renewal Conditions

Check whether the scholarship requires:

Minimum GPA
Full-time enrollment
Satisfactory academic progress

Number of Years

Determine whether the award is:

One-time
Renewable annually

How to Find Scholarships on University Websites

International students should search each university’s official website using terms such as:

International scholarships
Merit scholarships
International financial aid
International freshman scholarships
Graduate fellowships

Students should verify all information before submitting applications.

How to Build a Strong Scholarship Application

Maintain Strong Grades

Academic achievement remains one of the most common scholarship criteria.

Demonstrate Leadership

Include:

Student organizations
Community activities
Volunteering
Projects

Write a Strong Personal Statement

Explain:

Academic goals
Career goals
Why the university fits your plans

Prepare Early

Competitive scholarship deadlines can arrive before general admission deadlines.

Keep Documents Ready

Common documents may include:

Academic transcripts
Passport
English-language test results
Recommendation letters
Personal statement

These requirements vary by university.

Common Scholarship Mistakes

Assuming Admission Automatically Means Scholarship

Not every admitted student receives funding.

Missing Priority Deadlines

Scholarship deadlines may be earlier than regular admission deadlines.

Confusing Scholarships With Loans

Read the funding terms carefully.

Assuming Every Scholarship Is Full

Many awards only reduce tuition.

Using Old Scholarship Information

University funding changes from year to year.

Ignoring Smaller Scholarships

Several smaller awards can sometimes significantly reduce total costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do US universities offer scholarships to international students?

Yes.

The supplied source identifies 125 U.S. institutions that have offered scholarship opportunities to international students.

Are scholarships only for undergraduate students?

No.

Although many listed opportunities target undergraduates, some universities also offer graduate fellowships and assistantships.

Which universities offer merit scholarships?

Examples listed include Arizona State University, Colorado State University, University of Tulsa, University of Massachusetts Lowell and San Jose State University.

Are there scholarships for graduate international students?

Yes.

Examples in the source include Montana State University, Wichita State University, University of New Haven and University of Bridgeport.

Are there scholarships for transfer students?

Yes.

Several universities list transfer-student scholarship opportunities.

Are there scholarships for F-1 students?

Yes.

The source specifically mentions F-1 eligibility for some awards, including George Mason University and the University of Memphis.

Can scholarships cover 50% of tuition?

Some can.

The source describes George Mason University’s #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship as covering 50% of tuition.

Are all scholarships renewable?

No.

Renewal conditions vary by award.

Are scholarship amounts guaranteed?

No.

Amounts can change and depend on eligibility.

Do international students qualify for need-based aid?

Some institutions offer need-based assistance to international students, but policies vary.

Do graduate assistantships count as funding?

Yes.

Graduate assistantships can provide significant financial support, although packages differ by university.

How to Create a US Scholarship Shortlist

A practical shortlist can contain:

3 highly competitive universities
5 realistic options
3 more affordable safety options

For each university, track:

Tuition
Scholarship amount
Scholarship deadline
Admission deadline
GPA requirement
English-language requirement
Renewal conditions

This can help applicants compare universities based on net cost rather than reputation alone.

Final Thoughts

Top US Universities With Scholarship Opportunities for International Students include a wide range of public and private institutions offering merit awards, need-based funding, departmental scholarships, tuition waivers and graduate fellowships.

The supplied source identifies 125 universities, including institutions such as the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Colorado State University, George Mason University, Oregon State University, University of South Florida, Saint Louis University, Washington State University and University of Tulsa.

It also highlights funding opportunities for graduate and continuing students at institutions including Wichita State University, Montana State University, University of New Haven and University of Bridgeport.
The most important point for applicants is that this list should be treated as a research starting point rather than confirmation that every scholarship remains open for 2026–2027.

Scholarship amounts, deadlines, eligibility rules and award names can change. International students should always verify the latest information on the university’s official admissions or financial-aid website before applying.

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