Your nature is to seek an excellent education. Our nature is to make it accessible.

Iowa State University offers merit scholarships to both first-year and transfer international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and a demonstrated record of accomplishments, offering valuable financial support as students pursue their educational goals at Iowa State.

First-year students

First-year international students are eligible for a limited number of merit scholarships. Selection is highly competitive and based on a holistic review of SAT or ACT scores and high school grades.

International Merit Scholarship (Fall and Spring)

  • Award of Achievement: Up to $40,000 total ($5,000–$10,000 per year)
  • Award of Distinction: Up to $16,000 total ($2,000–$4,000 per year)

First-year recipients are eligible for funding for up to eight semesters or until degree completion, whichever occurs first.

  • Fall term
    • Priority deadline: February 15
    • Final deadline: May 1
  • Spring term
    • Priority deadline: November 15
    • Final deadline: December 15

  • Be an incoming international first-year student who has been offered admission and is assessed international tuition.
  • Submit the OneApp application:
    • Complete the General OneApp application.
    • Complete the International Student Admissions Scholarship application.
      • Start by completing the General Application. Then navigate to Opportunities > Recommended and select the International Students Admission Scholarship Application for your intended term (fall or spring).

To retain your scholarship throughout your time at Iowa State, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 while enrolled at Iowa State.
  • Be continuously enrolled in at least 12 semester credits per term (excluding summer sessions).
  • Remain classified as an international student subject to international tuition rates.
  • Use the scholarship exclusively toward undergraduate tuition and fees.

Apply for an International Merit Scholarship

To be considered for an International Merit Scholarship, students must complete the OneApp scholarship application.

Transfer students

International transfer merit scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement and exceptional talent or accomplishments in areas such as math and sciences, the arts, extracurricular activities, community service, leadership, innovation, or entrepreneurship.

International Merit Scholarship (Fall and Spring)

  • Award of Achievement: Up to $20,000 ($5,000–$8,000 per year)
  • Award of Distinction: Up to $10,000 ($2,000–$4,000 per year)

Transfer recipients will receive funding for up to 5 semesters (2.5 years), or until degree completion, whichever comes first.

  • Fall term
    • Priority deadline: March 1
    • Final deadline: June 30
  • Spring term
    • Priority deadline: November 15
    • Final deadline: December 15

Incoming international transfer applicants who have been admitted and are assessed international tuition must:

  • Have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) comparable to a minimum of 3.0 out of 4.0 (B)
  • Submit the OneApp application:
    • Complete the General OneApp application.
    • Complete the International Student Admissions Scholarship application.
      • Start by completing the General Application. Then navigate to Opportunities > Recommended and select the International Students Admission Scholarship Application for your intended term (fall or spring).

To retain your scholarship throughout your time at Iowa State, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 while enrolled at Iowa State.
  • Be continuously enrolled in at least 12 semester credits per term (excluding summer sessions).
  • Remain classified as an international student subject to international tuition rates.
  • Use the scholarship exclusively toward undergraduate tuition and fees.