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Study in USA | Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships

January 11, 2026 10:22 am

Study in USA | Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships 2026

For high-achieving international students aiming for a U.S. undergraduate education, a substantial merit-based funding opportunity is now available. Iowa State University is offering its competitive International Merit Scholarships for the 2026 intake, providing significant financial support for first-year and transfer students. These awards recognize academic excellence and outstanding achievements, making a top-tier American education more accessible.

A Significant, Renewable Financial Award

This scholarship program offers two primary award levels, providing multi-year support to reduce the overall cost of your degree:

Award of Achievement: The premier award, with a total value of up to $40,000, typically disbursed as $5,000 to $10,000 per year
Award of Distinction: A highly valuable award, with a total value of up to $16,000, usually paid as $2,000 to $4,000 annually.

Both scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters (until degree completion), provided you maintain the required academic standards. The funds are applied directly to your undergraduate tuition and fees.

Are You Eligible to Apply?

These scholarships target academically strong international applicants. You are eligible to be considered if you:

Have received an offer of admission to Iowa State University as an international first-year or transfer student.
Are classified as international students for tuition purposes.
Accept your admission offer by the critical deadline: May 1 for Fall intake or December 15 for Spring intake.
Selection is holistic, reviewing your high school grades, SAT/ACT scores (if submitted), and the overall strength of your academic and extracurricular profile.

How to Maintain Your Scholarship

To renew the scholarship each year, you must:

Maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5.
Enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.
Remain classified as an international student.
Use the award solely for undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees.

The Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the scholarship is a clear process that begins after you secure admission:

Secure Your Admission: First, apply for and receive your official offer of admission from Iowa State University.
Submit the Scholarship Application: Log in to the university’s OneApp scholarship portal. Complete the “General Application” and then navigate to “Opportunities” > “Recommended” to find and submit the International Student Admissions Scholarship Application for your specific intake term.
Accept Your Offer by the Deadline: Crucially, you must formally accept your admission offer by May 1 (Fall) or December 15 (Spring) to finalize your scholarship eligibility.

Click Here to Apply

Key Application Deadlines

Mark your calendar with these essential dates:

For Fall 2026 Intake:

Priority Deadline: February 15, 2026 (Apply by this date for best consideration).
Final Deadline: May 1, 2026.

For Spring 2027 Intake:

Priority Deadline: November 15, 2026.
Final Deadline: December 15, 2026.

Building a Competitive Application

Since the review is holistic, you should present a well-rounded application. Strong academic transcripts are fundamental. Furthermore, if you choose to submit them, competitive SAT or ACT scores can strengthen your candidacy. Your application should also highlight leadership roles, unique talents, volunteer work, or other achievements that demonstrate your potential to contribute to the Iowa State University community.

The Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships represent a powerful way to fund your undergraduate journey in the United States. By securing admission, submitting a standout scholarship application, and accepting your offer by the deadline, you can compete for this transformative multi-year award. For the application portal and full terms, visit the official Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships page.