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.
Table of Content- ISU Merit Scholarship
- Benefits of ISU Merit Scholarship
- Requirements for ISU Merit Scholarship
- Selection Process
- Application Deadline
- How to Apply
ISU Merit Scholarship
| Application Deadline | December 15, 2025 |
| Funding Type | Partially Funded |
| Country to study | United States |
| School to study | Iowa State University |
| Type | Undergraduate |
| Sponsor | Iowa State University |
| Gender | Men and Women |
Benefits of ISU Merit Scholarship
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.
Requirements for ISU Merit Scholarship
- Be an incoming international first-year student who has been offered admission and is assessed international tuition.
- Accept offer of admission by May 1.
- 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).
Selection Process
Renewal requirements
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.
Application deadlines
- Fall term
- Priority deadline: February 15
- Final deadline: May 1
- Spring term
- Priority deadline: November 15
- Final deadline: December 15
Application Deadline
December 15, 2025How to Apply
To be considered for an International Merit Scholarship, students must complete the OneApp scholarship application.
For more details,visit Iowa State University webpage
Established in 1858, Iowa State University of Science and Technology is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium-sized town of Ames (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Iowa. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Higher Learning Commission, Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: 35,000-39,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 161 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 80-90% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.