Iowa State University Scholarships, 2025

Tabulated below are some of the popular scholarship opportunities for international students to help reduce their financial burden during their time in university:

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International Merit Scholarships at Iowa State University

Iowa State University offers International Merit Scholarships to help international students with the cost of their education. Here’s a breakdown of the scholarship details, application process, and renewal requirements:

Scholarship Award Values

• 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)

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

Scholarship Application Deadlines

• Fall Term:
  • Priority Deadline: February 15
  • Final Deadline: May 1
• Spring Term:
  • Priority Deadline: November 15
  • Final Deadline: December 15

Eligibility Criteria

• Be an incoming international first-year student who has been offered admission and is assessed international tuition.
• Accept the offer of admission by May 1.
• Submit the OneApp application, which includes:
  1. Completing the General OneApp application.
  2. Completing the International Student Admissions Scholarship application.
  3. After completing the General Application, navigate to Opportunities > Recommended and select the International Student Admissions Scholarship Application for your intended term (fall or spring).

Renewal Requirements

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

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 while enrolled.
• 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.

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International Excellence Scholarships at Iowa State University

Iowa State University offers the International Student Excellence Award to recognize academic excellence and achievements, providing essential financial support for international students to pursue their educational goals. This scholarship is awarded automatically to first-year international students based on their high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores.

Scholarship Award Values

• President's Award for International Student Excellence: $48,000 total ($12,000 per year)
• Dean's Award for International Student Excellence: $40,000 total ($10,000 per year)

Note: First-year recipients are eligible for funding for up to 8 semesters or until degree completion, whichever comes first.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be an incoming international first-year student who has been offered admission.
• Accept the offer of admission by May 1.
• No separate scholarship application is required; the scholarship is automatically awarded to students who meet specific GPA and SAT/ACT criteria.

Note: This scholarship cannot be combined with the International Merit Scholarship.

Renewal Requirements

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

• President's Award: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at Iowa State.
• Dean's Award: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 while enrolled at Iowa State.
• Be continuously enrolled in at least 12 semester credits per term (summer semesters are not included).
• Remain classified as an international student subject to international tuition rates.
• Use the scholarship exclusively for undergraduate tuition and fees.

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ISSO Scholarships at Iowa State University

The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSO) offers limited financial support through scholarships and emergency funds for students facing unexpected financial hardships, particularly in paying tuition and fees.

ISSO Scholarships

• Application Process: Scholarships are applied for via OneApp for the next semester or academic year. These funds are temporary and assist students facing unforeseen financial difficulties.
• Eligibility: A significant portion of funding comes from the international differential tuition rate, and students must pay this rate to be eligible.

Emergency Funding

• Application Process: Emergency funds are available for students facing immediate financial hardship affecting their ability to maintain immigration status or livelihood in the U.S. Requests are submitted through the Cyclone Success Assistance application.
• Eligibility: Available to students experiencing urgent financial issues impacting their education or status.

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ISSO Emergency Funding - Cyclone Success Assistance

The Cyclone Success Assistance program is designed to provide one-time emergency funding to international students facing short-term financial crises. This funding is not intended for long-term expenses and can help students who are dealing with immediate financial hardships.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Enrollment: The applicant must be enrolled at Iowa State University in the semester of receiving the award. The award can help lift a hold caused by an outstanding Ubill balance if it allows registration.
• Academic Progress: The applicant must be making satisfactory academic progress.
• Employment: The applicant must be working on-campus, or provide documentation explaining why they cannot work on-campus.
• One-Time Award: This funding is a one-time assistance, and students who have previously received emergency funds from ISSO should not apply again.

Examples of Eligible Emergency Funding Needs:

• Medical emergencies leading to significant bills.
• Loss of property due to theft, fire, or natural disasters.
• Victims of scams causing financial hardship.
• Emergency housing issues.
• Sudden changes in funding sources that affect immigration status or livelihood.

Examples of Ineligible Funding Needs:

• Dependent expenses or health insurance for dependents.
• Expenses related to the home country (e.g., supporting family back home).
• Application fees, attorney fees, or optional medical procedures.
• Non-emergency technology purchases (e.g., computers).
• Travel expenses or conference registrations.

Application Process:

• Complete the Cyclone Success Assistance request in OneApp.
• Review all details and instructions on the Office of Student Financial Aid website.
• Applications are reviewed twice monthly.

Application Deadline:

• The Cyclone Success Assistance request remains open year-round.

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Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarships

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society offers $1,000 grants to international women students studying at Iowa colleges or universities. This scholarship is aimed at assisting women pursuing education degrees with plans to return to their home country.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must demonstrate excellent scholarship and positive references.
• Must plan to return to their homeland and work in education.
• Must need financial assistance.

Application Requirements:

• Submit a letter of reference indicating financial need.
• Provide a one-page personal statement outlining planned contributions to the field of education.
• Submit a copy of the most recent university transcript.

Deadline:

• All applications must be received by April 1, 2025.
• Recipients will be notified by May 15, 2025.
• The scholarship is awarded in two installments: $500 after completing the first semester and $500 after the second semester.

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YMCA Scholarships

The YMCA Scholarship offers $1,000 to one female undergraduate or graduate student at Iowa State University. The scholarship is awarded in two payments: half in the Fall semester and the other half in the Spring semester.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a woman student who has completed at least one semester at Iowa State University before Jan. 1, 2025.
• Must demonstrate involvement in the YWCA mission.
• Must be in good academic standing.

Application Process:

• Apply directly or be nominated.
• Submit a statement describing your activities related to the YWCA mission.
• Include a one-page resume and at least one letter of support describing your commitment.

Deadline:

• All application materials must be submitted by November 29, 2024.