Iowa State University Merit Scholarship 2025 in USA (Partially Funded)

Iowa State University Merit Scholarship 2025 is a competitive and prestigious award aimed at recognizing exceptional international undergraduate students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership abilities, and global promise. The scholarship is open to both first-year (freshman) and transfer applicants to Iowa State University, a leading public research institution in the United States. This scholarship is partially funded, meaning it covers a portion of tuition costs rather than the full expenses. The exact amount varies based on the student’s academic achievements and application strength, but typically ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 per year, and is renewable for up to 8 semesters (4 years) as long as the recipient maintains eligibility.

Eligibility

• International Status: Must be a non-U.S. citizen required to pay non-resident tuition rates
• Undergraduate Applicants Only: Open to newly admitted freshmen and transfer students pursuing a bachelor's degree
• Admission Secured: You must have received an official admission offer from Iowa State University
• Not Government-Funded: Applicants receiving full financial sponsorship from their home government are not eligible
• Academic Excellence : Must demonstrate a strong academic background, typically shown through high GPA or equivalent academic performance
• Stay Enrolled Full-Time – You need to take a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester

Program Dates/Location

• Application Deadline (Scholarship): November 15, 2025
• Duration: 4 years (if student continue to get required GPA of minimum 2.5)
• Iowa State University reviews and accepts applications continuously, not just after a single fixed deadline. So, the earlier you apply, the earlier you can get a decision.
• Location: Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, USA

Program Benefits/Requirements

• Partial tuition coverage based on merit
• Covers only undergraduate tuition and fees
  • Does NOT cover housing, meals, travel, health insurance, or other living expenses
• Renewable for:
  • Up to 8 semesters (4 years) for first-year students
  • Up to 5 semesters (2.5 years) for transfer students
• Award amounts vary by level:
  • First-Year Students:
    • Award of Achievement: $5,000–$10,000 per year (up to $40,000 total)
    • Award of Distinction: $2,000–$4,000 per year (up to $16,000 total)
  • Transfer Students:
    • Award of Achievement: $5,000–$8,000 per year (up to $20,000 total)
    • Award of Distinction: $2,000–$4,000 per year (up to $10,000 total)
• Renewal Requirements:
  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Enroll full-time (minimum 12 credit hours per semester)
  • Maintain international student status

Required Documents

1. Completed Application
   • Submit your application through the Iowa State University application portal.
2. Academic Transcripts
   • Provide transcripts from all high schools or universities you have attended.
   • If your transcripts are not in English, include certified English translations.
3. English Proficiency Test Results
   • Submit scores from an accepted English proficiency test.
   • Accepted tests and minimum scores include:
     • TOEFL iBT: 71 (with at least 17 in Writing and Speaking)
     • IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 (with no subscore below 5.5)
     • Duolingo English Test: Score of 105
     • Other tests may also be accepted; refer to the English proficiency requirements for details.
4. Financial Documentation
   • Provide a bank statement or sponsor letter confirming financial support of at least $49,300 USD, which is the estimated cost for one year of study.
   • The financial statement should be uploaded as a single document.
5. Passport Copy
   • Include a copy of your passport.
   • If available, also provide a copy of your visa.
6. Supplemental Documents
   • You may upload additional documents as they become available after submitting your online application.

Notes:

• Scanned documents are acceptable for the admission review process. However, if admitted, you will be required to submit official final documents.
• If you encounter difficulties with scanning or uploading legible documents, don't worry; your application will still be considered as long as all required materials are submitted by the deadline.
• Official English proficiency exam results may be submitted up to 30 days after the application deadline
• Students must first be admitted to Iowa State University. Once admitted, their application will be considered for the International Merit Scholarship based on their academic achievements and other criteria.

Application Process

• Prepare Your Documents (mentioned above)
• Submit Your Application
  • Apply online through the Iowa State University application portal or the OneApp scholarship portal (for scholarship consideration).
  • You can apply up to one year before your intended start date.
  • Upload available documents when applying; you may submit some documents later if not ready yet.
• Receive Admission Decision
  • The university reviews your application on a rolling basis.
  • You will get an admission decision via your application portal or email.
• Scholarship Consideration
  • Once admitted, your application is automatically reviewed for the International Merit Scholarship if you applied through the OneApp portal.
  • There’s no separate scholarship application required in most cases.
• Accept Offer & Pay Deposit
  • If admitted and awarded a scholarship, accept your offer by the deadline (usually May 1 for fall entry).
  • Pay any required enrollment deposit or fees.
• Receive Form I-20
  • After confirming your enrollment and financial documents, Iowa State will issue your Form I-20 for your student visa application.
• Apply for Visa & Plan Travel
  • Use your I-20 to apply for a U.S. student visa.
  • Arrange your travel and housing for starting at Iowa State.