Applications are now open for the 2026 Iowa State University Merit Scholarship for qualified international students interested in studying in the United States of America.
The Iowa State University Merit Scholarship offers awards of up to $40,000 to outstanding students who secure admission into the university and are not sponsored financially by their home country’s government for four years.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: USA
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Up to $40,000
- Deadline: December 15, 2026
Scholarship Details
Iowa State University remains committed to attracting academically talented and diverse international students through its International Merit Scholarship Program.
The scholarship is awarded to exceptional students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance as well as remarkable achievements in areas such as mathematics and sciences, arts, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, extracurricular activities, and community service.
Recognized globally for its contributions to science, technology, research, and innovation, Iowa State University has a long-standing reputation for groundbreaking discoveries and advanced learning facilities. The institution is home to notable innovations including the world’s first electronic digital computer, a tornado simulator, and a high-resolution virtual reality laboratory.
The International Merit Scholarship is designed to support international students financially while encouraging academic excellence and leadership development throughout their undergraduate studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the Iowa State University Merit Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be offered admission as an international first-year student at Iowa State University
- Be assessed international tuition rates
- Accept the admission offer by:
- May 1 for Fall intake
- December 15 for Spring intake
- Submit the OneApp scholarship application
To maintain the scholarship during the study period, recipients must:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Enroll in at least 12 credits each semester (excluding summer)
- Remain classified as an international student
- Use the scholarship funds only toward undergraduate tuition and fees
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants for the Iowa State University Merit Scholarship will receive:
- Award of Achievement
- Up to $40,000 total
- Valued at $5,000 – $10,000 per year
- Award of Distinction
- Up to $16,000 total
- Valued at $2,000 – $4,000 per year
- Freshman recipients may receive funding for:
- Up to 8 semesters
- Or until degree completion, whichever comes first
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Admission offer from Iowa State University
- Completed OneApp scholarship application
- Academic records and supporting admission documents
- Any additional documents requested through the scholarship portal
How to Apply
To apply for the Iowa State University Merit Scholarship:
- Visit the OneApp Scholarship Portal
- Complete and submit the General Application
- Navigate to:
- Opportunities
- Recommended
- International Students Admission Scholarship Application
- Select either the Spring or Fall application option
- Submit all required documents before the deadline
To begin the scholarship application process, click HERE
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