If you are applying for a U.S. undergraduate degree, the Iowa State University International Merit Scholarship is one of the most practical merit-based funding options for international students. It is offered by Iowa State University and supports both first-year and transfer applicants through annual tuition-focused awards.
This guide covers all major facts: eligibility, deadlines, award amounts, renewal conditions, OneApp process, and common questions students search for.
Quick Facts
- University: Iowa State University (USA)
- Study level: Undergraduate / Bachelor’s
- Who can apply: International first-year and transfer students
- Funding type: Partially funded merit scholarship
- Application system: OneApp (after admission)
- Fall 2026 first-year final deadline: May 1, 2026
- Fall 2026 transfer final deadline: June 30, 2026
Iowa State University International Merit Scholarship Requirements
The official requirements are:
- You must be offered admission as an international undergraduate student (first-year or transfer).
- You must be assessed international tuition rates.
- You must accept your admission offer by the required deadline for your entry term.
- You must complete OneApp:
- General Application first
- Then submit the International Student Admissions Scholarship Application (Recommended Opportunities)
- For transfer students, Iowa State lists GPA expectations around a 3.0/4.0 equivalent (B average).
Iowa State University International Merit Scholarship Deadline (2026)
For Fall 2026, deadlines differ by applicant type:
First-year international students
- Priority: February 15, 2026 (passed)
- Final: May 1, 2026
International transfer students
- Priority: March 1, 2026
- Final: June 30, 2026
Spring entry
- Priority: November 15
- Final: December 15
Always confirm final dates on the official Iowa State page before submission.
Scholarship Amounts (Official Ranges)
First-year awards
- Award of Achievement: USD $5,000–$10,000/year (up to $40,000 total)
- Award of Distinction: USD $2,000–$4,000/year (up to $16,000 total)
- Duration: up to 8 semesters or degree completion
Transfer awards
- Award of Achievement: USD $5,000–$8,000/year (up to $20,000 total)
- Award of Distinction: USD $2,000–$4,000/year (up to $10,000 total)
- Duration: up to 5 semesters (2.5 years) or degree completion
Is This a Full Ride?
No. This is generally not a full ride.
It is a partial merit scholarship mainly applied toward undergraduate tuition and fees.
It does not automatically cover all housing, meals, travel, visa costs, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Iowa State University Scholarships for Freshman
For international freshmen, this scholarship is one of the major merit options. Selection is competitive and usually based on academic profile plus overall application strength.
Iowa State University Tuition and Fees for International Students
Final cost depends on:
- Program and major
- Entry term
- Housing/living choices
- Scholarship amount awarded
Before finalizing your plan, compare estimated tuition/fees against your expected scholarship level and personal budget.
Iowa State Scholarships List: Where to Find All Options
The best way to find matching scholarships:
- Get admitted to Iowa State
- Log in to OneApp
- Submit the General Application
- Check Recommended Opportunities
- Apply before deadlines
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Apply for undergraduate admission to Iowa State University.
- Wait for admission decision.
- Accept your offer by term deadline.
- Sign in to OneApp.
- Submit OneApp General Application.
- Open Opportunities → Recommended.
- Complete the International Student Admissions Scholarship Application.
- Submit before your deadline.
- Monitor your portal/email for updates.
Renewal Requirements (After Award)
To continue receiving funding, students generally need to:
- Maintain at least 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Enroll in at least 12 credits per semester (excluding summer)
- Keep international student classification
- Continue meeting official scholarship terms
University of Iowa vs Iowa State (Common Confusion)
Many students also search for University of Iowa scholarships.
Important: University of Iowa and Iowa State University are different institutions, and scholarship rules are not interchangeable.
FAQ
Does Iowa State University offer full scholarships for international students?
For this International Merit Scholarship, published awards are generally partial with fixed annual ranges.
Can international students get a merit scholarship?
Yes. Iowa State provides merit scholarships for international undergraduate applicants who meet criteria.
Does Iowa State give full ride scholarships?
Not as a standard outcome in this merit category. It is usually tuition-support funding.
Does the University of Iowa offer full scholarships for international students?
That is a separate university with separate rules. Check University of Iowa official pages directly.
Final Thoughts
The Iowa State University International Merit Scholarship is a strong option if you have a good academic record and want to reduce tuition cost in the USA. The key is to complete admission and OneApp steps early and not miss deadline windows.