International Student Merit Scholarships – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens1 Aug, 2025
Closes15 Jan, 2026

The University of Delaware offers merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate students. The scholarships provide annual financial awards ranging from approximately $5,000 to $15,000. Students can renew the award for up to four years.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the International Student Merit Scholarships before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.0

Languages

B2 First 171, DuoLingo English Test 110, IELTS 6.5, PTE A 53, TOEFL iBT 79

Tests

Study Levels

Bachelor's, Undergraduate

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Result Date

Program Start

late August/early September

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount$5,000–$15,000 per year
Deadline15 Jan, 2026
LevelBachelor's, Undergraduate
InstitutionUniversity of Delaware
CountryUnited States
ModeOnline
TypePartially funded

Apply Now

The University of Delaware offers International Student Merit Scholarships to international undergraduate students. These awards support first-year students who apply for admission by the standard January 15 deadline. The university automatically considers all admitted international freshmen for these scholarships. Students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. The program rewards strong academic performance and encourages international students to join the UD academic community.

Background and Purpose

The University of Delaware created these scholarships to attract talented international students. The program promotes academic excellence and campus diversity. By offering merit-based funding, UD reduces the financial pressure of international tuition. The university aims to enroll students who show strong academic preparation and long-term potential. These scholarships support UD’s mission to build a globally engaged learning environment.

International Student Merit Scholarships Benefits

The scholarships provide annual financial awards ranging from approximately $5,000 to $15,000. Students can renew the award for up to four years. Renewal requires students to maintain satisfactory academic performance, usually a minimum GPA. The scholarship amount helps offset tuition costs but does not cover full expenses. Some international students may also qualify for competitive university-wide awards, such as Distinguished Scholar scholarships. These prestigious awards may cover a larger portion of tuition and, in some cases, room and board. Award amounts depend on academic strength and overall competitiveness.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be international students applying for undergraduate study. They must submit a complete admission application by January 15. Students must provide academic records, including high school transcripts. They may also submit SAT or ACT scores if available. Selection depends primarily on academic achievement. Students with stronger grades and test scores typically receive higher awards. The university does not offer need-based financial aid to international students. Federal and institutional need-based aid remains limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

International Student Merit Scholarships Application Process

Students apply directly for undergraduate admission to the University of Delaware. The admissions office automatically reviews all eligible international applicants for merit scholarships. Students do not complete a separate scholarship form. The university evaluates candidates based on academic records and overall application strength. Scholarship offers usually accompany admission decisions.

Opportunities for Scholars

Recipients gain financial support that makes studying in the United States more affordable. Scholars access UD’s academic resources, research opportunities, and student support services. The scholarship allows students to focus on academic success and campus involvement. UD encourages recipients to explore external scholarships and financial planning tools, including the Net Price Calculator. These opportunities help students plan responsibly and maximize funding throughout their degree.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How are international scholarships awarded?

All freshman international students who apply by the admissions deadline are automatically considered for the available merit awards. These scholarships are based on academic excellence (such as GPA and test scores) rather than financial need, since federal need‑based aid is not available to international students at UD.

What is the typical scholarship range?

Merit scholarships for international students typically range from about $5,000 to $15,000 per year. More prestigious awards, such as the Distinguished Scholars scholarships, may cover full tuition and even room and board for up to four years for exceptionally strong candidates who maintain good academic standing.

Do I need SAT/ACT scores for scholarship consideration?

You don’t need SAT/ACT scores specifically for scholarship consideration.

Are these scholarships renewable?

Yes, many merit scholarships are renewable for up to four years as long as you maintain a required GPA (usually around a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) and meet other program requirements.

Are there other funding opportunities?

In addition to general merit awards, international students may compete for more prestigious or competitive scholarships (e.g., Distinguished Scholars) that can provide larger funding packages. Students can also explore external scholarships or donor endowments through the university’s Student Financial Services.