The President’s Award for International Student Excellence 2026 at Iowa State University is a highly competitive merit-based scholarship awarded to outstanding international undergraduate students. It is part of the International Student Excellence Award system, which recognizes strong academic achievement and provides significant financial support for students beginning their studies in the United States.
This scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students based on academic performance during admission.
About the President’s Award for International Student Excellence
The President’s Award is the highest level of the International Student Excellence Awards at Iowa State University.
For the 2026 intake, Iowa State University:
- Automatically awards the scholarship to admitted international first-year students with strong academic profiles
- Evaluates applicants based on high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores
- Requires students to meet specific academic thresholds for eligibility
- Does not require a separate scholarship application
- Offers funding for up to 8 semesters (full undergraduate duration)
The scholarship is designed to reward top-performing international students and make U.S. education more affordable.
Why Choose The President’s Award for International Student Excellence?
This scholarship allows international students to study at a top U.S. public university while significantly reducing tuition costs.
At Iowa State University, students benefit from:
- Strong programs in engineering, business, agriculture, and STEM fields
- A globally recognized research environment
- Internship and co-op opportunities in the U.S.
- A diverse international student community
- Affordable public university tuition compared to private U.S. universities
The President’s Award helps students focus on academics without heavy financial pressure.
President’s Award for International Student Excellence Summary
- Host Country: United States
- Host University: Iowa State University
- Scholarship Name: President’s Award (International Student Excellence Award)
- Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
- Funding Type: Merit-based scholarship
- Eligible Applicants: International first-year students
- Selection Basis: GPA + SAT/ACT performance
- Application Method: Automatic (no separate application)
- Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
- Duration: Up to 8 semesters
Scholarship Benefits
The President’s Award provides:
- Annual tuition support of around $12,000 per year
- Total value up to $48,000 over 4 years
- Renewable funding for the full degree duration
- Reduced financial burden for international students
- Automatic consideration during admission
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an international first-year undergraduate applicant
- Receive admission to Iowa State University
- Submit SAT/ACT scores (for President’s Award eligibility)
- Demonstrate strong high school academic performance
- Meet GPA requirements set by the university
- Accept admission by the university deadline
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare:
- Undergraduate admission application
- High school transcripts
- SAT/ACT scores (recommended/required for this award level)
- Passport copy (for international students)
- English proficiency test results (if required)
No separate scholarship application is required.
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps:
- Apply for undergraduate admission at Iowa State University.
- Submit academic transcripts and test scores.
- The university automatically evaluates eligible students.
- Scholarship eligibility is determined during admission review.
- Selected students receive scholarship confirmation with admission offer.
