The Transfer Cardinal Scholar Award 2026 at Iowa State University is a merit-based scholarship designed for international transfer students who demonstrate solid academic performance. It is part of the International Student Excellence Award system, which automatically evaluates admitted transfer students and provides financial support based on transfer GPA.

This award helps international students continue their bachelor’s degree in the United States at a reduced cost.

About the Transfer Cardinal Scholar

The award supports international students transferring from another university or college to Iowa State.

For the 2026 intake, Iowa State University:

  • Automatically awards the scholarship to admitted international transfer students based on transfer GPA
  • Requires a transfer GPA between 3.50 and 3.69 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Does not require SAT/ACT scores for eligibility (transfer-based evaluation)
  • Provides funding for up to 6 semesters or until degree completion
  • Requires no separate scholarship application (automatic consideration)
  • Cannot be combined with the International Merit Scholarship

The Cardinal Scholar Award is positioned just below the Transfer Gold Scholar Award and rewards strong but mid-high transfer GPAs.

Why Choose The Transfer Cardinal Scholar?

This scholarship allows international transfer students to reduce tuition costs while continuing their studies at a well-ranked U.S. public university.

At Iowa State University, students benefit from:

  • Strong academic programs in engineering, business, STEM, and agriculture
  • Research-focused learning environment
  • Internship and co-op opportunities in the United States
  • A large, diverse international student community
  • More affordable tuition compared to many private U.S. universities

The award helps students complete their U.S. degree with financial support and academic stability.

Transfer Cardinal Scholar Summary

  • Host Country: United States
  • Host University: Iowa State University
  • Scholarship Name: Transfer Cardinal Scholar Award (International Student Excellence Award)
  • Study Level: Undergraduate (Transfer students)
  • Funding Type: Merit-based scholarship
  • Eligible Applicants: International transfer students
  • Selection Basis: Transfer GPA (3.50–3.69)
  • Application Method: Automatic (no separate application)
  • Duration: Up to 6 semesters

Scholarship Benefits

The Transfer Cardinal Scholar Award provides:

  • Annual tuition support of approximately $4,000 per year
  • Total value up to $12,000 over 3 years
  • Renewable funding during the study period
  • Reduced financial burden for transfer students
  • Automatic consideration during admission review

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be an international transfer student applying to Iowa State University
  • Meet university transfer admission requirements
  • Have a transfer GPA between 3.50 and 3.69
  • Enroll as a full-time undergraduate student
  • Be assessed as an international tuition-paying student
  • Accept admission by the university deadline

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare:

  • Transfer admission application
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • High school transcripts (if required)
  • Passport copy
  • English proficiency test results (if required)
  • Any academic evaluation documents requested by the university

No separate scholarship application is required.

Application Process & Timeline

Follow these steps:

  1. Apply for transfer admission at Iowa State University.
  2. Submit all academic transcripts and supporting documents.
  3. The university automatically evaluates transfer GPA.
  4. Eligible students are considered for the Transfer Cardinal Scholar Award.
  5. Selected students receive the scholarship with their admission offer.