Transfer Cardinal Scholar – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes15 Dec, 2026

Iowa State University offers the Transfer Cardinal Scholar award as a renewable, merit-based scholarship for international transfer students. The Transfer Cardinal Scholar award provides up to $12,000 in total financial support for eligible students at Iowa State University. The university distributes this amount as $4,000 per year for up to three years of undergraduate study. Moreover, the scholarship is renewable for up to six semesters or until degree completion, whichever comes first. The award applies directly toward undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees. Consequently, students experience reduced financial pressure while focusing on academic success and campus involvement.

🎓 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 Transfer Cardinal Scholar 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, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, 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, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, 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, Singapore, Slovakia, 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, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.5

Languages

DuoLingo English Test 105, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 71

Tests

Study Levels

Bachelor's, BS, Undergraduate

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Result Date

Program Start

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$12,000
Deadline15 Dec, 2026
LevelBachelor's, BS, Undergraduate
InstitutionIowa State University
CountryUnited States
ModeOnline
TypePartially funded

Apply Now

Iowa State University offers the Transfer Cardinal Scholar award as a renewable, merit-based scholarship for international transfer students. The university designed this award under its International Student Excellence Award program to support students who show strong academic performance in previous college or university studies. Beginning Summer 2026 and onward, the university automatically considers eligible transfer applicants during the admission process. Therefore, students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. Instead, Iowa State evaluates transfer students based on their academic records and transfer GPA.

Background and Purpose

Iowa State University introduced the Transfer Cardinal Scholar award to attract capable international transfer students and support their academic progression. The university aims to make undergraduate completion more affordable and accessible for students moving from other institutions. In addition, the award strengthens global diversity and academic excellence within the campus community. Through this initiative, Iowa State encourages students to complete their degrees in a supportive and research-driven environment. As a result, the scholarship reflects the university’s commitment to inclusive education and international engagement.

Transfer Cardinal Scholar Benefits

The Transfer Cardinal Scholar award provides up to $12,000 in total financial support for eligible students at Iowa State University. The university distributes this amount as $4,000 per year for up to three years of undergraduate study. Moreover, the scholarship is renewable for up to six semesters or until degree completion, whichever comes first. The award applies directly toward undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees. Consequently, students experience reduced financial pressure while focusing on academic success and campus involvement.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, students must be international transfer applicants admitted to Iowa State University. The university evaluates eligibility based on transfer GPA during the admission review process. In addition, students must be assessed at international tuition rates. Recipients must maintain continuous full-time enrollment with at least 12 semester credits each semester, excluding summer terms. They must also maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to renew the scholarship. However, the award cannot be combined with other International Student Excellence Awards or the International Merit Scholarship. Students must also meet all admission deadlines, including acceptance of their offer by the required date.

Transfer Cardinal Scholar Application Process

The application process is fully automatic and does not require a separate form. Students only need to apply for admission to Iowa State University as transfer applicants. The university then reviews submitted academic transcripts and evaluates eligibility during the admission process. Therefore, students should ensure that all academic documents are accurate and complete. After evaluation, Iowa State informs selected students through official admission communications.

Opportunities for Scholars

The Transfer Cardinal Scholar award enables international transfer students to continue their education at a globally recognized university with reduced financial burden. Scholars gain access to strong academic programs, research opportunities, and a diverse international community. In addition, students can participate in internships, leadership activities, student organizations, and professional development programs. Iowa State University is known for excellence in engineering, agriculture, business, science, and technology. Overall, the scholarship helps students complete their degrees successfully and prepares them for global career opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

It is awarded to admitted international transfer students who have a cumulative transfer GPA between 3.50 and 3.69.

Is the Transfer Cardinal Scholar Award renewable?

Yes, it is renewable for up to 6 semesters if students maintain the required academic progress and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?

No, it is automatically awarded to eligible admitted transfer students and does not require a separate scholarship application.