International Student Merit Scholarship
Overview
The University of Central Arkansas offers the International Student Merit Scholarship to outstanding first-time degree-seeking international undergraduate students. This scholarship provides significant financial support of up to $4,000 per semester for a maximum of 8 consecutive semesters or until the completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first. It is designed to reward academic excellence and encourage cultural engagement among international students beginning their studies in the Fall semester.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a first-time degree-seeking international student applying for an undergraduate program at UCA.
- Admission application and all required documents must be submitted by January 31.
- Applicants must be admitted for the Fall semester only; Spring applicants are not eligible.
- Must meet minimum English proficiency requirements.
- Academic qualifications (one of the following):
- Minimum 3.25 GPA as calculated by UCA
- SAT score of 1160 (super score) with UCA code 6012 (test taken within last 5 years)
- ACT score of 24 with UCA code 0118 (test taken within last 5 years)
- Must submit a scholarship application by January 31, including:
- A 250-word essay in English describing career goals related to studying at UCA (distinct from admission essay)
- One signed letter of recommendation from a teacher familiar with academic performance
- A resume (maximum 2 pages) highlighting extracurricular activities and community service
Exclusions
- Current or former UCA students
- Applicants to the Intensive English Program
- Visiting students
- Students receiving scholarships from other UCA departments
- Graduate program applicants
- Students enrolled exclusively in online courses from their home country
- Students who change to Permanent Resident or other US citizenship status during the scholarship period
Scholarship Value and Duration
- Award amount: $4,000 per Fall and Spring semester
- Maximum award: $32,000 (up to 8 semesters or until bachelor’s degree completion)
- Awards applied directly to the student’s university account after enrollment verification
- Summer terms and intersessions are not covered
- Award amounts may vary based on enrollment status, funding availability, and committee review
Renewal Requirements
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA at UCA each semester
- Enroll in at least 12 undergraduate credit hours per semester (exceptions possible in final semester with approval)
- Maintain good immigration status
- Remain in good academic standing as per UCA Undergraduate Bulletin
Additional Conditions
- Recipients must assist the Center for Global Learning & Engagement (CGLE) by coordinating cultural events or participating in at least one project per semester
- Only one scholarship from CGLE may be held at a time
- On-campus instruction is required; online-only enrollment from abroad is not eligible
- Scholarship awards are subject to compliance review and university policies
Important Dates
- Scholarship opens: October 1
- Application deadline: January 31
- Eligibility notifications: March 1
- Award notifications: April 1
This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for academically talented international students to receive substantial funding while engaging in a vibrant campus community at the University of Central Arkansas. Interested students should apply early and ensure all eligibility criteria and application materials are submitted by the deadline to maximize their chances of receiving this prestigious award.
Eligible nationalities
Eligible program levels
- 1-Year Post-Secondary Certificate
- 2-Year Undergraduate Diploma
- 3-Year Bachelor's Degree
- 3-Year Undergraduate Advanced Diploma
- 4-Year Bachelor's Degree
- Integrated Masters
- Top-up Degree