Funding & Scholarships
We do understand that funding can be a barrier for our international students. Below are some funding options that can be helpful. In addition to the information below, you can look into international student loans. Unfortunately, we are not able to subsidize all of our international students' degrees so you will need to secure funding through the available means.
Scholarships
- All F-1 undergraduate students are offered a scholarship equal to the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition for 4 years/8 semesters (Fall & Winter only). You can see the rates here: Tuition and Fees
- All graduate students are charged the same rate, regardless of residency. You can see the rates here: Tuition and Fees
- Once students have been attending GVSU full-time for at least one semester, they become eligible for the International Student Scholarship. Applications are accepted during the Winter semesters (this time of year) and chosen students are awarded between $250 and $3,000 on a 1 year basis. More details can be found under the on-campus scholarships section.
On-Campus Scholarships
There are three scholarships at GVSU dedicated to International Students. Two are awarded prior to beginning a degree at GVSU. They are:
- The International Merit Scholarship is awarded prior to beginning a degree program and is reserved for undergraduate students. Undergraduate international students can apply to the International Merit scholarship. If selected, students are awarded the Merit scholarship on a 4 year basis ($2,500 for 8 semesters).
- The GVSU International Scholarship is also reserved for undergraduate students and is awarded prior to beginning a degree. This covers the difference of cost between resident and non-resident tuition so that all F-1 undergraduates only end up paying the resident rate.
International Student Scholarship
The International Student Scholarship is the third scholarship for GVSU iStudents and can be applied for while completing a degree. Award amounts for the International Student Scholarship range from $250.00 to $3000.00. The committee considers each applicant's academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, personal essay, and financial situation in determining the awards. The deadline to apply is Feb 23, 2025 before 11:59pm. Decisions are typically announced in April. Students awarded this scholarship will have the award amount applied during the next academic year (Fall 2025- Winter 2026). Questions should be directed to [email protected].
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Feb 23, 2025 at 11:59pm
The application is now CLOSED.
The application will require you to submit the following information:
- Eligibility
-
You must have completed at least one full-time semester by the beginning of January 2025. This means if you are a new student this semester, you are not eligible to apply until the Winter 2026 cycle
-
You must be an F-1 visa-holder (degree-seeking)
-
You must plan to attend GVSU in the upcoming Fall 2025 semester
-
- General Information
- Personal Essay
- Reference Contacts
- Financial Situation
- Electronic Signature and Submission
Tips for completing the application:
- You CAN exit an incomplete application and return to it later but you CANNOT go back through completed pages.
- We recommend you type up your essay in a word document before filling out the application and save frequently.
- Essay prompt: “How has being a GVSU student shaped you as an individual? What have you been able to contribute to the university and community through coursework, involvement in organizations, work, volunteering, etc? How do you see your experience at GVSU impacting your career after graduation?”
- Please keep your essay at or under 300 words/1800 characters in length.
- Make your essay personal and interesting. We weigh the applications mostly on the essay and consider financial need.
Winter 2026 International Student Experience Scholarship
The Winter 2026 International Student Experience Scholarship is a one-time pop-up scholarship available for Winter 2026 semester only. Only F-1 and J-1 international students currently enrolled in Winter 2026 semester are eligible to apply. All submissions must be uploaded to the Scholarship Portal prior to the March 13 deadline. Decisions will be announced in late March. Students awarded this scholarship will have the award amount applied during the current academic semester (Winter 2026). Questions should be directed to [email protected].
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 13, 2026 at 11:59pm
The International Student Experience Scholarship is comprised of seven categories, each judged separately. Each category will award:
- Eight (8) $2,000 Winners
- One (1) $3,000 Grand Prize Winners
Winners will be determined best in category by the scholarship committee. The scholarship committee reserves the right to adjust awards as necessary, based on participation in each category and the quality of work. You may submit to multiple categories; however, a student may win in no more than two categories. Duplicate entries in a single category will disqualify the student for that entire category. Applicants must sign a release giving GVSU permission to use your submitted work for future promotional marketing materials and other university publications.
Submissions may include (but are not limited to):
- Essays or written reflections
- Photography
- Short films or videos (5 minute maximum)
- Paintings or drawings
- Music or spoken word (5 minute maximum)
- Sculpture or 3D art
- Digital media projects
- Mixed media
If submitting a 3D object, please upload a photo or video of the piece first. Further instructions will be provided at the time of submission.
All work must be original and created by the submitting student. Your creativity is the limit!
Scholarship Categories:
The category prompts below are designed as a guide to get you thinking about each category. Your submission may address the questions posed or touch on another aspect of the category.
1) Campus Community
How have you built community at GV or in the surrounding area? Share experiences that highlight belonging, friendship, student organizations, faith communities, cultural groups, or unexpected connections.
2) Academic Experience
What has your academic experience been like as an international student? Share challenges, achievements, mentorship experiences, research, classroom insights, etc. How has it been impactful to you?
3) Embracing Diversity
How have you shared your culture or learned from others? Reflect on identity, cross-cultural learning, or meaningful moments of exchange.
4) Volunteerism & Leadership
How have you engaged with the local community, internships, service projects, or professional development opportunities? How have you grown as a leader?
5) Showcase your Space (Housing)
Where do you live, who do you live with, and how has your housing impacted your experience as an international student? How have you structured your space to meet your needs? Reflect on your growth and adaptation as it relates to your housing.
6) The Working iStudent Laker
Where have you worked on campus, and what opportunities has that afforded you? What was your favorite on-campus job experience? Share how your on-campus job helped shape your time at GVSU.
7) Places & Events (Hidden Gems, Favorite Hangout, Recommendations, etc.)
Consider the GVSU campus, Allendale & Grand Rapids, and all of Michigan. From your favorite table at Fresh to the Renaissance Fair to that special spot at Pictured Rocks to the tailgate party you joined last year, what makes your favorite places or events special? What hidden gems have you found?
No matter which category you select or medium you choose, your submission should clearly answer:
- What has been unique about your experience as an international student?
- What can other students expect during their time here?
- How has your experience shaped who you are today?
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be reviewed by a scholarship committee using the following criteria:
1. Authenticity & Originality (25%)
- Is the work clearly original?
- Does it reflect a genuine, personal experience?
2. Creativity & Expression (20%)
- Is the medium used thoughtfully and effectively?
- Does the submission demonstrate creativity?
3. Clarity of Message (20%)
- Is the story or message clearly communicated?
- Does it directly relate to the selected category?
4. Impact & Reflection (25%)
- Does the submission demonstrate meaningful insight?
- Does it show growth, contribution, or transformation?
5. Technical Quality (10%)
-
Is the submission complete, polished, and well-prepared?
Off-Campus Scholarships
There are many opportunities pertaining to private scholarships and grants. You will find the following websites helpful when researching alternative sources of funding:
Funding for U.S. Study is a great resource (database) that allows you to search for scholarships, fellowships, and grants, which includes all types of funding programs for all levels of post-secondary study across the full range of academic areas based on your country.
Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund
LewerMark 'Make You Mark" Scholarship
International Peace Scholarship for Women
International Student Scholar Award
International Student Scholarship Opportunities
The Leo S. Rowe Pan America Fund
Asherah Foundation | Second Chance Scholarship for Women Aged 24+
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Rotary International Fully-Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships
Jobs on Campus
- F-1 student are able to work on-campus for a maximum of 20 hours during the Fall & Winter semesters and a max of 40 hours during breaks.
- Workday is the platform we use at GVSU for general job postings. Once student are admitted they are given their GV login credentials and can then log into the site and create a profile to search for on-campus positions: Link to Workday
- Most openings for Fall jobs become available in July & August or November & January so there may not be many options on the site at other times of the year.
- Resident Assistants (RA) are maybe the most financially beneficial jobs for undergraduates. Graduate students are also eligible to hold these positions. Room & Board is provide along with a stipend (no hourly pay). More information here: https://www.gvsu.edu/ra/
- Graduate Assistantships (GA) are the most financially beneficial jobs for only graduate students as they cover either half or full tuition along with a stipend (no hourly pay). More information can be found on the graduate school's website (applications must be submitted on Workday which is linked above): https://www.gvsu.edu/gs/graduate-assistant-job-openings-25.htm Keep in mind that many programs do not hire students who have not completed any GVSU courses and these are highly competitive positions.
Loans
Loans are another source of funding that international students can use to pay for their education. For information about loans, please refer to the Financial Aid office's Alternative Loans page: https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/alternative-loans-74.htm