Purdue university financial aid for international students

International students comprise nearly 20 percent of Purdue’s pupils but, proportionally, don’t receive as much aid.

The group received $2.6 million in merit awards and $1 million in athletic scholarships, according to the latest report. Ted Malone, executive director of financial aid, said Purdue does not award need-based financial aid to international students.

“They are paying their own way through their parents or other family members,” Malone said.

International students have more of an impact on Purdue’s financial state than other students because they international students pay a higher tuition rate than, Malone said. Higher costs of attendance and fewer aid opportunities mean international students have to look other places for aid.

“Primarily, it would be scholarships that are available through their colleges,” Malone said. “They are not eligible for the high merit scholarships that are awarded to incoming freshmen such as (the) Trustees and Presidential (scholarships).”

According to Malone, the scholarships awarded through the colleges usually have specific requirements that limit their availability to international students. The merit aid available to Purdue students generally has been increasing.

Monika Jurigova, an international student from Slovakia and a freshman in College of Health and Human Sciences, said she chose to attend Purdue because it has one of the best hospitality and tourism management programs in the world. However, she said, she is only able to attend because her parents can pay the tuition entirely.

Education back home is different, Jurigova said.

“We don’t pay for school at all,” Jurigova said. “Our schools are free. Going to school, you do not pay tuition.”

In addition to high tuition rates, international students also face challenges such as not being able to work, Jurigova said. Regardless, though, Malone said the challenges have not deterred international students’ interest in attending Purdue.

“I do not really think there is a real significant impact on the enrollment.” Malone said. “Perhaps if we had more aid, it might change the population of international students somewhat.”

“There are plans in place to start a significant program to raise scholarship money,” Malone said. “If not successful, it’s the status quo.”

For now, individual colleges continue to handle merit-based funding for international students.

“Every college has a scholarship administrator that would really be the person someone wants to get in contact with to make sure they understand the process for their college,” Malone said.

Scholarships for International Students

Explore IUPUI’s scholarships for international students

IUPUI offers scholarships and funding for undergraduate and graduate students

Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

IUPUI offers a variety of scholarships to international students. Review the options below to see what fits best for you. Have questions? Contact us at .

These points will be helpful to keep in mind when considering IUPUI's scholarships:

• If you plan to enroll in a fall term, apply by November 1 for maximum scholarship consideration or apply by February 15 for merit scholarship consideration.
• Students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered for merit or Honors College scholarships. 
• All scholarships require you to be enrolled full time in the fall and spring semesters.
• Scholarships listed below are for international students classified as non-resident for tuition purposes only, your scholarship will be adjusted to an in-state award if you are later reclassified as an in-state resident status.
• Most admission-based scholarships require that you maintain a GPA of 3.0 to renew the scholarships from year to year.
• Scholarship funds cannot be used for intensive study of English as a Second Language.

• Merit scholarships for incoming first-year students:

  IUPUI awards a limited number of merit scholarships to incoming first-year international students each year.

  These merit-based scholarships may cover up to $18,000 per year. The awards are renewable for four years. Students are automatically considered for these awards if you submit all required documents for admission by the application deadline. No separate application is required for merit scholarships. Students can receive ONE merit scholarship.

  Award Amount	Grade point average (based on a 4.0 US scale)	English Proficiency Level
  $10,000	3.0	At least a: TOEFL 60, IELTS 5.5, SAT 410 ERW, ACT 17 English, Duolingo 90, PIE Level 5, ELS 109, O level and equivalents C in English language, IUPUI W131 equivalency, or Secondary education completed in an English speaking country.
  $12,000	3.25 - 3.49	At least a: TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, SAT 560 ERW, ACT 21 English, Duolingo 105, PIE Level 7, ELS 112, O level and equivalents A-B in English language, IUPUI W131 equivalency, or Secondary education completed in an English speaking country.
  $14,000	3.50 - 3.74
  $18,000	3.75

• Competitive Honors College scholarships for first-year students:

  These competitive scholarships, which range in amount up to full tuition, require you to submit an application for admission by November 1 and a separate application to the Honors College by November 15. They will also require you to submit additional materials. These scholarships are available to first-year international students applying for a Fall term. 

  Competitive scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved outstanding performance in rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. Students will need to submit an academic sample to show evidence of excellence in their current curriculum. Samples could inclue acdaemic papers written for class or a publication, portfolios of creative work, or any other example from your high school experience. 

  Competitive scholarships cannot be combined with merit scholarships. Finalists may be required to complete an interview virtually over Zoom or Skype. Available for fall start only. 

  Honors College awards include:

   Bepko Scholars Program - available to one international student per year

  • Full tuition, fees, and books for up to four years
  • Two years of on-campus housing. The recipient will be required to live in the Honors Residential Based Learning Community (RBLC) during their freshman year. 
  • $2,500 stipend for a study abroad experience 

  Plater International Scholars Program - available to one international student per year

  • $27,000 per year for up to four years 
  • $2,500 stipend for a study abroad experience

  IUPUI Chancellor's Scholar Program

  • $19,000 per year for up to four years
  • $2,500 stipend for a study abroad experience

  Eligibility

  You may be eligible for one of the above Honors College awards if you:

  • Apply for a Fall term
  • Complete an IUPUI application and an Honors College scholarship application (and submit all materials) by November 1
  • Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.75 (weighted)

  Learn more about available awards and eligibility criteria from the Honors College.

• Merit scholarships for transfer students:

  IUPUI awards a limited number of merit scholarships of $10,000 per year to incoming international transfer students each year. The awards can be renewed for up to one year, if the student maintains a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and continuous full-time enrollment.

  Students are automatically considered for these awards if you submit all required documents for admission by the application deadline. Students can receive ONE merit scholarship.

  Award Amount	Grade point average  (based on a 4.0 US scale)	English Proficiency Level
  $10,000	3.0	At least a: TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, SAT 560 ERW, ACT 21 English, Duolingo 105, PIE Level 7, ELS 112, O level and equivalents A-B in English language, IUPUI W131 equivalency, or Secondary education completed in an English speaking country.

• Major-specific, service-based, and diversity scholarships:

  Some schools at IUPUI award major-specific scholarships for international students. These awards may be combined with a merit scholarship. Search for opportunities at your school at Student Central.

  IUPUI also offers service-based scholarships and special scholarships for diverse populations. Please review websites carefully for eligibility criteria and instructions on how to apply.

  Once you're admitted, be sure to check the IU Scholarships site for even more scholarships that you might be able to apply for.

• Sustainability scholarship

  The IUPUI Sustainability Scholarship is co-funded by the 2022 College Football Playoff – Indianapolis Host Committee and IUPUI Sustainability, with the purpose of creating an opportunity for one student to learn through the lens of sustainability in any related discipline while at IUPUI. One scholarship recipient will be awarded $20,000 for a four-year undergraduate degree, while fostering rich hands-on learning opportunities through volunteer experiences and a year-long internship.

  Learn more here.

• Athletic Scholarships:

  IUPUI is a Division I School, the highest level of intercollegiate sports in the United States. Athletic scholarships are extremely competitive. Outstanding athletes must contact the coach directly for more information. Coaches' contact information can be found on IUPUI's Athletics website . Athletic scholarships may be combined with merit scholarships.

Funding for Graduate Students

Contact your academic department for information about funding. 

 See the list of IUPUI programs »

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