For international students dreaming of studying in the United States, the University of Michigan offers an excellent funding opportunity through its International Student Scholarship. This award is specifically for new undergraduate students joining the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), and it’s designed to support you financially throughout your four-year degree.
If you’re preparing to apply or just finding your options, this guide provides everything you need to know from eligibility to the application process.
Scholarship Overview
- Institution: University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA)
- Scholarship Type: Undergraduate (first-year students only)
- Award Value: Up to $100,000 total (disbursed as $25,000 per year)
- Duration: 4 years (renewable each year)
- Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
- Host Country: United States
- Eligible Applicants: Students from all countries (non-U.S. citizens)
- IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory (proof of English proficiency may still be requested)
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Who Is This Scholarship For?
This scholarship is aimed at new international students who have received admission into an undergraduate program within the LSA College at the University of Michigan. If you’re passionate about studying in the U.S. and need financial support, this could be your chance.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a first-year student admitted to an LSA undergraduate degree program.
- Not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
- Be enrolled (or planning to enroll) as a full-time student which means taking at least 12 credit hours per semester.
What You Need to Apply
Before you begin your scholarship application, ensure that you have all the required documents. Having these ready will help streamline your process:
- Completed Scholarship Application Form: Be sure to fill out the form completely and accurately.
- Academic Transcripts: Submit your transcripts from previous schools, showcasing your academic history and achievements.
- Letter of Recommendation: A letter from a teacher, mentor, or someone who can vouch for your capabilities, character, and potential as a student.
- Personal Statement or Essay: This should explain your background, academic journey, and future goals. Be authentic and clear about why you’re interested in studying at the University of Michigan.
- English Proficiency Document (if applicable): While this scholarship doesn’t require IELTS scores, if you’re asked to submit an English proficiency certificate, ensure you have that on hand.
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Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process is fairly simple, but it does vary depending on your status, whether you’re already enrolled or just admitted. Follow these steps to successfully apply for the scholarship:
Apply for Admission First
You must first gain admission to a program within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan. Submit your application through the Common App or the university’s direct application portal to be considered for the scholarship.
For Students Who Are Already Enrolled
If you’ve already received your University of Michigan login credentials (your username and password), proceed directly to the LSA Scholarship Application Portal. Log in with your credentials and submit the necessary documents to apply for the scholarship.
For Admitted Students Who Are Not Yet Enrolled
If you’ve been accepted but haven’t yet enrolled at the University of Michigan, you’ll need to follow these steps to complete your scholarship application:
- Create a UM Friend Account: This account is essential for accessing university systems and completing your scholarship application. You can create one here.
- Verify Your Friend Account via Wolverine Access: Go to the New & Prospective Student Business section on Wolverine Access, and confirm your personal details, such as your UMID and birth date. Verification may take up to 24 hours.
- Once your account is verified (this may take up to 48 hours), log into the LSA Scholarship Portal and complete your application.
Important Tips to Remember
Keep these key points in mind to make sure your application goes smoothly. These tips will help you stay organized and submit everything on time.
- Deadline: Be sure to submit your application by April 15, 2025. Missing the deadline means you won’t be considered for the scholarship.
- Account Setup: Don’t wait until the last minute to create and verify your UM Friend Account. The verification process can take up to 48 hours, so starting early is crucial.
- Eligibility: The scholarship is only available to students applying to the College of LSA, not other departments like Engineering, Nursing, or Business. Be sure to double-check your eligibility.
- English Proficiency: Although IELTS scores aren’t required, some students may still need to provide proof of English proficiency. Be sure to review the university’s admission guidelines to confirm whether you need to submit this documentation.
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Why Apply for This Scholarship?
The University of Michigan International Student Scholarship offers a valuable opportunity for international students to pursue their undergraduate studies at one of the top-ranked universities in the U.S. If you’re wondering what makes this scholarship worth applying for, here’s why it could be a game-changer for your education and future career:
- Study at a Top-Ranked U.S. University: The University of Michigan is renowned for its academic excellence, research opportunities, and diverse student body.
- Financial Relief: This scholarship offers up to $25,000 per year and is renewable for up to four years, significantly lowering your tuition costs.
- Accessible Application Process: No IELTS or other standardized tests are required, making it easier for international students to apply.
- Vibrant Campus Community: The University of Michigan is home to a global network of students, providing a rich environment for cultural exchange and collaboration.
This scholarship provides not only financial support but also the chance to study in a dynamic and innovative academic environment, setting you on the path to success. If you’re passionate about studying in the U.S. and have a strong academic background, the University of Michigan International Student Scholarship could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Apply for admission to the College of LSA, and then complete your scholarship application before the deadline.
