International Student Grant 2027 | Study in United States — The Ohio State University
Most of Ohio State’s headline merit scholarships are restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The International Student Grant exists specifically for the students those larger scholarships leave out.
About the Scholarship
The Ohio State University’s International Student Grant provides partial tuition support specifically for international undergraduate and graduate students, since most of OSU’s larger merit scholarship programs are reserved for domestic applicants. The grant carries comparatively accessible GPA requirements relative to many competitive merit awards.
As one of the largest public universities in the country by enrollment, Ohio State manages a substantial international student population, and this grant reflects an effort to provide at least some dedicated funding pathway for that community, separate from the citizenship-restricted scholarships that make up the bulk of OSU’s merit aid budget.
The relatively modest GPA thresholds, 2.5 for undergraduates and 3.0 for graduate students, make this a genuinely realistic target for a wide range of academically solid, though not necessarily top-ranked, international applicants.
Scholarship Benefits
- A partial tuition grant specifically designed for international students
- Eligibility spanning both undergraduate and graduate levels
- A comparatively accessible academic threshold relative to OSU’s more competitive, citizenship-restricted scholarships
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an international student at Ohio State University
- Undergraduate applicants must hold a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Graduate applicants must hold a minimum GPA of 3.0
- You must meet any additional enrollment requirements set by the current cycle
Fields of Study Covered
The grant does not restrict applicants to a specific field of study, covering international students broadly across OSU’s undergraduate and graduate programs.
Required Documents
- A completed International Student Grant application
- Academic transcripts showing your current GPA
- Proof of international student status and current enrollment
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm your current GPA meets the relevant threshold for your degree level
- Gather your transcripts and proof of international student status
- Submit your complete application by the priority deadline for university scholarships, typically around February 1
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation
Selection Process
OSU’s financial aid office reviews International Student Grant applications against the stated GPA thresholds and available funding for the cycle, prioritizing students who meet or exceed the minimum academic standards.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Confirm your GPA clearly meets or exceeds the threshold for your degree level before applying
- Apply by the priority deadline rather than waiting, since available grant funding can be limited
- Check with your specific OSU college for any additional international scholarships layered on top of this grant
- Compare this against other accessible international grants like the University of Arkansas’s International Foundation Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this grant only for undergraduate students?
No, both undergraduate and graduate international students are eligible, with different minimum GPA requirements for each.
What GPA do I need to qualify?
A minimum of 2.5 for undergraduates and 3.0 for graduate students.
Is this grant need-based or merit-based?
It is primarily tied to academic standing rather than demonstrated financial need, though you should confirm current guidance for any need-based component.
Can I combine this grant with other OSU scholarships?
Check OSU’s current financial aid policy on combining multiple funding sources.
What is the application deadline?
The priority deadline for university scholarships is typically around February 1; confirm the current cycle’s exact date with OSU’s financial aid office.
Is this grant renewable for multiple years?
Confirm OSU’s current renewal policy, since requirements for maintaining the grant across years can vary.
Does the grant cover living expenses in addition to tuition?
The grant is described as partial tuition support; confirm current guidance on whether any living expense coverage is included.
Can I apply if I’m already receiving a different scholarship from my home country?
Generally yes, though you should confirm OSU’s current stacking policy and any disclosure requirements for outside funding sources.
Does OSU’s International Student Grant apply across all its campuses?
Confirm current guidance directly, since OSU operates multiple regional campuses alongside its main Columbus campus, and grant availability can vary by location.
Can graduate assistantships be combined with this grant?
Confirm OSU’s current policy on combining the International Student Grant with graduate assistantship funding, since rules can vary by department.
Is this grant awarded automatically or do I need to apply separately?
A separate application through OSU’s financial aid office is generally required rather than automatic consideration.