International Freshman Scholarships 2027 | Study in United States — University of Alabama
The University of Alabama publishes its international merit scholarship tiers openly, which makes it one of the easier schools to estimate your likely award before you even apply, a rarity among U.S. universities that usually leave applicants guessing.
About the Scholarship
The University of Alabama automatically reviews every international freshman applicant for one of several named merit scholarship tiers, from the Crimson Legends award up through the Presidential tier, based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores. The university publishes the exact requirements and amounts for each tier, and qualifying applicants are notified roughly two weeks after admission.
Scholarship Benefits
- Crimson Legends Scholarship: $6,000 per year
- Capstone Scholarship: $8,000 per year
- Collegiate Scholarship: $10,000 per year
- Foundation in Excellence Scholarship: $15,000 per year
- UA Scholar Scholarship: $24,000 per year
- Presidential Scholarship: $28,000 per year
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an international freshman applicant with a minimum GPA of 3.00 for the base tier
- Higher tiers require progressively higher GPA (3.50 and above) and specific ACT/SAT score ranges
- You must apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Alabama by the relevant deadline for your intended term
Fields of Study Covered
Open to incoming international freshmen across the University of Alabama’s majors, with no restriction by field of study.
Required Documents
- A completed University of Alabama undergraduate admission application
- Official secondary school transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores, since these directly determine your scholarship tier
- English proficiency scores, as required for international applicants
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Alabama as an international freshman
- Submit your official transcripts and standardized test scores, since these determine your automatic scholarship tier
- Submit your application by the relevant term deadline (commonly around May 1 for Fall entry)
- Wait for your scholarship notification, typically sent about two weeks after your admission decision
Selection Process
There’s no separate review step. The university’s system automatically matches your GPA and test scores against the published tier requirements and assigns the corresponding scholarship once you’re admitted.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Submit your strongest available ACT or SAT score, since the tiers are directly tied to these scores alongside GPA
- Apply well before the deadline, since processing and notification take about two weeks after admission
- Compare your likely award against other tiered or fixed-amount options like the University of Arkansas’s International Foundation Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate scholarship application?
No, qualifying international freshmen are automatically awarded a tier based on their GPA and test scores once admitted.
Can I know my scholarship tier before applying?
Alabama publishes its tier requirements, so you can estimate your likely tier using your own GPA and test scores before applying.
Are these scholarships renewable?
Renewal typically requires maintaining the university’s standard academic standing; check Alabama’s current renewal policy for specifics.
Is there a minimum GPA to qualify for any scholarship?
Yes, a minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for the base tier, with higher tiers requiring higher GPAs.
What is the application deadline?
Deadlines are set per term, commonly around May 1 for Fall entry; confirm the exact current-cycle date on Alabama’s international admissions page.