Merit Scholarships For International Students 2027 | Study in United States — University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco’s international merit scholarships stand out for two things: the award amounts are genuinely significant relative to the university’s tuition, and, unusually among private U.S. universities, transfer students are explicitly eligible for a dedicated award track, not just incoming first-years.
About the Scholarship
USF automatically reviews every international first-year applicant for merit scholarship consideration as part of the regular admission process, with no separate scholarship application needed. Transfer applicants are reviewed similarly, under a separate transfer-specific award track with its own maximum amount. Similar automatic merit tracks exist at other universities, including Clark University’s Merit Scholarships and the University of Iowa’s IDEA Award.
Scholarship Benefits
- Up to $27,000 per year for incoming first-year international students
- Up to $20,000 per year for international transfer applicants
- Automatically renewed each year, provided you maintain the university’s standard academic standing requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an international applicant for either first-year or transfer undergraduate admission
- You must apply for admission to the University of San Francisco
- No separate scholarship application or essay is required
Fields of Study Covered
Open to international undergraduate applicants across USF’s majors, both first-year and transfer, with no restriction by field of study.
Required Documents
- A completed USF undergraduate admission application (first-year or transfer, as applicable)
- Academic transcripts from your secondary school or previous college, depending on your applicant type
- English proficiency scores, where required
- Any standardized test scores you choose to submit
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for undergraduate admission to USF as an international first-year or transfer applicant
- Submit your transcripts and any required English proficiency scores
- Complete your application by USF’s relevant admission deadline for your applicant type
- Scholarship consideration happens automatically alongside your admission review
Selection Process
USF’s admissions office evaluates each international applicant’s academic record to determine both the admission decision and the merit scholarship amount, with first-year and transfer applicants assessed under their respective award tracks and maximums.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Submit the strongest academic transcript you can, since award amount is tied directly to your academic profile
- If you’re a transfer applicant, make sure your prior college transcripts are complete and official, since that’s the basis for your scholarship review
- Apply early in your respective admission cycle, since earlier applications are reviewed against the full applicant pool for that cycle
Frequently Asked Questions
Do transfer students really get the same opportunity as first-year applicants?
Yes, USF has a dedicated scholarship track for international transfer applicants, though the maximum award amount is somewhat lower than the first-year track.
Is there a separate scholarship form to fill out?
No, both first-year and transfer international applicants are automatically considered through their regular admission application.
Is the scholarship need-based or merit-based?
These are merit-based awards, tied to academic performance rather than financial need.
Does the scholarship renew automatically every year?
Yes, provided you maintain the university’s standard academic standing requirements throughout your studies.
What is the application deadline?
There’s no separate scholarship deadline. It follows USF’s regular international undergraduate admission deadlines for first-year or transfer applicants, so check USF’s current admissions calendar.