Global Scholars Award 2027 | Study in United States — Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Most university merit scholarships apply the same tiers to every admitted student regardless of background. WPI’s Global Scholars Award stands out specifically because it is named and structured for international applicants.
About the Scholarship
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers the Global Scholars Award, worth $15,000 to $25,000 per year, specifically to international undergraduate applicants. It sits alongside WPI’s broader automatic merit scholarship tiers, which include the Presidential Scholarship, Trustees’ Scholarship, and Dean’s Scholarship, all of which are also automatically considered with no separate application.
IB Diploma graduates scoring 40 or above who are admitted to WPI are guaranteed a minimum $25,000 academic merit scholarship, which can include or complement the Global Scholars Award depending on the applicant’s specific profile.
WPI’s identity as a STEM-focused polytechnic institute shapes much of its approach to international recruitment, with the Global Scholars Award reflecting a deliberate effort to attract strong international talent specifically into its engineering, science, and technology programs rather than applying a generic, one-size-fits-all merit structure.
The combination of a named international award alongside broader automatic merit tiers also means international applicants effectively get two chances at strong funding within a single, streamlined admission review, rather than needing to track and apply for each separately.
Scholarship Benefits
- Awards of $15,000 to $25,000 per year specifically for international students
- No separate scholarship application required beyond standard admission
- A guaranteed minimum $25,000 scholarship for qualifying IB Diploma graduates
- Automatic consideration across WPI’s full range of merit scholarship tiers
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an international undergraduate applicant
- You must apply for admission to WPI by the Regular Decision deadline
- You must meet WPI’s academic standards for merit consideration
- IB Diploma graduates seeking the guaranteed minimum must score 40 or above
Fields of Study Covered
Open to incoming international undergraduates across WPI’s engineering, science, and technology-focused majors, consistent with the university’s STEM-centered academic identity.
Required Documents
- A completed WPI undergraduate admission application
- Academic transcripts, including IB results if applicable
- Standardized test scores, where submitted
- English proficiency documentation, as required for international applicants
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for undergraduate admission to WPI as an international applicant
- Submit your transcripts, including IB results if you completed the IB Diploma
- Complete your application by the February 1 Regular Decision deadline
- Scholarship consideration happens automatically across all of WPI’s merit tiers alongside your admission review
Selection Process
WPI’s admissions committee reviews each international applicant’s academic record to determine admission and which merit scholarship tier, including the Global Scholars Award specifically, best fits their profile, with IB Diploma scores of 40 or above triggering the guaranteed minimum award.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Submit official IB results as early as available if you completed the IB Diploma, since a score of 40 or above guarantees a substantial minimum award
- Submit the strongest possible academic transcript, since tier placement is directly tied to your academic profile
- Apply by the February 1 deadline rather than later, since this is WPI’s stated Regular Decision cutoff
- Compare this against other named international scholarships like the University of San Francisco’s Merit Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate application for the Global Scholars Award specifically?
No, all applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships, including the Global Scholars Award, with no additional application required.
Does the IB Diploma guarantee apply to all international students?
The guaranteed minimum $25,000 scholarship specifically applies to IB Diploma graduates scoring 40 or above; other international students are considered under WPI’s broader merit tiers.
What fields does this scholarship cover?
WPI’s programs are centered on engineering, science, and technology, so the scholarship applies to international students admitted across these STEM-focused majors.
Is the scholarship renewable each year?
Confirm WPI’s current renewal policy, since requirements for maintaining the award across years can vary.
What is the application deadline?
February 1 for Regular Decision.
Is there an Early Decision option with a different scholarship outcome?
Check WPI’s current admissions calendar for Early Decision timing, since merit scholarship consideration generally applies across both Early and Regular application rounds.
Can I combine the Global Scholars Award with need-based financial aid?
Confirm WPI’s current financial aid policy on combining merit scholarships with any available need-based support for international students.
Is the Global Scholars Award renewable for all four years?
Confirm WPI’s current renewal terms, since requirements for maintaining the award across your degree can vary.