The Center for Global Learning & Engagement (CGLE) is pleased to offer the International Student Merit Scholarship to outstanding international students. This scholarship is awarded for up to 8 consecutive semesters or completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever happens first, to eligible first-time degree-seeking international students beginning an undergraduate program of study at UCA. The scholarship award is $2,000 per semester for a maximum award of $16,000. Awards will be for fall and spring semesters only. The International Student Merit Scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis using the following criteria: GPA or SAT/ACT scores, Essay, Resume, and Letter of Recommendation. Please see below for a full list of eligibility requirements and the application process.
Scholarship Timeline:
Scholarship deadline: March 31st Extended to April 30th
Eligibility notifications: April May 15th
Award Notifications: April May 30th
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Eligibility Requirements:
- Students must have submitted all the documents required for admission and scholarship consideration by the scholarship deadline of March 31
- Students must be applying as a new student and seeking a degree in a UCA undergraduate program of study
- 3.25 GPA, as calculated by UCA or a minimum super score score of 1160 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT. The ACT/SAT test must have been taken within the last five (5) years. The test scores must be submitted officially through the testing center using the codes below for UCA.
- SAT is 6012
- ACT is 0118
- Students must meet the English Proficiency minimum scores found at the following link:
- Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 UCA undergraduate credit hours
- On campus instruction is required; students enrolled in online courses from their home country are not eligible
Scholarship Application Process:
- Complete the university admission application including providing all required documents
- Complete the scholarship application (link below) and upload the following required documents to the application:
- An essay (250 word maximum) should be written in the English language and should describe the career goals you hope to achieve as a result of your studying at the University of Central Arkansas. DO NOT SUBMIT AN ADMISSION ESSAY AS YOUR SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY.
- One letter of recommendation is required from a teacher who knew you well and can speak to your academic performance. The letter should be signed by the teacher and if possible on letterhead.
- A resume (2 page maximum) highlighting your participation in extracurricular activities and community service.
International Student Merit Scholarship Application
The following students are not eligible:
- Students who are currently or have previously been enrolled at the University of Central Arkansas
- Students applying for admission into the Intensive English Program
- Students applying as a Visiting student
- Students receiving a scholarship award from another UCA department
- Students applying for a Graduate program
- Students may not receive more than one scholarships from the Center of Global Learning & Engagement
- Students who change to Permanent Resident or another US citizenship status will no longer receive the scholarship
Award Amount:
Recipients will receive an award not to exceed $2,000 for the fall semester. If renewal requirements are met, the scholarship will be awarded up to 8 consecutive semesters or completion of a bachelor’s degree whichever happens first. Awards will be applied to the recipients’ university account each semester after verification of enrollment is completed. Summer terms and intersessions are not covered.
Award amounts may be lower depending on factors such as:
- Actual enrollment (with the approval by CGLE)
- Availability of funding
- Scholarship Committee review
Renewal Requirements:
The Merit Scholarship may be awarded up to 8 consecutive semesters or completion of a bachelor’s degree whichever happens first. Renewal of the scholarship will occur for subsequent semesters when the following are confirmed:
- Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 UCA cumulative undergraduate GPA each semester
- Minimum of 12 Undergraduate credit hours earned each semester, unless approved by CGLE when a student in in last semester of degree
- A student is considered to be in good immigration status
- A student is in good academic standing as defined by the current Undergraduate Bulletin
Additional Rules:
Recipients of the Merit Scholarship will assist the Center for Global Learning and Engagement (CGLE) during the award period to coordinate cultural events and/or actively participate in one project per semester
- Only Fall and Spring semesters are covered by the scholarship. Summer terms and intersessions are not covered.
- All awards are contingent upon review by the Compliance Office and subject to applicable University policies