AbdulAre you an international student looking for a quality education in the United States? Do you want to study at a Christian university that values academic excellence, spiritual growth, and social responsibility? If so, you may want to consider applying to Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU).
IWU is a private, liberal arts university located in Marion, Indiana. It offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and 38 graduate programs in various fields of study, such as business, education, nursing, theology, and more. IWU has a diverse and vibrant student body of over 13,000 students from 50 states and 30 countries. IWU is also ranked among the best regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
But what makes IWU even more attractive for international students is the generous financial support it offers. IWU has a range of merit-based scholarships and other financial aid specifically for international students, including those from Nigeria. These scholarships can significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance, making an IWU education more accessible and affordable.
In this blog post, we will give you an overview of the scholarships available for international students at IWU, the eligibility criteria, the application process, and some frequently asked questions.
What are Indiana Wesleyan University Scholarships for International Students?
Indiana Wesleyan University scholarships for international students are financial awards that are given to qualified international students who enroll at IWU. These scholarships are based on academic merit, not financial need. This means that you do not have to demonstrate financial hardship to receive them. However, you do have to meet certain academic standards and requirements.
The scholarships are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress and enrollment status. The scholarships are applied directly to your tuition and fees, reducing the amount you have to pay out of pocket.
ALSO READ: How to Get a Scholarship for Your MSW at the University of Denver
Types of Indiana Wesleyan University Scholarships for International Students
There are two main types of scholarships for international students at IWU: merit-based scholarships and President’s scholarships.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded automatically to all admitted international students based on their academic achievements, such as grade point average (GPA) and standardized test scores. You do not have to apply separately for these scholarships. They are determined by the IWU admissions office at the time of admission.
The amount of the merit-based scholarship varies depending on your academic profile. The higher your GPA and test scores, the higher the scholarship amount. The scholarship ranges from $16,000 to $30,000 per year. Here is a table that shows the scholarship levels and the corresponding GPA and test score requirements:
| Scholarship Level | Annual Amount | GPA Requirement | SAT Requirement | ACT Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee | $30,000 | 3.75 or higher | 1400 or higher | 32 or higher |
| Presidential | $26,000 | 3.5 to 3.74 | 1300 to 1390 | 29 to 31 |
| Dean | $22,000 | 3.25 to 3.49 | 1200 to 1290 | 26 to 28 |
| Faculty | $18,000 | 3.0 to 3.24 | 1100 to 1190 | 23 to 25 |
| Achievement | $16,000 | 2.75 to 2.99 | 1000 to 1090 | 20 to 22 |
Note that these scholarships are based on the U.S. grading system and the SAT and ACT tests. If you are from a different educational system or have taken a different test, such as the TOEFL or the IELTS, you will need to submit your official transcripts and test scores to IWU for evaluation. IWU will convert your grades and scores to the U.S. equivalent and determine your scholarship level accordingly.
President’s Scholarships
President’s scholarships are two full-tuition scholarships that are awarded each year to highly qualified first-year international students. These scholarships are very competitive and require a separate application. To be eligible for these scholarships, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and a minimum SAT score of 1400 or a minimum ACT score of 32. You must also demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, talents, and interests.
To apply for these scholarships, you must first complete the IWU online application and submit all the required documents, such as transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and personal statement. You must also complete the President’s Scholarship Application Form and submit a resume and an essay. The essay should address the following prompt:
How do you plan to use your education at Indiana Wesleyan University to make a positive impact in the world?
The deadline for the President’s Scholarship Application is December 1st of the year before you intend to enroll at IWU. The IWU admissions office will review all the applications and select the finalists. The finalists will be invited to participate in an interview with the IWU President and other faculty members. The interview can be conducted in person, by phone, or by video conference. The final decision will be announced by February 1st.
The President’s scholarships cover the full cost of tuition and fees for up to four years of undergraduate study at IWU. However, they do not cover other expenses, such as room and board, books, travel, and personal expenses. You will need to find other sources of funding to cover these costs.
ALSO READ: How to Apply for the Temple University Transfer Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria for Indiana Wesleyan University Scholarships for International Students
To be eligible for any of the scholarships for international students at IWU, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be an international student who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- You must have completed your secondary education or equivalent in your home country or another country outside the U.S.
- You must have a valid student visa or be eligible to obtain one.
- You must have a minimum English proficiency level of TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
- You must meet the academic requirements for the scholarship level you are applying for.
- You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and full-time enrollment status at IWU to renew your scholarship each year.
ALSO READ: How to Apply for the Grand Canyon University Merit Scholarships
How to Apply for Indiana Wesleyan University Scholarships for International Students
To apply for the merit-based scholarships, you do not need to do anything extra. You just need to complete the IWU online application and submit all the required documents by the priority deadline of March 1st. The IWU admissions office will automatically consider you for the merit-based scholarships based on your academic profile and notify you of the award amount in your acceptance letter.
To apply for the President’s scholarships, you need to follow these steps:
- Complete the IWU online application and submit all the required documents by the priority deadline of March 1st.
- Complete the President’s Scholarship Application Form and submit a resume and an essay by the deadline of December 1st.
- Wait for the notification of the finalists by January 15th.
- Participate in the interview with the IWU President and other faculty members by February 1st.
- Wait for the final decision by February 15th.
ALSO READ: Indiana Wesleyan University Scholarships: Everything You Need to Know
FAQs about Indiana Wesleyan University Scholarships for International Students
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the scholarships for international students at IWU:
Can I apply for both the merit-based scholarships and the President’s scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for both the merit-based scholarships and the President’s scholarships. However, you can only receive one of them. If you are selected for the President’s scholarships, you will forfeit the merit-based scholarship.
Can I combine the IWU scholarships with other external scholarships or grants?
Yes, you can combine the IWU scholarships with other sources of funding, such as scholarships or grants from your home country, government agencies, or private organizations. However, the total amount of financial aid you receive cannot exceed the cost of attendance at IWU. If you receive more than the cost of attendance, your IWU scholarship may be reduced or canceled.
What are the other expenses that I have to pay besides tuition and fees?
The other expenses that you have to pay include room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, travel, and personal expenses. The estimated cost of these expenses for the 2023-2024 academic year is $16,500. This amount may vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
How can I pay for these other expenses?
You can pay for these other expenses by using your own savings, family support, or other sources of income. You can also apply for financial aid from IWU, such as need-based grants, loans, or campus employment. However, these types of aid are limited and competitive, and you will need to demonstrate financial need to qualify for them.
How can I demonstrate financial need?
To demonstrate financial need, you will need to complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) and submit it to the IWU financial aid office. The ISFAA is a form that asks you to provide information about your family income, assets, expenses, and other financial circumstances. You will also need to provide supporting documents, such as bank statements, tax returns, or pay slips. The IWU financial aid office will use this information to calculate your expected family contribution (EFC) and your financial needs.
What is the deadline for the ISFAA?
The deadline for the ISFAA is March 1st of the year you intend to enroll at IWU. You should submit the ISFAA as soon as possible after you receive your acceptance letter from IWU. The sooner you submit the ISFAA, the sooner you will receive your financial aid package from IWU.
ALSO READ: How to Apply for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
Conclusion
Indiana Wesleyan University is a great option for international students who want to pursue a quality education in the United States. IWU offers a range of scholarships and financial aid for international students, making it more affordable and accessible. If you are interested in applying to IWU and its scholarships, you should start preparing your application materials and documents as soon as possible. You should also visit the IWU website and contact the IWU admissions and financial aid offices for more information and guidance.
Abdul
