Boise State University offers several scholarship opportunities
for international undergraduate students, though full-ride scholarships are rare.
Financial planning is crucial, as most scholarships are partial and competition can be
strong.
Hereʼs a breakdown of the main scholarship opportunities and resources for foreign
undergraduates:
1. Automatic Consideration Scholarships (No Separate
Application)
These are awarded based on your application for admission and your academic
credentials.
International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship: This is the most common award.
Award Amount: Typically $8,500 per academic year.
Criteria: Based on high school GPA (as calculated by Boise State). Strong
academic performance is key. The scholarship is renewable for up to four
years if you maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Important Note: WUE is for students
from participating U.S. states and territories only. It does not apply to
international students from outside the U.S.
2. Scholarships Requiring Separate Applications
These require you to actively seek out and apply, often with essays or specific
criteria.
Boise State General Scholarship Application: Once admitted and you have your
student account, you can access the scholarship portal. This matches you with
hundreds of donor-funded scholarships. Some are open to international students,
but you must carefully read the eligibility criteria for each (many are for U.S.
citizens/permanent residents only).
Departmental Scholarships: Specific academic colleges or departments (e.g.,
College of Engineering, College of Business and Economics) may offer
scholarships. Check the website of your intended major and contact the
department’s advising office.
3. External/Private Scholarships
These are funded by organizations outside Boise State and are highly recommended
to pursue.
Home Country Resources: Many governments offer scholarships for study
abroad (e.g., Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission, Brazilian Scientific Mobility
Program). Check with your Ministry of Education.
International Organizations: Organizations like the EducationUSA network (often
found in U.S. embassies) provide guidance and may list funding opportunities.
Private Foundations: Search for foundations in your home country or
internationally that support education.
4. Additional Opportunities
Honors College Scholarship: If admitted to the Boise State Honors College, you
may be eligible for additional funding.
Athletic Scholarships: For elite student-athletes, awarded by coaches. You must
be recruited by the Athletics Department.
On-Campus Employment: International students on an F-1 visa can work on
campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester. This helps with
expenses but is not a scholarship.
Key Steps & Advice:
1. Apply Early: Submit your admission application well before the deadline.
Scholarship consideration often aligns with admission timelines. The priority
deadline for fall is typically February 15.
2. Excel Academically: Your high school GPA and course rigor are the primary
factors for automatic merit scholarships.
3. Demonstrate English Proficiency: A strong TOEFL (minimum 70 iBT) or IELTS
(minimum 6.0) score is required for admission and strengthens your overall
profile.
4. Plan Your Budget: Even with a scholarship, you must demonstrate the ability to
pay the remaining costs for the I-20 immigration form. For the 2024-2025 year,
total estimated costs (tuition, fees, living expenses) are approximately $38,000
$42,000 USD per year. A merit scholarship would reduce this cost.
5. Contact the Official Source:
Primary Contact: Boise State Global Undergraduate Admissions
(This is the most important
Financial Summary (Estimate for 2024-2025):
Approximate Total Annual Cost: $40,000 USD
Typical Annual Merit Award: -$8,500 USD
Estimated Cost After Scholarship: $31,500 USD (This is an estimate; you must
confirm current numbers)
Bottom Line: Boise State’s primary scholarship for international undergraduates is
the International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship. To maximize your chances,
apply early with excellent grades, thoroughly complete the general scholarship
application after admission, and actively search for external funding from your
home country.
Always refer to the official Boise State Global Office website for the most current
and accurate information.