Franciscan University Scholarships for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

For international students aspiring to study at Franciscan University, understanding the available scholarship opportunities is crucial. These scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of education, making the dream of studying abroad a reality. Franciscan University offers a variety of scholarships and grants based on merit, need, and specific affiliations. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the scholarships available to international students, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

Types of Scholarships and Grants

Franciscan University provides several types of financial aid, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, and specific scholarships for international students. Let's explore these in detail:

Merit Scholarships

Merit scholarships are awarded to incoming undergraduate students based on their academic achievements. These scholarships are automatically considered upon admission to Franciscan University, with no separate application required. The primary criterion for these scholarships is a student's high school or college GPA.

GPA Requirement: Scholarships are primarily awarded based on high school or college GPA.
Consistency: Once awarded a merit scholarship, the amount remains consistent from year to year, regardless of GPA fluctuations before enrollment.
Full-Time Enrollment: Students must be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours per semester) to receive the merit scholarship.
On-Ground Students Only: These scholarships are exclusively for on-ground students and not for 100% online students.

Need-Based Grants

Franciscan University also offers need-based grants to students who demonstrate financial need. These grants are determined based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Franciscan Grant: This grant is based on FAFSA financial need and academics. Not all students receive this grant, and the amounts vary.
Eligibility: Franciscan Grants are awarded after a student is accepted and completes the FAFSA in their first year.
Tuition Expenses Only: These grants are specifically for tuition expenses, and employees and their dependents are not eligible.
St. Michael Scholarship: This university scholarship has limited funds and is awarded to incoming students on a per-need basis by the Admission and Financial Aid offices.
President Circle Scholarship: Another university scholarship with limited funds, awarded by the Financial Aid office based on need.

International Student Grant

The International Grant is a merit scholarship specifically for non-U.S. citizens attending the main campus as full-time undergraduate students. It covers half of the tuition costs.

Read also: Financial Aid at Franciscan

Other Grants and Scholarships

Commuter Grant: This grant is awarded to local students who commute to campus from home as full-time undergraduate students. The amount varies and is added to the student's merit scholarship and Franciscan grant (if applicable) to equal half tuition. Students can continue to receive this grant if they study at the Austria campus for a semester.
Family Discount: For undergraduate siblings who are dependents of the same parents and enrolled full-time on-campus, a family discount is available. Two siblings each receive $600 per year, three receive $800, and four or more each receive $1,000 per year.
Alumni Scholarship: Undergraduate students enrolled full-time on campus with at least one parent who graduated from Franciscan University are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship for two years.
Yellow Ribbon: This fund supports veterans and veteran dependents eligible for Chapter 33 Yellow Ribbon funds. Any remaining tuition and fee charges after the maximum Veteran GI payment will be split between Veteran Yellow Ribbon and Franciscan Yellow Ribbon.

Specific Academic Scholarships

Franciscan University also offers specific academic scholarships to students meeting certain academic qualifications. These scholarships recognize and reward high-achieving students who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and leadership.

Dean’s Scholarship: Awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and leadership skills. The minimum criteria include an unweighted high school grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
Achievers Scholarship: Recognizes high-achieving students. The minimum criteria include an unweighted high school grade point average of 3.25 or higher.
Tau Transfer Scholarship: Awarded to collegiate scholars.

Funded Scholarships

Franciscan University has many funded scholarships, each with different requirements. These are available to apply for as a returning student. Applications can be found on the PORT, under the Financial Aid & Tuition Payments section, in the Returning Student Scholarship tab.

External Scholarships

Additional SFU Awards:
- Franciscan Award: Open to Catholic High School Graduates with an amount of $10,000 ($2,500 each year for all four undergraduate years). Automatic consideration with complete SFU application.
- PEACE Award: Open to Graduates of PEACE Partner Schools with an amount of $10,000, ($2,500 each year for all four undergraduate years).
- Scholarship and Entrepreneurship for Economic Development (SEED) Scholarship: Open to all business-related majors (accounting, business administration, economics, finance, management Information systems, management, management, or marketing). The amount is $76,000 (2 recipients) ($22,500 each year for all four undergraduate years). The minimum requirements are a 3.0 GPA and an 1100 SAT (Math and Critical Reading).
Transfer Student Scholarship: Transfer Scholarships are only available to students seeking their first baccalaureate degree. The amount is $15,000 - $25,000 per year. The scholarships are renewable each year as long as the student remains in good standing with Saint Francis University and maintains a 3.0 QPA.
International Student Scholarship: International Scholarships are only available to students seeking their first baccalaureate degree. The amount is $15,000 - $25,000 per year. The scholarships are renewable each year as long as the student remains in good standing with Saint Francis University and maintains a 3.0 QPA.

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Hugh O'Brian Youth Scholarship: Awarded to outstanding students with high academic credentials who have participated as Hugh O'Brien Youth Ambassadors. The amount is $1,000 per year.
Isaac Award Scholarship: High school juniors and seniors who participate in high school theatre/musical programs and the Altoona Community Theatre's Isaac Awards programs are eligible to apply. The amount is $1000 one time.

Application Process for International Students

Admission Requirements

To apply to Franciscan University as an international student, several documents and steps must be completed. Here’s a detailed guide:

Application Deadline: The application deadline for the on-campus Fall semester is May 1, and for the Spring semester, it is November 1. It is crucial to adhere to these deadlines due to the time required for application processing, student visa procedures, and financial arrangements.
Complete the Application: Ensure all forms are completed in English, providing complete and accurate information.

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Official Transcripts: Submit official copies of secondary/high school and college/university documents. Since educational systems vary across countries, it is important to provide an official English translation of these documents.
Credential Evaluation: Applicants are required to submit an official credential evaluation for a fee. Acceptable services include World Education Services (WES) or SpanTran. This evaluation provides U.S. semester credits and a grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Estimated cost of credential evaluations ranges from $160.00 to $200.00 USD.
English Proficiency: Unless the applicant is a citizen of Canada (except Quebec) or the Admissions office has agreed to waive the requirement, they must submit scores from one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Duolingo English Test
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Note: International students from some English-speaking countries may still be required to submit English proficiency exam scores.
Letters of Reference: Provide three letters of reference from individuals not related to you by birth or marriage.
Certification of Finances:
- The purpose of this certification is to provide the university with complete and accurate information about the funds available to international applicants.
- A Certification of Finances form must be filled out completely and accurately, with required signatures and accompanying bank statements.
- Funds may also be wired through your bank. Instructions for wiring funds will be provided after acceptance to the University.
- Your sponsor must provide documentation to prove their ability to support you financially.
- The student is responsible for covering the costs associated with each subsequent semester or term at the time of registration.
International F-1 Student Visa: Only international students who plan to study on campus need to apply for an International F-1 Student Visa. Students pursuing online studies are exempt from this requirement.

Post-Acceptance Procedures

I-20 Form: Upon acceptance, an I-20 authorization form will be sent along with the acceptance letter.
SEVIS Fee: International students seeking to study in the United States are required to complete Form I-901 and pay a $350 USD SEVIS fee before entering the country.
Embassy or Consulate Interview: Schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
Health Insurance: It is important to arrange for health insurance to cover accidents or illnesses during your studies. While basic health services are available at the Health Center for a small fee, international students must provide proof of comprehensive coverage.

Important Considerations

Document Submission: Send official copies of all educational documents with an official English translation.
Financial Support: Ensure you have sufficient financial resources to cover your educational expenses.
Work Restrictions: Do not expect to work to meet educational expenses, as on-campus work-study programs are limited, and dependents of students are not allowed to work under any circumstances.

Additional Opportunities

Spirit of St. Francis Scholarship: This full-tuition scholarship enables outstanding students with demonstrated financial need to attend Franciscan University.
Endowed Scholarships: Endowed scholarship gifts of $100,000 or more are invested in the University's endowment, and the earnings are used to fund annual scholarships in perpetuity.

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