Navigating Scholarships at Portland State University: A Comprehensive Guide
Portland State University (PSU) offers a diverse range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support students in achieving their academic goals. These opportunities are available to incoming and current students, covering various fields of study and catering to different backgrounds and needs. This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarships available at PSU, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and key deadlines.
General Scholarship Opportunities
PSU Scholarship Universe Portal
The primary platform for accessing and applying for Portland State University scholarships is the PSU Scholarship Universe portal. This comprehensive tool allows students to search for and apply for a wide range of scholarships with varying criteria and requirements. Students can create a free account and use the portal to track their applications and receive notifications about scholarship awards.
General PSU Scholarships
These scholarships are not specific to any particular major and are open to all PSU students. Music students, for instance, can apply for these scholarships through the PSU Scholarship Universe portal.
Departmental Scholarships
Many academic departments, schools, and colleges within PSU offer scholarships specific to their programs. It is essential to contact the relevant department or college to inquire about these opportunities, as not all departmental scholarships are awarded through the central PSU application.
Specific Scholarship Programs
Oregon Consular Corps International Studies Scholarship
The Oregon Consular Corps awards $3000 annually to two PSU undergraduate students majoring in International & Global Studies or Political Science with an interest in international affairs. The Oregon Consular Corps (OCC) aims to enhance relations, communications, understanding, and trade between nations, peoples, and regions.
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Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen, legal resident, or international student on a student visa.
- Completed a minimum of 12 credit hours in INTL or PS coursework focused on international issues.
- Declared Political Science or International & Global Studies major as of Fall 2024.
- Junior class standing or above (90+ credits) in good academic standing.
- Maintain full-time status (12 credits per term) during the 2024-2025 academic year (fall, winter, and spring).
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00.
- Demonstrate or possess a second language proficiency, equivalent to that attained at the end of the second year of studies.
- Past recipients are not eligible to apply again.
Application Requirements:
- Complete the OCC application form.
- Submit a current resume/CV.
- Provide a copy of your unofficial PSU transcript.
- Include two letters of reference, with at least one from a PSU faculty member or advisor with specific knowledge of your international study, international-related work experience, volunteer experience, or school work.
CUPA Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding students in the College of Urban and Public Affairs. Apply through the PSU Scholarship Application.
Gov. Barbara Roberts Leadership in Oregon Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students within the College of Urban and Public Affairs.
Criteria for Selection:
- Preference is given to students enrolled in the Hatfield School of Government.
- Demonstrated financial need is required.
- Preference is given to undergraduate students at the sophomore, junior, or senior level.
- Preference is given to students who will add diversity to careers in public service.
Marko Haggard Quasi-Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students studying Political Science.
Criteria for Selection:
- Limited to students who have resided in Oregon for at least 5 years.
- Preference is given to students in the PSU Legislative Internship Program.
- Preference is given to students seeking a career in public service.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity.
Middle East Studies Scholarship
This scholarship supports students with a demonstrated interest in the Middle East through coursework related to the region. Enrollment in a Middle East Studies degree program is not required.
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Matching Fulbright Grants
Fulbright scholars who are admitted and enroll in Portland State University degree programs will receive a matching grant of up to $4,500 per year. This renewable matching scholarship is available to all Fulbright Scholars who begin a degree program at Portland State. The grant will match up to $4,500 of Fulbright sponsorship during each academic year in which admitted Fulbright scholars are enrolled in a Portland State degree program.
Aspen Mitzvah Fund Scholarship
The Department of World Languages & Literatures offers renewable scholarships to students enrolling in and completing second- and third-year modern Hebrew sequences.
Criteria for Selection:
- Preference is given to students in the more advanced (300-level) sequence and to students in Judaic Studies.
- Full-time PSU students and high school students may apply.
- Academic performance and financial need are also major considerations.
Frank and Nadezda Munk Political Science Undergraduate Scholarship
This annual scholarship is available to senior-level undergraduate students in political science and international studies. Applicants should demonstrate a high promise of achievement in international affairs. Apply through the PSU Scholarship Application.
Linda Nettekoven Public Involvement Scholarship
This scholarship supports undergraduate students in the College of Urban and Public Affairs with an interest in Public Involvement.
Criteria for Selection:
- Applicants must be first-generation students.
- Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program within the College of Urban and Public Affairs.
- They must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Be entering their junior or senior year.
- Demonstrate financial need and seek a career in public service.
- Preference will be given to single parents.
Katrina Pongracz-Bartha Endowed Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to upper-division undergraduate students in Political Science who have demonstrated interest and advocacy for women's issues.
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Criteria for Selection:
- Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in Political Science.
- Be entering their junior or senior year.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Demonstrate interest in and advocacy for women's issues.
- Preference will be given to applicants with job or family responsibilities.
Frank L. Roberts Community Service Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to incoming graduate students in the College of Urban & Public Affairs.
Criteria for Selection:
- Open to graduate students at in the College of Urban & Public Affairs.
- Must have an excellent undergraduate portfolio.
- Must be enrolled in and successfully complete 6 or more graduate credits that will count towards their degree each term of the award.
- Current year's FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form must be completed.
- Commitment to public or community service.
State Treasurer Urban Pioneer Award
This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students in the College of Urban & Public Affairs with an interest in a career in public service.
Criteria for Selection:
- To qualify you must be a US citizen or resident alien.
- 1st generation student or a student returning to school at a later point in their life.
- Must demonstrate high financial need.
- Must have submitted the FASFA form to financial aid.
- Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Must have achieved sophomore standing for Undergraduates.
Monroe M. Sweetland Endowed Community Leadership Scholarship
The Monroe M. Sweetland Endowed Community Leadership Scholarship will be awarded to an admitted graduate student in the School of Education, the School of Social Work, or the College of Urban and Public Affairs. Requires 6 or more credits graduate registration per term toward the program requirements and successful completion each term.
International Cultural Service Program (ICSP)
The International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) is a scholarship program for F-1 international students.
Keith Morden Memorial Scholarship
The Keith Morden Memorial Scholarship is open by invitation only to eligible graduating seniors in their final term of study at PSU. The amount of the award varies.
The Paula Harris Fund
The Paula Harris fund provides one-time financial assistance to Portland State University international students undergoing crisis or emergency.
International Achievement Scholarship
The International Achievement Scholarship (IAS) is awarded to newly admitted undergraduate international students based on academic performance. This scholarship is administered by the Office of International Admissions.
College of Education (COE) Scholarships and Funding
Students pursuing a graduate degree in COE programs have access to various funding options including scholarships and financial aid. The COE awards over 50 scholarships annually to students in master's, doctoral, graduate certificate and/or licensure programs via a single application, which is due April 1st.
Other Funding Opportunities for COE Students
Explore other funding resources available to COE students pursuing a degree in education or counseling. The College of Education Scholarship Site lists scholarship opportunities from organizations outside of PSU/COE.
Visual Impairment and Orientation & Mobility Professionals Scholarship Program (VIOMPSP)
Financial assistance up to $15,000 per year, or $45,000 in total, to students seeking a degree or certificate in orientation & mobility, low vision, assistive technology, and communication and daily living therapy to increase the supply of qualified blind rehabilitation specialists for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). (Currently on hold)
DICE PLUSS Grant
The DICE PLUSS Grant is a scholarship for up to $30,000 in tuition support towards special education licensure. Undergraduate and graduate options available. The program has a strong interest in recruiting bilingual/bicultural candidates interested in working with culturally and linguistically diverse children with disabilities and their families in improving literacy outcomes.
Statewide Grants and Scholarships for Oregon Residents
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission, Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) encourages students statewide to apply now for grants and scholarships at OregonStudentAid.gov. OSAC awards more than $100 million each year in state-funded grants and privately funded scholarships to help students meet their college expenses.
Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) Scholarship
Oregon students may explore over 500 privately-funded scholarships and apply for up to 40 with one application, and there is no cost to apply. Scholarship funds are available for graduating high school seniors, college undergraduate and graduate students, GED and homeschooled students, community college and vocational school students, single parents returning to school, and more.
Oregon Teacher Scholars Program (OTSP) Scholarship
The Oregon Teacher Scholar Program offers a scholarship of $12,000 per school year for ethnically diverse or Heritage Speakers of a language other than English. The program serves undergraduate students who are in the final two years of a teaching program or Education major, and graduate students enrolled in an Oregon TSPC-approved educator preparation program, including school counseling. Recipients of a scholarship from the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program may be eligible for a second year of funding ($12,000) depending on funding availability. Applications to the program are due March 1st each year.
Additional Financial Aid Resources
Financial Aid
This can include but is not limited to WUE, grants, Tuition-Free Degree, work-study, Washington Border Discount, etc.
Program Cost
Review the full cost of attendance for PSU programs. Visit each program's Program Details to get an idea of total costs for each program.
Application Process and Deadlines
How to Use PSU Scholarship Universe
Students can use a self-guided demonstration on how to navigate through Scholarship Universe or follow along with written instructions.
Key Deadlines
PSU has various scholarship deadlines between March 1 and May 15. The PSU Scholarship Application for the 2026-27 award cycle is now closed.
Scholarship Recipient Notification
PSU scholarship committees will review applications and choose scholarship recipients starting in mid-March. If you are selected to receive a scholarship, you will receive a notification inviting you to log into Scholarship Universe for information about your scholarship award.
Feedback and Contact Information
The feedback option does NOT provide feedback to the PSU Scholarships office. If you have questions or suggestions for improvement contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships directly.
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