University of Michigan Out-of-State Scholarships for International Students
For international students aspiring to attend the University of Michigan (U-M), financial considerations often play a significant role in their decision-making process. While federal financial aid is generally unavailable to international students, U-M and its various colleges, such as the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), offer a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help make education more accessible. This article explores the scholarships available to out-of-state international students at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University (MSU).
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities at U-M
Institutional Financial Aid
The University of Michigan demonstrates a commitment to assisting students and families through institutional financial aid. To be considered for need-based aid, international students must complete the financial aid application process by the specified priority deadline. The consistency of aid from year to year depends on the stability of the student's financial and family situation, including the number of family members enrolled in college.
Non-resident families also have the option of exploring the Federal Direct PLUS Loan (available to parents of undergraduate students) and private loan sources to help finance their education.
LSA Scholarships
The LSA Scholarships Office manages a variety of donor-funded scholarships within the College of LSA. In the past year, over 3,000 LSA students received funding to alleviate unmet financial need and reduce student loan debt. Students who complete the LSA scholarship application are considered for all available scholarships for which they qualify, whether based on need, merit, or a combination of both. The LSA Scholarships Office adheres to the stringent criteria set by donors in selecting scholarship recipients.
International LSA students are eligible to apply for the Four-Year Renewable Scholarship once they have been admitted.
Read also: University of Georgia Sorority Guide
International Student Scholarship Application (LSA)
All incoming international students, whether first-year or transfer students, should complete the International Student Scholarship application after being accepted into the College of LSA. The application for the International Student Scholarship for the 2026-2027 school year is now open. The deadline to apply is April 10, 11:59 pm EST, and scholarship notices are sent out by April 17. Applying early increases the chances of being matched with a scholarship. The LSA enrollment deadline is May 1.
Renewal Criteria for LSA Scholarships
To maintain eligibility for LSA scholarships, students must:
- Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Earn 24 credit hours per academic year (Fall/Winter)
- Enroll as a full-time student (At least 12 credit hours each term)
These International Student Scholarships can be renewed for four consecutive years of undergraduate study if students continue to meet the requirements.
Undergrad Non-Resident Scholarship
Students from all other states and international students may qualify for the following Undergrad Non-Resident Scholarship. Scholarships are based on the GPA at the time of admission.
| Requirements | Annual Award | Total Award over 4 Years |
|---|---|---|
| 4.00 GPA or higher | $12,500 | $50,000 |
| 3.50-3.99 GPA | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| 3.25-3.49 GPA | $7,500 | $30,000 |
| 3.00-3.24 GPA | $5,000 | $20,000 |
This scholarship is renewable for up to 8 semesters for incoming freshman; or 6 semesters for incoming transfer; or completion of a Bachelor's degree (whichever comes first).
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Tuition Differential Incentive Scholarship
Students who live permanently in Michigan but are classified as out-of-state students may be awarded a Differential Scholarship, which reduces their costs to the same net cost as a resident.
Other Considerations
While there is limited scholarship funding available to international students attending U-M, a short-term university loan may be available in emergencies. Students are encouraged to explore online options for conducting student business and to use the Document Upload Portal on Wolverine Access for uploading needed documents.
Scholarship Opportunities at MSU
MSU Non-Resident Scholarship
Michigan State University (MSU) offers the MSU Non-resident Scholarship to high-achieving international students based on their academic performance, with consideration given to the rigor and success within their curriculum. All international students admitted to MSU are automatically considered for this award. Scholarship decisions are typically released by mid-February.
The award levels for the MSU Non-resident Scholarship are as follows:
- President's Scholarship: $15,000
- Provost's Scholarship: $12,000
- Dean's Scholarship: $10,000
- 1855 Scholarship: $7,000
- Beaumont Tower Scholarship: $5,000
- Global Community Scholars Scholarship: $3,000
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
MSU also offers the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, a grant awarded to a select group of international undergraduate students who demonstrate a commitment to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message by bridging intercultural divides. This scholarship covers $25,000 towards tuition annually and is renewable for eight semesters. A supplemental application is required for this scholarship, accessible through the student's MSU account. Note that this scholarship cannot be combined with the MSU Non-resident Scholarship.
Read also: Legacy of Fordham University
Red Cedar Scholarship
The Red Cedar Scholarship is awarded to dependents or grandchildren of Michigan State University alumni, providing $1,250 annually, renewable for eight semesters.
Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship
MSU offers the Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship for students participating in an MSU-sponsored or co-sponsored study abroad program outside of the United States. The award is either $3,000 or $5,000, depending on the length of the program, and must be used within the first eight semesters of enrollment as an undergraduate at MSU or before completion of the undergraduate degree, whichever occurs first.
Honors College Scholarships
Incoming first-year students who have been invited to the Honors College at MSU are eligible for additional scholarship opportunities. Consideration for these awards is automatic, with no separate application process required.
- Honors College Excellence Scholarship: Awarded to a select group of non-Michigan residents and international students who are Honors College invitees, providing $13,000 annually over eight semesters.
- Professorial Assistantship: Offered to a select number of international and homeschooled Honors College invitees based on a holistic review of their individual academic records.
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