University of Iowa – Presidential Scholarships for International First-Year Students

The University of Iowa is a flagship public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. It was founded in 1847 and is the oldest and second-largest university in the state of Iowa.
Since the establishment of the Presidential Scholarship in 1979, the University of Iowa has honored several promising young scholars with funding, community, and recognition.

Scholarship Overview

The University of Iowa offers the Presidential Scholarship to incoming first-year students. This scholarship is renewable for an additional three years, or until scholars complete their bachelor’s degree.
Each scholar has access to a broad spectrum of distinctive activities designed to foster exceptional personal, professional and intellectual growth. Students also get to benefit from interaction with visiting scholars, distinguished faculty and campus leaders.

Host School(s)

Field(s) of Study

What does the scholarship cover?

This scholarship covers only tuition and fees.
The total amount of each Presidential Scholarship is determined by the scholar’s residency status, i.e.

- Iowa residents: Up to $74,000 (up to $18,500 a year up to four years)
- Nonresidents: Up to $80,000 (up to $20,000 a year up to four years)
- International Students: $40,000 ($10,000 a year up to four years)

How many scholarships are given?

Which countries are targeted?

Am I Eligible to Apply?

To apply for the Presidential Scholarship, you must:

Apply to and be admitted to the University of Iowa
Earn at least the equivalent of a 3.85 high school GPA (weighted or unweighted scores are acceptable)
Achieve a minimum ACT composite score of 32, or an equivalent SAT score

In addition to the above, the Presidential Scholarship is awarded based on the individual’s demonstrated record of:

How Do I Apply – Next Steps

First, apply for a place at the University of Iowa

Submit an online application (Undergraduate Applications)
Pay the $40 non-refundable application fee
Have your ACT and SAT scores sent to the University by the testing agency
After you submit your application, you will receive a Hawk ID and password. Use these to track your application through the Your Admissions Profile
Once you are accepted, pay the $250 acceptance fee.

Next, apply for the Presidential Scholarship

Apply for the scholarship through the Iowa Scholarship Portal, the University of Iowa’s online scholarship platform.

Closing Date

The 2018 Presidential Scholarship application will be available on the Iowa Scholarship Portal (see the link above) in mid-September 2017.
The deadline for application submission will be communicated once applications are open (most likely November 28, 2017).

How do I get more information?