East Stroudsburg University Scholarships for International Students

East Stroudsburg University (ESU) offers a variety of scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits. International students, defined as applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent resident aliens, have access to specific scholarships as well as general university awards. The Office of International Programs at ESU provides essential services and advocacy for international students, including pre-enrollment orientation for new students, adjustment workshops for continuing students, and re-entry workshops for graduating students.

Application Information for International Students

Prospective international students can apply starting in July 2024 for the Fall 2025 semester and July 2025 for the Spring 2026 semester. As transfer applicants, students who have completed 12 or more credits at any post-secondary institution after high school graduation are considered.

Required Documents and Tests

Applicants must submit a certified (official) copy of all educational credentials (transcripts) from every secondary or post-secondary institution attended. Additionally, non-native speakers of English are required to demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Administered by the Education Testing Service (ETS). Scores should be sent directly from ETS.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum band score of 6.0 is required for admission to ESU.

It is essential for applicants to keep their address updated with ESU and regularly check their inbox and spam folders for important communications.

General Scholarship Information

Unless otherwise indicated with a message in red text, all scholarships listed here have been awarded for the 2025/2026 academic year. Announcements and postings of available scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year will be available in early March 2026.

Read also: Affording ECU

There are many public and private scholarships available to college students, which do not need to be repaid.

Featured Scholarships at ESU

The selection criteria for the awards vary significantly. Here’s an overview of some scholarships available at ESU, including those specifically for international students and others open to all students who meet the criteria:

Aysha Begum International Student Annual Scholarship

Established by Dr. Nurun Begum, this scholarship supports international students at East Stroudsburg University. Recipients may be enrolled in any undergraduate or graduate major and must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. The Office of International Programs Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

OTHER APSCUF Annual Scholarship

Established by APSCUF (Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties), this scholarship is available to students enrolled in any undergraduate major. Selection is based on academic record, campus activity, community service, career goals, financial need, and letters of recommendation. Applicants must have completed at least 12 credits at ESU and no more than 90 credit hours at the time of application, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Financial need is a consideration. The ESU APSCUF Scholarship Committee makes the selection.

John L.C., Jr. and Mary L. Bachofer Endowed Scholarship

Established by John L.C., Jr. and Mary Bachofer, this scholarship is open to students in any undergraduate major. Recipients must be full-time students with demonstrated financial need as determined by FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) and a record of satisfactory progress towards their baccalaureate degree. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Read also: Your Guide to ETSU Academics

Grace Rapp Best '34 Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Established in memory of Grace Updegrove Rapp '34, this scholarship is for students majoring in Physical Education with a teaching concentration in Health Education, Athletic Training, or Exercise Science. Recipients must be female members of the May graduating class who have participated in a varsity team sport (field hockey and basketball preferred) and have demonstrated outstanding potential for teaching in the field of physical education and health or sports medicine. A minimum GPA of 3.6 is required. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Beta Pentaton Annual Scholarship

Established by the Pocono Area Alumni Association of Beta Pentaton, this scholarship is for undergraduate students of any major who are enrolled full-time. The recipient must be a member of an ESU fraternity or sorority and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship is not renewable. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Glenn L. and Olive Blinn Honorary Annual Scholarship

Established by Victoria O'Rourke in honor of Glenn L. and Olive Blinn, this scholarship is available to students in any undergraduate or graduate major. Recipients must be single parents in good academic and social standing. Incoming freshmen are eligible. The scholarship is renewable as long as funding is available and the recipient continues to meet all criteria. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Gertrude Mary Smith Boddie '04 Endowed Scholarship

Established in memory of Gertrude Mary Smith Boddie, class of 1904, the first student of color to graduate at East Stroudsburg University, this scholarship is open to students in any undergraduate major. Recipients must be full-time students who have attained sophomore status with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, recipients must document a commitment to social justice through community and/or university service. Financial need as determined by FAFSA is required. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Breakfast Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Jeanne Luckenbill Bowers Endowed Scholarship for Women in Education

Established in honor of Jeanne Luckenbill Bowers, ESU Class of 1954, this scholarship is for undergraduate, female students in a declared education major. Recipients must be full-time students that have completed 30 credits at ESU with a GPA of at least 3.0. Preference will be given to Berks County, Pa. residents. The scholarship is renewable as long as the recipient continues to be enrolled full-time at ESU and maintains at least a 3.0 GPA. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Anita VanVliet Breitwieser Endowed Scholarship

Established in memory of Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Anita Van Vliet Breitwieser, this scholarship is for full-time ESU students of any undergraduate or graduate major that have completed at least 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference will be given to students from Monroe County, Pa. Financial need as determined by FAFSA is required and is the primary factor. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Thomas J. Breitwieser/Roger A. Dunning Endowed Scholarship

Established in the names of Thomas J. Breitwieser and Roger A. Dunning, this scholarship is open to students in any undergraduate education major with the exception of physical education. Recipients must be in good academic and social standing with preference given to graduates of a Monroe County, Pa. high school. Financial need as determined by FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) is required. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

William and Hilda Brown Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Established in memory of William and Hilda Brown, this scholarship is open to students in any undergraduate major. Recipients must be the first member of their immediate family (grandparents, father, mother, sisters, and brothers) to go to college. Additionally, financial need as determined by FAFSA is required. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Chase News Director Annual Scholarship

Established by Elisa Chase '04, this scholarship is awarded to the student who is holding the position of News Director for 90.3 FM WESS and should have held this position for at least one semester. The recipient must demonstrate outstanding service to ESU students including news writing, news brief delivery, research of news topics, assessment of news briefs, filing of news briefs and articles, following up on any news leads, along with representing 90.3 WESS positively at various campus functions. The student must recognize what it means to go above and beyond the title. Selected by the ESU Communication Department Chairperson.

C. Y. Cheng Endowed Scholarship for International Understanding

Established by Dr. C. Y. Cheng, professor of Chemistry and his wife, Mrs. Cheng, to promote international understanding among students at ESU. Recipients may be enrolled in any undergraduate or graduate major and be in good academic standing. Recipients must have made noticeable contributions to international understanding at ESU. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Class of 1966 Annual Scholarship

Established by members of ESU Class of 1966, this scholarship is open to undergraduate or graduate students of any major. Recipients must be in good academic and social standing. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Class of 1967 Annual Scholarship

Established by members of ESU Class of 1967, this scholarship is open to undergraduate or graduate students of any major. Recipients must be in good academic and social standing. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Roger A. and Gilbert E. Dunning ’38 Endowed Scholarship

Established in honor of brothers, Roger A. Dunning ’38 and Gilbert E. Dunning ’43, this scholarship is open to undergraduate or graduate students who demonstrated academic potential. Preference will be given to students preparing for a career in teaching. Additional preference will be given to students from Monroe County. Pa. Recipients may be full-time or part-time students. Financial need as determined by FAFSA is required and is a primary factor in the selection process. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

ESSA Bank & Trust Foundation Annual Scholarship

Established in the name of ESSA Bank & Trust Foundation, this scholarship is open to students enrolled in any undergraduate major at East Stroudsburg University. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required and recipients must be graduates of a Monroe County, Pa. high school. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years as long as the recipient is enrolled full-time and maintains at least a 3.0 GPA. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

ESU 70's Socialites Annual Scholarship

Established by the ESU 70's Socialites, this scholarship is open to students enrolled in any undergraduate major. Recipients must be full-time students who are in good academic standing. Financial need as determined by FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) is required. Additionally, recipients must be active members of an ESU fraternity, sorority, or campus activity. Selected by the ESU Scholarship Committee.

ESU Alumni Association Board of Directors Annual Scholarship

Established by the East Stroudsburg University Alumni Association Board of Directors, this scholarship is open to students enrolled in any undergraduate major. Recipients must be full-time students with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Involvement in campus activities, as well as, financial need as determined by FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) are required. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

ESU Alumni Association Board of Directors Endowed Scholarship

Established by the East Stroudsburg University Alumni Association Board of Directors, this scholarship is open to students enrolled in any undergraduate major. Recipients must be full-time students with a minimum GPA of 2.75 who are involved in campus activities. Additionally, financial need as determined by FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) is required. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

ESU Student Meal Plan Annual Scholarship

Established by Clavertis Miller, this scholarship is open to students enrolled in any undergraduate major. This scholarship will provide an ESU student with the university meal plan for one semester. Recipients must be full-time students in good academic and social standing. Additionally, recipients must have financial need as determined by the ESU Financial Aid Office. Selected by the ESU Financial Aid Office staff.

ESU Suncoast Alumni Chapter Annual Scholarship

Established by the ESU Suncoast Alumni Chapter, recipients may be enrolled in any undergraduate major. Recipients must be full-time students (at least 15 credits per semester) who have earned a minimum of 30 credits already at ESU with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and preferably higher. Additionally, a record of recent, demonstrable community and/or University service is required. Financial need as determined by FAFSA (free application for federal student aid is required). Preference will be given to students whose academic transcript is accompanied by a letter of recommendation by an ESU faculty or administration member who has direct personal knowledge of the applicant's character, experience, and abilities. Selected by the ESU Scholarship Committee.

Dr. James E. and Mrs. Betty B. Gilbert Endowed Scholarship

Established by Dr. James E. and Mrs. Betty B. Gilbert, recipients may be enrolled in any undergraduate major. Recipients must be single parents that have completed a minimum of 12 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Demonstrated financial need as determined by FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) is required. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Leah Gumpper ’01 Memorial Poetry Annual Scholarship

Established in memory of Leah Gumpper, a 2001 summa cum laude graduate of the ESU English Department, a writer, and a poet, this scholarship is open to students enrolled in any undergraduate major at ESU. Recipients must be full-time students who show promise in writing, especially poetry. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required. Financial need as determined by FAFSA is required. The ESU English Department Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Dr. Bruce L. Haase Meal Plan Annual Scholarship

Established by Forrest Young '76 in honor of Dr. Bruce L. Haase, recipients may be enrolled in any undergraduate or graduate major. Recipients must be in good academic and social standing and the award may be renewable as funding is available. Preference will be given to students majoring in Biology, members of the ESU Track & Field teams, and freshmen. The scholarship will provide an ESU student meal plan for the student. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Bob Hillman Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Established in memory of Bob Hillman, recipients may be enrolled in any undergraduate major and must have graduated from a Monroe County, Pa. high school. Recipients must be full-time students who have completed at least 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Financial need as determined by FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) is required). Following in Bob Hillman's footsteps, recipients mut be active in community or campus service and must list these activities, along with two referrals by ESU faculty/staff or leaders in the community service organization, on their application. Additionally, applicants must submit a short essay, 400-500 words in length, on the topic of "The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Local Community". The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Hope and Success Mentorship Annual Scholarship

Established by Bonnie A. Green, recipients may be enrolled in any undergraduate major. Recipients must be full-time students who have completed at least 60 credits and are in good academic and social standing. Financial need is priority and applicants must have demonstrated financial need via FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) of at least $2,500, even after other scholarships and subsidized student loans. This typically includes students whose income is just above the threshold for Pell and PHEAA (PA's Pell) grants. A unique and vital component of this scholarship is the integrated Hope and Success Mentorship program: Direct Mentoring, Holistic Advising and Expanding Support. The ESU Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

Ardath E. Houser Endowed Scholarship

Established in the name of Ardath Houser, recipients may be enrolled in any undergraduate major. Recipients must be enrolled full-time during both semesters of the academic year and have completed at least 30 credits at ESU with a minimum GPA of 2.25. Additionally, recipients must have been an active member of their prospective Residence Hall Council for at least two semesters and must have demonstrated effective leadership and involvement in the Residence Hall Association. The Residence Hall Scholarship Committee selects the recipients.

R. Dale and Frances Hughes Foundation Endowed Scholarship

Established by the R. Dale and Frances Hughes Foundation, recipients may be enrolled in any undergraduate major at East Stroudsburg University. Recipients must be enrolled full-time and have completed at least 60 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Recipients must be graduates of a Monroe County, Pa. high school with preference given to students.

External Scholarship Resources

In addition to ESU-specific scholarships, international students can explore external funding opportunities:

PHEAA: Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.
FosterEd: The Fostering Independent Through Education Tuition Waiver Program.
GrowPA Program: Requires recipients to work for 12 months in Pennsylvania in an in-demand occupation.

Tips for Scholarship Applications

When applying for scholarships, keep the following in mind:

Highlight campus and community involvement and leadership experience.
Ensure the scholarships are from a source you trust.
Explore opportunities offered by community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups.

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