Loyola University Scholarships for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

For international students aspiring to pursue higher education at Loyola University, numerous scholarship opportunities exist to make their academic dreams a reality. Loyola recognizes talented students through a variety of scholarships awarded without consideration of financial need. These scholarships provide additional resources to help make a Loyola education more affordable. This article provides a detailed overview of the various scholarships available to international students at Loyola University, encompassing merit-based awards, need-based aid, and program-specific scholarships.

General Academic Scholarships

Loyola University Chicago offers a range of academic scholarships to academically qualified students entering Fall 2026 based on information provided in the admission application process, without regard to financial need. To be considered for any of Loyola University Chicago's academic scholarships, students must submit a completed Application for Undergraduate Admission (there is no separate scholarship application). Each application is carefully read and scholarships are competitively awarded based on outstanding academic achievement.

Presidential, Damen, Loyola, Trustee, Dean and Regent's Scholarships

These tuition restricted scholarships are awarded to academically qualified students entering Fall 2026 based on information provided in the admission application process, without regard to financial need. Loyola’s academic scholarships are only applicable to full-time undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor degree.

Catholic Heritage Award

This award (awarded for four years of consecutive, full-time enrollment) is made to new freshmen graduating from a Catholic high school within the Archdiocese of Chicago or the Diocese of Joliet. This award is restricted to tuition.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Loyola University offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to recognize and reward academic excellence. These scholarships are typically awarded based on a student's GPA, standardized test scores (if submitted), and overall academic profile. Upon applying to Loyola you’ll be automatically considered for academic merit scholarships. When you apply to Loyola, you are automatically considered for a full range of merit-based academic scholarships up to and including full tuition. These awards are renewable for four years or eight academic semesters. Historically, admitted students who qualified for a merit scholarship applied at least with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. There is no extra application for academic merit-based scholarships, but there might be an additional application for some of the select scholarships below.

Read also: Applying for Loyola Scholarships

Ignatian Scholarship

The Ignatian Scholarship is the most prestigious merit scholarship that Loyola awards its applicants. Student receive a four-year, full-tuition and fees scholarship, on-campus housing and meal plan allowance and are automatically admitted into the University Honors Program. In the freshman year, the Ignatian Scholarship is an invite-only full tuition scholarship. The scholarship is renewable based on the criteria in the Scholarship Renewal Policy.

Transfer Student Scholarships

Loyola offers a full range of merit scholarships for qualified transfer applicants with competitive cumulative college GPAs. Applicants with less than 12 credit hours will be asked to submit their high school transcript. If PTK membership was not indicated on the submitted transfer application, students must notify the Office of Admissions and provide proof no later than May 1 (for fall admits) or within 14 days of the admission decision date (for spring admits).

Need-Based Financial Aid

In addition to merit-based scholarships, Loyola University also provides need-based financial aid to students who demonstrate financial need. To be considered, complete the year appropriate Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and you will be considered for all need-based federal, state, and institutional aid programs. The Loyola University New Orleans FAFSA Code is 002016. We encourage you to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1. Some forms of aid run out, so the earlier you apply, the more likely you’ll receive the maximum award.

Program-Specific Scholarships

Loyola University offers a number of scholarships that are specific to certain academic programs or departments. These scholarships are typically awarded to students who are pursuing a particular major or who have demonstrated a strong interest in a specific field of study.

ABL Area Scholarships

The application form should be used for applying for all ABL Area scholarships. Please check off which scholarships you are applying for and be sure to provide all the appropriate documentation.

Cristo Rey Scholars Program

Students attending Cristo Rey Network schools around the country are invited to apply to join the next class of Cristo Rey Scholars at Loyola University Chicago. Completed applications for the Cristo Rey Scholars Program must be submitted by Monday, March 2nd, 2026. Selected finalists will be required to attend a virtual interview in late March.

Public Accounting Scholarship

This scholarship offers up to $7,500 in tuition reimbursement over three semesters and is limited to Sophomore and Junior accounting majors enrolled in the Quinlan School of Business who demonstrate financial need, who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and who have an interest in pursuing a career in public accounting.

Gannon Scholars Leadership Program

Ten $8,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, scholarship, and service and who will advance the mission of the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership. The scholarship is renewable for three additional years based on successful participation in the Gannon Scholars Leadership Program. All applications must be submitted by February 1, 2026. Applicants chosen as semi-finalists will be expected to participate in an interview, either on-campus or via Zoom during Loyola Weekend. Semi-finalists will be notified of the scholarship committee’s decision in early April.

Martin J. Svaglic Humanities Scholarship

Two scholarships will be awarded to qualified new freshman or transfer students who have been admitted into one the following areas in the humanities: Art History, Fine and Performing Arts majors, Classical Studies, Dance, English and Creative Writing, Fine and Performing Arts majors, French, History, Italian, Latin, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Spanish, Theatre, Theology and Visual Commnications. Prospective candidates must have a minimum 3.8 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Scholarship application are available on the student’s application portal. The Martin J. Svaglic Humanities Scholarship application is due March 3rd.

Immaculata Scholarship

Scholarships are available to alumnae of Immaculata High School of Chicago or families of Immaculata High School of Chicago alumnae. Prospective candidates must be accepted to Loyola by May 1. Eligible family members include: children, stepchildren, adopted children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren of Immaculata High School of Chicago alumnae and also descendants of spouses of alumnae. Awards vary and are based on financial need. Students must complete the general scholarship application through Loyola Scholarship Connection and answer the supplemental questions specifically for the Immaculata Scholarship for consideration.

Read also: ACT Scores for Loyola

Jesuit, B.V.M., Sisters of Christian Charity High School Scholarship

These half tuition scholarships are awarded to one student from each Jesuit, B.V.M., Sisters of Christian Charity high school in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Candidates must have at least a 3.0 gpa on a 4.0 gpa scale and must be nominated by their high school principal or their designate (one nomination per school). Nomination forms will be sent to each eligible school in January and nominations must be received by March 20th.

National Merit/National Achievement Scholarship

One full-tuition scholarship is available to students who have been named National Merit/National Achievement finalists by the National Merit Corporation. Qualified students should submit a copy of their award letter from the National Merit Corporation as their application for one of these scholarships by March 1st. A committee will review each student's application for admission, writing sample and transcript. For both scholarships students must name Loyola Chicago as their first-choice school with the National Merit Corporation. All National Merit scholarship recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher for renewal.

Rachel Carson Scholarship

The Rachel Carson Scholarship provides the opportunity for students to learn about nature by studying in nature through summer coursework at Loyola’s Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC). LUREC is Loyola’s newest campus located 50 miles NE of Chicago, on 98 acres of wetland, forest, prairies, and ponds, with a 3-acre organic student farm. Courses offered at LUREC include Field Ornithology, Principles of Ecology, Wetland Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Conservation Biology, and Sustainable Agriculture. Awardees will be required to take one 3-week course during the early summer session, in each of two years while at Loyola,. One J-term class at LUREC may substitute for a summer course. Recipients are also required to serve as ambassadors for LUREC with their peers. Four $2,500 per year scholarships will be awarded for up to four years each to qualified new freshman or transfer students who have been admitted into the School of Environmental Sustainability (SES). Tuition and fees for LUREC classes must be paid from these funds, which are added to the student’s account at the beginning of each of their eight regular semesters. The Rachel Carson Scholarship application is due March 1st.

School of Education Scholarship

Two half-tuition scholarships are offered to incoming freshman entering the School of Education. Selected finalists are required to complete an interview. This scholarship may not be combined with another academic award and will replace any previously awarded scholarship. Students are expected to serve as leaders in the School of Education. This includes serving on school committees and attending school events. The deadline for this application is March 1st.

Senn High School Scholarship

Loyola University Chicago offers five awards of varying amounts via a selective process to admitted students from Senn High School. Eligible students must graduate from Senn High School by the summer term. Admitted students are also encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible to qualify for the Illinois Monetary Program (MAP). Undocumented students are invited to apply as well. The application deadline is March 1st. Please check your admitted student status page for the application.

Wm. Zolp Scholarship

The Wm. Zolp Scholarship is an endowed scholarship available to pay toward tuition to any Catholic student by the last name of Zolp who attends Loyola University Chicago. A copy of a birth certificate and a baptismal or confirmation certificate confirming the last name of Zolp and that the applicant is Catholic must be filed with the Financial Aid Office. Prospective candidates must be admitted to Loyola by February 1st. Scholarship amounts will vary depending upon fund availability and the number of eligible recipients.

SIM Chicago Scholarship

This scholarship offers up to $2,500 per year for two years. Preference will be given to students who are entering their sophomore year or above, who have declared a major in a computer science related field and who demonstrate financial need. SIM Chicago provides a unique opportunity to interact with thought leaders throughout the technology and business fields. The SIM Chicago Scholarship helps fulfill SIM Chicago’s commitment to helping develop the next generation of IT leaders, critical to the industry’s collective future success.

Social Justice Scholarship

The Social Justice Scholarship is a financial award and student program that provides a way for Loyola students to live out the Jesuit tradition of academic excellence and the pursuit of social justice. Administered by the Department of Sociology, this program integrates academic learning with social action. Eligible students are first required to major or minor in Sociology and engage in 45 hours of community service per semester while keeping at least a 2.75 GPA. Each month, the Scholars will gather and share a meal together, discuss their service work and share their responses to a common reading that addresses issues of inequality and justice.

College of Music and Media Scholarships

Students who are interested in applying to the College of Music and Media should indicate their preferred academic major on their Loyola application. Auditions, interviews or portfolio submissions are a requirement to major in this college. The Ensemble Award is a scholarship opportunity for non-music majors to participate in our classical or jazz ensembles. This scholarship is only available to classical and jazz musicians for ensembles within Loyola's School of Music.

Athletics Scholarships

Loyola University New Orleans is a member of the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) competing at the Division I level. Scholarships are available for qualified players. Loyola is a test optional institution, meaning we do not consider ACT or SAT test scores during the admissions process. However, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), which governs Loyola Athletics, allows test scores to be used as an option to confirm your NAIA eligibility.

TOPS Scholarship

TOPS is a state funded scholarship program for Louisiana Residents that graduate from Louisiana High Schools. Each year the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance updates TOPS requirements and collects information from students, high schools and colleges to determine eligibility for the award. The current award requirements are listed here. TOPS money can be used by Louisiana students to assistant in tuition payments at private colleges in Louisiana. Although Loyola is a Test Optional Institution, TOPS is still determined based on GPA and test scores. We think it is important to be able to include the TOPS award in your Financial Aid Award, but cannot do so without the submission of test scores. Upon completion of your Loyola Application, you will see a place to upload a copy of your test scores in your Loyola portal.

External Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to Loyola's internal scholarships, international students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by various organizations and institutions. Many international institutions and programs offer merit-based scholarship to students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in the United States. A number of private organizations award scholarships to Louisiana residents. Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements and application process.

Study Abroad Scholarships

Scholarships are applicable to Loyola's academic year Exchange Programs but cannot be used at any "outside" study abroad programs. Loyola's Office of Scholarships and Grants can help students find and secure additional funding through external scholarships, private grants, and donor-funded awards. Through our scholarship matching platform called Scholarship Universe, students can get matched with vetted external scholarships tailored to their profile.

Building International Bridges Awards

This award supports current Juniors and Seniors who have a major in Loyola’s College of Arts and Sciences that are studying abroad during the fall semester, spring semester, January-term (J-term), or summer. Multiple scholarships of $1,000 are awarded.

John Felice Rome Center Scholarships

Loyola’s Rome Center offers awards for sophomores and above that are admitted to the Rome Center. Scholarships range from $600 to $5,000. In order to apply, students must have demonstrated financial need by sharing their FASFA information with Loyola. The scholarship can be accessed here. One application puts students in the running for multiple awards!

USAC/LUC Partner Scholarship

For Loyola students that are admitted to a USAC study abroad program, there is a scholarship applicant questionnaire inside your GoGlobal portal that you will have access to once accepted. However, if you have any questions, please contact your Study Abroad Advisor.

Gilman Scholarship

For U.S. citizens who are also Pell-eligible and participating on academic year, semester, summer j-term, or spring break programs. Gilman awards up to $5,000.

Gilman-McCain Scholarship

For child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel participating on academic year, semester, summer j-term, or spring break programs. Applicants must be recipients of any type of Title IV federal financial aid. Gilman-McCain awards up to $5,000.

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)

For U.S. citizens or permanent residents studying abroad in East or Southeast Asia for a minimum of 8 weeks.

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)

For U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients. Must have demonstrated financial need. Awards up to $5,000.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

For U.S. citizens who are planning to study in an overseas location in which they are not a citizen. The location must be outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. Preference is given to students who participate on academic year programs and are studying a language. However, semester students and most majors are also eligible.

Illinois Global Scholarships

For students participating in global experiences in Asia of any length.

US-Japan Building Bridges Scholarship

For undergraduates students studying abroad in Japan for at least 1 semester. Awards range from $2,500 for semester students and $4,500 for academic year students.

BUTEX Scholarship

university. Awards up to $1,000.

Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador Scholarship

For U.S. citizens, residents, or green card holders 18-30 years old. You must be able to demonstrate financial need and have limited travel experience. Awards are up to $2,000 for all terms.

Japan-America Society (JASWDC) Tanaka & Green Scholarship

The Society awards up to $5,000 for academic year students and up to $4,000 for semester students studying abroad in Japan. The scholarship may be used for any combination of tuition and other academic fees, room and board, travel and transportation (including travel within Japan), and other approved expenses.

Japan Monbukagakusho Scholarships

The Government of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology provides 4 different scholarships for students interested in studying abroad at Japanese universities.

Go Overseas Scholarships

The organization Go Overseas strives to make studying abroad less intimidating and more affordable.

Harper Brown Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who plan to study abroad in Scotland. It gives preference to members of Chicago Scots, their children, or their grandchildren.

Corinne Jeannine Shillings Foundation Scholarships

The Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation awards two types of scholarships to undergraduate women who have attained the Girl Scout Silver or Gold Award: the Academic Scholarship to study a Foreign Language, and the Scholarship to Study Abroad.

DAAD Awards

DAAD offers many scholarships for undergraduates studying abroad in Germany for programs between 1-12months.

API Scholarships

API provides scholarships for students every year. They are available for semester, summer, or yearlong students.

DIS Scholarships

DIS grants scholarships and discounts annually. More specifically, they offer need-based, diversity, and merit-based scholarships for all terms.

IES Abroad Scholarships

Planning to study abroad with IES Abroad? With IES Abroad, you can submit one scholarship and aid application either before or after you submit a study abroad application and you will be considered for all scholarship and aid opportunities they offer. Funds are limited though, so the earlier you apply, the better.

ISEP Scholarships

ISEP has a ton of scholarships you might be eligible for if you plan to participate on one of their programs. Awards include the ISEP community scholarship, ISEP Social Mobility Scholarship, Samantha Gross Memorial Accessibility Scholarship, ISEP Africa for All Scholarship, ISEP Founders Scholarship, and more.

SFS Scholarships

SFS offers many need-based scholarships available for all terms. SFS scholarship amounts can vary.

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