Point Loma Nazarene University Scholarships for International Students
For international students aspiring to pursue higher education at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), financial aid is a crucial consideration. PLNU recognizes the importance of supporting international students in their academic journey and offers various scholarship opportunities. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarships available to international students at PLNU, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and renewal requirements.
Financial Aid for International Students
PLNU welcomes international applicants who seek academic excellence at the university. Transferring to a new school and country can be a big transition, and PLNU is committed to making that transition as smooth as possible. As an international student, you can apply as a senior in university or any time after you obtain your bachelor’s degree.
Financial aid can play a crucial role when considering higher education. PLNU offers a range of scholarships tailored to support students committed to academic excellence.
Eligibility for Scholarships
Yes, international students are eligible for merit-based scholarships and outside scholarships (dependent upon scholarship qualifications). For more information, please contact the International Enrollment Counselor.
Merit-Based Scholarships
PLNU offers merit-based scholarships to recognize and reward students with outstanding academic achievements. These scholarships are primarily based on GPA and/or SAT/ACT scores.
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PLNU Incoming Freshmen Merit Scholarships
For freshmen starting PLNU in fall 2025 to spring 2026 on the Point Loma campus, PLNU-awarded scholarships are available between $12,000-$24,000 per year. Qualification data will include unweighted GPA and weighted GPA or SAT/ACT score.
To qualify for these scholarships, students must meet any 2 of 3 criteria:
President’s Gold: $24,000
- Unweighted HS GPA ≥ 3.95
- Weighted HS GPA ≥ 4.40
- SAT ≥ 1430 or ACT ≥ 32
President’s Green: $21,000
- Unweighted HS GPA ≥ 3.90
- Weighted HS GPA ≥ 4.25
- SAT ≥ 1400 or ACT ≥ 31
Trustee’s: $18,000
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- Unweighted HS GPA ≥ 3.85
- Weighted HS GPA ≥ 4.00
- SAT ≥ 1370 or ACT ≥ 30
Provost’s: $16,000
- Unweighted HS GPA ≥ 3.80
- Weighted HS GPA ≥ 3.90
- SAT ≥ 1340 or ACT ≥ 29
Dean’s: $14,000
- Unweighted HS GPA ≥ 3.50
- Weighted HS GPA ≥ 3.75
- SAT ≥ 1280 or ACT ≥ 27
Bresee: $12,000
- Unweighted HS GPA ≥ 3.25
- Weighted HS GPA ≥ 3.55
- SAT ≥ 1180 or ACT ≥ 24
PLNU Transfer Merit Scholarships
For transfer students beginning PLNU in fall 2025 to spring 2026 on the Point Loma campus. These scholarships are for transfer students who have completed 16 or more units at another college or university after graduating high school. Transfer students who will have completed fewer than 16 units at another college or university at the time they begin classes at PLNU are not eligible for transfer merit aid. However, incoming freshmen merit aid (with the same requirements) is available.
- Transfer Merit 1: Between 3.0 and 3.29 GPA - $7,500 per year
- Transfer Merit 2: Between 3.3 and 3.59 GPA - $10,000 per year
- Transfer Merit 3: 3.6 or higher GPA - $12,500 per year
Students are able to qualify for a Provost’s, Trustee’s or President’s Scholarships throughout the entire application process. That means that students are able to submit SAT/ACT scores through their last offering (June) and final high school transcripts and still receive the award for which they qualify. The University Honors Scholarship, as a competitive award, is only awarded in February. All students who quality for President’s Scholarships by February 1 will be considered for the University Honors Scholarship. The University Honors Scholarship does not require a separate application and are awarded based purely on academic merit.
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Renewal of Merit-Based Awards
All PLNU Merit-Based Awards are able to be renewed for up to four years as a PLNU student. Students are guaranteed their scholarship for their first four consecutive standard semesters (Fall and/or Spring).
Academic scholarships are offered for an initial two-year period and, subject to maintaining renewal criteria, can be received for a maximum of eight (8) semesters. Continuous full-time enrollment is required (12 units or more per semester) to retain an academic scholarship. Renewal eligibility is based on the student’s cumulative GPA (not rounded) calculated at the end of the fall or third semester of the second year of the scholarship and each subsequent year. Any student not meeting the renewal criteria at that time will be given until the end of the spring or fourth semester to meet the qualifying cumulative GPA. Once lost, an academic scholarship cannot be regained.
Cohorts that Initially Enrolled at PLNU in 2021/2022 or after:
President's Gold:
- Original Merit: 3.40+
- Renews at: President's Gold
- GPA Criteria: 3.20-3.399
- Renews at: Provost
- GPA Criteria: < 3.20
- No Academic Scholarship
President's Green:
- Original Merit: 3.40+
- Renews at: President's Green
- GPA Criteria: 3.20-3.399
- Renews at: Dean's
- GPA Criteria: < 3.20
- No Academic Scholarship
Trustee's:
- Original Merit: 3.40+
- Renews at: Trustee's
- GPA Criteria: 3.20-3.399
- Renews at: Bresee's
- GPA Criteria: < 3.20
- No Academic Scholarship
Dean's:
- Original Merit: 3.20+
- Renews at: Dean's
- GPA Criteria: < 3.20
- No Academic Scholarship
Provost's:
- Original Merit: 3.20+
- Renews at: Provost's
- GPA Criteria: < 3.20
- No Academic Scholarship
Bresee's:
- Original Merit: 3.20+
- Renews at: Bresee
- GPA Criteria: < 3.20
- No Academic Scholarship
Transfer Merit 3:
- Original Merit: 3.40+
- Renews at: Transfer Merit 3
- GPA Criteria: 3.20-3.399
- Renews at: Transfer Merit 2
- GPA Criteria: 3.00-3.199
- Renews at: Transfer Merit 1
Transfer Merit 2:
- Original Merit: 3.20+
- Renews at: Transfer Merit 2
- GPA Criteria: 3.00-3.199
- Renews at: Transfer Merit 1
- GPA Criteria: < 3.00
- No Academic Scholarship
Transfer Merit 1:
- Original Merit: 3.0+
- Renews at: Transfer Merit 1
- GPA Criteria: < 3.00
- No Academic Scholarship
Performance-Based Awards
PLNU offers performance-based awards in areas such as athletics, music, theatre, and forensics. These awards recognize students with exceptional talent and dedication in these fields. Performance awards may be combined with academic and science honors scholarships. Students are expected to contact the applicable department to apply for the involvement scholarships mentioned above.
- Athletic Scholarships: Students should contact the intercollegiate athletic department at (619) 849-2265. For students who live on campus, athletic scholarships can only be used to help pay tuition, mandatory and other fees, and on-campus room and board.
- Debate Scholarships: Students should contact the forensics coach in the Department of Communication Studies at (619) 849-2391.
- Music Scholarships: Students should contact the department assistant in the Department of Music at (619) 849-2445.
- Theatre Scholarships: Students should contact the department chair in the Department of Communication and Theatre at (619) 849-2248.
Endowed Scholarships for Graduate Students
PLNU is fortunate to have donors who have established endowed scholarships to support students pursuing graduate education. These donor-funded awards are available to eligible graduate students.
- Carlton L. Burlison Scholarship: Established by the Burlison family in memory of Dr. Carlton L. Burlison. Open to graduate students at any PLNU graduate campus. Must meet eligibility criteria outlined in the application. For more information, contact your graduate program office.
- Beryl and Hazel Dillman Christian School Teacher Scholarship: Established by Beryl Dillman in honor of his wife, Hazel. Open to graduate or undergraduate students. Recipients may be currently teaching in a Christian school, and/or completing a teaching credential program. Contact the School of Education: (619) 563-2818.
- William Jack Stone Scholarship Fund: Supports graduate students pursuing degrees in education who also demonstrate financial need. Contact the School of Education: (619) 563-2818.
Once you’re a PLNU student, you will have the opportunity to apply for additional scholarships. PLNU offers approximately 300 endowed scholarship opportunities, made available through various PLNU departments, offices, and alumni.
Outside Scholarships
Outside scholarships are awarded by external organizations, such as clubs, foundations, employers, or local businesses. These awards are not issued by PLNU but must still be reported to Graduate Student Financial Services. PLNU maintains an updated Outside Scholarship Resource. Use this tool to explore scholarships shared with us by other students, organizations, and community partners. We recommend checking back often-new opportunities are added regularly!
In addition to PLNU-offered scholarships, you have access to a database where you can research different outside scholarships that have been made known to PLNU through other students, organizations, and businesses. You can apply to as many of these scholarships as you’d like. Just make sure you report any outside scholarship received to the Student Financial Services Office so we can apply it to your package.
Nazarene Scholarships
Church Scholarship, Nazarene Grant-in-Aid and District Grants are available for Nazarene students from the Southwest Education Region of the Church of the Nazarene. Under this scholarship, beginning with the 2018-2019 award year, a Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer is eligible to receive a maximum Pell Grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made. To qualify for this scholarship, a student must be Pell-eligible and have a Pell-eligible EFC (up to 5486 for the 2018-2019 award year), and be less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent’s or guardian’s death.
Additional Financial Aid Resources
PLNU's financial assistance program includes federal grants and loans, state grants, PLNU institutional aid, and external aid, including scholarships and grants offered by corporations, civic organizations, and churches.
To receive any type of federal, state, or need-based institutional aid at PLNU, the student is required to complete the FAFSA (or renewal FAFSA) each academic year of enrollment prior to the March 1 priority deadline (see FAFSA deadlines). PLNU's school code is 001262. Students who complete the FAFSA by the priority deadline will receive priority consideration for the full range of financial aid programs available at PLNU. Students may submit a FAFSA throughout the academic year.
International Student Services
The Office of Multicultural & International Student Services is here to support admitted International Students in the Traditional Undergraduate and Graduate & Professional Studies programs. They advise students in applying for the F-1 student visa, and on how to maintain their F-1 visa status for the duration of their degree programs at PLNU and during periods of Optional Practical Training (OPT work authorization) after graduation.
For Traditional Undergraduates interested in the Bachelor’s degree, please visit the How to Apply page to speak to our International Admissions Counselor. For the Graduate & Professional Studies (GPS) program, the prospective student will meet with the Designated School Official before being officially admitted.
The Designated School Official (DSO) will contact the student and request the following documents:
- Valid Passport (at least 6 months before expiration date)
- Financial or Bank Documents to show the student or student’s sponsor can cover the estimated cost of tuition and living expenses for the duration of their degree program, which will be provided by the DSO. for the length of time that is shown on the I-20, which corresponds to the length of the degree program. There is a start date and end date on the I-20. Students may access this record here. (tuition and living expenses)
- Continuing students will have to demonstrate they have maintained F-1 status throughout their program thus far (such as, being continually enrolled full time, working only when permitted).
Employment Opportunities for International Students
On-Campus Employment
On-Campus employment is available to F-1 students for up to 20 hours per week.
Off-Campus Employment
CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is off-campus work authorization for students who are interested in gaining work experience in their major.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have been in F-1 status for at least 1 academic year or two semesters
- Have a job offer related to the student's major
- Receive CPT authorization BEFORE beginning employment (authorization cannot be post-dated)
- Be enrolled in the internship class at PLNU
- Be enrolled in classes full-time at PLNU
- For more information, please contact the DSO (Designated School Official)
OPT (Optional Practical Training): OPT is off-campus work authorization that is typically requested after graduation from a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program.
Application Process for International Students
For start dates, priority application dates, application requirements and details of your graduate program of interest, please reference the specific program page. All applications submitted after the posted date will be reviewed based on availability of space.
The Selection Process
PLNU is committed to reviewing your application thoroughly and giving it the individual care and attention it deserves. There is no numeric formula that determines admittance. Rather, PLNU uses a holistic evaluation approach to determine whether you are a good fit for PLNU.
Application Checklist for International Students
- Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. If you earned your baccalaureate degree outside of the United States, all documents must be translated into English and evaluated by members of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). PLNU is not responsible for evaluating foreign transcripts or coursework.
- Submit official proof of English proficiency. Minimum scores: TOEFL (85 iBT) or IELTS (6.5).
- Please note: If admitted, and before enrolling, students will be required to submit bank statement(s) or financial support letter(s).
- For specific program application requirements, please see the program application page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I have my coursework evaluated and approved to receive credit at PLNU?
- For transcript evaluation, PLNU will accept accredited transcripts from members of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You will need to request a course-by-course evaluation with a GPA. PLNU is not responsible for evaluating foreign transcripts or coursework.
Cost and Payment Options
Students are responsible for managing all financial matters related to their attendance at the university. This section outlines cost, payment options, and available financial aid through the Student Financial Services (SFS) Office. Students and families should review this information carefully.
Tuition, housing, meals, and fees must be paid by the deadlines listed below. For families who prefer to pay in installments, PLNU offers a monthly payment plan. All charges, payments, and account activity are available in Workday under the Financials section. PLNU offers several ways to pay your balance each semester. Note: PLNU does not accept credit card payments for tuition, fees and housing/meals. PLNU's Tuition Installment Plan (TIP) allows students to split their semester balance into manageable monthly payments.
Understanding your financial aid and scholarship options can potentially save you a lot of time and money.
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