Portland State University Scholarships for International Students

For international students aspiring to pursue higher education at Portland State University (PSU), various scholarship opportunities exist to help alleviate the financial burden. These scholarships, offered by the university and external organizations, recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to specific fields of study. This article provides a comprehensive overview of scholarships available to international students at PSU.

PSU General Scholarship Application

To access the majority of scholarship opportunities at PSU, international students should utilize the PSU Scholarship Universe portal. This portal allows students to search and apply for a wide range of scholarships offered by the Office of Student Financial Services, individual academic departments, and special committees. The PSU Scholarship Application is used to award general scholarships, as well as those specific to programs, departments, and colleges. However, it's important to note that not all scholarships are awarded through this application; students should contact their respective departments, schools, or colleges to inquire about additional opportunities.

PSU has various scholarship deadlines between March 1 and May 15. Applications for PSU scholarships in the 2026-2027 academic year are due between March 1st and September 1st, 2026.

International Achievement Scholarship (IAS)

The International Achievement Scholarship is designed to attract talented new international undergraduate students to PSU. Awarded based on academic performance, the IAS provides financial assistance ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 per academic year.

Eligibility Criteria

New, incoming international undergraduate students are eligible. Students already enrolled at Portland State are not eligible to apply for this scholarship or to request an increase in an award amount after the point of admission.
Eligible students typically have entering equivalent grade point averages (GPA) of at least 3.25 out of a possible 4.0 grading scale.
Recipients must be classified as non-resident for tuition classification status.
Students sponsored by state entities or outside parties/organizations may be ineligible for the award. Specific university-level partnerships are also excluded from eligibility.

Award Details

The award is offered for up to six terms for transfer students and up to 12 terms for first-year students.
The scholarship is distributed over up to three terms during the academic year (fall, winter, and spring), beginning with the term of initial enrollment at PSU. It cannot be used for summer terms.
The award can be applied toward tuition charges for academic classes only.
Recipients must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 academic credits at Portland State University each quarter to receive the award.
No separate application is required. Students who maintain high academic standing are automatically reviewed for the scholarship at the time of admission.

International Cultural Service Program (ICSP)

The International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) is a scholarship program specifically for F-1 international students. The ICSP scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees. The scholarship is based on financial need, academic merit, and the ability to make presentations about your home country.

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Oregon Consular Corps International Studies Scholarship

The Oregon Consular Corps (OCC) awards $3000 annually to two PSU undergraduate students majoring in International & Global Studies or Political Science with an interest in international affairs.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be a US citizen, legal resident, or international student on a student visa
Completed a minimum of 12 credit hours in INTL or PS coursework focused on international issues
Declared Political Science or International & Global Studies major as of Fall 2024
Junior class standing or above (90+ credits) in good academic standing
Maintain full-time status (12 credits per term) during the 2024-2025 academic year (fall, winter, and spring)
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00
Must demonstrate or possess a second language proficiency, equivalent to that attained at the end of the second year of studies
Note: past recipients of the scholarship are not eligible to apply again

Application Requirements

Download and fill out the OCC application form
A current resume/CV
A copy of your unofficial PSU transcript
Two letters of reference: At least one letter should be from a PSU faculty member or advisor with specific knowledge of your international study, international-related work experience, volunteer experience, or school work.

Departmental and Program-Specific Scholarships

PSU's various colleges and departments offer scholarships tailored to specific fields of study. International students should explore these options to find awards that align with their academic interests. Here are some examples:

Aspen Mitzvah Fund Scholarship: Offered by the Department of World Languages & Literatures to students enrolling in second- and third-year modern Hebrew sequences. Preference is given to students in the more advanced (300-level) sequence and to students in Judaic Studies.
CUPA Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to outstanding students in the College of Urban and Public Affairs.
Frank and Nadezda Munk Political Science Undergraduate Scholarship: Available to senior-level undergraduate students in political science and international studies.
Gov. Barbara Roberts Leadership in Oregon Endowed Scholarship: Awarded to students within the College of Urban and Public Affairs, with preference given to those enrolled in the Hatfield School of Government, demonstrate financial need, undergraduate students at the sophomore, junior or senior level and students who will add diversity to careers in public service.
Katrina Pongracz-Bartha Endowed Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to upper-division undergraduate students in Political Science who have demonstrated interest and advocacy for women's issues.
Linda Nettekoven Public Involvement Scholarship: Awarded to an undergraduate student in the College of Urban and Public Affairs with an interest in Public Involvement. Preference will be given to single parents.
Marko Haggard Quasi-Endowed Scholarship: Awarded to undergraduate and graduate students studying Political Science.
Monroe M. Sweetland Endowed Community Leadership Scholarship: Awarded to an admitted graduate student in the School of Education, the School of Social Work, or the College of Urban and Public Affairs.
State Treasurer Urban Pioneer Award: Awarded to an undergraduate or graduate students in the College of Urban & Public Affairs with an interest in a career in public service.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to PSU-specific scholarships, international students can explore external funding sources:

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: This U.S. Department of State program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad.
Matching Fulbright Grants: Fulbright scholars admitted to PSU degree programs may receive a matching grant of up to $4,500 per year, renewable each academic year of enrollment.
Private Scholarships: Organizations like the Rotary Club offer scholarships for international students. Online platforms like Appily provide extensive databases of scholarships, including those available for international students.
The Paula Harris fund: The Paula Harris fund provides one-time financial assistance to Portland State University international students undergoing crisis or emergency.
Keith Morden Memorial Scholarship: The Keith Morden Memorial Scholarship is open by invitation only to eligible graduating seniors in their final term of study at PSU.

Utilizing Scholarship Universe

PSU's Scholarship Universe portal is a valuable tool for international students seeking financial aid. This platform allows students to:

Search for scholarships based on their specific criteria.
View scholarship details, including eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Apply for scholarships directly through the portal.

PSU provides a self-guided demonstration on how to navigate Scholarship Universe for students.

Scholarship Recipient Notification

PSU scholarship committees review applications and choose scholarship recipients starting in mid-March. Students selected to receive a scholarship will receive a notification inviting them to log into Scholarship Universe for information about their scholarship award.

Tips for Maximizing Scholarship Opportunities

Start early: Begin your scholarship search and application process well in advance of deadlines, as scholarships can be competitive.
Meet eligibility requirements: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure you qualify before applying.
Craft a strong application: Highlight your academic achievements, leadership experience, and commitment to your field of study in your application materials.
Seek recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from professors or advisors who can speak to your abilities and potential.
Proofread carefully: Ensure your application is free of errors in grammar and spelling.

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