Saint Xavier University Scholarships for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Saint Xavier University (SXU) welcomes international students, recognizing their valuable role in expanding the university's borders and fostering a diverse community. Understanding the financial aspects of studying abroad is crucial, and SXU offers various scholarship opportunities to help international students achieve a transformative and affordable education. This article provides a detailed overview of scholarships available to international students at SXU, along with essential information on admission requirements and financial aid.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Before exploring scholarship opportunities, it's essential to understand the admission requirements for international students at Saint Xavier University. Whether you're pursuing a bachelor's degree or considering transferring, the admissions counselors will guide you through the process.

General Requirements

Application: Complete the international student application form.
Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended. If transcripts are not in English, provide a certified English translation. A foreign credential evaluation service must evaluate international transcripts to determine US equivalency of degree and GPA. Saint Xavier University recommends SPANTRAN, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or World Education Services (WES). The evaluation must be sent by ECE or WES directly to the University.
English Proficiency: Demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo exam. The minimum required scores are:
- TOEFL: 550 on the paper-based exam or 213 on the computer-based exam. (The ITP exam is not accepted.)
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 115.
- Be sure to send official score reports from one of the three platforms directly to Saint Xavier University.
Financial Documentation: Provide a notarized affidavit of support and a notarized bank statement demonstrating sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses. The required amount is $37,940 (or $50,440 if living on campus). These documents must be translated into English and notarized by a third-party notary. Bank statements must show readily available funds; investment and business accounts are not accepted. The name on the bank statement must match the name of the bank account holder listed on the affidavit form.
Passport: Submit a copy of your passport.

Additional Requirements for Transfer Students

Transfer International students interested in Pharmacy should contact the College of Pharmacy to understand the admissions requirements specific to the Pharmacy program.

Graduate Programs

To apply for a graduate program, complete the Graduate Student Application. There is no application fee. Submit transcripts for degree equivalency, completed by ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators), WES (World Education Services), or EP (Educational Perspectives). Do not send the actual transcripts.

Scholarship Opportunities at Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University offers a range of scholarships to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships recognize academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to community involvement.

Merit Scholarships

Saint Xavier University automatically reviews all admitted undergraduate students for merit-based scholarships. These scholarships range from $15,000 to $24,000 per academic year and are based on academic performance. To receive their scholarship amount every year, students must maintain good academic standing while enrolled full-time at Saint Xavier until graduation.

Full-Tuition Scholarship

The Saint Xavier University Full-Tuition Scholarship is a competitive scholarship open to students who participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement or the Dual Degree Partnership agreement. Students must enroll in a partnership agreement and meet the Admission criteria for SXU to be eligible for this award. To apply for the Full-Tuition Scholarship, students must provide one recommendation from a faculty or staff member at their current community college attesting to their ability to complete a bachelor's degree and be successful at SXU and submit a personal statement describing educational and career goals, any evidence of community and school involvement, and how they envision their experience at SXU in 300-500 words.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship (PTK)

The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship (PTK) is offered to PTK transfer students who are members of an honor society for community college students. To be considered for this scholarship, students must provide an official proof of Phi Theta Kappa membership to the Office of Admission. This scholarship cannot be combined with the Vernon O. Crawley Scholarship, the Vernon O. Program, or the Transfer Merit Scholarship.

Vernon O. Crawley Scholarship

The Vernon O. Crawley Scholarship program is offered to full-time transfer students based on their success earned at the college level prior to transferring to Saint Xavier University (SXU). Moraine Valley Community College student applicants must complete a Vernon O. Crawley Scholarship application by the application deadline. A limited number of Vernon O. Crawley Scholarships are available.

Music Scholarships

Saint Xavier University offers a variety of music scholarships to students who demonstrate talent in the life of creative collaboration, an integral part of the SXU community, and the craft of the art.

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Other Awards

Family Catholic High School Award: Students who attended a Family Catholic High School will receive an award in the amount of $2,000.
Mercy High School Award: Students who will graduate from a Sisters of Mercy-sponsored high school will receive a Mercy High School Award in the amount of $2,000. This award is in addition to the Stump Family Catholic High School Award ($2,000) and any other merit-based scholarship already awarded at the time of admission.

External Scholarship Opportunities

While Saint Xavier University offers several scholarships, international students are also encouraged to explore external funding opportunities to supplement their financial resources. Here are a few examples of scholarships available to international students in Canada which Saint Xavier University welcomes students from around the world:

President’s Scholarships: $32,000 ($8,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate students with a minimum 96% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to all Canadian residents.
International Baccalaureate Scholarships: $28,000 ($7,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate IB students with a minimum 91% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to all nationalities.
Canadian Scholarships: $24,000 ($6,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate students with a minimum 96% average and superior academic standing while demonstrating qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to all Canadian residents.
Phillip W. Oland Scholarship: $24,000 ($6,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time students nominated by high school with a minimum 90% average and superior academic standing while demonstrating qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to students from NS, NB, PE and NL.
J.P. McCarthy Scholarship: $24,000 ($6,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time students nominated by high school with a minimum 90% average and superior academic standing while demonstrating qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to all Canadians.
David Bernatchez Memorial Award: $20,000.00 ($5,000.00/year for a maximum of 4 years). For 1st-year full-time undergraduate students who will be a member of, or volunteer with, the StFX Rugby Team. Minimum 70% average and have demonstrated qualities of leadership and community service. Must be committed to contributing to student life at StFX and demonstrate financial need. Open to all nationalities.
Harrison McCain Scholarship: $16,000 ($4,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate students with a minimum 80% average, with a recognized initiative to funding their own education, who poses strong leadership abilities. Open to all Canadian residents.
Daniel and Frances Anzelc Cordeau - Cape Breton Scholarship: $28,000 ($7,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, undergraduate students accepted into a Bachelor of Arts program. Student must be from Cape Breton and active in their Catholic parish. Financial need may be taken into consideration. Minimum 96% average. This scholarship is only offered every 4 years, next deadline March 1st, 2027. Open to students from Cape Breton.
StFX Alumni Association Scholarship: $2,000 CDN Non-renewable. For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate students with a minimum 80% average and demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, involvement in extracurricular activities and personal attributes. Open to all nationalities.
Jeannine Deveau Scholarship: $20,000 ($4,000, renewable for 5 years). For Mi’kmaq or Wolastoqiyik Candidates who self-identify as Mi’kmaq or Wolastoqiyik. Minimum 70% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Deadline to apply is April 1st.
Michael and Lisa Boyd Family Award for African Nova Scotian and Indigenous Students: $20,000 ($5,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate students who identify as Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, or African Nova Scotian. Minimum 75% average and demonstrated track record of leadership and/or participation in extracurricular activities. Must be committed to contributing to student life and demonstrate financial need.
Michael and Lisa Boyd Family Award for Atlantic Canadian Students: $20,000 ($5,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate students residing in Atlantic Canada. Minimum 75% average and demonstrated track record of leadership and/or participation in extracurricular activities. Must be committed to contributing to student life and demonstrate financial need.
Thomas J. Hayes & Family Scholarship: $14,000 ($3,500, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time African Nova Scotian undergraduate students. Minimum 75% average, student must demonstrate financial need and qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to African Nova Scotia students.
Benedict M. Mulroney Scholarship: $20,000 ($5,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate students with a minimum 96% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to all Canadian residents.
BMO Financial Group Scholarship: $20,000 ($5,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate students who rank in the top 5% of their high school class and have a superior grade point average. Minimum 96% average. This scholarship is only offered every 4 years, next deadline March 1, 2026. Open to all Canadian residents.
Evelyn & Denis Morris Family Scholarship: $20,000 ($5,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate catholic students that demonstrate financial need and leadership qualities. Minimum 85% average. This scholarship is only offered every 2 years, next deadline March 1st, 2027. Open to all Canadian residents.
Upton-Girard Family Leadership Award: $16,000 ($4,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate BBA students that demonstrate financial need and qualities of leadership and service to community. Minimum 85% average. This scholarship is only offered every 4 years, next deadline March 1st, 2027. Open to all Canadian residents.
Irene & Joseph Francis Scholarship: $3,000 (one time only). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate female BBA students. Minimum 85% average, student must demonstrate financial need and qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to students from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, preference will be given to students from Cape Breton.
Schwartz National Scholars: $80,000 CDN ($20,000 CDN, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate BBA students. Minimum 90% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to all nationalities.
Schwartz Order of Merit Awards: $40,000 ($10,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate BBA students. Minimum 90% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to Canadian residents.
H. Reisman Women in Business Awards: $40,000 ($10,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate female BBA students enrolling from high school. Minimum 90% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to Canadian residents.
Schwartz Scholars of Distinction: $20,000 ($5,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate BBA students enrolling from high school. Minimum 85% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to Canadian residents.
The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney Scholarships: $60,000 ($15,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate PGOV students enrolling from high school. Minimum 90% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to Canadian residents.
Sobeys Scholarship Associated with the Mulroney Institute of Government: $40,000 ($10,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate PGOV students enrolling from high school. Minimum 85% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to Canadian residents.
Irving Entrance Scholarship Associated with the Mulroney Institute of Government: $20,000 ($5,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate PGOV students enrolling from high school. Minimum 85% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to Canadian residents.
Mila Mulroney Scholarship for African Nova Scotian Students: $15,000 ($3,000, renewable for five years). For African Nova Scotian and Indigenous Canadian, 1st-year, full-time undergraduate PGOV students enrolling from high school. Minimum 70% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community.
Scotiabank Entrance Scholarship: $20,000 ($5,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate PGOV students enrolling from high school. Minimum 85% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to all nationalities.
Dahdaleh Scholarship for Indigenous Students: $15,000 ($3,000, renewable for five years). For Indigenous Nova Scotian, 1st-year, full-time undergraduate PGOV students enrolling from high school. Minimum 70% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to Indigenous Nova Scotian students.
Florence Kate Burroughs Scholarship: Full Tuition for 1 year only. For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate BSc NURS students enrolling from high school. Minimum 85% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to Nova Scotian students, with preference to Cape Breton.
Memorial Scholarship for Women in Engineering: $1,000 for one year only. For a first year female engineering student who has the highest midterm marks.
C MacLeod Grant: $20,000 ($5,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate students with a superior average, graduating in the top 5% of their class. Minimum 96% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. This scholarship is only offered every 4 years, next deadline March 1st, 2027. Open to all Canadian residents.
Westbury Family Scholarship: $10,000 ($2,500, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate students. Minimum 85% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Offered every 4 years, next deadline March 1st, 2027. Open to all Canadian residents.
Alphonse Desjardins Community Scholarship: $20,000 ($5,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, undergraduate students who are a member of a credit union. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate active involvement in credit union and/or co-operative activities in their high school career. Minimum 96% average. Offered every 4 years, next deadline March 1st, 2028. Open to all Canadian residents.
Dr. J. William McGowan Family Scholarship: $8,000 for one year only. For 1st-year, undergraduate students, enrolled in a full-time undergraduate science program. Must be involved in student activities and demonstrate financial need. Minimum 85% average. This award can be held in combination with any StFX award. Open to all Canadian residents.
Alumni Accessible Learning: $2,000 for 1 year only. For first year students who meet the Centre for Accessible Learning admission requirements. Minimum 70% average, student must have registration with the Tramble room.
Alumni Endowment: $500 for 1 year only. This award is available to students from any area who are entering any program at StFX. Students will only be considered for the award if they have parents that are StFX Alumni. Minimum 85% average. This award can be held in combination with any StFX award. Open to all nationalities.
Sodexo Canada Award in Nutrition: $5,000 for 1 year only. For 1st-year, undergraduate students who have been accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition program. Minimum 94% average. This award can be held in combination with any StFX award. Open to all residents of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island.
Daniel and Margaret O'Brien: $3,000 for one year only. For 1st-year, undergraduate students., Student must be Irish Catholics who exhibit leadership ability, energy, good will and service to his or her fellow man. Minimum 85% average.
Joy MacIsaac & Diego Romero Scholarship: $7,000 ($1,750, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, undergraduate students from Nova Scotia that. Demonstrates qualities of leadership and service to community. Minimum 85% average. Offered every 4 years, next deadline March 1st, 2028. Open to Nova Scotia students.
Dr. Mary Hickman Scholarship: $20,000 ($5,000, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, undergraduate students that demonstrate qualities of leadership and service to community. Offered every 4 years, next deadline March 1st, 2026. Minimum 90% average. Open to all Canadian residents.
Mitch & Donna Hudson: $1,300 for 1 year only. For 1st-year, undergraduate students who are a resident of Antigonish. Should have a record of leadership and participation in school and community activities. Minimum 85% average.
Archie and Mary Catherine Rankin Scholarship: $2,500 for one year only. For 1st-year, undergraduate students who attended Dalbrae Academy. Minimum 85% average.
Michael 'Diker' Campbell: $1,000 for one year only. For 1st-year, undergraduate students who attended Citadel High School. Minimum 85% average.
Thomas O’Shea Scholarship: $7,000 ($1,750, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate PGOV students enrolling from high school. Minimum 90% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community. Open to all nationalities.
Michael Mulroney Scholarship: $7,000 ($1,750, renewable for 4 years). For 1st-year, full-time undergraduate PGOV students enrolling from high school. Minimum 90% average and demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to community.

Additional Financial Aid Information

While scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of education, international students should also be aware of other financial aid options and considerations.

Federal Direct Loans

Federal Direct Loans are available from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program to help students meet the cost of higher education. Eligibility is determined by the results of your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). However, only U.S. citizens and those who have been issued Green Cards (permanent residents) are eligible for federal financial aid.

Loan Interest Rates

For undergraduates as of July 1, 2025, the interest rate is fixed at 6.39%, regardless of financial need. Repayment typically begins six months after you graduate or cease half-time enrollment.

Student Employment

International students may explore on-campus employment opportunities, although availability may vary. Wages are paid jointly by federal funds and the University. Earnings are not automatically deducted from your tuition bill unless you elect to do so.

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Private Loans

Private loans may be available, depending on the design of the loan product. Approval and interest rates often depend largely on the credit score of the borrower (and co-signer).

Expenses

Provisions should also be made for expenses such as clothing, personal items, bed linens, laundry, recreation and travel.

Important Considerations for International Students

Visa and I-20: Once admitted, international students will receive a Form I-20, which is required to apply for a student visa. You can file USCIS Form I-539 once you have received your Form I-20 from Saint Xavier University.
Health Requirements: All new students must submit health forms required by the Xavier University Health Services Office, including Immunization Compliance & Consent for Care Forms.
Health Insurance: All undergraduate students are required to carry insurance which provides coverage for physicians and emergency rooms in the New Orleans area.
Orientation and Registration: Information on orientation and registration at Xavier will be sent to all admitted students.
Travel and Passport Procedures: It is recommended that students expedite travel and passport procedures well in advance of the intended date of departure to the United States. Applicants who have a valid “Green Card” or who are “Naturalized Citizens” do not need the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20).

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