Xavier University Scholarships for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Xavier University welcomes international students from across the globe, recognizing their invaluable contribution to the university's diverse community. To support these students in their pursuit of higher education, Xavier offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities. This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarships available to international students at Xavier University, encompassing merit-based awards, program-specific grants, and external fellowship opportunities.

Investing in Your Future: Merit-Based Scholarships

Xavier University firmly believes that a college education is a worthwhile investment, fostering continuous learning and lifelong connections. To make this investment accessible, the university automatically considers each admitted student for merit-based scholarships. These scholarships range from $23,000 to $30,000 per academic year and are awarded based on a holistic review of the applicant's academic performance and application materials.

It is important to note that while these scholarships provide substantial financial assistance, they may not cover the entire cost of attendance. International students should, therefore, explore additional funding options to bridge the gap.

Program-Specific Scholarships and Grants

In addition to merit-based scholarships, Xavier University offers several scholarships and grants tailored to specific programs and activities. These include:

Study Abroad Scholarships

Xavier University encourages students to broaden their horizons through study abroad experiences. A variety of scholarships are available to support students participating in international programs:

Endowed Scholarship Fund: This long-standing fund provides opportunities for students to study at the University of Paris (Sorbonne), the University of Grenoble, or with USAC in Lyon and Pau. The scholarship competition is open to all Xavier students, regardless of major, who demonstrate an interest in language study and a serious commitment to studying abroad.
Gasiewicz Scholarship: Established to promote international business experience, this scholarship awards $750-1500 to business students participating in approved study abroad programs or international internships. Approximately 8-10 undergraduate scholarships are awarded each year.
Scholarship for Service-Learning/Community Engagement: This scholarship supports students participating in for-credit academic service-learning courses or community engagement activities as part of their study abroad program.
Need-Based Scholarship for Summer Programs: This scholarship is available to students participating in Xavier Faculty-led or Xavier Expeditions (international only) summer programs and is awarded based on financial need.
University Scholars Program Grant: Students enrolled in the University Scholars program have access to a grant specifically for study abroad.
USAC Affiliate Scholarship: Xavier students participating in a USAC program are encouraged to apply for this affiliate scholarship, with the application available through the Xavier study abroad application.
API Summer Program Scholarship: Xavier students participating in an API summer program can apply for Xavier-specific scholarships through the Xavier study abroad application.
College of Professional Sciences Scholarship: Majors in the College of Professional Sciences can apply for a scholarship to study abroad on faculty-led programs in Costa Rica, Peru, or England. Three awardees will receive $1,600 each. Applications require submission of an application form, a personal response, and a faculty-completed disposition form by the specified deadline.

Departmental Scholarships

Various departments within Xavier University offer scholarships based on a student's program of study. Students should contact their respective departments for more information on these opportunities.

Sustainability Student Intern Position

A scholarship is awarded to a full-time sophomore, junior, or senior serving as a Sustainability Student Intern on the Sustainability Committee. This is a tuition-restricted scholarship.

Specific Scholarship Criteria

Several scholarships have specific criteria that applicants must meet:

Albert J. Scholarship Criteria: Minimum 2.5 CGPA to apply. Awarded to a full-time sophomore, junior or senior with demonstrated financial need; must file the 2026-27 FAFSA form.
Scholarship Criteria: Minimum 3.0 CGPA to apply.
Scholarship Criteria: Minimum 3.2 CGPA to apply. Awarded to a full-time undergraduate with financial need; must file the 2026-27 FAFSA form.
John L. Scholarship Criteria: Minimum 3.0 CGPA to apply.
Lt. Scholarship Criteria: Awarded to a full-time undergraduate student with demonstrated financial need.
Scholarship Criteria: Awarded to students in the College of Arts and Sciences who have completed at least 24 credit hours at Xavier and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
William J. Scholarship Criteria: Awarded to students in the Williams College of Business who have completed at least 24 credit hours at Xavier and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Paul L. Scholarship Criteria: Awarded to a Xavier student who will be a senior in the 2026-27 academic year.
The O’Connor Scholarship: Awarded in recognition of outstanding academic and extracurricular achievement and contribution to Xavier. Students must request a nomination for this scholarship from the chair of their academic department in January. Students in ABSN or APEX/ADC programs are not eligible to apply.
Thomas G. Scholarship Criteria: Awarded to a Xavier student who will be a junior or senior in the 2026-27 academic year.
The Savage Scholarship: Awarded in recognition of commitment to, and excellence in, the humanities. Students must request a nomination for this scholarship from the chair of their academic department in January. Students in ABSN or APEX/ADC programs are not eligible to apply.

External Fellowships and Scholarship Opportunities

Xavier University's Center for International Education assists students in applying for competitive scholarships and fellowships offered by external organizations. These opportunities are not dependent on an academic degree program and include:

Fulbright US Student Program: Offers opportunities for students in various graduate programs.
US Peace Corps: A service opportunity for students.
ICWA Fellowship: Supports individuals pursuing in-depth, independent study abroad.
Atlas Corp Fellowship: A leadership development program for young professionals.
Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship: This program aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the US Foreign Service. The program selects 30 Rangel Fellows annually and supports them through graduate study, internships, and professional development activities. It encourages applications from minority groups and those with financial need.
Charles B. Fulbright Program: This exchange program offers opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. The Student Program provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs.
Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship: Offers scholarship funding through the Rotary Foundation Global Grants.
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship: Funded by the US Department of State, this fellowship provides funding for two-year master's degree programs.
Whitaker International Program: A competitive grant that sends emerging leaders in biomedical engineering overseas to increase international collaboration in the field. Grants are awarded based on the relevance of the activity/project proposal to biomedical engineering. The program is for currently enrolled Master's or PhD students, or recent Master's recipients.
World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program: Awards up to $25,000 for a 6-10 month period to travel to a host institution located in a World Bank member country to conduct development-related PhD research.
UN Internships: Internships are available at UN offices worldwide to master's degree and PhD candidates, as well as students in their final year of undergraduate study.
USAID Donald M. Payne Fellowship Program: Awards fellowships valued at up to $45,000 annually for a two-year graduate program. The award includes tuition, fees, a stipend for living expenses, and funding for summer internships. Payne Fellows are expected to obtain a degree in international development or a related field and work in the USAID Foreign Service.

Admission Requirements for International Students

International students seeking admission to Xavier University must fulfill specific requirements, including:

Read also: Crafting Perfect Thank You Notes

Application: Complete and submit the Graduate Student Application (for graduate programs). There is no application fee.
Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended.
Foreign Credential Evaluation: Provide a transcript evaluation from either Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES). Evaluations should be sent directly to the University. SPANTRAN is also recommended.
English Proficiency: Submit official results of 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), IELTS (6.5), or Duolingo (115). Scores must be sent directly from the testing platform to Saint Xavier University.
Financial Documentation: Provide documentation demonstrating sufficient funds to cover expenses. This includes a notarized affidavit of support and a notarized bank statement showing a minimum of $40,260 (or $53,760 if living on campus). All documents must be translated into English and notarized by a third-party notary. Only checking and savings accounts are accepted; investment and business accounts are not considered.
Passport: Submit a copy of your passport.
Health Requirements: Complete and submit the health forms required by the Xavier University Health Services Office, including immunization records and insurance information. All undergraduate students are required to carry insurance that provides coverage in the New Orleans area.

Additional Information for International Students

International Student Support: The Center for Intercultural and International Programs provides comprehensive support to international students, ensuring a positive experience at Xavier University.
Visa Information: International students will need a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) to apply for a student visa from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Applicants who have a valid “Green Card” or are “Naturalized Citizens” do not need the Form I-20.
Orientation and Registration: Information on orientation and registration will be sent to all admitted students.

Read also: Foundation Scholarship Details

tags: #xavier #university #scholarships #for #international #students