Navigating Scholarships for International Students at Seattle University

Seattle University welcomes a vibrant community of over 850 international students from more than 60 countries, offering them the opportunity to study in a dynamic urban environment. Recognizing that higher education is a significant investment, Seattle University is committed to supporting international students through various scholarship and financial aid opportunities. Although the university does not offer need-based financial aid to international students, there are several avenues to explore for funding your education. This article provides a comprehensive guide to scholarships and financial aid options available to international students at Seattle University and affiliated institutions.

Merit-Based Scholarships at Seattle University

All admitted undergraduate international students pursuing their first bachelor's degree are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. This means that a separate application is not required. The university assesses candidates based on their academic achievements and potential, as demonstrated in their application for admission.

External Scholarship Opportunities

Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Program offers opportunities for international students to pursue graduate studies, conduct research, or teach English in the United States. This is a funded year of postbaccalaureate research, study, or English teaching in one of 140 countries worldwide. There are two general types of awards: full grants, which fund research projects, university studies, journalism projects, and projects in the creative and performing arts; and English teaching assistantships (ETAs), which are offered in about half of the participating countries.

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is a fully funded overseas summer language and cultural immersion program for American students. It focuses on languages deemed critical to U.S. foreign policy goals.

Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship

The Gilman Scholarship offers grants of up to $5,000 to US students who receive Pell Grants to participate in a credit-bearing study-abroad program or internship.

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Peace Corps

The Peace Corps offers opportunities to engage in youth development, education, health, community economic development, or other service projects. All expenses for volunteer assignments are paid by the Peace Corps.

Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarships

The Seattle Colleges Foundation provides scholarships to both future and current international students attending North, Central, and South Seattle Colleges. Thanks to generous donors, the Seattle Colleges Foundation is able to support hundreds of students at North, Central, and South Seattle Colleges each year. Foundation scholarships are open to everyone, including both FUTURE and CURRENT international students.

Application Process and Timeline

Foundation Scholarship applications can be completed online from mid-January to mid-March every year. Results are announced in late May and funds are applied to students' accounts in the fall. Each year, the South Seattle College Foundation awards scholarships to CURRENT South Seattle College students. Applications are usually open from early March to early May each year for the following academic year. Students can apply each year, even if they have received the scholarship before. Awards can be used only at South and are not transferable to Seattle Central or North. If a student has already applied for a Seattle Colleges Foundation scholarship, they are eligible to apply for the South Seattle College Foundation scholarship as well.

Eligibility and Award Details

Awards are up to US$5,000. All future and current international students are encouraged to apply. Nearly 50% of applicants receive a scholarship.

Additional Opportunities for Current Students

Once enrolled, make sure to keep an eye on our monthly e-newsletter and social media platforms as we often provide Tuition Support Awards for CURRENT international students. Lewermark, Seattle Colleges' medical insurance provider, provides CURRENT international students with $2,500 scholarships twice a year (fall and spring).

Seattle University's ScholarshipUniverse

Current Seattle University students can utilize Seattle University's ScholarshipUniverse to search for and apply for scholarships. Many scholarships are automatically matched to applicants based on the information contained in their student records. Students will be considered for any scholarship for which they meet the basic criteria and can receive multiple scholarships. Make sure you answer as many questions as possible in your ScholarshipUniverse profile. Please make sure that “if” you qualify you have a current FAFSA or WASFA on file at Seattle University. The university uses these documents to determine financial need and therefore you will not qualify for need-based scholarships unless we have a current FAFSA or WASFA on file.

Additional Scholarship Programs

Bill and Paula Clapp Humanitarian Scholarship

The Bill and Paula Clapp Humanitarian scholarship is intended for academically successful sophomores who have demonstrated a personal commitment to and aptitude for leadership in humanitarian service, particularly in the international arena.

Naef Scholarship

The Naef Scholarship recognizes outstanding junior and senior students from diverse backgrounds in the undergraduate schools and programs of the University.

International Studies Program Scholarship

The International Studies program highly values the opportunity to live, study, or work in a country outside of the US. Recognizing this, International Studies alumni and other friends of the program have made donations to support your study abroad plans.

Financial Aid and Support at Seattle University

Seattle University is committed to investing in students' education. The institutional gift aid that the university includes in the financial aid package is guaranteed for the years students are eligible. From merit scholarships to award packages, Seattle University supports your success. You have financial support available as you make an investment in your career. The average financial aid award package offers a lot of financial support each year. Grants, fellowships and scholarships are gift aid that you do not need to repay. Some are based on financial need. Some are based on other criteria. Students who are eligible for State Work Study may work on or off campus with State Work Study employers.

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Scholarship Workshops

SFS provides scholarship workshops a couple times per year.

Important Considerations for International Students

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for the Seattle University Scholarships are November 15 and January 15 for the fall quarter, October 1 for the winter quarter, and January 1 for the spring quarter.

English Proficiency

Applicants from some countries will have English proficiency waived. But for students from many countries where English is an official language/one of the official languages, we do not automatically waive English proficiency, even if their secondary school’s language of instruction was English. The standards of English instruction can vary too widely from one school/one system/one country to another, and we cannot be assured that individual students’ abilities will allow them to be successful at Seattle University.

On-Campus Employment

Yes, Seattle University has more than 1,400 student jobs on campus. International students are allowed to work (on campus only) for a maximum of 20 hours per week during school terms.

Health Insurance

Yes, to ensure that you will be able to get the medical care you need, you will be required to purchase the health insurance offered at Seattle University, unless you provide proof of insurance under a comparable plan. The insurance premium will be charged to your account on your tuition statement for each term.

Visa Requirements

Before starting school at Seattle U, be sure to check your student visa end date. You may not need a new visa if the visa in your passport has time remaining. First, be certain you have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee and then book the first available appointment. If that appointment is too late for your intended quarter, you may be able to request an emergency/expedited appointment as you get closer to the start of the quarter.

SEVIS Transfer

Students currently enrolled in a US school must request for their SEVIS record/I-20 to be transferred to Seattle University. Please request this record transfer from your advisor at the school you currently attend. Usually the SEVIS transfer process is quite straightforward for students on OPT. Once your SEVIS record is transferred to Seattle University, your OPT will officially end. Many embassies now allow students who have been in previous F-1 status to renew their visas without the need for a visa appointment. If your visa is still valid (has not yet expired), and if you have remained in-status at your previous school, you do not need to get a new visa.

Resources and Support

Seattle University offers comprehensive support to international students throughout their academic journey.

International Student Admission

Questions about applying as an international student? Do you have questions about enrolling as an international student? If you can’t find what you need, reach out to us - we’re here to help!

Academic Advising

After confirming your enrollment within your Redhawk Admissions Portal, you will be invited to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor who will register you for your first quarter classes.

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