UMass Lowell Scholarships for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

For international students aspiring to study at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell), financial aid is a crucial consideration. UMass Lowell offers a variety of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic pursuits. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarships available to international students at UMass Lowell, including eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application processes.

Understanding the Riverhawk Scholarship Portal

The Riverhawk Scholarship Portal is a central platform for UMass Lowell students to apply for over 500 endowed and internal scholarships. Scholarships are a form of gift aid that does not require repayment. Awards are based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Although not required for all scholarships, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is recommended. The specific amounts and number of scholarships offered each year depend on available funding. It is essential to include your student ID in all communications regarding scholarships.

Merit-Based Scholarships for First-Year Students

UMass Lowell offers merit-based scholarships to first-time, first-year undergraduate students. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and are available to both domestic and international students.

Out-of-State, National and International Scholarships

These scholarships are specifically for first-time, first-year, undergraduate out-of-state and international applicants with exceptional merit. Scholarship amounts range from $8,000 to $20,000 annually. The specific award depends on a comprehensive evaluation of each year's applicant pool. To maintain eligibility, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.000, remain in full-time status, and can receive the scholarship for a maximum of eight consecutive semesters.

New England Regional Scholarships

In addition to the tuition discount program, UMass Lowell provides scholarships to first-time, first-year, New England Regional eligible applicants with exceptional merit. These awards can cover up to half of the New England Regional tuition rate annually. The type and amount of the award are determined by a comprehensive evaluation of each year's applicant pool. Renewal requirements include a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher, full-time enrollment, and a maximum of eight consecutive semesters of eligibility.

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Mid-Atlantic Regional Awards

UMass Lowell also offers scholarships to first-time, first-year students from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. These awards range from $5,000 to $13,000 annually. To maintain the scholarship, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.000 and be enrolled full-time, with a maximum of eight consecutive semesters of eligibility.

Scholarships Open to All Residencies

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Scholarship

This scholarship requires a nomination from a teacher, principal, or another school official.To be eligible, students must:

Have completed at least one PLTW course (preference is given to students who have completed three).
Be nominated by a high school STEM teacher, guidance counselor, or principal (one nomination per school).
Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.000.
Apply for admission to a STEM program at UMass Lowell by the application deadline.

The scholarship has a maximum award value of $5,000 for Massachusetts residents and $10,000 for out-of-state residents. It is renewable for four years of undergraduate study, provided a minimum GPA of 3.000 is maintained.

Graduate Scholarships for International Students

UMass Lowell offers several graduate scholarships specifically for international students, designed to support their pursuit of advanced degrees.

Graduate Scholarship for Emerging Leaders - Africa

International students admitted into a Master’s degree program may be awarded up to $20,000 in Graduate Scholarship funding. Scholarship funds of $5,000 are awarded over four consecutive semesters to students who maintain good academic standing. Students pursuing a Master of Public Health degree may be eligible for up to five semesters (up to $25,000 total).

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Applicants must apply by the priority deadlines for the Fall or Spring start term and pursue studies full-time on campus. These scholarships aim to help international students advance their knowledge and careers, contributing to science, technology, leadership, and management in Africa.

Eligibility criteria include:

Academic Criteria: Meeting the academic standards for acceptance into the program of interest.
Program of Study: Admission into a Master’s degree program.
Location: Pursuing the degree full-time on campus or, at minimum, two on-campus and one online course each semester.
Tuition Residency: Being classified as international tuition residency per university and state guidelines and maintaining F-1 student status.
Demonstrated Interest and Commitment: Preference for applicants with a demonstrated interest in enhancing science, healthcare, technology, management, and leadership in Africa, as reflected in their Statement of Purpose.

Priority application deadlines are March 15 for the Fall semester and November 15 of the prior calendar year for the Spring semester. Admitted students awarded a scholarship must submit their enrollment deposit within 21 days.

Graduate International Excellence Scholarships

Exceptional international students who demonstrate academic excellence and apply to a Master’s program at UMass Lowell may be considered for this merit-based scholarship. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per semester, provided for a total of four semesters (up to $20,000) to students pursuing full-time on-campus studies. For students pursuing the 42-credit Master of Public Health degree, the award is available for up to five semesters (up to $25,000 total).

These scholarships aim to help students advance their knowledge, careers, and the diversity of UMass Lowell’s student population. Applicants must apply by the priority deadlines for the Fall or Spring start term and pursue studies full-time on campus.

Eligibility criteria include:

Academic Criteria: Meeting the academic standards required for acceptance into the program of interest.
Program of Study: Admission into one of UMass Lowell’s Master’s degree programs.
Location: Pursuing the degree full-time on campus or, at minimum, two on-campus and one online course each semester.
Tuition Residency: Being classified as international tuition residency per university and state guidelines and maintaining F-1 student status.
Nationality: Holding an international residency.

Priority application deadlines are March 15 for the Fall semester and November 15 of the prior calendar year for the Spring semester. No separate application is required; applicants meeting the eligibility requirements are automatically considered. Awarded students must submit their enrollment deposit within 21 days.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Internal Scholarships

UMass Lowell offers a limited number of endowed scholarships to current students, primarily undergraduates. Criteria vary, but most require demonstrated academic achievement and/or financial need. The majority of scholarships require UMass Lowell coursework with a solid GPA. Approximately half of the endowments are awarded by individual academic departments based on merit in their major. These scholarships can be reviewed on the Riverhawk Scholar Portal.

Study Abroad Scholarships

For international students interested in study abroad programs, UMass Lowell offers several options.

Study Abroad and International Experience Departmental Scholarship: Amounts range from $300 to $1000. Apply through the Riverhawk Scholarship Portal (search "study abroad").
UMass Lowell (UML) Academic Programs International (API) and International Studies Abroad (ISA) study abroad program grants: Amounts vary and are need-based. All UML students participating in API or ISA programs are eligible. Apply through the Riverhawk Scholarship Portal (search "study abroad").

The Academic Engineer Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship awards between $100 and $2500 based on the number of applicants. It is open to full-time Engineering undergraduate or graduate students currently pursuing or planning to pursue a minor or second major in humanities, social science, and fine arts, who demonstrate financial need based on federal formulas (complete FAFSA). Apply through the Riverhawk Scholarship Portal (search "study abroad").

External Scholarships

Students participating in partner-led programs may be eligible for additional scholarships and/or discounts offered directly from their program provider.

Gilman International Scholarship: This program provides awards for study abroad to US citizen or US national students receiving federal need-based financial aid. CIS grants an additional $500 to Gilman Scholarship recipients.
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program: This program provides study opportunities to a diverse range of students at every level of language learning, covering full program costs (including housing and airfare).
Boren Scholarships & Fellowships: These provide funding opportunities for US undergraduate and graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in regions critical to US interests.
Fund for Education Abroad: Awards support students participating in high-quality education abroad programs, with scholarships up to $10,000.

Important Considerations

Scholarship Availability: UMass Lowell scholarship programs are subject to change at any time based on funding levels, the quality of the applicant pool, and university priorities.
Exclusions: Scholarships listed on the UMass Lowell website are not available to students enrolled in Graduate, Online and Professional Studies programs.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees can vary based on the specific program chosen.
Financial Resources: International students should review the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) financial resources webpage.
Matriculation: The majority of UML scholarship funding is in the form of new student merit-based scholarships, with eligibility determined at the time of acceptance for admission through matriculation.

Navigating the Application Process

Explore the Riverhawk Scholarship Portal: This portal is the primary resource for internal UMass Lowell scholarships.
Check Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship to ensure you qualify.
Meet Application Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines, especially priority deadlines for graduate scholarships.
Complete the FAFSA: Although not required for all scholarships, completing the FAFSA is recommended to demonstrate financial need.
Write a Strong Statement of Purpose: For graduate scholarships, highlight your interest and commitment to your field, especially regarding contributions to science, healthcare, technology, management, and leadership in your home country.
Submit Enrollment Deposit: If awarded a scholarship, submit your enrollment deposit within the specified timeframe to secure the award.

Additional Resources

International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO): This office provides valuable resources and support for international students, including financial aid information.
Office of National Scholarships Advisement: This office offers advice and support for applying to nationally competitive scholarships.
Graduate Coordinator: Contact your graduate coordinator to determine if there is funding available within your department.

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