University of Michigan Scholarship for International Students 2025

Do you want to study at the University of Michigan as an international student but worry about the cost? You are not alone. Many talented students hesitate because the price seems high. What if there were scholarships and support that can help you make it work? You can make this dream a reality. In this guide I will walk you through the University of Michigan scholarships for international students in 2025. You will learn what is available, what you need, deadlines, and how to improve your chance.

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What Scholarships and Aid Are Available at University of Michigan for International Students

Many international students assume there are no scholarships at large U.S. public research universities. That is partly true, but at the University of Michigan there are some funds and options. Some are small, some more substantial. You need to know which ones exist so you can apply with confidence.

Here are some of the key scholarship and funding opportunities at the University of Michigan for international students:

• AE Scholarship Fund for Undergraduate International Students: This is offered via the International Center to help undergraduates who are degree-seeking, full-time, with visa status F-1 or J-1. It covers emergency or unexpected expenses, housing, fees, etc. internationalcenter.umich.edu

• S & S Scholarship Fund for International Students: Helps undergraduates from African or Asian countries who hold F-1 or J-1 visas and meet certain conditions. The award ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 12,000 depending on need and circumstances. internationalcenter.umich.edu

• Rackham International Student Fellowships: For graduate students. If you are studying for a master’s or doctoral degree through one of the Rackham programs, these fellowships may assist when other funding is limited. These are awarded by nomination from your graduate department. Awards are around USD 14,596 for eligible international graduate students. rackham.umich.edu

• Department/College Scholarships: For example, the College of Engineering offers Need and Merit based Awards for international undergraduate students already enrolled. These require reapplication each year. scholarships.engin.umich.edu

It is important to note that international students at Michigan often cannot access federal financial aid (grants or loans from the U.S. government) and that many scholarship funds are limited. You must often show proof of sufficient financial resources if you have visa status F-1, J-1, etc. finaid.umich.edu

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Eligibility Requirements for International Student Scholarships at University of Michigan in 2025

To apply confidently you must meet certain eligibility requirements for each scholarship. They vary by scholarship. Below are common requirements and specific ones for some of the scholarship programs above.

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Common Requirements Across Scholarships

These are typically required by many University of Michigan funds:

• You must be an international student, usually with F-1 or J-1 visa status. internationalcenter.umich.edu+2internationalcenter.umich.edu+2

• You must be degree-seeking (not visiting, not exchange or short-term only). internationalcenter.umich.edu+2scholarships.engin.umich.edu+2

• You must be enrolled full-time at the Ann Arbor campus (or relevant campus). internationalcenter.umich.edu+1

• Good academic standing. Usually a minimum grade point average (GPA) is needed. For example, some scholarships require cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. scholarships.engin.umich.edu+1

• If you are graduate student, often you must be nominated by your department. Scholarships might ask for letters, statements, record of achievement. rackham.umich.edu+1

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Specific Requirements for Some Scholarships

Here are details for selected scholarships:

 

Deadlines & Application Timeline for 2025 Scholarships at University of Michigan

Timing matters. If you miss deadlines, you may lose eligibility or reduce your chances.

Here are deadlines for some major opportunities:

 

How Much Can You Get: Award Amounts & Comparison

Here is a table comparing several scholarships / support options for international students at University of Michigan, showing approximate amounts, scope, and renewal or conditions.

 

General Application Requirements: What You Will Need to Apply

To put together a strong application, prepare the following:

1. Proof of Academic Records
   High school transcript (for undergraduate) or prior university transcript (for graduate). If transcript is not in English, you may need certified translations.

2. Standardized Test Scores (if required)
   Some programs might ask for SAT, ACT, GRE, or other tests. Check departmental requirements. Also English language tests if required (TOEFL, IELTS etc.).

3. Visa Status / Immigration Documents
   F-1 or J-1 visa status is typically required. If you are not yet in the United States, proof of intent to have visa etc. may matter. Also proof of financial ability.

4. Application for Admission
   You must be admitted to the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor or relevant campus) or be enrolled (for scholarship reapplication) before most internal scholarships will consider you.

5. Scholarship Application / Additional Forms
   Some funds like AE or S & S require separate scholarship-application forms, short essays, documentation of financial need, or list of other existing funding or scholarships. Rackham programs require nomination. Departmental scholarships may require forms in May or June. scholarships.engin.umich.edu+1

6. Full-Time Enrollment
   Most scholarships require you enroll full-time and maintain that status during the semester(s) covered. finaid.umich.edu+1

7. Maintain Good Academic Standing
   That usually means a minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher) and progress toward making your degree. Scholarships requiring renewal will check your grades, credit hours, etc. scholarships.engin.umich.edu+1

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General Tips for Applying for Michigan Scholarships as an International Student

You have to be smart about the process. Use these tips to improve your chance:

• Start early: Identify what scholarships or funds you might be eligible for as soon as you are admitted or even before. Many internal Michigan scholarships have early or fixed deadlines (for example, September/October cycles for some funds).

• Gather documents ahead of time: Transcripts, translations, test scores, proof of finances, visa info. Having everything ready prevents delays.

• Track deadlines carefully: Many scholarships such as S & S have multiple cycles. If you miss one, you may have to wait another entire semester or year.

• Write strong statements or essays: When asked for essays or personal statements, show your goals, challenges you overcame, achievements. Be genuine.

• Show financial need when it matters: For many international student funds, having limited external funding or showing financial barriers increases your chance.

• Keep your grades up: Even after you start, renewal depends on academic performance.

• Check department or college scholarships: Sometimes your specific department (Engineering, Business, etc.) may have extra funding that is not heavily publicized.

• Stay full time: Scholarships often require full-time status and certain credit loads.

• Be aware of visa/immigration standing: If your visa status or immigration documents are not in order, you may be disqualified.

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What to Watch Out For and Common Mistakes

Knowing what to avoid matters as much as knowing what to do.

• Assuming federal aid is available for international students — much of it is not. Do not count on that. finaid.umich.edu

• Waiting until the last minute to apply or gather documents. Official transcripts and visa documents can take time.

• Overlooking smaller funds like emergency or donor scholarships (e.g. AE or S & S funds) just because they seem small. They add up.

• Not following instructions for essays or forms exactly (word count, formatting, required attachments).

• Letting your grades slip or failing to maintain full-time status during scholarship period. Loss of award is possible.

• Not checking your department for additional awards or requirements (some require nomination).

• Not responding to notifications in time (accepting award, giving thank you, submitting additional verification).

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Key Deadlines You Must Remember for 2025

Here is a checklist of deadlines so you can plan and not miss any opportunities:

• Fall Scholarship Cycles: For S & S Scholarship Fund, September-October cycle: opens September 15, closes October 13, 2025. internationalcenter.umich.edu

• Next Cycle for S & S: Fall/Winter funding: application open November 10 to December 8, 2025. internationalcenter.umich.edu

• Rackham International Student Fellowship: Nomination deadline October 1, 2025. rackham.umich.edu

• Engineering College Awards: Application period usually early May to around June 1 for the next academic year. scholarships.engin.umich.edu

• Office of Financial Aid Undergraduate Aid: Submit CSS Profile / other institutional financial aid documents by early deadlines (check Michigan’s Financial Aid website). Also note November / December suggested dates for early action or early decision. finaid.umich.edu

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Is It Worth Applying and What Should You Expect?

Yes, applying is worth your time. Even when awards are not huge, they help reduce costs or cover unexpected expenses. Also, having some funding can relieve stress so you can focus on studies. Be realistic about expectations but optimistic in effort.

What you should expect:

• Many scholarships are partial rather than full tuition for international students at Michigan.

• Some funds are one-time, some renewable, some require annual application. Always check those details.

• Competition is high. Many international students apply, so strong academics, good essays, early application, financial documentation, etc. become very important.

• Notifications might come after application cycles close; funds like S & S have fairly quick turnaround after deadlines.

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Conclusion

Scholarships for international students at the University of Michigan in 2025 are not easy to get but they are real. You can access help via the AE Scholarship Fund, the S & S Scholarship Fund, Rackham Fellowships, departmental awards, and engineering school merit or need-based awards if eligible.

You should start early, assemble your documents, make sure you qualify (visa status, full-time enrollment, good grades), track all deadlines, and apply not just for the large or obvious funds but also for smaller donor or emergency funds.

If you pull all this together, you might receive an award of USD 5,000-USD 12,000 (or more in graduate programs with Rackham) or reduce your cost significantly.