ISSO Scholarships and Emergency Funds

Every academic year, ISSO has limited funds available to award to students in the form of financial need-based scholarships or emergency funds. There is a key distinction between an ISSO scholarship and emergency funding request:

  • ISSO scholarships are applied for in OneApp to be awarded in the next semester or academic year (the awards are not immediate). They are designed as temporary financial support for students who have had an unexpected financial hardship in paying their university tuition and fees.
    • A significant portion of scholarship funding is provided by the international differential tuition rate. It may be a requirement of some or all awards that a student must pay the international tuition rate to be eligible (note: students with a graduate assistantship appointment are assessed the resident tuition rate).
  • Emergency funds are applied for through the Cyclone Success Assistance application with the Office of Student Financial Aid. These requests go to multiple offices across campus for review, and each office will have their own awarding criteria. To be considered for emergency funding awarded by ISSO, the student must have had an immediate financial hardship that may prevent their ability to maintain their valid immigration status or livelihood in the United States.

More information about both types of awards is below.

Questions

If you have any questions about ISSO scholarship opportunities or the application process, please email issoscholarships@iastate.edu. For questions related to financial concerns and how they may impact your immigration status in the United States, we would recommend scheduling an appointment with your assigned International Student Advisor.

Global Scholars Award for Retention

Applications in OneApp are open through April 3, 2025. Currently, ISSO has one scholarship award open for this academic year. More opportunities will likely be added when the 2025-2026 OneApp cycle opens in September 2025.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be assessed the international tuition rate.
  • Applicants must have been continuously enrolled at Iowa State University for two semesters at their current education level (undergraduate or graduate).
  • Applicant must be enrolled at Iowa State University in the semester of receiving the award. If the student has a hold preventing registration that is caused by an outstanding Ubill balance, then the award can be received if it will allow the hold to be lifted.
  • Applicant must have at minimum 2.5 GPA (undergraduate) or 3.0 GPA (graduate).
  • Applicant must be working in an on-campus employment job or submit documentation explaining why they are not able to work an on-campus job.
  • Preference given to students closest to degree completion.

This award is renewable for up to one additional semester based on continued enrollment and eligibility. Preference is given to students who have not received the award previously.

Application Requirements:

  • Explain their initial funding plan (e.g., who provided financial documentation for Form I-20/DS-2019).
  • Explain the unexpected financial hardship.
  • Share a plan for paying future educational and living expenses.

Application Deadline and Timeline:

Application open through April 3rd. Awardees notified by end of May. Awards applied to Ubills for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.

Questions

If you have any questions about ISSO scholarship opportunities or the application process, please email issoscholarships@iastate.edu.

Emergency Financial Aid

This funding source is designed to assist international students with immediate, emergency financial need. These are one-time awards to help with short-term crises and not long-term expenses.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be enrolled in the semester of receiving the award.
  • Must be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Must work on campus or explain why they cannot.
  • Only one award per student.

Examples of Eligible Emergencies:

  • Serious medical issues, theft, natural disasters
  • Scams causing financial hardship
  • Emergency housing issues
  • Unexpected change in funding jeopardizing immigration status

Not Supported:

  • Dependent/home country expenses
  • Optional or pre-existing medical bills
  • Attorney fees, elective technology/travel purchases

Application Instructions:

Complete the Cyclone Success Assistance request in OneApp. Info available on the Cyclone Success Assistance website. Reviewed twice monthly.

Questions

Email issoscholarships@iastate.edu with questions or meet with your assigned International Student Advisor.

Other Iowa State Scholarships

Additional scholarship opportunities may be available through academic colleges, departments, or campus organizations. Examples include:

  • College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Ivy College of Business
  • College of Design
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Human Sciences
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Other ISU Scholarship Programs
  • External Scholarship Opportunities
  • Privately Funded Scholarship Database – Office of Student Financial Aid
  • IELTS USA Andrea Scott International Graduate Scholarship (Deadline April 7, 2025)