California State University Scholarships for International Students

• Applicant must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a Study California member institution by January 31, 2024.
• Applicant must be in F-1 international student status.
• Applicant may apply each year they are an active student enrolled in a degree program at a Study California member institution but may receive the scholarship only once. (Scholarship is not renewable.)
• Applicant must have the equivalent of a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0 scale) from their most recent institution attended.
• Applicant must submit the completed application by the October 31 deadline. A completed application includes:
  • Application
  • Uploaded recommendation letter from a faculty member or advisor
  • Uploaded transcript from the most recent institution attended (in US or internationally)
  • Uploaded copy of biographical page of passport (File Size – Max 3MB)
  • Uploaded proof of admission to or enrollment in a Study California member institution on official university letterhead (File Size – Max 3MB)
  • List of outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements within the past five years, which highlight applicant’s leadership experience and abilities
  • Explanation of financial need
  • Statement of education and career goals

3. Richard K. Leffingwell Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements:

• Have a course of study within the fields of business, economics or other disciplines that will serve the applicant in achieving goals relating to nonprofit or public service.
• Have demonstrated an interest in and aspire to a career in nonprofit or public service.
• Demonstrate a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing.
• Demonstrate financial need as determined by the campus Financial Aid office.
• Be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent upper division or graduate student at a California State University campus and must remain a full-time equivalent student during the scholarship period.
• All students meeting the above requirements are encouraged to apply. A student who is a military veteran, meets the criteria, and is otherwise equal to others in qualifications, will receive favorable consideration.

Award amount: Two (2) $3,000 scholarships will be awarded for the academic year.

How to apply: Contact the campus financial aid office. Completed applications submitted by the campus financial aid office to the CSU Foundation must include the following:

• A personal statement (300 word count for each):
  • • 1. What experience has impacted your personal growth?
      2. Tell us about a time you failed. What did you learn from that experience?
      3. Why are you pursuing your major? How does it relate to your career aspirations?
      4. Provide an example of service beyond the classroom (i.e., have you taken on significant family obligations, helped other in a specific way, been involved in political action, worked/volunteered/interned at a particular organization, etc.). Why is this example significant to you?
• Supplemental Question (300 word count):
  • 1. What are you motivations and goals for a career in nonprofit or public service? What are your experiences or involvement to date in nonprofit or public service activities?

4. Robert M. O’dell Endowed Scholarship in Public Administration

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be in a degree program in public administration.
• Applicants must be in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants must be currently enrolled as a full-time, upper-division undergraduate or graduate student in public administration and must remain a full-time student in good standing during the academic year in which the award is received.
• Applicants may not be a previous recipient of this award. Strong consideration will be given to an applicant who is also:
• A public administration major specializing in finance
• A first-generation college student

Award amount: Four (4) $2,500 scholarships will be awarded for the academic year.

How to apply: Contact the campus financial aid office. The financial aid office will review applications to ensure that they meet all stated requirements. The campus may submit one (1) applicant for consideration to the CSU Foundation to make the final selection. Priority will be based on GPA.

Completed applications submitted by the campus Financial Aid Office to the CSU Foundation must include the following:

• A personal statement (300 word count for each):
  • • 1. What experience has impacted your personal growth?
      2. Tell us about a time you failed. What did you learn from that experience?
      3. Why are you pursuing your major? How does it relate to your career aspirations?
      4. Provide an example of service beyond the classroom (i.e., have you taken on significant family obligations, helped other in a specific way, been involved in political action, worked/volunteered/interned at a particular organization, etc.). Why is this example significant to you?

Conclusion

In conclusion, California State University’s scholarships for international students represent more than financial assistance—they embody a transformative journey. From fostering academic brilliance to promoting diversity, these scholarships shape the future of global scholars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are CSU scholarships available for all international students?
   • CSU scholarships are generally open to international students, but specific eligibility criteria may vary.
2. How can I improve my chances of securing a CSU scholarship?
   • Focus on academic excellence, community involvement, and crafting a compelling application.
3. What support services does CSU offer for international students?
   • CSU provides counseling, career guidance, and mentorship to ensure holistic support.
4. Can I apply for multiple CSU scholarships simultaneously?
   • Yes, in most cases, students can apply for multiple scholarships, but it’s essential to review each program’s guidelines.
5. Is there a limit to the number of scholarships a student can receive at CSU?
   • While there may not be a strict limit, students typically receive one major scholarship to ensure fair distribution of resources.