A major merit-based funding opportunity has opened for international students planning to begin undergraduate studies in the United States, as Old Dominion University announces its International Student Scholarship (ISS) 2026, designed for the 2026-2027 academic cohort.
This opportunity is a renewable undergraduate merit scholarship offered by Old Dominion University (ODU), USA, a public research institution known for supporting global talent. The scholarship is aimed at newly admitted international students who plan to pursue their first Bachelor’s degree and will be enrolling either in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. Successful candidates can benefit from this award for up to four academic years, making it a long-term financial support option rather than a one-time grant.
What the Scholarship Brings to the Table?
The International Student Scholarship at Old Dominion University offers up to USD 16,000 per year, applied directly toward tuition costs. What makes this opportunity stand out is its renewable structure, allowing students to continue receiving funding across multiple semesters as long as academic requirements are met. The scholarship applies only to degree-seeking coursework and is structured to reward consistent academic performance throughout the undergraduate journey.
In addition to financial relief, this scholarship signals academic recognition, as selection is based on merit and academic readiness rather than financial need alone. For international students planning long-term study in the U.S., this can significantly reduce the overall cost of a four-year degree.
Eligibility Overview
To be considered for the International Student Scholarship 2026 at Old Dominion University, applicants should meet the following basic conditions. They must be international students with valid non-immigrant visa status and newly admitted to ODU, meaning they have not previously enrolled at the university. Applicants should be pursuing their first undergraduate degree and must not qualify for Virginia in-state tuition rates.
Academically, candidates are expected to hold a minimum cumulative GPA equivalent to 3.25 on the U.S. scale. As part of the application, students are required to submit a one-page essay outlining their academic intentions and personal goals. While TOEFL and SAT scores are optional, they are strongly recommended to strengthen the application.
Apply: https://www.odu.edu/admission/international/iss-scholarship.
Application Timeline
For students targeting the Fall 2026 intake, the last date to apply for the International Student Scholarship 2026 at Old Dominion University is April 15, 2026. Applicants aiming for the Spring 2027 intake must submit their application by October 1, 2026.