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Iowa State University

Iowa State University

Iowa State Award of Distinction

Check providerPartialMerit-BasedBachelor's

About the Scholarship

The Award of Distinction is the second tier of Iowa State University's international merit scholarships, paying $2,000 to $4,000 a year where the Award of Achievement pays $5,000 to $10,000.

First-year recipients can hold it for up to eight semesters and transfers for five, to totals of $16,000 and $10,000. The money applies only to undergraduate tuition and fees.

Both tiers need the same separate application through the university's scholarship portal rather than following automatically from admission, so the deadlines matter.

What It Covers

  • Tuition
  • Fees

$2,000 to $4,000 a year for both first-year and transfer students, to a total of $16,000 for first-years and $10,000 for transfers. Funds apply only to undergraduate tuition and fees.

Eligibility

First-year applicants are reviewed holistically on test scores and secondary school grades. Transfer applicants need a cumulative grade average equivalent to 3.0. Renewal needs a 2.5 cumulative average, 12 or more credits a semester, and continued international classification.

Eligible Countries

For students admitted as international first-year or transfer students and assessed at international tuition rates.

All countries

How to Apply

A separate application is required. Complete the general application in the university scholarship portal, then select the international student admissions scholarship application for your term.

Application Routes and Dates

Fall first-year application

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Recurring deadline: 1 may (check provider for current cycle)

Priority consideration by February 15; final scholarship application and acceptance by May 1.

Timing source · Checked 2026-09-13

Spring first-year application

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Recurring deadline: 15 dic (check provider for current cycle)

Priority consideration by November 15; final application and acceptance by December 15.

Timing source · Checked 2026-09-13

Fall transfer application

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Recurring deadline: 30 jun (check provider for current cycle)

Priority application March 1; accept admission by May 1; final scholarship application June 30.

Timing source · Checked 2026-09-13

Spring transfer application

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Recurring deadline: 15 dic (check provider for current cycle)

Priority application November 15; final application and acceptance December 15.

Timing source · Checked 2026-09-13