If you’re an ambitious student looking to pursue higher education in the U.S., scholarships at the Florida International University (FIU) can open doors to an affordable, world-class academic experience in sunny Miami, Florida. Known for its cultural diversity, innovative research, and commitment to global education, FIU provides generous financial support to international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and potential.
| Host Country | USA |
| Host Institute | Florida International University |
| Level | Undergraduation |
| Eligible Nationality | All Nationals |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Duration | Distributed over four years |
| Closing Dates | July, August |
Located in Miami, a multicultural city with vibrant business, technology, and arts sectors, FIU is one of America’s top public research universities. This guide breaks down FIU’s extensive scholarship ecosystem for both international and domestic students, helping you discover the best opportunities for your academic and financial needs.
Why Choose Florida International University?
With over 58,000 students and 200+ degree programs, Florida International University is one of the most dynamic and globally recognized institutions in the U.S. It ranks among the top 50 public universities, is a Carnegie R1 research institution, and has strong programs in business, hospitality, engineering, public health, law, and international relations.
Key Highlights:
- 🌍 Over 5,000 international students from 140+ countries
- 💼 Strong industry ties in Miami for internship and job placement
- 💰 Extensive scholarship support for both domestic and international students
- 🌴 Located in one of the most diverse and sunny cities in the U.S.
FIU’s Commitment to Scholarship Funding
FIU commits more than $90 million annually in scholarships, fellowships, and grants. Its goal is to make education accessible, equitable, and affordable for students from all backgrounds. Whether you’re a first-time freshman, a transfer student, or a graduate researcher, there are funding options for you.
Types of Scholarships at the Florida International University
FIU provides a wide range of scholarships, including:
- Merit-Based Scholarships
- Need-Based Aid (for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens)
- International Student Scholarships
- Departmental & Program-Specific Scholarships
- Athletic Scholarships
- Graduate Fellowships & Assistantships
- Diversity & First-Generation Awards
Top Scholarships for International Students
Here are the most significant opportunities available for non-U.S. citizens:
1. Presidential Premier Scholarship
- 🏆 Full tuition, fees, and books
- For first-year students with a GPA ≥ 4.0 and SAT ≥ 1370 or ACT ≥ 30
- Renewable for up to 4 years
2. Ambassador Merit Scholarship
- Partial tuition coverage
- Requires strong GPA and test scores
- Renewable based on academic performance
3. FIU International Transfer Scholarship
- For international transfer students with a GPA ≥ 3.8
- Awards up to $2,500 per academic year
4. Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) Scholarship
- Offers in-state tuition for students from eligible LAC countries
- Must maintain a full-time load and good academic standing
5. Global Learning Scholarship
- Supports international students who participate in globally-focused leadership projects
- Funding amount varies based on project scope
Top Scholarships for Domestic (U.S.) Students
While this guide focuses on international scholarships, U.S. citizens and residents also benefit from a robust portfolio of scholarships:
1. National Merit Finalist Award
- Full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing, meals, and more
- Must be a confirmed National Merit Finalist and designate FIU as first choice
2. FIU Gold & Blue Scholarships
- Awarded to high-achieving Florida high school graduates
- Based on GPA, test scores, and class rank
3. First Generation Matching Grant Program
- For students whose parents did not attend college
- Matches private donations with state support
4. Bright Futures Scholarship (Florida Residents)
- Florida Department of Education award covering tuition for qualifying in-state students
Department-Specific Scholarships
Many colleges and departments at FIU offer their own targeted scholarships for both undergraduates and graduates.
❖ College of Engineering and Computing
- Knight Foundation Scholarship
- STEM Transfer Student Awards
❖ College of Business
- Dean’s Scholarship
- Entrepreneurship Merit Grant
❖ College of Arts, Sciences & Education
- STEM Scholars Fund
- Psychology Academic Excellence Award
❖ Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Chaplin School Industry Partner Scholarships
- Marriott Foundation Travel Award
Each department has its own deadlines, application process, and eligibility criteria.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships
Graduate students—especially those pursuing research-based or thesis programs—can access funding through:
1. Graduate Assistantships (GA, RA, TA)
- Includes full tuition waiver and monthly stipend
- Students work 10–20 hours per week on research, teaching, or administrative duties
- Must apply directly through the academic department
2. FIU Graduate Presidential Fellowship
- $25,000+ annual stipend
- Competitive selection for Ph.D. candidates
3. McKnight Doctoral Fellowship
- Available for minority Ph.D. students, including international students
- Offers tuition, fees, and living allowance
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External Scholarships for FIU Students
Whether you’re international or domestic, you can apply for these third-party scholarships:
- Fulbright Program (International graduate students)
- EducationUSA Opportunity Funds
- The Gates Scholarship (for minority U.S. citizens)
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- Ford Foundation Fellowships
- PEO International Peace Scholarship (for women)
- Rotary Foundation Global Grants
- Soros Fellowship for New Americans
FIU’s financial aid office and international center help guide you through applying for these opportunities.
Learn more about the Scholarships at the Florida International University.
How to Apply for FIU Scholarships
Step 1: Apply for Admission
Complete your application at https://admissions.fiu.edu.
Step 2: Create an AcademicWorks Profile
Go to https://fiu.academicworks.com and fill in your student profile. You’ll be matched with eligible scholarships.
Step 3: Upload Documents
These may include:
- Transcripts
- Test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international students)
- Resume/CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Step 4: Apply Separately for Competitive Scholarships
High-value scholarships (like Presidential Premier) may require additional essays, interviews, or portfolios.
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Tips for a Winning Scholarship Application
- Start early and gather all required documents
- Customize your essays to match scholarship criteria
- Highlight leadership, impact, and service
- Secure strong recommendation letters
- Stay organized and meet all deadlines
- Practice for interviews if applicable
Life as an International Student at FIU
International students at FIU benefit from a comprehensive support system:
✅ International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
Visa advising, CPT/OPT support, travel documentation, and workshops
✅ Global Learning Medallion Program
Get involved in globally-focused coursework, service, and research
✅ Student Organizations
Over 350 clubs, including the African Students Union, Latin American Students Association, and Asian Culture Club
✅ Campus Amenities
Modern dorms, recreation centers, free transport, multicultural events, and job fairs
Student Success Stories
👩🎓 Aisha K. (Kenya)
Received the Presidential Premier Scholarship and is now a Master’s student in Public Health with plans to join the WHO.
👨🎓 Carlos M. (Venezuela)
Awarded the Latin American & Caribbean Scholarship and later secured a Graduate Assistantship in Political Science.
👩🎓 Julia T. (U.S. – First Generation)
Benefited from the First-Generation Matching Grant and now mentors other students in the Honors College.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Are international students eligible for financial aid at FIU?
Yes! FIU offers multiple merit-based and special-category scholarships for international students.
❓ Do I need to submit the FAFSA as an international student?
No. FAFSA is for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. However, some private scholarships may require a FAFSA for U.S. students.
❓ Can I get a full-ride scholarship?
Yes. FIU offers Presidential Premier and National Merit full-ride scholarships for qualified applicants.
❓ When is the best time to apply for scholarships?
Start applying as early as October of the year before your intended start date. Deadlines range from November 15 to March 1.
❓ Can I combine multiple scholarships?
Yes, in some cases. However, total aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
Conclusion
International scholarships at Florida International University empower students from all over the world to access a quality U.S. education in one of the most dynamic and diverse cities globally. From full-tuition awards to assistantships and departmental honors, FIU is committed to supporting your academic ambitions.
Whether you’re a high school graduate from abroad, a transfer student, or a research scholar—there’s a scholarship for you at FIU.
🎓 Apply early, apply smart, and let your dreams take flight at Florida International University!
👉 Learn more and start your application today at https://admissions.fiu.edu
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