International students are defined as F1/J1 visa holders. Financial assistance for international students studying in the U.S. is limited. Winthrop University does not offer grants or loans for international students and F1/J1 students are not eligible for federal need-based aid. International students are allowed to work-on campus, but off-campus employment requires prior authorization from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
However, Winthrop University is committed to increasing diversity on campus. For this reason, Winthrop University does offer academic and talent scholarships to qualified domestic and international students. As well, the International Center offers the International Ambassador Scholarship for new and current international students.
Winthrop University's Office of Financial Aid offers the most timely information on scholarship and scholarship deadlines available to prospective Winthrop students. If you are interested in the International Ambassador Scholarship you should contact the International Center. *Please note: All tuition/fees for F/J visa holders are assessed at the out-of-state rate.
For international students attending college/university for the first time who have also completed the SAT/ACT examinations, several academic merit scholarships are available. Please see our Financial Aid page or for details on scholarship requirements and award amounts*. Students who apply for admission will be automatically evaluated for these scholarships during the admission process.
There are scholarships available for transfer students. Please see visit the Office of Financial Aid for details on requirements for the transfer scholarships and the different award amounts*. Students who apply for admission will be automatically evaluated for these scholarships during the admission process.
The International Baccalaureate scholarship is awarded to freshman applicants who complete the IB Program (Diploma or Certificates) through the senior year of high school and who have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) on their higher level courses. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid for more information on the this scholarship and amount of the award*.
Athletic scholarships are available for our 18 NCAA Division 1 sports. Please contact the International Center for information on who to contact in our Athletic Department for more information on athletic scholarships.
Talent awards are awarded by the College of Visual and Performing Arts based on portfolio review or auditions. Please contact the International Center for more information on who to contact in our College of Visual and Performing Arts for more information on talent-based scholarships.
Graduate Assistantship and Associateship positions provide a form of financial assistance available to qualified graduate students. Students who are awarded these positions are required to work on campus, and in return receive a stipend and tuition grant. Stipends are set at $3500/per semester for 20 (twenty) hours/week of employment. The exact dollar amount of the tuition grant may vary by position.Graduate Studies is the best source of information on "GA" positions.
The International Ambassador Scholarship is the University's most prestigious award for international students. Each semester the International Center offers a limited number of scholarships to select students who apply to serve as International Ambassadors. The scholarships are awarded by the International Ambassador Scholarship Committee. The value of the award is $250 scholarship per semester plus an out-of-state grant1.
Requirements and Expectations of the Scholarship Recipients
To apply for the International Ambassador Scholarship, please see the attached application.
1 Out-of-State grant from all University sources cannot exceed the cost of out-of-state portion of tuition.
Winthrop University is pleased to offer resident (in-state) tuition to citizens of the following countries and states:
Students from these areas who are admitted students to all Bachelor, Master, and non-degree programs qualify for resident (in-state) tuition. This benefit lowers tuition significantly, resulting in savings of approximately $7,128 per semester ($14,256 per year) for undergraduate students and approximately $7,024 per semester ($14,048 per year) for graduate students. The benefit was established through the sister-state agreement between the State of South Carolina and the countries/states listed above. The agreement is extended at will by Winthrop University. Applicants must be admitted to a program at Winthrop University and must demonstrate citizenship with a passport. The tuition benefit is applicable throughout all years of study in a program.
For questions about the International Ambassador Scholarship, please contact the International Center. For information and questions about all other Winthrop scholarships, please contact the Office of Financial Aid. Thank you!