Associate of Arts - General Education

The University of Central Arkansas offers the International Student Merit Scholarship to outstanding first-time degree-seeking international undergraduate students. This scholarship provides significant financial support of up to $4,000 per semester for a maximum of 8 consecutive semesters or until the completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever occurs first. It is designed to reward academic excellence and support international students pursuing their studies on campus. # Eligibility Criteria - Must be a new international student applying for admission to a UCA undergraduate program for the **Fall semester only** (Spring applicants are not eligible). - University admission application and all required documents must be submitted by **January 31**. - Scholarship application must also be submitted by **January 31**. - Must meet minimum English proficiency requirements. - Academic qualifications (one of the following): - Minimum 3.25 GPA as calculated by UCA - SAT score of 1160 (super score) with UCA code 6012 (test taken within last 5 years) - ACT score of 24 with UCA code 0118 (test taken within last 5 years) - Must not have previously enrolled at UCA or be currently enrolled. - Not eligible if applying for Intensive English Program, Visiting student status, graduate programs, or if receiving another UCA departmental scholarship. - Must enroll in a minimum of 12 undergraduate credit hours per semester. - On-campus instruction is required; online courses from home country are not eligible. # Scholarship Value and Duration - Award amount: **$4,000 per semester** for up to 8 consecutive semesters or until bachelor’s degree completion. - Total maximum award: **$32,000**. - Scholarship applies only to Fall and Spring semesters; Summer terms and intersessions are excluded. - Award amounts may vary based on enrollment, funding availability, and Scholarship Committee review. # Renewal Requirements - Maintain a minimum **3.0 cumulative UCA undergraduate GPA** each semester. - Complete at least **12 undergraduate credit hours** each semester (exceptions possible in final semester with approval). - Maintain good immigration status and academic standing as per UCA policies. - Continue active participation in scholarship-related cultural events or projects coordinated by the Center for Global Learning & Engagement (CGLE). # Application Process - Submit the university admission application with all required documents by January 31. - Complete the scholarship application by January 31, including: - A 250-word essay in English describing your career goals related to studying at UCA (distinct from admission essay). - One signed letter of recommendation from a teacher familiar with your academic performance. - A resume (maximum 2 pages) highlighting extracurricular activities and community service. # Additional Important Notes - Recipients must assist CGLE in coordinating cultural events or participate in one project per semester during the award period. - Students changing to Permanent Resident or other US citizenship status will no longer be eligible for the scholarship. - Students may not receive more than one scholarship from CGLE simultaneously. - All awards are subject to compliance review and university policies. This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students demonstrating academic excellence to receive substantial funding while engaging in a vibrant campus community at the University of Central Arkansas. Prospective applicants should prepare their materials carefully and apply by the January 31 deadline to be considered.

The University of Central Arkansas offers an Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship that significantly reduces the cost of attendance for eligible students by covering out-of-state tuition fees, approximately $7,500 per year. This scholarship is especially beneficial for international students who choose to live in university housing, as they automatically qualify without needing to submit a separate application. # Eligibility Criteria - Students residing in University housing with the following academic qualifications: - Entering freshmen: minimum 2.5 high school GPA (on a 4.00 scale) - Undergraduate transfer students: minimum 2.0 GPA on prior undergraduate coursework - Graduate students: minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA, or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credit hours, or 3.0 graduate GPA on coursework from another institution - Students not meeting these GPA requirements may qualify through a successful admissions appeal or other University admission requirements - Full-time students receiving a full tuition scholarship funded by unrestricted University funds - UCA graduates who are dues-paying members of the UCA Alumni Association - Children or grandchildren (age 26 or under) of UCA graduates who are dues-paying members of the UCA Alumni Association - Members or dependents of members of the armed forces stationed in Arkansas under military orders - Veterans or dependents using VA education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 GI Bill, residing in the state during attendance - Undergraduate and graduate students whose permanent address is in states contiguous to Arkansas (Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana) - Graduate students with a full-time graduate assistantship or enrolled in clinical residency programs requiring in-state employment and residence - Students enrolled in courses through the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement, online courses, or summer courses (which are not charged out-of-state tuition) # Important Notes - Undocumented students pay out-of-state tuition unless they live in university housing - International students living in UCA housing automatically receive this scholarship, significantly lowering their total cost of attendance - No separate application is required for this scholarship This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international and out-of-state students to access affordable education at the University of Central Arkansas. Check your eligibility and consider living in university housing to take advantage of this valuable financial support.