The 2026 University of Michigan International Student Scholarship is a competitive funding opportunity for incoming first-year international students admitted to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). This renewable award provides up to $25,000 annually, totaling $100,000 over four years of undergraduate study. Eligible candidates must be non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents who intend to enroll full-time. Selection is based on academic merit and leadership potential as demonstrated in both the admissions and scholarship applications. The application process requires the creation of a UM Friend Account and verification via Wolverine Access, with a final submission deadline of April 10, 2026.
University of Michigan International Student Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | USA |
| Study Abroad | Study in USA |
| Category | Undergraduate Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Global Eligibility) |
| Reward | Up to $100,000 ($25,000 per year) |
| Key Criteria | High admission average & demonstrated leadership |
| Application Deadline | April 10, 2026 |
University of Michigan International Student Undergraduate Scholarship Program 2026
The University of Michigan, through the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), is committed to fostering a diverse global community on its Ann Arbor campus. As international enrollment continues to rise, the university has intensified its efforts to provide financial pathways for high-achieving students from around the world. The 2026 International Student Scholarship program is a cornerstone of this commitment, offering substantial financial relief to the next generation of global leaders.
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This program is designed specifically for incoming freshmen who demonstrate exceptional intellectual curiosity and a commitment to the liberal arts. By providing renewable funding, Michigan ensures that financial barriers do not prevent the world’s most talented students from accessing a world-class education in the United States.
Scholarship Details
The LSA Scholarships Office manages this award, which is open exclusively to international applicants (non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents). The scholarship is restricted to students pursuing degrees within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. It operates on a philosophy of recognizing “holistic excellence,” meaning that donors and selection committees look beyond grades to identify students who will actively contribute to the campus culture and academic discourse.
Benefits of the University of Michigan International Student Scholarship 2026
The funding is structured to provide consistent support throughout a student’s four-year degree path, using a tiered logic of award values.
Tier 1: LSA Premier International Award (Up to $25,000)
- Annual Value: Recipients receive up to $25,000 per academic year.
- Total Value: The award is renewable for four years, totaling a $100,000 investment in the student’s education.
- Coverage: Directly applied toward the cost of attendance, including tuition and mandatory fees.
Tier 2: Global Leadership & Faculty Awards
- Criteria: Awarded to secondary candidates who show specific leadership in community service or high achievement in particular LSA departments.
- Sustainability: These awards are also renewable provided the student maintains a full-time credit load (12+ hours) and satisfactory academic progress.
Tier 3: General Academic Merit Awards
- Selection: Granted based purely on high academic performance during the high school years and standardized test scores (where applicable).
- Flexibility: Helps cover the “gap” in the cost of attendance for qualified international students who show significant promise.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Michigan Undergraduate Scholarship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Must be an incoming first-year undergraduate student admitted to a degree program in the College of LSA. Selection highly prioritizes candidates with strong leadership profiles.
- Study Status: Applicants must be enrolled (or intend to enroll) full-time, which is defined as 12 credit hours or more each term.
- Visa Status: Must NOT be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. Applicants must hold or be eligible for a valid international student visa (F-1 or J-1).
- Program Admission: Candidates must have secured admission to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts prior to the scholarship application being finalized.
How to Apply for University of Michigan Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Submit your undergraduate admissions application to the University of Michigan’s College of LSA through the Common Application or Coalition Key.
- Automatic Evaluation: Once admitted, create and verify a “UM Friend Account” to gain access to the LSA Scholarships Application Portal.
- Eligibility Assessment: Complete the online scholarship application, including the personal statement and required financial documentation for international students.
- Notification of Award: The Scholarships Office will notify selected recipients via email. Award letters must be signed and returned to finalize the financial aid package.
Application Deadline: April 10, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Michigan International Student Scholarship renewable?
Yes, the scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided you maintain full-time enrollment and academic eligibility.
2. Do I need an IELTS score to apply for this scholarship?
While the scholarship application itself does not strictly require IELTS, the University of Michigan admissions process requires proof of English proficiency for all international students.
3. Can I apply for this scholarship if I am a transfer student?
No, the International Student Scholarship is currently restricted to incoming first-year (freshmen) students.
4. What is the maximum annual value of the award?
Selected candidates can receive up to $25,000 USD per year toward their cost of attendance.
5. Do I need to be enrolled before I can apply for the scholarship?
You do not need to be enrolled, but you must have been officially admitted to the College of LSA to access the application portal.
6. What is a “UM Friend Account”?
A Friend Account is a login ID required for non-enrolled students to access Michigan’s internal systems like Wolverine Access and the scholarship portal.
7. Does the scholarship cover health insurance?
The award helps cover the overall “cost of attendance,” which includes tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses like insurance.
8. Is this scholarship available for Engineering students?
No, this specific scholarship is only for students admitted to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA).
9. How many credit hours are required to maintain the scholarship?
Students must maintain full-time status, which is at least 12 credit hours per semester.
10. When will I know if I have been awarded the scholarship?
Award notifications are typically sent out in the weeks following the April 10th deadline after a thorough review of all admitted candidates.
