University of Kansas (KU) Scholarships for International Undergraduate Students
Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, and the University of Kansas (KU) has consistently opened doors for talented minds across the globe, including Africa. To make education more accessible, KU offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically for international undergraduate students.
What the Scholarship Covers
KU international merit scholarships are based primarily on high school GPA. Awards are renewable for up to four years (eight semesters) as long as you maintain eligibility.
| Scholarship | GPA Range (4.0 Scale) | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| KU Excellence | 3.95 – 4.00 | $16,000 per year (up to $64,000 total) |
| KU Distinction | 3.85 – 3.94 | $14,000 per year (up to $56,000 total) |
| KU Achievement | 3.70 – 3.84 | $12,000 per year (up to $48,000 total) |
| KU Performance | 3.50 – 3.69 | $10,000 per year (up to $40,000 total) |
| KU Access | 3.25 – 3.49 | $8,000 per year (up to $32,000 total) |
👉 These scholarships reduce tuition costs but usually do not cover all expenses such as housing, meals, health insurance, and personal costs. Students are encouraged to seek additional funding through departmental scholarships, external sponsors, or home-country programs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for KU’s international undergraduate scholarships, applicants must:
- Be admitted as a first-time, degree-seeking freshman at KU.
- Have a strong academic record (minimum GPA 3.25 on a 4.0 scale).
- Enroll full-time (12 or more credit hours per semester).
- Maintain the required KU GPA (usually 3.0) for scholarship renewal each year.
- Submit all required transcripts and English proficiency test results (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) by the admission deadline.
How to Apply
One advantage of KU’s merit-based scholarships is that no separate scholarship application is required. The process is automatic:
- Apply for admission to KU through the KU International Admissions portal.
- Submit official documents (transcripts, English test scores, and passport copy).
- Once admitted, KU will automatically evaluate your GPA and assign you the highest scholarship you qualify for.
For additional funding (such as departmental awards), you can search KU’s AcademicWorks portal
Deadlines
- Scholarship & Admission Deadline for Fall 2026: May 1, 2026
- General Admission Deadline (International Students): June 1, 2026
- Transfer Scholarships Deadline (Fall 2026): August 1, 2026
⚠️ Missing these deadlines may disqualify you from scholarship consideration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too late to apply – Submit admission early, as scholarships are tied to admission.
- Incorrect GPA conversion – Ensure your transcripts are accurately evaluated.
- Incomplete application – Missing documents may delay or cancel your scholarship eligibility.
- Not maintaining GPA – Failing to keep a KU GPA of 3.0+ can cause scholarship loss.
- Overlooking departmental scholarships – Many extra opportunities exist beyond the main awards.
- Budgeting only with the scholarship – Remember to plan for living expenses and other costs.
Relatable Testimony
“When I first applied to KU from Nigeria, I was worried about the high tuition fees. Luckily, my GPA qualified me for the KU Distinction Scholarship worth $14,000 a year. This reduced my tuition by nearly half, making it possible for my family to support my dream. KU’s international community also helped me settle in, and the scholarship motivated me to keep my grades high.”
— Amina, KU International Student from Africa
Final Thoughts
The University of Kansas has proven its commitment to making education more affordable and accessible for international students through its merit-based scholarships. While the awards may not always cover full tuition or living costs, they significantly reduce the financial burden and open doors to a world-class education.
If you are an international student from Africa (or anywhere in the world), the key is to apply early, maintain strong academic performance, and explore all funding opportunities. With proper preparation, KU can be a realistic and rewarding destination for your undergraduate journey.
