Ohio University Scholarships 2027 for International Students

Ohio University (OHIO), founded in 1804, is the oldest university in Ohio and one of the oldest public universities in the United States. Its main campus is in Athens, Ohio. Through the OHIO Excellence Awards, the university offers merit scholarships to new first-year students, and international students are eligible for the merit awards.

There is no separate scholarship application. Students who complete their admission application by the 15 November 2026 early action deadline are considered automatically.

Scholarships for international students

OHIO Excellence Scholarship

• A merit scholarship based on your academic record
• The amount varies with your high school GPA

OHIO Trustee Award for Out-of-State Students

• Up to US$7,000 a year, depending on academic merit
• For students who are not Ohio residents, which includes international students

OHIO Premier Scholarship

• Full in-state tuition value
• For students admitted to and enrolled in the competitive Honors Tutorial College

Most awards can be combined, and merit awards are renewable for up to four years as long as you meet the academic renewal criteria and take at least 12 credit hours a semester.

International students are not eligible for the US$2,000 OHIO Admission Promise Award or the need-based awards, because these need a FAFSA.

Who can apply

• New first-year undergraduate students starting at the Athens campus in fall 2027
• All nationalities
• A strong high school GPA (OHIO recalculates your best weighted or unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale)
• Standardised tests (SAT or ACT) are optional and only count if they raise your award
• You must be admitted directly to academic study, not to the intensive English or pathway programme

How to apply

1. Apply for admission to Ohio University for fall 2027 through the university's application or the Common App.
2. Send all documents by 15 November 2026: transcripts, English proficiency results and any other required items.
3. Get considered automatically. Admitted early action applicants are reviewed for the OHIO Excellence Awards. Merit award notifications begin in December.
4. Accept your award by paying your housing deposit by 1 May 2027.

Cost of study

The estimated cost for international students at the Athens campus is about US$46,800 a year (2026–27):

The scholarships cover part of the tuition, so plan how to fund the rest. You will also need to show proof of funds for your student visa.

Key dates

Graduate students

Ohio University's graduate departments offer assistantships for master's and PhD students, which can include tuition support and a stipend. These are arranged by each department, so check your programme's page and contact the department directly.

Tips

• Apply by 15 November. Applications completed later are considered only if scholarships are still available.
• Submit your best grades. Your GPA is the main factor in your award.
• Add test scores only if they're strong. They're optional and can only increase your award.
• Look for outside funding to cover the rest of the costs.
• Applying for the scholarships is free. Never pay anyone who promises a guaranteed award.