The right opportunity doesn’t just change your future, it transforms your life. The International Undergraduate Student Scholarship (IUSS) 2025 at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is that opportunity for passionate students worldwide.

For many, studying in the USA feels like a distant dream. The IUSS brings that dream closer by offering financial support through monthly stipends, ensuring that talented students can focus on learning, growth, and exploration rather than financial stress.

Choosing UH Mānoa means more than earning a degree, it means becoming part of a global family of thinkers, leaders, and change-makers. Here, every student is encouraged to rise beyond limits and create an impact that reaches far beyond the classroom. Your journey to the future you’ve always imagined can begin in Hawaii. 

In this blog, you will find guidance, clarity, and hope as we walk you through the IUSS 2025 scholarship, a life-changing opportunity for international students at University of Hawaii Manoa.

Also read flexible and smart ways for students to work that can bring cash. 

What are the benefits of the International Undergraduate Student Scholarship (IUSS)?

International Undergraduate Student Scholarship IUSS is the scholarship specifically for the University of Hawaii manoa. It is not applicable for other campuses of this university.

  • It is a partially funded scholarship.
  • It is easy to apply for this scholarship.
  • Recipients receive $10,000 per academic year (divided into $5,000 per semester for Fall and Spring).
  • This scholarship helps offset UH Mānoa tuition and mandatory fees, reducing the financial burden on international students.
  • Students are automatically considered for IUSS when applying for admission, no separate application or extra fee is needed.
  • Designed to make studying in the USA more accessible for undergraduate students from around the world.
  • The funding is only applicable at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and cannot be transferred to other campuses.

Note: Independent Scholarship Category IUSS is distinct from the International Merit Award Scholarship and the Manoa International Excellence Scholarship, making it a unique opportunity for eligible applicants.

Who is eligible for the scholarship?

There are three types of undergraduate students entering the university; Incoming freshmen, incoming transfer, and continuing. Their eligibility requirements include:

  • International students from all nationalities can apply for the scholarship.
  • It is open to newcomers and continuing students for the UH Manoa undergraduate program.
  • The F-1 or J-1 visa status is acceptable for international students.
  • A strong academic background with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 is required.
  • The GPA or score must be verified by the admission office.
  • A high ACT or SAT score is required for the incoming freshman
  • The recipient must be a full-time student in the university.

You can also Apply for the DAAD scholarship 2025 in Germany.

Who is not eligible for IUSS?

  • Students applying for Second bachelors program.
  • Non-degree students; these students came here on an exchange program from other schools.
  • Recipient of International Merit Award Scholarship IMAS
  • Recipient of Manoa International Excellence Scholarship IMES

Duration of scholarship:

International undergraduate student scholarship is a renewable scholarship program. The duration of the scholarship depends upon the class level of the candidate in the initial semesters. The number of credit hours toward graduation is the determining factor.

  • For freshmen, the renewal limit is 4 years, which incorporate the current year as well.
  • Sophomore can get the limit of 3 years.
  • Junior students in an undergraduate program in UH make 3 years, along with current year.
  • There is a renewal limit of only the current year for senior students.

The scholarship renewal is linked with better performance and a strong academic record. If you become successful in maintaining the CGPA of 3.0, the scholarship will be renewed.

How to apply for the scholarship?

There is no need for a separate application for scholarship. You as a freshman just need to apply for admission in the university and your application is automatically considered for the international scholarship.

  • Go to the official website of the University of Hawaii.
  • Locate the admission dashboard on the website.
  • Now, in the fall admissions, fill the application form followed by registration.
  • Your application for admission will be considered in scholarship whenever the scholarship is opened.

Documents Required:

Note: Since the IUSS is awarded based on admission, once you submit these documents and get admitted, you’re automatically considered for the scholarship:

  • Complete Application Form via the UH Mānoa application portal(Apply here).
  • Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Motivation Letter explaining academic and career goals
  • Copy of Passport or National ID
  • Two recommendation letters from professors (academic referees)
  • Official Academic Transcripts: High school/secondary school transcripts (translated into English if necessary).
  • Proof of English Proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (required for non-native speakers).
  • Personal Statement / Essay:  A written statement outlining academic goals and reasons for choosing UH Mānoa.
  • Financial Statement / Bank Certification: Evidence of ability to cover remaining costs not covered by the scholarship (as required for visa and admissions).

Never do these mistakes, if you are applying for the scholarship.

Deadline:

The application process starts on 15 November and ends on 15 February.

FAQs:

Q: Do I need to submit a separate application for this scholarship?

A: No. Students are automatically considered for the IUSS when they apply for admission to UH Mānoa. There is no separate scholarship form and no application fee.

Q: Who is eligible to apply?

A: All international undergraduate students applying to UH Mānoa are considered. Strong academic performance and meeting admission requirements are important.

Q: Is this a fully funded scholarship?

A: No. The IUSS is a partially funded scholarship. 

Q: How will I know if I’ve received the scholarship?

A: Selected students are notified by UH Mānoa after admission decisions. The award will appear in the student’s financial aid package.

Q: Can transfer students apply for IUSS?

The scholarship is generally targeted toward newly admitted international undergraduate students. 

Q: When will the academic year for the scholarship applicant start?

A: IUSS only starts for the fall session. It is not open for spring academic sessions..

Q: How will I get the scholarship amount if awarded?

A: The scholarship amount will be paid to you at least 10 days before the semester starts. There is no direct payment, instead, it will be sent to your UH account.

Q: If there is a drop in CGPA in the fall semester, what will happen next?

A: The drop of CGPA in fall isn’t a problem. However, a below 3.0 CGPA in spring can be a hindrance in renewal.

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Official website:

You can jump onto the official website of the University of Hawaii Manoa international undergraduate student scholarship. It will bring a lot of new updates and information.

Feel free to drop any query in the comments related to scholarship.

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Updated by Z on Sep 11, 2025.