For many international students, studying in the U.S. brings not just academic excitement — but also concerns about affordability. Fortunately, AUM offers a suite of scholarships explicitly designed for international undergraduates and graduate students, helping to lower tuition burden and open opportunities for global learners. This article explores exactly what’s on offer in 2025–2026, how to make the most of it, and what to watch out for.
What is AUM’s International Scholarship Program?
AUM’s International Student Scholarships aim to support both incoming and current international students (undergraduate and graduate) who pay out-of-state (international) tuition. The scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, English proficiency (for non-native English speakers), and, for some awards, program of study.
These awards are part of AUM’s broader scholarship and financial aid ecosystem, which covers a wide array of student types — but the “International Students” category ensures dedicated support for non-U.S. students from around the world.
Note: international students who receive other substantial tuition waivers (like athletic scholarships, graduate assistantships, or other tuition waivers) generally are not eligible for these scholarship awards.
What Scholarships Are Available — Undergrad & Graduate Options
Here’s a breakdown of the major scholastic awards available to international students at AUM in 2025–2026:
Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
International Undergraduate Warhawk Scholarship
- Value: $4,000 per year (i.e. $2,000 per semester, fall and spring).
- Eligibility:
- Incoming freshmen: high school GPA of 3.0 / 4.0 or qualifying English-language score: TOEFL iBT 76+, TOEFL ITP/PBT 540+, or IELTS 6.5+.
- Transfer / Exchange students: cumulative GPA of 3.0 / 4.0.
- Current AUM international students: cumulative AUM GPA of 3.25.
International Undergraduate AUM Scholarship
- Value: $2,000 per year ($1,000 per semester).
- Eligibility:
- Incoming freshmen: high school GPA of 2.75 / 4.0 or English-language proficiency: TOEFL iBT 68+, TOEFL ITP/PBT 520+, or IELTS 6.0+.
- Transfer / Exchange students: GPA of 2.75 / 4.0.
- Current AUM international students: cumulative AUM GPA of 3.0.
These two scholarships are among the main opportunities for undergraduates paying international tuition at AUM. The Warhawk Scholarship provides a more substantial reduction, while the AUM Scholarship still offers helpful support — especially when combined with other funding or savings.
Graduate Scholarships for International Students
If you plan to pursue a master’s degree (or other graduate program) at AUM, there are dedicated international-student scholarships:
International Graduate Warhawk Scholarship
- Value: $4,000 per year ($2,000 each semester — fall and spring)
- Eligibility:
- Incoming new graduate students: undergraduate GPA of 3.0 / 4.0 or English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 76+ or IELTS 6.5+).
- Current international graduate students: cumulative AUM GPA of 3.5.
International Graduate AUM Scholarship
- Value: $2,000 per year ($1,000 each semester)
- Eligibility:
- New graduate students: undergraduate GPA of 2.75 / 4.0 or English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 68+, TOEFL ITP/PBT 520+, or IELTS 6.0+.
- Current students: cumulative AUM GPA of 3.25.
International Graduate Focus Scholarship
- Value: Up to $10,000 for the duration of the graduate program (dependent on program and eligibility).
- Eligible Programs: Graduate-level tracks such as Applied Economics; Computer Information Systems & Cyber Security; Computer Science; Management Information Systems; Business Administration (MBA); Political Science; Public Administration (MPA); Liberal Arts (MLA); and other approved disciplines.
These graduate scholarships aim to support international students pursuing advanced degrees in high-demand or institutional priority fields.
General Criteria & Conditions
Across the AUM international scholarship offerings, eligibility generally follows these principles:
- International (out-of-state) tuition status: Scholarships are for students paying full international tuition; recipients of other major tuition waivers (e.g. athletic, assistantships) are usually excluded.
- Full-time enrollment: Most scholarships require that students be enrolled full-time (fall and spring semesters).
- Academic merit & English proficiency: Incoming or transfer students need a qualifying GPA (or high school GPA for freshmen) and — if applicable — a valid English-language test score (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native English speakers.
- Renewal requirements for continuing students: For scholarships to continue beyond the first year, students must often maintain a minimum GPA (e.g., 3.0 or 3.25 depending on the award) and stay enrolled full-time.
- Program restrictions (graduate-focus scholarship): Some graduate scholarships target specific programs/disciplines; eligibility depends on being admitted into one of those fields.
What the Scholarships Cover — What You Can Expect vs What You Should Plan For
What they cover:
- Reduction of yearly tuition out-of-pocket costs — especially significant for international students paying out-of-state fees. (Example: $4,000 or $2,000 reductions for undergrads; $4,000, $2,000, or up to $10,000 for graduates).
- More manageable overall cost of studying — when combined with personal savings or external funding, makes U.S. education more accessible for international students.
- The potential for multi-year support (if renewal criteria are met), especially for undergraduate awards.
What they don’t usually cover:
- These are tuition scholarships only — they don’t guarantee support for housing, living expenses, health insurance, flights, visa fees, or personal costs. AUM’s documentation emphasizes that scholarships apply toward tuition.
- Because amounts are relatively modest (especially for the $2,000–$4,000 awards), you should budget carefully. Tuition reduction helps — but you’ll need to cover other costs yourself.
- Scholarships may require continued academic performance and full-time enrollment; failing to meet GPA or credit-load criteria may result in loss of the award.
- For graduate students, not all programs qualify (for example, to get the Graduate Focus Scholarship, you must enroll in one of a select list of approved programs).
How to Apply for 2025/2026 Applicants
To apply for AUM’s international scholarships, follow this general roadmap:
- Apply and get admitted to AUM — apply to Auburn as an international applicant directly to the university or via Auburn Global (undergraduate or graduate). You must be admitted before or during scholarship consideration windows.
- Ensure you meet English proficiency requirements (if not a native English speaker) — submit valid TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- Once admitted, explore the AUM scholarships page under “International Students” — this lists current scholarship opportunities and details.
- Complete any scholarship application form or follow institutional instructions — some awards may need a separate application or submission after admission (e.g. for graduate focus scholarships). For many scholarships, award is based on admission + meeting eligibility.
- Maintain eligibility if you are a continuing student — keep required GPA, credit load, and stay enrolled full-time to retain your award year to year.
- If eligible for an external scholarship (from donor or scholarship agency), apply separately via the AUM External Scholarships guidance.
Renewal rules & continuation requirements
Many Auburn scholarships — particularly the large competitive merit scholarships — are renewable for multiple years provided students meet academic conditions. Typical renewal requirements include:
- Minimum GPA: often a 3.0 unadjusted Auburn GPA (check the specific scholarship’s renewal criteria).
- Minimum credit load: e.g., completion of at least 24 Auburn credit hours over the academic year (fall to spring) for renewal.
- Satisfactory academic progress: scholarships will be reviewed at the end of the spring semester and are contingent on continued full-time enrollment.
Graduate assistantships are normally renewed semester-to-semester or academic year-to-year depending on funding and performance; ask your department for precise terms.
How to Maximize Your Chances
Based on what AUM offers and how scholarships are structured, here are some tips if you plan to apply:
- Ensure English proficiency early: if you’re a non-native English speaker, aim to meet or exceed the TOEFL/IELTS thresholds before applying. That avoids complications later.
- Aim for GPA thresholds (or above): a 3.0+ GPA (or 2.75+) increases your chances for the higher-value scholarships.
- Apply early (as soon as you get admission: many of these scholarships are competitive and may be awarded on a first-come or merit-based basis.
- Plan for living costs separately: since scholarships mostly cover tuition, prepare to fund housing, food, transport, and other living expenses. Budget carefully.
- Explore external scholarships/funding: combine AUM’s institutional aid with other grants, loans, or scholarships from home country or international organisations (if allowed). AUM’s external-scholarship listing is a helpful place to start.
- For graduate applicants: pick eligible degree programs: if you want the Graduate Focus Scholarship, choose from the list of approved programs to ensure eligibility.
- Maintain good academic standing: to keep the scholarship year to year, don’t fall below the GPA or credit requirements.
- Communicate with AUM’s admissions / scholarship office: especially if you have unusual circumstances (delayed transcripts, visa issues, prior education) — to confirm your eligibility and application status.
Official Links
- Official Scholarship Website (Undergraduates and Graduates)
- Competitive Merit Scholarships (undergraduate)
- International Admissions (how international applicants apply and scholarship dates)
- Dates & Deadlines (scholarship timeline)
- Scholarship FAQ (how AUSOM works and priority dates)
Conclusion
AUM offers useful and meaningful scholarship support for international students (both undergrad and grad) which can significantly reduce out-of-state tuition costs. Especially for students coming from countries where education financing is challenging, these scholarships make a U.S. degree more achievable and financially manageable.
At the same time, because the scholarships are partial tuition awards, don’t cover living costs, and require ongoing academic performance, successful applicants need to have a broader financial plan. Savings, external support, or part-time work (as allowed by visa rules) may still be needed. For motivated, academically strong international students, especially those willing to budget carefully, AUM’s International Student Scholarships can be a strong foundation.
