Eastern Michigan University Presidential Scholarship 2025 for International Students

As part of the award, students join EMU’s Honors College, gaining access to enrichment opportunities in leadership, research, and community engagement.

International Student Eligibility

To qualify, international students must meet the following criteria:

• Applicant status: High school seniors graduating in 2024 or 2025 and incoming freshman for Fall 2025 admissions.
• Academics:
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), or
  • 25 ACT or 1200 SAT (Math + Critical Reading).
  • The SAT/ACT requirement is waived if GPA ≥ 3.85.
• Application Materials: Admission application, official transcripts, and test scores submitted by December 13, 2025.
• Campus Visit: Required in-person or virtual visit during 2024 (campus tour, open house, honors session).

Candidates with excellent GPAs (>3.85) get flexibility on standardized tests. But all applicants must demonstrate leadership/community involvement, as evaluated through essays and interviews .

Application Timeline & Process

1. Apply to EMU for Fall 2025 admission, including transcripts and test results by Dec 13, 2024.
2. Submit the dedicated Presidential Scholarship application, including an essay and recommendations.
3. Complete a required 2024 visit, either virtually or on-campus.
4. Interviews: Finalists are notified by Jan 15, 2025, with interviews on Feb 8, 2025 (virtual or in-person).
5. Award Decisions: Selectees are typically informed shortly after interviews.

Scholarship Benefits & Requirements

• Financial Support: Covers full in-state tuition, room & board for four years, renewable with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, enrollment in at least 15 credits per semester, and staying in on-campus housing.
• Honors College Access: Exclusive opportunities such as priority registration, workshops, research projects, and mentorships.
• Resume Strength: Being a Presidential Scholar adds prestige and suggests leadership to future employers and grad schools.

Visa & F‑1 Student Considerations

• Recipients get Form I‑20 from EMU’s Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS), enabling F‑1 student visa applications.
• Must maintain full-time status (minimum 12 credits/semester); scholarship requires 15 credits .
• International students benefit from EMU’s Global Tuition Rate, paying in-state rates.
• F‑1 status allows on-campus employment (20 hrs/week) during studies and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.

Tips to Maximize Eligibility

• Boost your GPA to at least 3.85 to bypass test requirements and strengthen merit.
• Prepare early: Complete campus visit (virtual/in-person) in 2024.
• Craft compelling essays focusing on leadership, community impact, and future goals.
• Secure strong references: From teachers or mentors who highlight your influence and achievements.
• Practice for interviews, demonstrating your fit for EMU and Honors College participation.

Summary Timeline