Studying in the United States can open doors to world-class education, career opportunities, and valuable international experiences. However, for many international students, the cost of tuition remains one of the biggest challenges when pursuing higher education abroad.
To help make education more affordable, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) offers the International Merit Scholarship Program, a generous scholarship opportunity for new international students enrolling in undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.
With awards ranging from $5,000 to $9,000 per year, these scholarships recognize academic excellence and help reduce the financial burden associated with out-of-state tuition costs.
The best part is that eligible students are automatically considered for these awards during the admissions process, meaning there is no separate scholarship application required.
About East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a public university located in Johnson City, Tennessee. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and global engagement, ETSU welcomes students from around the world to its diverse learning community.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across numerous disciplines, providing students with opportunities to pursue their academic and professional goals in a supportive environment.
Through the Office of International Enrollment and Services, ETSU assists international students with admissions, immigration support, cultural adjustment, and scholarship opportunities designed to make studying in the United States more accessible.
About the International Merit Scholarship Program
The ETSU International Merit Scholarship Program was created to attract high-achieving international students and reward strong academic performance.
Unlike many scholarship programs that require extensive applications, essays, or interviews, ETSU automatically reviews eligible applicants for scholarship consideration when they apply for admission.
The scholarship helps offset the cost of international and out-of-state tuition, making ETSU a more affordable option for students from around the world.
Scholarship Overview
The International Merit Scholarship Program offers awards for:
- Undergraduate students
- Master’s degree students
- Doctoral degree students
Scholarship amounts vary based on academic achievement and level of study.
Undergraduate Merit Scholarships
Blue Scholarship
Award Amount
- $5,000 per year
Academic Requirement
- Greater than 3.0 GPA
The Blue Scholarship is designed for students who demonstrate strong academic performance and meet ETSU’s minimum scholarship requirements.
Gold Scholarship
Award Amount
- $7,000 per year
Academic Requirement
- Greater than 3.5 GPA
Students with stronger academic records may qualify for the Gold Scholarship, which provides increased financial support.
Elite Scholarship
Award Amount
- $9,000 per year
Academic Requirement
- Greater than 3.75 GPA
The Elite Scholarship is ETSU’s highest undergraduate merit award for international students and recognizes exceptional academic achievement.
Graduate Merit Scholarships
Master’s Merit Scholarship
Award Amount
- $5,000 per year
Academic Requirement
- Greater than 3.0 GPA
This scholarship supports international students pursuing master’s degree programs at ETSU.
Doctoral Merit Scholarship
Award Amount
- $9,000 per year
Academic Requirement
- Greater than 3.0 GPA
Doctoral students demonstrating strong academic qualifications may receive one of the university’s most generous merit-based awards.
Why These Scholarships Matter
International students often face higher tuition costs than domestic students and may not qualify for many forms of financial aid available to U.S. citizens.
These scholarships help:
- Reduce out-of-state tuition costs
- Make education more affordable
- Reward academic achievement
- Encourage international student enrollment
- Support student success throughout degree completion
By providing significant tuition assistance, ETSU helps students focus more on their education and less on financial concerns.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an ETSU International Merit Scholarship, students must meet specific academic and enrollment requirements.
Admission Requirement
Applicants must:
- Be admitted to ETSU
- Enroll as degree-seeking students
Visa Requirement
Students must:
- Hold or plan to obtain a visa that allows full-time study in the United States
Academic Requirements
Freshman Applicants
Must have:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in high school coursework
Transfer Applicants
Must have:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in previous university coursework
Graduate Applicants
Must have:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies
Students Who Are Not Eligible
Certain students are excluded from the scholarship program.
Second Bachelor’s Degree Applicants
Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree are not eligible if their previous degree was earned at ETSU.
Students Receiving In-State or E-Rate Tuition
Students who qualify for reduced tuition through other programs are not eligible for these merit scholarships.
Certain Professional Programs
Students pursuing the following programs are not eligible:
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Scholarship Benefits
Significant Tuition Reduction
Awards ranging from $5,000 to $9,000 annually can substantially reduce educational expenses.
Automatic Consideration
No separate scholarship application is required.
Renewable Funding
Students who maintain eligibility requirements may continue receiving scholarship support throughout their degree program.
Recognition of Academic Excellence
The scholarship rewards students who have demonstrated strong academic performance before arriving at ETSU.
Scholarship Duration
Undergraduate Students
Scholarships may be awarded for:
- Up to 8 semesters
Students must continue meeting scholarship requirements to maintain funding.
Master’s Students
Scholarships may be awarded for:
- Up to 5 semesters
Doctoral Students
Scholarships may be awarded for:
- Up to 8 semesters
Funding duration may vary depending on program length and degree requirements.
Maintaining Your Scholarship
Receiving a scholarship is only the first step. Students must continue meeting university requirements to retain funding.
Undergraduate Students
Must maintain:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
If a student’s GPA falls below 2.75:
- A probationary semester is granted
- Scholarship funding continues during probation
If the cumulative GPA does not return to 2.75 by the end of probation:
- Scholarship eligibility is permanently lost for the remainder of the degree program
Graduate Students
Must maintain:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
Additional requirements may apply based on scholarship agreements and graduate program policies.
Full-Time Enrollment Requirement
Students must remain enrolled full-time to continue receiving scholarship funding.
Exceptions may be granted in specific circumstances approved by the university.
Scholarship Restrictions
International Merit Scholarships cannot be combined with certain other awards that already cover international or out-of-state tuition expenses.
Examples include:
Creative Arts Scholarship
STEM Community Outreach Scholarship
Honors-in-Discipline Scholarship
Graduate Assistantships
Fulbright Grants
Students receiving one of these awards should consult ETSU regarding scholarship eligibility.
Appeal Process
Undergraduate Students
Students who reach the eight-semester scholarship limit may request an extension through the university’s scholarship appeal process.
Graduate Students
Extension requests must be submitted by:
- Program Coordinators
Graduate students cannot independently request scholarship extensions.
How to Apply
One of the most attractive features of the ETSU International Merit Scholarship Program is its simple application process.
Step 1: Apply for Admission
Submit an application to ETSU as an international degree-seeking student.
Step 2: Submit Academic Records
Provide transcripts and other required admissions documents.
Step 3: Receive Automatic Scholarship Review
Eligible applicants are automatically considered for scholarship awards.
Step 4: Review Admission and Scholarship Decision
Qualified students will receive scholarship information as part of the admissions process.
No additional scholarship forms, essays, or interviews are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. All eligible international applicants are automatically considered during the admissions process.
What is the highest scholarship available?
The Elite Scholarship and Doctoral Merit Scholarship each provide up to $9,000 per year.
Can transfer students apply?
Yes. Transfer students with a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible for consideration.
Can graduate students receive scholarships?
Yes. Both master’s and doctoral students may qualify for merit scholarships.
What GPA must I maintain?
Undergraduate students must maintain a 2.75 GPA, while graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Can I combine this scholarship with a Fulbright award?
No. International Merit Scholarships cannot be combined with certain awards that already cover out-of-state tuition costs.
Final Thoughts
The ETSU International Merit Scholarship Program offers valuable financial support for international students pursuing higher education in the United States. With awards ranging from $5,000 to $9,000 annually and automatic consideration during the admissions process, the program provides an excellent opportunity for academically strong students to reduce educational costs while studying at East Tennessee State University.
Whether you are an incoming undergraduate, master’s student, or doctoral candidate, maintaining strong academic performance can help you qualify for significant scholarship funding and make your educational journey at ETSU more affordable and rewarding.