Global Access Program Scholarship (First-Year Students)
This scholarship is targeted at increasing student access to the high-quality programs offered at the University of California, Merced and providing international students (and non-resident students) the opportunity to thrive at a research university. The Global Access Program Scholarship provides $20,000 a year for 4 years for eligible first-year international and non-resident students with a GPA of 3.25 or higher.
In order to be eligible, students must be:
1. On an F-1 student visa or non-CA domestic student
2. Enrolled full-time in a major
3. Received a GPA 3.25 at point of admission
4. Apply to UC Merced by Nov. 30 and gain admission to UC Merced
Students do not need to apply for the Global Access Program Scholarship. This scholarship is automatically considered when the above factors are met. Students will be automatically notified upon admission to UC Merced. Requirements to maintain the scholarship include a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA, full-time enrollment of 12 credit hours per semester, and meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements while at UC Merced.
Any questions about the UC Merced Global Access Program Scholarship for international first year students should be directed to Mandy Loh, International Admissions Recruiter mandyloh@ucmerced.edu.
Transfer Student Scholarship for International Students
UC Merced invites new international transfer and continuing international undergrads to apply for the UC Merced International Student Scholarship. The Scholarship is a competitive award for international degree-seeking undergraduates.
In order to be eligible, students must be:
1. On an F-1 student visa
2. Enrolled full-time in a program of study
3. In good academic standing
International Student Scholarship is awarded competitively. Because the International Student Scholarship is a competitive award, not all applicants will receive awards. For those who do receive awards, amounts awarded may vary depending on the relative strengths of the applications received. For the 2024-25 academic year, it is anticipated that Scholarship award amounts will be between $5,000 and $10,000 (note: the continuation of the Scholarship in 2025-26 and subsequent years is dependent on its continued funding). Awards will be disbursed in two payments of 50% of the total amount awarded: the first payment will be issued in Fall Semester, the second in Spring Semester. Eligible students may apply for the Scholarship in subsequent years.
Students who receive the Scholarship are expected to share their international perspective when opportunities are available. Opportunities may include, for instance, participation in events or activities such as International Education Week, the Conversation Partner Program, and student organizations.
The scholarship application can be found by clicking this link here.
Any questions about the UC Merced International Student Scholarship for transfer students should be directed to International Students and Scholars iss@ucmerced.edu.
