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Hawaii, the “Aloha State,” offers a unique academic environment where East meets West. Beyond the iconic beaches, Hawaii is a global leader in marine biology, astronomy, and Pacific Rim studies. For international students in 2026, the state provides some of the most innovative financial aid models in the US, including the world-renowned IWORK program, which offers a “near full-ride” for students from the Pacific and Asia.
Top Tier: University-Specific Scholarships in Hawaii
1. BYU–Hawaii IWORK Program (The “Gold Standard”)
This is one of the best financial aid packages in the US for international students from Oceania and the Asian Rim.
- Value: Covers full tuition, books, and modest living expenses in exchange for on-campus work.
- Eligibility: Must be from targeted geographic areas and demonstrate high financial need.
- Official URL: https://financialaid.byuh.edu/work-study-programs
2. UH Hilo International Student Scholarship
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo offers this to students who demonstrate academic merit.
- Value: Varies (Up to $4,000+ per year).
- Deadline: March 1st for the Fall semester.
- Official URL: https://hilo.hawaii.edu/international/scholarships.php
3. Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) Merit Scholarships
HPU offers significant merit-based aid to incoming international undergraduate students in Honolulu.
- Value: $5,000 – $15,000 per year.
- Eligibility: Automatic consideration upon admission based on GPA.
- Official URL: https://www.hpu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
4. UH Mānoa New International Student Award
The flagship campus in Honolulu provides a tuition reduction for incoming international students.
- Value: $10,000 per year (for up to 4 years).
- Official URL: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/admissions/international/scholarships.html
5. Chaminade University Merit Scholarships
A private Catholic university in Honolulu offering automatic merit aid for international freshmen.
- Value: $10,000 – $20,000 per year.
- Official URL: https://chaminade.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate-scholarships/
6. UH Hilo Pacific Islander Scholarship
Specifically for citizens of eligible Pacific Island nations (e.g., Fiji, Samoa, Tonga).
- Value: Significant tuition reduction (often near in-state rates).
- Official URL: https://hilo.hawaii.edu/international/
7. East-West Center (EWC) Graduate Degree Fellowship
For graduate students (Master’s/PhD) from Asia, the Pacific, and the US to study at UH Mānoa.
- Value: Full Tuition + Housing + Monthly Stipend.
- Official URL: https://www.eastwestcenter.org/education/student-fellowships
8. HPU Talent-Based Scholarships
Available for international students in specialized fields like music, cheer, or debate.
- Official URL: https://www.hpu.edu/financial-aid/
9. Chaminade Scholars Program
For students committed to leadership and service; provides a community environment.
- Value: $2,000 (stackable with merit aid).
- Official URL: https://chaminade.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate-scholarships/chaminade-scholars-program/
10. UH System Common Scholarship
A single application for hundreds of small donor-funded scholarships within the UH system.
- Deadline: March 2
- Official URL: https://www.hawaii.edu/tuition/scholarships/
Specialized & Pacific Rim Scholarships
11. USDA Forest Service – Pacific Islands Fellowship
For graduate students in Hawaii focused on forestry and conservation biology.
- Value: Full Tuition + Stipend + Health Insurance (2 years).
- Official URL: https://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/tcbes/
12. APIA Scholarship (Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholars)
While many are for residents, certain funds are open to international students attending Hawaiian partner colleges.
- Value: $2,500 – $20,000.
- Official URL: https://apiascholars.org/scholarship/
13. South Pacific Islander Organization (SPIO) Scholarships
For students of Melanesian, Micronesian, or Polynesian descent studying in the US.
- Official URL: https://www.southpacificislander.org/
14. Pauahi Foundation Public Scholarships
Administered for students of Native Hawaiian ancestry; some funds allow for study at mainland or Hawaii-based universities.
- Official URL: https://www.pauahi.org/scholarships/
15. Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation
For students from Hawaii (including those with international backgrounds) pursuing Business degrees.
- Value: $20,000 ($5,000/year).
- Official URL: https://fukunagascholarship.com/
Private & Foundation Awards
16. Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF)
HCF manages over 170 scholarship funds. International students should look for funds “not restricted by citizenship.”
- Official URL: https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/students
17. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (Hawaii Chapters)
Supports international women pursuing graduate study at the University of Hawaii or HPU.
- Value: Up to $12,500.
- Official URL: https://www.peointernational.org/
18. Ambassador of Aloha Scholarships
For students demonstrating the “Spirit of Aloha” through community service and leadership.
- Value: $4,000.
- Official URL: https://www.dukefoundation.org/
19. Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation
For international scholar-athletes in Hawaii involved in water sports (surfing, paddling, swimming).
- Official URL: https://www.dukefoundation.org/
20. Rotary District 5000 Global Grants
For graduate students in Hawaii focusing on international development or peace.
- Official URL: https://rotaryd5000.org/
21. Helen Hay Whitney Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
For international researchers at top-tier labs in Hawaii (e.g., Cancer Center of Hawaii).
- Official URL: https://hhwf.org/
22. Education Future International Scholarship
Specifically for Indian students pursuing degrees in Hawaii.
- Value: $2,500 – $12,000.
- Official URL: https://www.education-future.org/
23. HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union Scholarship
Available to members (including international students) with a 3.0 GPA.
- Official URL: https://www.hawaiiusafcu.com/
24. Tall Clubs International (Hawaii Interest)
For tall international students studying in the islands.
- Official URL: https://www.tall.org/scholarships.html
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is BYU-Hawaii free for international students?
Not automatically, but the IWORK program effectively covers almost all costs if you are from the Pacific/Asia and are willing to work on campus. It is widely considered one of the best “hidden” deals in US higher education.
Can international students pay in-state tuition in Hawaii?
While rare for undergraduate students, certain Pacific Islander groups and those with Graduate Assistantships at UH Mānoa can receive tuition waivers that reduce costs to in-state levels.
Is Hawaii expensive for international students?
Honolulu has a high cost of living (similar to NYC or San Francisco). However, BYU-Hawaii (Laie) and UH Hilo offer a more affordable, rural lifestyle.
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