24 Best Scholarships in Virginia for International Students

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Finding scholarships in Virginia USA for international students provides a gateway to some of the most historic and academically rigorous institutions in the United States. For the 2026/2027 academic cycle, Virginia’s “Public Ivies”—including the University of Virginia (UVA) and William & Mary—along with research giants like Virginia Tech, are offering significant financial pathways for global scholars. Whether you are pursuing cybersecurity in Northern Virginia, aerospace engineering in Blacksburg, or international relations in Williamsburg, the “Old Dominion” state offers a mix of fully-funded graduate fellowships, merit-based tuition waivers, and specialized leadership awards.

Navigating financial aid for international students in Virginia is particularly strategic due to the state’s proximity to Washington, D.C., which attracts a high concentration of private foundations and international NGOs that fund specialized research. While many state-funded grants (like the VTAG) are restricted to local residents, Virginia’s top universities offer competitive “Global Excellence” awards that can cover a substantial portion of tuition and living expenses for high-achieving international applicants.

Top Tier: University-Specific Scholarships

1. University of Virginia (UVA): Alumni Association Scholarships

The UVA Alumni Association administers over 250 scholarships, many of which are open to international students.

Value: Up to Full Tuition, Room, and Board.
Requirement: Often independent of the university’s general financial aid process.
Official URL: https://uvaalumni.org/scholarships/

2. Virginia Tech: Graduate University Scholarship

A highly competitive, fully-funded package for international graduate students across all fields.

Value: $34,000 annual stipend + Full Tuition Waiver + Health Insurance.
Requirement: Admission to a graduate program; based on merit and research potential.
Official URL: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/funding/

3. George Mason University (GMU): International Merit Scholarships

GMU automatically considers international undergraduate applicants for these merit-based awards.

Value: Up to $20,000 per year ($80,000 total).
Deadline: November 1 (Priority).
Official URL: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/scholarships

4. William & Mary: International Student Achievement Awards

Awarded each spring to international students who distinguish themselves in leadership and service.

Value: $700 – $1,500 (Often used as a stipend on top of other aid).
Requirement: Faculty nomination; must be a currently enrolled student.
Official URL: https://www.wm.edu/revescenter/

5. University of Richmond: Presidential Scholarship

One of the most generous private university awards in Virginia, open to international students.

Value: Full-Tuition + $3,000 research stipend.
Deadline: December 1
Official URL: https://admission.richmond.edu/scholarships/

6. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU): Presidential Scholarship

VCU’s most prestigious award for incoming freshmen, including international students.

Value: Full Tuition, Room, and Board.
Official URL: https://finaid.vcu.edu/types/scholarships/

7. James Madison University (JMU): International Student Scholarship

JMU provides merit-based aid to help international students offset the cost of attendance.

Value: $5,000 – $10,000 per year.
Official URL: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/international/

8. Old Dominion University (ODU): International Merit Scholarship

Awarded to high-achieving international undergraduates based on high school GPA.

Value: Up to $10,000 per year.
Official URL: https://www.odu.edu/admission/scholarships/international

9. Washington and Lee University: Johnson Scholarship

A premier merit scholarship open to international students at this elite liberal arts college.

Value: Full Tuition, Room, Board, and a $7,000 summer stipend.
Official URL: https://www.wlu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/

10. Marymount University: International Merit Award

Located near D.C., Marymount offers significant aid to international students.

Value: Up to $15,000 per year.
Official URL: https://marymount.edu/admissions/scholarships/

Specialized & STEM Scholarships

11. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) Visual Arts Fellowship

Open to international students studying art or art history at a Virginia institution.

Value: Up to $8,000.
Deadline: November 7
Official URL: https://www.vmfa.museum/fellowships/

12. Helen Hay Whitney Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

For international researchers conducting life science research at Virginia research labs.

Value: 3 years of full funding.
Official URL: https://hhwf.org/

13. Virginia Space Grant Consortium (NASA)

For international students (per NASA policy) participating in aerospace research at VA universities.

Value: $2,000 – $8,500.
Official URL: https://vsgc.odu.edu/

14. VAPB Broadcast Journalism Scholarship

For international students in VA or WV pursuing degrees in broadcast journalism.

Value: $2,000.
Deadline: January 31
Official URL: https://www.vapb.org/

15. CVBIA Young Designers’ Scholarship

For international students in Virginia pursuing design, architecture, or related creative fields.

Value: $1,500.
Deadline: May 29
Official URL: https://www.cvbia.com/

Foundation & Community Awards

16. Education Future International Scholarship

Specifically for Indian nationals studying at any Virginia university.

Value: INR 2 lakhs to 10 lakhs.
Official URL: https://www.education-future.org/

17. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (VA Chapters)

Supports international women pursuing graduate studies in Virginia.

Value: Up to $12,500.
Official URL: https://www.peointernational.org/

18. Northern Virginia Community Foundation Scholarships

Manages various funds; many are open to international students attending GMU or Marymount.

Official URL: https://www.cfnova.org/scholarships

19. Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures™ Scholarships

Available to international students working at Virginia-based Chick-fil-A locations.

Value: Up to $25,000.
Official URL: https://www.chick-fil-a.com/scholarships

20. Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships

For tall international students studying in Virginia.

Value: $2,000.
Deadline: March 1
Official URL: https://www.tall.org/scholarships.html

21. Rotary District 7570/7610 Global Grants

For international graduate students in VA focusing on global health or conflict resolution.

Official URL: https://www.rotary.org/

22. Lincoln-Lane Scholarship

Specifically for students in the Tidewater/Hampton Roads area, including eligible international residents.

Value: $3,000.
Deadline: November 15
Official URL: https://lincoln-lane.org/

23. Hagan Scholarship Foundation

A merit-based award for high-achieving students from rural areas attending Virginia colleges.

Value: Up to $60,000 total.
Deadline: December 1
Official URL: https://haganscholarships.org/

24. EveryLife Foundation #RAREis Scholarship Fund

For international students in Virginia living with a rare disease.

Value: $5,000.
Official URL: https://scholarshipamerica.org/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does UVA provide full-ride scholarships for international students?

While UVA is primarily need-aware for international students, they offer highly competitive merit awards through the Alumni Association and the Ridley Scholarship Program that can cover the full cost of attendance.

Is Virginia Tech a good option for international graduate students?

Excellent. Virginia Tech offers one of the most comprehensive graduate funding packages in the state, often including a $34,000 stipend and a full tuition waiver, making it very popular for STEM and research-focused students.

Can international students get in-state tuition in Virginia?

Typically, no. Most state-funded tuition assistance programs like VTAG are reserved for Virginia residents who are US citizens or permanent residents. However, institutional merit scholarships often act as a tuition discount for global students.

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24 Best Scholarships in Virginia USA for International Students 2026: The Ultimate Guide