Pacific Lutheran International Scholarships 2027: Up to $32,000 Per Year for Undergraduates
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Pacific Lutheran University International Undergraduate Student Scholarships |
| Funded by | Pacific Lutheran University |
| Host country | United States |
| Study level | International undergraduate first-year and transfer students |
| Coverage | International Merit Awards of US$8,000–$32,000 per year, plus possible housing, visit, artistic, and country/region awards |
| Deadline | December 1, 2026 PLU application deadline for Presidential Scholarship consideration; merit awards have no separate application |
| Official source | Pacific Lutheran University scholarship page |
This guide is for applicants who want a high-value scholarship with a real upcoming deadline and a clear official source. It is especially useful if you are comparing U.S. and New Zealand undergraduate options against broader scholarship lists such as our scholarship calendar and scholarships closing November–December 2026.
What Does It Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| International merit | US$8,000-$32,000 per year for international first-year and transfer students. |
| No separate merit application | PLU says the international merit award application is not required. |
| Housing grant | US$2,500 per year renewable housing grant for students who live on campus. |
| Regional access grant | US$2,000 per year International Access Grant for listed countries and Nordic-region sophomore-standing students. |
Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Be an international student without U.S. citizenship or permanent residency for the merit award.
- Apply to PLU as an undergraduate first-year or transfer applicant.
- Complete the PLU application by December 1 for Presidential Scholarship consideration.
- Live on campus if seeking the housing grant.
- Submit separate arts materials if pursuing Artistic Achievement Awards.
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for the international merit category.
- You miss the December 1 PLU application date for Presidential Scholarship consideration.
- You expect the housing grant without living on campus.
- You expect artistic awards without the required separate arts application.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Apply to PLU as an international undergraduate applicant.
Do this before moving to the next stage; keep confirmations and screenshots where available.
Step 2: Submit by December 1 if you want Presidential Scholarship consideration.
Do this before moving to the next stage; keep confirmations and screenshots where available.
Step 3: Review your admission scholarship package for automatic international merit awards.
Do this before moving to the next stage; keep confirmations and screenshots where available.
Step 4: If you plan to live on campus, complete housing steps after admission and deposit.
Do this before moving to the next stage; keep confirmations and screenshots where available.
Step 5: Submit arts scholarship materials if applying in studio art, media/design, dance, theatre, or music.
Do this before moving to the next stage; keep confirmations and screenshots where available.
How This Scholarship Compares
| Scholarship | Value | Key Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Lutheran International Merit → | $8,000-$32,000/yr | Dec 1 for Presidential route |
| ACU International Merit → | Up to $22,000/yr | Admission + Dec 1 honors priority |
| Boise State International Scholarships → | $5,000-$17,000/yr | Oct 1 / Dec 15 |
Use this comparison to decide whether this award should be a primary application or a backup alongside other options. For broader U.S. alternatives, also review the Mizzou international scholarships guide, the Boise State international scholarships guide, and the University of Oregon international scholarships guide.
Insider Tips
1. Because the main merit award needs no separate application, strengthen the admission application itself
Because the main merit award needs no separate application, strengthen the admission application itself.
2. Use December 1 as the practical deadline if you want leadership-linked Presidential consideration
Use December 1 as the practical deadline if you want leadership-linked Presidential consideration.
3. If you are from a listed region or country, ask admissions how the International Access Grant is applied
If you are from a listed region or country, ask admissions how the International Access Grant is applied.
4. Do not double-count every award
Do not double-count every award; confirm stackability and restrictions directly with PLU.
5. Artists should prepare portfolios or auditions early rather than waiting for admission results
Artists should prepare portfolios or auditions early rather than waiting for admission results.
Documents to Prepare
| Document | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Admission application | Most institutional scholarships start with admission or require an admission offer. |
| Academic transcripts | Used to judge academic fit, merit, and sometimes award level. |
| English proficiency evidence | International applicants usually need proof of English readiness. |
| Passport/citizenship details | Confirms international-fee or visa category eligibility. |
| Essay, video, portfolio, or statement | Some awards use these to judge leadership, fit, or intercultural contribution. |
| Financial proof | Partial scholarships still require proof that you can cover remaining costs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can international students receive?
The PLU flyer lists International Merit Awards of $8,000-$32,000 per year.
Is there a separate application for the merit award?
No. The flyer says application is not required for International Merit Awards.
What is the deadline to watch?
Complete the PLU application by December 1 for Presidential Scholarship consideration.
Timeline Table
| Date / Window | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Now–Nov 2026 | Prepare PLU application and arts materials if applicable. |
| Dec 1, 2026 | PLU application deadline for Presidential Scholarship consideration. |
| Early Feb 2027 | Presidential Scholarship selections notified, per flyer. |
| After admission/deposit | Housing grant steps if living on campus. |
Your Action Plan
1. Open the official scholarship page and confirm the latest cycle wording.
2. Check that your intended start term, degree level, and citizenship status match the eligibility rules.
3. Create a deadline calendar with admission, scholarship, document, and deposit dates separated.
4. Prepare transcripts, passport, proof of English, financial documents, recommendation requests, and any essay/video materials.
5. Submit at least several days early so portal or recommender delays do not cost the award.
Final Deadline Warning
The dates above were verified from official scholarship or university pages during the September 16, 2026 research run. Scholarship pages can change without notice, so treat the official page as the final authority before submitting.
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