University of Alabama International Freshman Scholarships 2027: Automatic Merit Awards and Deadlines
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | University of Alabama Out-of-State & International Freshman Scholarships |
| Funded by | The University of Alabama |
| Coverage | Automatic annual merit awards from $6,000 to $28,000, plus Presidential Elite listed as Tuition+ |
| Deadline | November 2, 2026 for Spring 2027; December 4, 2026 for Summer/Fall 2027 application and official score reports |
| Eligible level | First-time freshman undergraduate applicants, including international students |
| Official source | `afford.ua.edu/scholarships/international/` |
The University of Alabama publishes a clear automatic scholarship table for out-of-state and international first-time freshmen. The biggest advantage is transparency: if your GPA and official test score fit a listed tier, you can see the yearly scholarship value before comparing other U.S. options like Boise State International Scholarships or Michigan State International Scholarships.
What Does It Cover?
| Scholarship | ACT | SAT | GPA | Yearly Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crimson Legends | 25-26 | 1200-1250 | 3.50+ | $6,000 |
| Capstone | 27 | 1260-1290 | 3.50+ | $8,000 |
| Collegiate | 28 | 1300-1320 | 3.50+ | $10,000 |
| Foundation in Excellence | 29 | 1330-1350 | 3.50+ | $15,000 |
| UA Scholar | 30-31 | 1360-1410 | 3.50+ | $24,000 |
| Presidential | 32-36 | 1420-1600 | 3.50+ | $28,000 |
| Presidential Elite | 36 | 1600 | 4.0+ | Tuition+ |
UA states automatic scholarships are included in the UA Undergraduate App and do not require an additional scholarship application. Competitive scholarships are also available and are awarded through holistic review of academic and non-academic information.
Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Apply as an out-of-state or international first-time freshman.
- Meet the GPA and test-score criteria for automatic merit scholarship consideration.
- Submit official ACT or SAT scores if you want automatic scholarships.
- Submit your application and official score reports by the deadline for your entry term.
- Use scores from a single test date; UA says it does not use superscores for scholarship purposes.
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You do not submit official test scores for automatic scholarship review.
- Your GPA is below 3.50 for the automatic table shown on the official page.
- You miss the deadline and scholarship funds are no longer available.
- You are not a first-time freshman applicant.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Check your GPA and single-date test score
Match your GPA and official ACT/SAT score against the UA table. For automatic scholarship purposes, UA uses the composite ACT or total SAT from a single test date, not superscores.
Step 2: Apply through the UA Undergraduate App
UA says automatic merit scholarships are included in the undergraduate application and do not require an additional application.
Step 3: Send official scores early
Self-reported scores may help admission review, but UA requires official score reports for automatic merit scholarship eligibility. Order score reports well before the deadline.
Step 4: Submit by the correct entry-term deadline
For Spring 2027, application and official score reports are due November 2. For Summer/Fall 2027, they are due December 4.
Step 5: Use the competitive scholarship route too
Students who do not submit test scores may still be eligible for competitive scholarships, and high-scoring students can also be reviewed holistically for additional opportunities.
Comparison With Similar Automatic Scholarship Programs
| Program | Best fit | Published value | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama International Freshman Scholarships | Strong test-score applicants who want a published automatic table | $6,000-$28,000/yr; Presidential Elite Tuition+ | Nov 2 / Dec 4 |
| Boise State International Scholarships | GPA-focused applicants wanting merit tiers without full-ride expectations | $5,000-$17,000/yr | Oct 1 / Dec 15 |
| Michigan State International Scholarships | International first-years seeking broad institutional options | $3,000-$15,000/yr + Honors College awards | Nov 1 |
| Miami University Ohio | Applicants combining automatic merit with full-ride competitive PFP | Up to 50% tuition/fees or PFP full tuition/fees/housing/food | Dec 1 |
Insider Tips
1. Do not confuse admission test policy with scholarship test policy
UA’s page specifically says test scores are required for automatic scholarships. If you go test-optional, you may still receive competitive consideration, but you give up the automatic table route.
2. Send official scores before the deadline
The deadline is not just for the application; UA says application and official score reports are due by the listed date.
3. Use a single best test date
Because UA does not use superscores for scholarship purposes, identify your strongest complete ACT or SAT sitting.
4. Compare net cost, not sticker scholarship value
A $28,000 yearly award can still leave housing, insurance, meals, books, travel, and personal expenses. Build a full cost worksheet before deciding.
5. Keep competitive scholarships in play
Leadership, service, work experience, and accomplishments may matter for competitive scholarships, so do not submit a bare-minimum application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are international students eligible for the same automatic table as out-of-state students?
Yes. The official page states scholarship values and names are identical for out-of-state and international students.
What is the highest automatic scholarship listed?
The Presidential level is $28,000 per year for ACT 32-36 or SAT 1420-1600 with GPA 3.50+. The Presidential Elite line is listed as Tuition+ for ACT 36 or SAT 1600 with GPA 4.0+.
Does UA superscore for scholarships?
No. UA states it does not use superscores for scholarship purposes.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
UA says students who did not meet the priority deadline may be considered on a funds-available basis.
Timeline Table
| Date | Task |
|---|---|
| September 2026 | Compare ACT/SAT and GPA against the scholarship table |
| October 2026 | Send official scores and finish application materials |
| November 2, 2026 | Spring 2027 application and official score reports due |
| December 4, 2026 | Summer/Fall 2027 application and official score reports due |
| After admission | Review automatic and competitive scholarship offer details |
Your Action Plan
1. Confirm you are a first-time freshman applicant.
2. Identify your best single ACT or SAT test date.
3. Submit the UA Undergraduate App before your entry-term deadline.
4. Order official score reports early enough to arrive by the deadline.
5. Compare the award against Miami University Ohio International Scholarships and Berea College International Scholarships if your goal is maximum cost coverage.
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