I'm thinking about applying to NYU as an international undergrad and I'm curious about the scholarship requirements. Could anyone share what they're looking for and if there's anything in particular that helps applicants stand out?
New York University offers several scholarships for international undergraduate students, including the NYU Global Scholarships and/or the NYU Abu Dhabi or NYU Shanghai Merit Scholarships, among others.
The scholarship criteria vary from one program to another but generally, all of them highly value academic achievement, leadership qualities, and unique talents or accomplishments. The scholarships are highly competitive and recipients often excel in their academics and extracurricular activities.
The Global, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai scholarships particularly seek students with strong leadership potential, significant work in community service and co-curricular activities, diverse experiences, and academic excellence. They also consider how students will benefit from and contribute to the NYU international community.
To stand out in the competitive pool, it's crucial to portray a compelling narrative about your personal and academic journey throughout your application. Concrete examples and specifics about your leadership, participation in community service or other extracurricular activities, and unique accomplishments—especially those illustrating how you've overcome challenges—can highlight your determination, resilience, and commitment to personal growth.
Being international, you bring a unique perspective that can contribute to the diversity and richness of the NYU community. If there are elements of your background or experiences that are particularly unique, including how your international background informs your perspective, be sure to let that shine through in your application.
Lastly, remember that the financial aid application (including the CSS Profile) must be submitted at the same time as your application for admission. Make sure you complete and submit these on time to be considered for these scholarships.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.