If you have ever dreamed of earning your undergraduate degree in the United States, Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is opening its doors to international students with generous merit-based scholarship awards for the 2026-2027 academic year. With up to $24,000 available per year in scholarship funding, this opportunity can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad in America. FDU is a well-established private university with a long history of welcoming international students, making it one of the more accessible pathways into the American higher education system.
This scholarship is designed for academically motivated undergraduate students from around the world who want to pursue their studies at a reputable American institution. Whether you are from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, or beyond, this scholarship is open to students from all countries. The award is partially funded, meaning it covers a substantial portion of your costs, and it is renewable for up to four years, giving you long-term financial support throughout your degree.
In this post, we have covered everything you need to know about the FDU Scholarship for 2026-2027. You will find details on eligibility, eligible fields of study, benefits, required documents, how to apply, key deadlines, and practical tips to help you put together a strong application.
Scholarship Overview
| Field | Information |
| Host Country | United States of America (USA) |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate |
| Funding Type | Partially funded (merit-based) |
| Deadline | Fall: July 1 / Spring: December 1 / Summer: May 1 |
| Who Can Apply | International students from all countries |
| Benefits Summary | Up to $24,000 per year in scholarship funding |
Eligibility
To be considered for the Fairleigh Dickinson University Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Open to international students from all countries. There are no citizenship restrictions.
- Academic qualifications: Applicants must have completed or be completing their secondary school education. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit, so strong academic records are essential.
- Work experience: Not required for undergraduate applicants.
- Language requirements: English is the required language of instruction. Some, but not all, international applicants will be required to submit proof of English language proficiency. Check with FDU directly to confirm if this applies to your country.
- Test scores: SAT and ACT scores are not required.
- Other requirements: Scholarship renewal is conditional on maintaining full-time enrollment, a satisfactory GPA, and remaining in good academic standing at FDU.
Important note: Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee receipt of a scholarship award. Competition is expected to be strong.
Eligible Countries
This scholarship is open to international students from all countries worldwide. There are no country restrictions listed by FDU. Here is a general indication of eligible regions:
- Africa: All African countries are eligible.
- Asia: All Asian countries are eligible.
- Americas: All countries in North, Central, and South America are eligible.
- Europe: All European countries are eligible.
- Middle East: All Middle Eastern countries are eligible.
- Oceania: All countries in the Oceania region are eligible.
If you are unsure whether your country qualifies, you can contact FDU’s admissions office directly for confirmation.
Eligible Fields of Study
The FDU Scholarship covers a wide range of undergraduate programmes. The following fields of study are currently available:
Accounting, African-American Studies, Animation, Animation Humanities, Anthropology, Art, Biology, Business, Career Studies, Civil Engineering, Computer Graphic Design, Humanities, Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Counseling, Creative Writing, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Dance, Economics, Education, Electrical Engineering, Healthcare Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Technology, Film, History, Tourism, Health Science, Languages, Law, Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Technology, Sports Administration, Music, Nursing, Organisational Studies, Public Administration.
Benefits
The FDU Scholarship offers the following financial support to successful applicants:
- Scholarship award: Up to $24,000 per year towards the cost of your studies.
- Duration: The scholarship is awarded for up to four years, in line with the standard undergraduate programme length.
- Renewable funding: The award is renewable each academic year, provided you maintain full-time enrollment, a satisfactory GPA, and remain in good standing.
- Tuition offset: The scholarship goes towards reducing your tuition costs at FDU.
Note: FDU offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, and the amount available may vary depending on your academic profile and the programme you apply for.
Required Documents
When applying to FDU, you will typically need to prepare the following documents. Check the official FDU Forms and Documents page for the most current checklist:
- Completed online international application (via FDU Apply or the Common Application).
- Official or attested copies of transcripts, mark sheets, and academic records from all secondary and post-secondary schools attended.
- Copies of diplomas, degrees, national examination results, or certificates received.
- English language proficiency test scores (required for some international applicants – confirm with FDU whether this applies to you).
- Passport or valid national identification document.
Note: SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission.
How to Apply
Follow these steps carefully to submit a strong application for the FDU Scholarship:
Step 1: Research your intended programme. Visit the official FDU website to review all available undergraduate programmes and confirm that your chosen field of study is available for the intake you are applying for.
Step 2: Check your eligibility. Review all eligibility requirements, including language proficiency requirements that may apply to applicants from your country.
Step 3: Gather your documents. Collect all required academic records, transcripts, certificates, and any language test scores. Make sure all documents are official or attested where required.
Step 4: Create your application account. Go to the FDU Apply portal or the Common Application website and create a new account using your personal email address.
Step 5: Complete the international application form. Fill in all sections of the online application carefully and accurately. Double-check every entry before moving on.
Step 6: Upload your supporting documents. Use the document upload section to attach your transcripts, certificates, and any other required items. Visit the FDU Forms and Documents page for the full checklist.
Step 7: Submit your application before the deadline. Make sure you submit your completed application before the relevant deadline for your intended intake (July 1 for Fall, December 1 for Spring, or May 1 for Summer).
Step 8: Check your application status. After submitting, log back into your account on the FDU Apply portal to monitor your application status and check for any outstanding items or communications from the admissions team.
Step 9: Respond to any follow-up requests promptly. If the admissions team contacts you for additional information or documentation, respond as quickly as possible to avoid delays.
Step 10: Await your admission and scholarship decision. FDU will notify you of your admission decision and your scholarship award through the official channels.
Key Dates and Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Opens | To be Determined |
| Fall Semester Application Deadline | July 1 |
| Spring Semester Application Deadline | December 1 |
| Summer Semester Application Deadline | May 1 (limited programmes only) |
| Shortlisting / Review | To be Determined |
| Final Admission Decision | To be Determined |
| Programme Begins | August (Fall) / January (Spring) |
Application Deadline
There are three application deadlines depending on your intended semester of entry:
- Fall (August) Semester: July 1
- Spring (January) Semester: December 1
- Summer Semester (limited programmes only): May 1
Applications submitted after these dates will NOT be accepted. Apply early to avoid any last-minute technical issues with the online portal.
Selection Criteria
FDU awards scholarships primarily on academic merit. Here is what the admissions committee takes into account:
- Academic excellence: Your grades, GPA, and overall academic performance from secondary and post-secondary school are the primary basis for award decisions. Strong academic records stand out.
- Test scores: While SAT and ACT are not required, your overall academic profile matters. High-achieving students are prioritised.
- English language proficiency: For applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds, demonstrated English ability (where required) is an important factor.
- Full-time enrollment commitment: FDU expects scholarship recipients to remain enrolled as full-time students throughout their programme.
- Good academic standing: Maintaining a satisfactory GPA after enrollment is required to keep the scholarship each year.
Important Tips
- Apply early, not at the last minute. FDU processes applications on a rolling basis, and the earlier you apply, the better your chances of being considered for scholarship funds before they are allocated.
- Submit your most complete and accurate academic records. Make sure every transcript and certificate is official, properly attested, and clearly legible. Incomplete documents can delay or disqualify your application.
- Confirm your English language requirements before applying. Not all international applicants are required to submit language test scores, but those who are must include this in their application. Contact FDU admissions to check if this applies to you.
- Use either FDU Apply or the Common Application, but not both. Choose one portal and complete your application through it. Submitting through both can cause confusion and delays.
- Regularly check your application portal after submitting. FDU may request additional documents or information after your initial submission. Log in frequently to check for updates.
- Confirm your chosen programme is offered for your intake. Not all programmes are available in every semester, particularly for the Summer intake. Verify availability before applying.
- Understand that meeting the minimum criteria is not enough. The scholarship is competitive and merit-based. Use your application to clearly present your strongest academic achievements.
- Keep copies of everything you submit. Save digital copies of all uploaded documents and correspondence with FDU admissions in case any issues arise.
- Contact FDU admissions directly if you have any doubts. The international admissions team can answer questions about your specific situation, eligibility, and required documents. Do not guess on anything that could affect your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FDU Scholarship available to students from all countries?
Yes. Fairleigh Dickinson University has not restricted this scholarship to specific countries. Students from all parts of the world are eligible to apply.
How much is the scholarship worth?
The scholarship provides up to $24,000 per year. The exact amount you receive may vary depending on your academic profile and the programme you are enrolled in.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
No. The FDU Scholarship is partially funded. It covers a significant portion of your costs, but you may still be responsible for additional expenses such as living costs, visa fees, travel, and health insurance. Contact FDU for a detailed cost breakdown.
Can I renew the scholarship every year?
Yes. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, provided you maintain full-time enrollment, a satisfactory GPA, and remain in good academic standing at FDU.
Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?
No. FDU does not require SAT or ACT scores for international applicants.
Do I need to submit an English language test score?
This depends on your background and country of origin. Some international applicants are required to submit proof of English proficiency, while others are not. You should confirm this directly with FDU admissions before submitting your application.
Can I apply for multiple intakes?
FDU accepts applications for the Fall (August), Spring (January), and Summer (limited programmes) semesters. You should apply for the intake that best fits your readiness and programme availability.
What happens if I do not maintain the required GPA?
If you fall below the required GPA or are no longer enrolled full-time, you may lose the scholarship award. It is important to maintain good academic standing throughout your degree programme to keep your funding.
Official Link
To learn more about Fairleigh Dickinson University Scholarships and to begin your application, visit the official FDU website and international admissions portal:
https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/international-students/
Need Personal Guidance to Study or Work Abroad?
You can now book for a personal guidance for your scholarship applications, visa requirements, or if you’re financially ready to study or work abroad and just need someone to walk you through the process.
Book Consultation