Are you an international student looking for an affordable U.S. education with real scholarship opportunities? If so, Boise State University scholarships for foreign undergraduates deserve your attention.
Located in Boise, Idaho — one of America’s fastest-growing cities — Boise State offers strong programs in business, engineering, computer science, and health sciences. Better yet, the university provides generous merit-based scholarships for international students.
In fact, international undergraduates can earn up to $17,000 per year in combined scholarship awards. On top of that, these scholarships are automatically awarded based on your GPA. As a result, there’s no separate scholarship application needed for the main awards.
Let’s break down every scholarship option available to you as a foreign undergraduate student at Boise State.
How Much Does Boise State Cost for International Students?
Before exploring scholarships, it helps to understand the full cost. Here is the estimated cost of attendance for the 2025–2026 academic year:
| Expense | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $28,478 |
| Room and Board | $15,512 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Health Insurance | $1,778 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,198 |
| Total | $48,766 |
Compared to many private U.S. universities charging over $60,000, Boise State already offers solid value. With a $17,000 annual scholarship, your effective cost drops to roughly $31,766 per year.
Types of Boise State University Scholarships for Foreign Undergraduates
Boise State offers two main categories of merit scholarships for international students. These are the Non-Resident Scholarships and the Global Scholarships. Together, they can total up to $17,000 per year.
Non-Resident Scholarships (Ridgeline and Summit)
These scholarships are open to all non-resident applicants, including international students. They are guaranteed if you meet the GPA requirements and deadlines.
Ridgeline Scholarship — Worth $5,000 per year for students with a GPA of 3.100 to 3.299.
Summit Scholarship — Worth $10,000 per year for students with a GPA of 3.300 or above.
Both awards are available to first-year and transfer applicants. In addition, they are renewable for up to four years for first-year students and two years for transfer students.
Global Scholarships
These awards are exclusive to international students. They stack on top of the Non-Resident Scholarships for even greater savings. However, they are subject to availability. As a result, you should apply as early as possible.
Global Scholarships range from $5,000 to $7,000 per year, depending on your GPA.
Combined Scholarship Amounts by GPA
Here is exactly how much you can earn based on your cumulative GPA:
| GPA Range | Non-Resident Award | Global Award | Total Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.100 – 3.299 | $5,000 | — | $5,000 |
| 3.300 – 3.499 | $10,000 | — | $10,000 |
| 3.500 – 3.749 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| 3.750 – 3.999 | $10,000 | $6,000 | $16,000 |
| 4.000+ | $10,000 | $7,000 | $17,000 |
As you can see, a strong GPA makes a huge difference. A GPA of 3.500 alone earns you $60,000 in savings over four years.
Scholarships for Continuing International Students
Already enrolled at Boise State? You still have funding options. The university offers additional scholarships for current international students.
Global Broncos Scholarship — This competitive award waives $2,000 to $8,500 of non-resident tuition. It requires a separate application, a minimum 3.00 GPA, and proof of leadership.
Trang Doan Memorial Scholarship — This provides $300 to $600 to international students who actively participate in campus life.
Both scholarships have a May 1, 2026 deadline for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Eligibility Requirements for New Student Scholarships
To qualify for Boise State University scholarships for foreign undergraduates, you must meet these criteria:
- You must be a first-time undergraduate student at Boise State. Exchange, second-degree, and Pathway Program students are not eligible.
- You need an unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.100 or above.
- You must be classified as an Idaho non-resident for tuition purposes.
- You must study in an eligible major. Nursing, Pre-Nursing, Radiological Science, and fully online programs are excluded.
- You must attend a regionally accredited school in the U.S. or an accredited institution outside the U.S.
Transfer applicants also qualify. However, their scholarships renew for only two years.
How to Apply for Boise State Scholarships
The application process is simple and straightforward. In most cases, you don’t even need a separate scholarship application.
Step 1: Submit your admission application to Boise State through the International Admissions Office.
Step 2: Pay the application fee and upload all required documents. These include transcripts, English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo), and a passport photo.
Step 3: Make sure everything is submitted before the scholarship deadline. The key dates are:
| Semester | Scholarship Deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | October 1, 2025 |
| Fall 2026 | December 15, 2025 |
Step 4: Wait for your admission letter. Scholarship offers are included directly in your admission decision.
Step 5: For Global Broncos and other continuing student scholarships, submit a separate application through the International Student Services office by May 1.
Tips to Maximize Your Scholarship at Boise State
Focus on your GPA. Since scholarships are tied directly to your grades, even a small GPA boost can mean thousands more in funding. For example, moving from a 3.45 to a 3.50 jumps your total award from $10,000 to $15,000.
Apply early. Global Scholarships depend on availability. Completing your application early gives you the best chance.
Explore additional scholarships. Boise State’s general Scholarship Application opens in mid-November. International students can apply for other campus-wide awards through this portal.
Look into external funding too. Organizations like the Fulbright Program and EducationUSA offer additional support for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Boise State offer fully funded scholarships?
No. At this time, Boise State does not offer fully funded scholarships for undergraduates. However, you can receive up to $17,000 per year in combined merit awards.
Can I combine different scholarship types?
Yes, you can. Non-Resident Scholarships and Global Scholarships stack together automatically. You can also apply for other campus scholarships on top of these.
Are Boise State scholarships renewable?
Yes, they are. First-year scholarships renew for up to four years. Transfer scholarships renew for up to two years. You must maintain full-time enrollment and complete at least 24 credits per year.
How will I know if I received a scholarship?
Boise State includes your scholarship offer in your admission letter. Follow-up details arrive through your student email.
Final Thoughts
Boise State University scholarships for foreign undergraduates offer real savings on a quality U.S. education. With awards up to $17,000 per year and a transparent GPA-based system, the process is simple and accessible.