Rice University Scholarships: Complete Details

Are you looking for scholarships that will get you through Rice University in the United States? Rice University is one of the prestigious universities which ranks #141 in the QS World Ranking 2025. The university provides its international students with several scholarships, which are awarded to outstanding students. For all those looking to receive a scholarship at Rice University, we have prepared a blog to guide the various scholarships available. Read this blog to know more.  

Top Reasons to Study at Rice University Scholarships

There are many reasons to study at Rice University, which include an excellent academic background, strong research opportunities, a diverse student body, and vibrant campus life. Apart from this, the university also offers several scholarship programs to its international students, which makes it possible for all international students to attend this prestigious university.

Speaking of which, here are the top reasons why one should choose to study at Rice University:

• Academics: Rice University ranks #18 among all the national universities in the US, and even according to the World Report 2023-2024 rankings. Apart from this, it also offers its students several undergraduate and graduate programs in subjects like the arts, science, engineering, business, etc. 
• Diverse students: Looking at Rice University’s student body, it is considered to be one of the most diverse in the US. Students from all over the world with varied backgrounds come to study at this university. 
• Scholarships: Rice University offers a generous amount of scholarships to its students. This allows the students to attend this prestigious university regardless of their financial status.
• Research Opportunities: For all those who don’t know, Rice University is a research university with over USD 1.4 billion in research expenditures in 2022. Here, the students get exposed to several opportunities where they can participate in research projects. 

List of Scholarships at Rice University for International Students

Getting a scholarship at Rice University is very simple; it not only helps the student financially but also allows them to study at their dream university. But are you worried about which scholarship will be best suited for you? Well, worry not, as we at Leverage Edu have compiled a list of scholarships that are offered to international students and will be best for you. 

Merit-based scholarships are provided in the form of college scholarships, tuition waivers, and awards. These types of scholarships are often awarded by universities and colleges. In some cases, several companies and organisations even offer scholarships. Here is a list of merit-based scholarships which are offered to students at Rice University. 

Scholarship Name	About the Scholarship	Eligibility Criteria
President’s Scholarship	This scholarship is the most esteemed one that Rice University offers, and it is entirely renewable for the duration of the undergraduate programme.	A minimum unweighted GPA of 4.0 and a composite SAT or ACT score of 1520 or 35 are required of the students. A CV detailing their extracurricular interests and achievements, letters of recommendation, and a compelling application essay are also required.
Trustee Distinguished Scholarship	This full scholarship is awarded to outstanding students who show a demonstrated financial need.	A full Rice University application, together with the necessary exam results, essays, and transcripts, must be submitted by applicants.
National Merit Scholarship Corporation Scholarship	At Rice University, merit-based scholarships such as the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) Scholarship are given to students who have shown extraordinary academic accomplishment.	Students who have been admitted to Rice University and who are National Merit Semifinalists or Finalists are eligible.
James A. Baker III Scholarship	It is a merit-based grant given to first-year students who show promise for leadership, academic achievement, and dedication to public service.	In order to qualify for the James A. Baker III Scholarship, applicants must have an ACT score of 33 or a SAT score of 1500, with a minimum weighted GPA of 4.0. They also need to submit a letter of recommendation from a mentor or teacher, as well as an essay detailing their dedication to public service.
Hispanic Heritage Foundation Scholarship	Only those students will be eligible who are of Hispanic descent, a US citizens, have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and are admitted to Rice University as first-year students.	Only those students will be eligible who are of Hispanic descent, a US citizens, have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and are admitted to Rice University as first-year students.

Also Read: Newcastle University Scholarships for International Students: A Guide

How to Apply for Scholarships at Rice University?

There are two ways you can apply for scholarships at Rice University. Here are both the ways through which you can apply:

• Application-based scholarship: For this, Rice University provides some scholarships where the student will be required to fill out a separate application form. To apply for these scholarships, the student will be required to fill in an application form, and transcripts, submit English language proficiency test scores, submit a letter of recommendation and submit a personal statement.
• Automatically-considered scholarships: All students who get admission to Rice University are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, such as the President’s Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship, and National Merit Scholarship Corporation Scholarship. There is no separate application required for this scholarship. 

Eligibility Criteria for Rice University Scholarships

The requirements for Rice University scholarships vary depending on whether you’re applying for merit-based, need-based, or program-specific awards. Here are some of the eligibility criteria for the Rice University scholarships.

1. Academic Excellence: Rice University seeks students with outstanding academic performance. Applicants should have:

• A strong GPA in high school or undergraduate studies (typically 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale).
• Competitive standardised test scores (SAT/ACT for undergraduates or GRE/GMAT for graduates, if required).
• Consistent academic achievement 

2. English Language Proficiency: International students must demonstrate English proficiency through any of the following:

Test	Minimum Required Score
TOEFL iBT	100 or higher
IELTS	7.0 or higher
Duolingo English Test	120 or higher

3. Leadership and Extracurricular Involvement: Merit-based scholarships at Rice often reward students who exhibit:

• Leadership roles in school or community activities
• Volunteer experience or social impact projects
• Achievements in arts, sports, innovation, or entrepreneurship

4. Financial Need (for Need-Based Scholarships): Students applying for need-based scholarships must provide financial documentation through:

• CSS Profile (for international students)
• FAFSA (for U.S. citizens or permanent residents)

5. Program-Specific or Departmental Requirements: Certain scholarships may have additional eligibility conditions, such as:

• Submitting a personal essay or research proposal

• Enrolling in a specific major (e.g., Engineering, Humanities, or Business)

• Maintaining a minimum GPA during your course

Also Read: How to Win Study Abroad Scholarships in 2025?

Documents Required for Scholarship at Rice University

Although the documents required for each scholarship vary, however, we have compiled a list of documents that will be asked by the student to submit while filling out the application form.

• Scholarship application form
• English language proficiency test scores such as SAT, IELTS, or TOEFL 
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal Statement 

Key Dates for Rice University Scholarships 2026

Here are some of the key dates for Rice University scholarships in 2026, which you should keep in mind as a potential candidate:

Event	Deadline/Date	Details
Early Decision I (ED I) Deadline	November 1, 2025	Application deadline for Early Decision I. Students can also apply for scholarships during this time.
Early Decision II (ED II) & Regular Decision (RD) Deadline	January 1, 2026	Application deadline for Early Decision II and Regular Decision. Also applies to most scholarship applications.
Financial Aid Application (CSS Profile, ISFS, and Tax Documents)	January 1, 2026	Deadline for submitting financial aid documents for both domestic and international students.
International Student Financial Documentation	Before Admission Confirmation	International students not applying for financial aid must show proof of funds for their first year.
Program-Specific Scholarship Deadlines	Varies by Department	Some scholarships may have different deadlines; always check program-specific requirements.

FAQs

Related Articles 

Top University of Windsor Scholarships for International Students 2025	Brock University Scholarships for International Students 2025
Masters in Architecture in Canada Scholarships	Mount Royal University Scholarships 2025
Carleton University Scholarships 2024: Eligibility, Rewards & Application Process	7 Best University of Ottawa Scholarships 2025

Exploring study abroad scholarships? Not sure how to go about it? Let the professionals at Leverage Edu take care of your academic journey! You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so that you can realise your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.