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Dreaming of pursuing a world-class education in the United States? The Texas A&M University (TAMU) Scholarships for International Students for the 2026-2027 academic year offer an incredible opportunity to turn that dream into reality. TAMU, a top-tier research institution, provides various scholarship programs—including the International Education Fee Scholarship (IEFS) and the prestigious George J. Eppright ’26 International Student Award—to support academically talented international undergraduates and graduates. These awards vary in coverage, offering valuable benefits such as direct monetary awards (e.g., $1,000 to over $4,000 annually) and, in some cases, tuition assistance through programs like the Good Neighbor Program, which significantly reduces the financial burden of a U.S. degree. Securing a TAMU scholarship can not only provide financial relief but also recognize your academic excellence, leadership, and service within the university community.
In this blog, we provide a comprehensive guide to the available scholarships, their eligibility criteria, application process, and key deadlines to help you successfully fund your studies at Texas A&M.
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Types of Texas A&M University Scholarships
Texas A&M University (TAMU) offers a variety of scholarships primarily categorized by the student’s level of study and the criteria for the award. The most relevant scholarships for international students typically fall under the International Student Scholarships umbrella.
| Category | Primary Focus and Eligibility Criteria |
| International Student Scholarships | Specifically for international students; generally based on merit, need, leadership, and service. |
| Tuition Waivers and Assistance Programs | Reduces or waives the non-resident tuition rate; includes state-sponsored and competitive scholarship-based waivers. |
| General University Scholarships (Undergraduate) | Merit-based awards for exceptional freshmen and continuing undergraduates; often includes high-level awards. |
| Graduate Funding (Assistantships & Fellowships) | Service-based (Teaching/Research) or non-service based (Fellowships); often includes a stipend and tuition-waiver component. |
List of Texas A&M University Scholarships for International Students
Texas A&M University offers several institution-specific scholarships and tuition waivers to help international students manage the cost of their education. The most common way to be considered for these is by completing the University Scholarship Application (USA) and the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) by the priority deadline (usually February 1st for the upcoming Fall semester).
| Scholarship Name | Coverage & Benefit | Eligibility Requirements |
| International Education Fee Scholarship (IEFS) | Monetary award (varies), often need-based. | – Undergraduate or Graduate student. – Enrolled full-time (12 hrs UG / 9 hrs GR). – Demonstrated financial need (by filing the ISFAA). |
| George J. Eppright ’26 International Student Award | Monetary award (at least $3,000 annually). The highest honor for a TAMU international student. | – Undergraduate or Graduate student. – Enrolled for at least two full semesters (UG/GR). – Minimum 3.0 GPR (UG) / 3.5 GPR (GR). – Excellence in academics, leadership, service, and extracurricular activities. |
| Good Neighbor Program (Tuition Exemption) | Exemption from non-resident tuition, allowing the student to pay the in-state resident tuition rate. | – Undergraduate or Graduate student. – Native-born citizen and current resident of a Western Hemisphere country (excluding U.S. and Cuba). – Non-immigrant visa holder (e.g., F-1, J-1). – Plan to return to home country upon completion of studies. – Minimum 2.0 GPR (UG) / 3.0 GPR (GR) and one completed semester at TAMU. |
| Competitive Scholarship Tuition Waiver | Exempts the student from paying the non-resident tuition rate. | – Undergraduate or Graduate student. – Must receive a competitive TAMU scholarship award that meets a minimum annual monetary threshold set by the university (amount varies). |
| Goodman International Scholarship Fund | One-time monetary award (Fall semester). | – Undergraduate or Graduate student. – Minimum 3.0 GPR (UG) / 3.5 GPR (GR). – Demonstrated financial need. |
| Bill and Rita Stout Academic Excellence Award | One-time monetary award (one semester). | – Continuing Undergraduate student (minimum 30 completed TAMU hours). – Minimum 3.0 GPR. – Demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and leadership. |
Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International Students
Details of Top Texas A&M University Scholarships for International Students
The following summarizes the four most significant scholarship and tuition benefit opportunities for international students at TAMU.
1. George J. Eppright ’26 International Student Award
The George J. Eppright ’26 International Student Award is recognized as the highest honor bestowed upon an international student at Texas A&M University, presented annually to an exceptional undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement across multiple domains. The award provides a significant monetary scholarship of at least $3,000 annually and celebrates the recipient’s dedication to academic excellence, remarkable leadership abilities, selfless service to the university and local community, and extensive participation in extracurricular activities, highlighting their contribution to international understanding on campus. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least two full semesters of enrollment at TAMU and maintain a high academic standing, specifically a minimum 3.0 GPR for undergraduates or a 3.5 GPR for graduate students.
| Benefits | Monetary Award (at least $3,000 annually); highest honor for an international student. |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate & Graduate (Continuing) |
| Eligibility | -Min 3.0 GPR (UG) / 3.5 GPR (GR). -Enrolled for at least two full semesters at TAMU. -Excellence in academics, leadership, and service. |
| Application Process | Complete the University Scholarship Application (USA). |
| Deadlines | February 1 (for Summer/Fall) or October 12 (for Spring). |
2. International Education Fee Scholarship (IEFS)
The International Education Fee Scholarship (IEFS) is a highly valued and common form of financial assistance for both international undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at Texas A&M. This scholarship provides a direct monetary award intended to help alleviate financial need, though the specific amount varies depending on the current pool of funds and the number of qualified applicants. The primary eligibility criteria require the student to be enrolled full-time (12 hours for UG / 9 hours for GR) and, importantly, to demonstrate verifiable financial need by completing the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA), which is submitted through the same system as the University Scholarship Application (USA) by the stated deadlines.
| Benefits | Direct Monetary Award (amount varies); designed to help meet financial need. |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate & Graduate |
| Eligibility | -Must be enrolled full-time (12 hrs UG / 9 hrs GR). -Demonstrated financial need (via ISFAA). |
| Application Process | Complete the University Scholarship Application (USA) and the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). |
| Deadlines | February 1 (for Summer/Fall) or October 12 (for Spring). |
3. Good Neighbor Program (Tuition Exemption)
The Good Neighbor Program is a state-sponsored tuition exemption, not a scholarship in the traditional sense, but it offers one of the most substantial financial benefits by waiving the non-resident tuition rate, allowing eligible international students to pay tuition at the significantly lower Texas resident rate for one academic year (Fall, Spring, and Summer). This competitive program is specifically targeted at students who are native-born citizens and current residents of nations in the Western Hemisphere (excluding Cuba and the U.S.). Applicants must hold a non-immigrant visa (such as F-1 or J-1), meet a minimum academic standing (2.0 GPR for UG / 3.0 GPR for GR), and intend to return to their home country upon the completion of their degree program.
| Benefits | Exemption from Non-Resident Tuition, allowing the student to pay the lower In-State Resident Rate. |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate & Graduate (Continuing) |
| Eligibility | -Citizen of a Western Hemisphere country (excluding U.S. and Cuba). -Non-immigrant visa holder (e.g., F-1, J-1). -Min 2.0 GPR (UG) / 3.0 GPR (GR). -Completed one full academic semester at TAMU. |
| Application Process | Submit the separate Good Neighbor Program Application to the Office of International Programs or Financial Aid. |
| Deadlines | Varies by year, typically in the early Spring (e.g., March 5). |
4. Competitive Scholarship Tuition Waiver
The Competitive Scholarship Tuition Waiver is a critical financial benefit for international students who have successfully earned a qualifying competitive TAMU scholarship. The benefit is an exemption from the non-resident tuition rate, which allows the student to pay the much lower in-state resident tuition rate. To be eligible, the international student must receive a specific, institutional scholarship award from Texas A&M that meets or exceeds a certain minimum annual monetary value set by the university (this threshold is subject to change). This waiver is often automatically applied once the student accepts the qualifying competitive scholarship, providing a significant boost to the overall value of the initial award.
| Benefits | Exemption from Non-Resident Tuition, allowing the student to pay the lower In-State Resident Rate. |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate & Graduate |
| Eligibility | -Must be awarded a qualifying competitive TAMU scholarship from a college or department. -Scholarship must meet a minimum monetary value (e.g., $4,000 annually for undergraduates). |
| Application Process | No separate application. |
| Deadlines | Varies |
Tips for a Successful Texas A&M University Scholarship Application
Securing a competitive scholarship like those offered by Texas A&M requires intentionality, preparation, and showcasing your unique value beyond just high grades. Here are important tips for international students applying through the University Scholarship Application (USA) and for departmental awards:
- Submit the University Scholarship Application (USA) by the priority deadline, typically February 1st, to ensure consideration for the widest range of awards.
- If seeking need-based aid (like the IEFS), must file the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) along with the USA.
- Use the application to fully list all extracurricular activities, awards, and honors from your high school/previous college career.
- Highlight concrete examples of your leadership roles and community service impact to be competitive for top merit awards (e.g., Eppright Award).
- Use your essay to articulate your goals, resilience, and future contributions to TAMU, not just on your need for money.
- In essays and activity descriptions, use specific examples and quantifiable results to back up your claims of success.
- Eliminate all grammatical errors, typos, and structural mistakes in your application and essays.
- TAMU does not accept unsolicited resumes; all information must be entered directly into the USA platform.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are not accepted unless specifically requested by the Scholarships & Financial Aid office for a specific scholarship.
- For graduate students, or those in specialized fields, proactively check with your academic college or department for additional, specific funding opportunities.
Why Study at Texas A&M University?
Texas A&M University (TAMU) offers international students a powerful combination of world-class academics, strong career prospects, and a uniquely supportive campus culture, known as the “Aggie Spirit.”
- Tier-One Research Status: TAMU is a highly-ranked Tier-One public research university and a member of the AAU, ensuring academic rigor.
- Top-Ranked Programs: Excellence in key fields like Engineering, Business, and Computer Science provides a quality education.
- Massive Research Funding: Over $1.153 billion in annual research expenditures offers exceptional research opportunities, especially for graduate students.
- The “Aggie Network”: Access to one of the largest and most powerful alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship globally.
- Strong Career Placement: Excellent employment rates and competitive starting salaries for graduates, especially in high-demand sectors.
- Strategic Location: Proximity to major employment centers like Houston (Energy/Health) and Austin (Tech) for internships and job prospects.
- Diverse Global Community: A large, welcoming community with students from over 130 countries.
- Financial Value: Often rated as a “Best Value School,” with multiple competitive scholarships and tuition waivers available for international students.
- Tuition Waivers: Programs like the Good Neighbor Program and Competitive Scholarship Waiver significantly reduce non-resident tuition costs.
- Comprehensive Support: Dedicated International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) to help with visa issues, compliance, and cultural adjustment.
Also Read: Requirements for Scholarships in USA for International Students
FAQ’s
A1. Yes, Texas A&M University (TAMU) offers a wide variety of scholarships for both domestic and international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These include merit-based awards, those tied to specific academic departments, and tuition waivers like the Competitive Scholarship Waiver and the Good Neighbor Program, all aimed at reducing educational costs.
A2. Texas A&M University (TAMU) scholarships for international students vary widely, ranging from monetary awards like the George J. Eppright Award (at least $3,000 annually) and the IEFS (various amounts) to tuition assistance through the Competitive Scholarship Tuition Waiver. The most financially significant benefit is often the tuition waiver, which allows recipients to pay the significantly lower in-state resident tuition rate, providing savings of thousands of dollars per semester. The total award depends on the specific scholarship received, with some combined awards potentially offering full tuition coverage.
A3. The estimated annual Cost of Attendance (COA) for international students (non-residents) at Texas A&M University is approximately $59,000 USD for undergraduates, including tuition, fees, housing, food, and other personal expenses. Graduate tuition and fees are lower, resulting in a slightly lower overall COA. Scholarships and tuition waivers are available, which can significantly reduce the cost, especially for high-achieving Indian students.
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