University of Rochester Scholarships for International Students 2025

The University of Rochester is one of the leading universities in the U.S.A. It is located in New York and has more than 1000 faculty, 12,000 students, and 30,000 staff. The University ranks #147 in the QS World Ranking 2026.

The University is welcoming to International students and provides scholarships to assist meritorious and need-based students. These students can take advantage of the excellent faculty, academics, and campus life with more than 275 student clubs. Keep reading to know more about the University of Rochester scholarships for International students, eligibility criteria, and fundss.

Why Study at the University of Rochester?

The University of Rochester offers a world-class education with flexible programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a vibrant international community. Known for its innovative curriculum and strong support for global students, it provides the perfect environment to grow academically and professionally.

Below are the reasons why students should study at the University of Rochester

• The university provides world-class research facilities and technologies to students. The student researchers conduct research in the field. lab, and all over the world
• The University welcomes International students and provides campus accommodation in residence halls, sororities, and fraternities 
• The campus life includes more than 275 clubs and organisations.
•  Moreover, the health and wellness of the students are taken care of by the university health service, the COVID-19 research centre, and the University Health Service
• The University of Rochester offers scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships to students to finance their studies 

Merit-Based vs Need-Based Scholarships

The University of Rochester scholarships for International undergraduate students are merit-based and need-based. When a student receives a financial aid offer letter from the university, it refers to both aid.

Need-based scholarships	Need-based scholarships
Awarded by Arts, Sciences & Engineering	Awarded by the Financial Aid Office
Comes in the form of scholarships	Comes in the form of grants, loans, work study, etc.
Automatic reapplication to the financial aid package every year	A student needs to reapply each year considering that the financial situation of the family can change

Must Read – International Merit Postgraduate Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria for the Merit-Based Scholarships

To qualify for a merit-based scholarship at the University of Rochester, international applicants must submit their full undergraduate application by the deadline, demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, and show leadership or significant extracurricular involvement. These awards are granted automatically to admitted students; no separate scholarship application is required.

The eligibility requirements for the merit-based scholarships are as follows:

• Be a first-year or transfer student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, regardless of financial situation
• All students who have received admission to the University are eligible for the University of Rochester scholarships
• All students are eligible to receive only one merit-based scholarship 

Benefits of Merit-based Scholarships 

The merit-based scholarships are awarded to International students for academic excellence. Below are the benefits of merit-based scholarships.

• The University of Rochester scholarships that are based on merit range from $2,000 per year to full tuition fee coverage. It is applicable to all International students.
• Those students whose parents are members of Rochester University and have received merit-based scholarships are eligible for dependent child tuition benefits. However, such benefits combined with the scholarship should not exceed the tuition fees. The combined amount can only be used for tuition fees. 

Rochester University Merit-Based Scholarships 

Below is a list of the University of Rochester scholarships that are merit-based. Students who are eligible for the University of Rochester scholarships can apply for the same.

• Scholarships in Overall Excellence 

Several scholarships are granted under this category to domestic and International students. Below are the University of Rochester scholarships for overall excellence.

Scholarships in overall excellence	Description
Academic achievement with the potential to make unique contributions to Rochester’s campus life	Academic achievement with the potential to make unique contributions to Rochester’s campus life
Genesee scholarship	Aims to answer the financial challenges that University research education may present
Alan and Jane Handler Scholarship	Granted to selected financial need-based students. The scholarship covers the tuition fees, room, board, and book fees. The individual and group opportunities are also covered.
International  Baccalaureate  (IB) Scholarship	Full tuition fees are provided to ideal candidates to help them to take advantage of the unique education provided by the University
Rush Rees Scholarships	Granted to students who are going to work towards the vision and broad interest of the university community

• Early connections

The Meliora Alumni Scholarship is granted to students who are children or grandchildren of the University of Rochester Alumni.

• Arts, Science, and Engineering 

Arts, Science, and Engineering Scholarship	Description
First Robotics Scholarship	Recognizes high academic achievers who possess an outstanding creative capacity in at least 1 artistic field
Prince Street Scholarship	Granted to students with an excellent academic record who have demonstrated  interest in an undergraduate business degree
Simon Scholars Scholarship	Granted to students with excellent academic record who have demonstrated  interest in an undergraduate business degree
Steven J. Harrison ScholarshipWhipple Science & Research Scholarship	1/3 tuition scholarship is granted to students who have received admission in the GRADE (Guaranteed Rochester Accelerated Degree in Education) Program
Whipple Science and Research Scholarship	Offered to excellent students in honor of Whipple

• Embracing diversity

Embracing Diversity Scholarship	Description
Ahora Scholarship	Granted to academically excellent students from Latin America and the Caribbean who can bring unique perspectives to the campus
Haudenosaunee Nations Scholarship	Granted to students coming from these six nations:- Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, or Tuscarora.
Jesse Moore Urban League Scholarship	Based on students academic achievement and personal life experiences
LGBTQ+ Pride Scholarship	Students who excel in academics and belong to the LGBTQ+ community
Native Peoples Scholarship	Students who excel in academics and are involved in the promotion of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander communities.

• Advocating for Social Change 

Social Change Scholarships	Description
7th Generation Scholarships	Promoted and supported environmental actions and sustainable development
Harper Scholarships	Granted to students who have demonstrated interest in developing the social, economic, and political conditions of women
Joseph C Wilson Leader for Change Scholarship	Academic excellence, extracurricular achievement, and promoted racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic lines in a diverse environment

• Community Scholarships

Community Scholarships	Description
Rochester Promise	Full tuition fees are granted to students whose family income is less than or equal to $100,000
Say Yes to Education	Full tuition fees is granted to students whose family income is less than or equal to $100,000
Rochester Rotary Oratorical Scholarship	Students with confidence,  eloquence, and poise demonstrated by participating in the Rochester Rotary Oratorical Contest on Ethics

• High School Awards and Scholarships 

Four prestigious high school awards are granted to students with outstanding achievements in leadership and academics.

Granted to students who have made a commitment to address social issues through study, actions, and dialogue	Description
Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award	Granted to students who excel in sciences
Frederick Douglass And Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences	Granted to students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the pursuit of innovative approaches and an appreciation for technology.
George Eastman Young Leaders Award	Granted to students who demonstrate leadership and academic skills
Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology	Granted to students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the pursuit of innovative approaches and an appreciation for  technology.

• National Scholarships 

National Scholarships	Description
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship	Granted to transfer students who have become members of the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship. Additionally, students must have demonstrated achievements and potential to make contributions to the Rochester life

Also Read: Cheapest MBBS Colleges in the World for Indian Students

Deadline & Timing 

Deadline varies by application plan (Early Decision, Regular Decision, Trainer). The University’s pages show example deadlines (for their current published cycle); applicants should check Rochester’s official admission and financial aid pages for the exact deadline for the year they are applying. Typical patterns used by Rochester are: 

• Early Decision: CSS profiles are often due around November 1.
• Regular Decisions: CSS Profile is often due around January 5.

These data are reproduced on the University’s financial aid pages, as the standard deadlines for international applicants always confirm the years and cycle of the official site: 

Scholarships for Current Students 

Returning undergraduate students can apply for additional scholarships. It means the student can apply for these scholarships, although he/she has received the scholarship in the first year. Some of these scholarships include the continuing student scholarships for undergraduate students, the James A. Chin, Jr. memorial award, the Jeremy L. Glick memorial scholarship, and the Dante Scholarship from the Italian Women’s Civic Club, Rochester, NY.

Graduate Scholarships 

The University of Rochester scholarships are offered to International graduate students. The graduate assistantship programs provide financial assistance to master’s and PhD students. Graduate assistantships are a great choice for students who have budget constraints. 

Eligibility Criteria for Graduate Assistantship

The eligibility requirements for the graduate assistantship programs are as follows. International students interested in M.A. or PhD must fulfil these requirements.

• Must be enrolled as a student at Rochester University
• Demonstrate strong research skills and must be able to render 10-20 hours of service

Benefits of the Graduate Assistantship

The main benefits of the Graduate Assistantship are a monthly salary, tuition fees, and health insurance.

Scholarship Application Process

The University of Rochester scholarships follow the process for granting Scholarships to undergraduate International students.

• All applications are individually reviewed to consider assets, family size, number in college, and family income 
• Merit-based aid is distributed regardless of a family’s financial need.
• To grant University of Rochester scholarships, an Institutional Methodology (IM) is used. The IM calculator accesses the EFC, or the expected family contribution. 
• Students who complete the application process on time and are admitted to the university will receive financial aid.
• After receiving the admission  notification, financial aid will be granted to the student 
• Late applicants will be excluded from the award letter until after the May 1 deadline.

Also Read: Top 10 MBBS Abroad Scholarships

The University of Rochester provides meaningful scholarship opportunities for international students through a mix of need-based aid, merit-based aid, and merit awards (including a few high-value awards that can cover full costs). However, because institutional funds are limited, international applicants who require aid are evaluated very selectively; excellent academics, a strong application, and timely, complete financial documentation (CSS profile or IFS + any iDPC materials) are essential. For graduate applications, department-level funding (assistantships and fellowships) is the main route to cover tuition and living expenses. For the most accurate, year-specific deadlines and forms, always refer to Rochester’s official pages listed above.

FAQs

Related Reads 

List of Top Ranked Universities & Colleges in the World	How Indian Students Can Build a Strong University
How To Get a Provisional Certificate from IGNOU?	How to Submit Assignment in IGNOU: Complete Guide
Study in USA for Indian Students – Colleges, Admission …	Top Colleges & Universities in UK

Rochester University offers plenty of scholarships to International undergraduate students. The Rochester University Scholarships can be availed by all international students who want to take admitted to Rochester University. Through the graduate assistantship program, the University is helping M.A. and Ph.D. students as well to continue their studies.  To discover more articles like this one, visit the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.