International Student Scholarship

Each year, Fairmont State University provides two partial tuition waiver scholarships to international students who have outstanding intellectual abilities and personal qualities. The partial tuition waiver varies but typically averages $4,500.00 per academic year. The tuition waiver does not cover laboratory technology fees, and other student activities fees, textbooks, or other incidentals.

To be eligible for consideration for this scholarship, the applicant must:

1. Apply from abroad and meet all requirements for admission to Fairmont State.
             (See section on admission requirements for international students)
2. Submit a letter of application including an essay of about 500 words
3. discussing academic and career goals and expectations
4. Have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 PBT or 79 IBT
5. Give evidence of sound scholastic accomplishments
6. Submit at least two letters of recommendation attesting to the good character,
7.  maturity, determination, and special talents of the applicant (one letter must be
8.  written on official stationery by a teacher who is familiar with the applicant’s
9.  scholastic work, while the other must be written by a person other than a
10.  relative, who knows the applicant personally
11. Submit a brief resume of educational and work experience if he or she has been out of high school or college for more than one year.
12. Submit the completed application for admission and letter requesting consideration for the tuition waiver with required supporting documentation including: official English translation of high school transcripts; official TOEFL score; Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) scores; officially notarized proof of financial support form; letters of recommendation; résumé of educational and work experience; and health certificate. Copies of scores will not be accepted.

All correspondence concerning admissions and partial tuition waiver scholarships for international students must be sent to:

International Student Services
Fairmont State University
1201 Locust Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554-2470 USA

Application and all supporting documentation must reach the Admissions Office by February 1 for the following academic year.

Partial tuition waiver recipients will be notified of the award in early May and will be required to reply to the offer of admission and scholarship within 30 days from date of  notification. Acceptance at Fairmont State and the scholarship award will be given to prospective graduates from high school with the understanding that a strong record will continue until the end of the high school year and that the students complete the necessary academic requirements in good standing.

Scholarship recipients will be required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (“B” average) and to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours by the end of each academic year in order to remain eligible for tuition waiver. A partial tuition waiver will be granted to successful applicants for a maximum of eight semesters.

Usually the partial waiver applies to two regular semesters per calendar year.  Students, however, may elect to attend summer school in addition to the two regular semesters.  Enrollment in two five-week summer school terms and for a minimum of twelve credit hours will count as the equivalent of one regular semester for partial tuition waiver purposes.

ESTIMATED EXPENSES PER CALENDAR YEAR

*Students should not come to the United States until they are certain that their first year’s expenses are fully covered and that there is ability to meet their expenses for the entire period of study without depending on employment. When they arrive, students should have on hand extra money to cover their immediate expenses as well as those incurred during the first months on campus (this period is typically more expensive due to the initial need to stock the apartment/dorm room with supplies). Students should have money transferred from home at regular intervals and maintain a source of emergency funds in the United States. International students may not apply for financial aid after admission at Fairmont State. Further, although international students in good academic standing are eligible for part-time employment after having been in non-immigrant student status for nine months, such opportunities are extremely limited and students should not depend on such employment to meet their expenses.

**The residence halls and the dining hall close during vacation periods. International students are required to make alternate room and board arrangements during those periods.

***Although Fairmont State makes available a physician and a registered nurse to examine and advise students in matters pertaining to their health, such services are limited in scope.  All international students should procure health insurance before leaving their home country or apply for it immediately upon arrival on campus. Students, however, should be aware that most insurance plans do not cover all medical expenses. Information will be made available through Health Services and/or International Student Advisor. The cost of health insurance is not included in the estimated cost of attendance.