The Outstanding International Student Scholarship is a donor-funded annual award administered by the University of the West. It recognizes enrolled international students for academic achievement, community service, and commitment to character, compassion, and community.
Recipients study full time at UWest and complete 50 service hours at Hsi Lai Temple each semester. UWest’s current forms page still links the 2022 policy and application, but the award is absent from the university’s current scholarship listing and 2026–27 aid handbook, so applicants should confirm the next cycle with the Financial Aid Office.
Benefits & funding
- Up to three recipients per year receive $5,000 each, paid as $2,500 in the fall semester and $2,500 in the spring semester.
- The award is non-transferable to another student or institution and cannot be deferred.
- The scholarship offsets part of study costs and does not state that it covers all tuition or living expenses.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be international students who hold or are applying for a valid F-1 visa.
- Applicants must be admitted to and enrolled in a UWest degree program.
- Full-time enrollment means at least 12 units per semester for undergraduates and 9 units for graduate students; final-semester students and doctoral students who have finished coursework may petition for an exception, with doctoral students taking at least 3 units.
- The minimum GPA is 3.0 for undergraduates and 3.5 for graduate students.
- Applicants need a record of community service and commitment to character, compassion, and community; recipients complete 50 hours of service at Hsi Lai Temple each semester.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Master Enrolled · PhD Enrolled
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Application process
- 1Complete the Outstanding International Student Scholarship application.
- 2Prepare a 2–3-page letter covering the program of study, personal and educational journey, community-service experience, academic achievement, and the impact of service on and off campus.
- 3Include the most recent transcript and two recommendation letters, one academic and one from a community-service supervisor.
- 4If reapplying, include the Hsi Lai Temple Service Hour Time Card.
- 5Email the complete application to the Financial Aid Office or submit it in person by June 1.
Program timeline
June 1
Application deadline stated in the retained policy; the 2026 date has passed and the next active cycle is unconfirmed.
Fall semester
$2,500 is disbursed.
Spring semester
$2,500 is disbursed.
Each funded semester
Recipient completes 50 service hours at Hsi Lai Temple.