The UNH Scholarships opportunities help academically strong students reduce the cost of studying at UNH through merit awards, international scholarships, transfer scholarships, and program-specific funding.
International undergraduate students may be considered for admission merit scholarships and, when eligible, the International Engagement and Service Scholarship, while graduate funding follows separate departmental and Graduate School arrangements.
Introduction to the University of New Hampshire Scholarship
The University of New Hampshire offers several scholarship pathways rather than one single scholarship carrying the general name “University of New Hampshire Scholarship.” The main university-level opportunities include undergraduate admission merit scholarships, transfer merit scholarships, and scholarships specifically available to international students.
For international undergraduates, UNH confirms eligibility for merit-based awards as well as the International Engagement and Service Scholarship, or IESS.
Graduate students may instead receive scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or other funding according to the academic program and department.
Brief Description
- University: University of New Hampshire.
- Country: United States.
- Main campus: Durham, New Hampshire.
- University type: Public research university.
- Main scholarship category: Merit-based scholarships.
- International students: Eligible for selected university scholarships.
- Degree levels: Primarily undergraduate awards, with separate graduate funding opportunities.
- Scholarship consideration: Many undergraduate merit scholarships require no separate scholarship application.
- International scholarship: IESS is available to qualifying international undergraduate students.
- Funding type: Awards generally reduce tuition rather than automatically covering every study and living expense.
About the University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire is a public research university whose principal campus is in Durham, New Hampshire.
It provides undergraduate, graduate, professional, research, and interdisciplinary study opportunities across a broad range of academic disciplines.
UNH includes colleges and schools covering engineering, physical sciences, health sciences, liberal arts, life sciences, agriculture, business, economics, professional studies, marine sciences, public policy, and law.
The university describes itself as New Hampshire’s flagship public research university.
Students can combine classroom study with research, experiential learning, internships, study-away opportunities, and other academic experiences.
UNH also maintains dedicated services for international students through its Office of International Students and Scholars.
About the University of New Hampshire Scholarship
- UNH undergraduate merit scholarships recognize strong academic achievement.
- First-year students are automatically considered for major university merit scholarships through the admission review.
- A separate scholarship application is not required for the standard admission merit awards.
- International undergraduate students can qualify for merit scholarships.
- Eligible international students may also compete for international student scholarships.
- IESS considers high-achieving international undergraduates with demonstrated financial need.
- Transfer students have separate merit scholarship categories.
- Additional scholarships may be available through individual colleges, academic departments, programs, and university organizations.
Fields of Study
University-level merit scholarships may support students admitted across UNH’s broad undergraduate academic portfolio.
Available areas include:
- Accounting
- Agriculture and food systems
- Animal science
- Anthropology
- Art and art history
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Bioengineering
- Biomedical science
- Business administration
- Chemistry
- Civil engineering
- Communication
- Communication sciences and disorders
- Computer science
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical engineering
- English
- Environmental sciences
- Environmental engineering
- Environmental conservation and sustainability
- Exercise science
- Finance
- Forestry
- Geography
- Health management and policy
- History
- Hospitality management
- Human development and family studies
- Information systems
- International business
- Kinesiology
- Marine biology
- Marine science
- Mathematics
- Mechanical engineering
- Music
- Neuroscience
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Occupational science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political science
- Psychology
- Recreation management and policy
- Social work
- Sociology
- Sustainability
- Theatre and dance
- Tourism
- Wildlife and conservation biology
- Other interdisciplinary and specialized programs offered through UNH colleges and schools.
UNH reports more than 200 degree programs overall, so applicants should select the exact program through the university’s official program directory rather than assuming every specialization is offered at every campus.
Target Group
The University of New Hampshire scholarship system can serve several groups of students:
- Academically competitive first-year undergraduate applicants.
- International undergraduate applicants.
- High-achieving international students with demonstrated financial need.
- Continuing international undergraduate students who meet scholarship criteria.
- Students transferring from community colleges.
- Students transferring from four-year institutions.
- Students entering specific academic colleges or programs with additional scholarship opportunities.
- Students demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, service, or other qualities required by a particular award.
- Graduate students applying for program-specific scholarships or fellowships.
- Graduate students considered for research or teaching assistantships.
International students are not eligible for U.S.
federal financial aid solely by virtue of international student status, but UNH specifically confirms that international students may qualify for institutional merit and international scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship Benefits
The exact financial package depends on the scholarship awarded and the student’s classification.
- Trustee’s Scholarship: up to $20,000 for qualifying non-New Hampshire residents.
- Chancellor’s Scholarship: up to $15,000 for qualifying non-New Hampshire residents.
- Presidential Scholarship: up to $12,000 for qualifying non-New Hampshire residents.
- Dean’s Scholarship: up to $10,000 for qualifying non-New Hampshire residents.
- Director’s Scholarship: up to $7,500 for qualifying non-New Hampshire residents.
- Transfer Excellence Scholarship: up to $12,000 for qualifying non-New Hampshire residents.
- Transfer Distinction Scholarship: up to $10,000 for qualifying non-New Hampshire residents.
- Merrimack Valley Transfer Scholarship: up to $7,500 for qualifying non-New Hampshire residents.
- IESS: provides tuition support for selected international undergraduate students.
- Merit awards can be renewed when the recipient continues to satisfy academic and enrollment requirements.
- Scholarship funds reduce the financial burden associated with university tuition.
- Additional departmental and college scholarships can provide further support when students meet their individual criteria.
The standard merit scholarship does not automatically provide free housing, meals, airfare, visa costs, health insurance, or a living stipend.
Students should therefore calculate their remaining cost of attendance after scholarship funding.
UNH also does not describe its standard merit awards as providing a separate funded English-language course.
International applicants must independently satisfy the university’s English-proficiency requirements when those requirements apply.
University of New Hampshire Scholarship Duration
- First-year undergraduate merit scholarships: renewable for up to four academic years, equivalent to eight consecutive semesters, provided renewal requirements are met.
- International Engagement and Service Scholarship: renewable for up to eight semesters for eligible recipients.
- Transfer Excellence Scholarship: available for a maximum of three years, or six consecutive undergraduate semesters, when renewal conditions are satisfied.
- Transfer Distinction Scholarship: available for a maximum of three years, or six consecutive undergraduate semesters, subject to the required conditions.
- Merrimack Valley Transfer Scholarship: available for a maximum of three years, or six consecutive undergraduate semesters, subject to the applicable renewal requirements.
- Master’s funding: duration is determined by the individual scholarship, assistantship, fellowship, department, and graduate program.
- Doctoral funding: duration varies by academic department, funding appointment, research project, and program conditions.
UNH therefore does not publish one universal funding duration for all master’s and doctoral students under a single university-wide scholarship.
University of New Hampshire Scholarship Requirements
Eligibility depends on the specific scholarship.
Undergraduate merit awards place significant weight on academic performance, while international scholarships may additionally consider financial need, engagement, service, and the conditions established by the scholarship program.
Important requirements may include:
- Admission to an eligible UNH program.
- Strong academic performance.
- Completion of an appropriate college-preparatory curriculum.
- Full-time undergraduate enrollment for renewable merit awards.
- At least 12 credits per semester for standard admission merit scholarship recipients.
- Satisfactory progress toward the degree.
- Compliance with university academic and conduct standards.
- Maintaining the GPA required for scholarship renewal.
- Valid international student status when required by a particular award.
- Meeting IESS eligibility criteria for the international scholarship.
- Demonstrating financial need when required.
- Completing a separate scholarship application when the particular award requires one.
- Satisfying any college, department, or program-specific criteria.
For the principal first-year merit awards, recipients must achieve a cumulative UNH GPA of at least 3.20 by the end of their fourth semester and maintain the required GPA afterward.
Admission Requirements by Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
International first-year applicants generally need to provide:
- Completed undergraduate admission application.
- Secondary-school academic record.
- Appropriate college-preparatory coursework.
- Secondary-school transcripts.
- Certified English translations when documents are not issued in English.
- Letter of recommendation.
- Proof of English proficiency when required.
- Passport biographical-page copy for international applicants.
- Any additional materials required by the selected academic program.
- Accurate academic information used by UNH to evaluate admission and merit eligibility.
UNH evaluates undergraduate applicants holistically, with particular emphasis on academic achievement, curriculum strength, course rigor, and the student’s overall preparation for university study.
Transfer Bachelor’s Degree
Transfer applicants generally need:
- Completed transfer admission application.
- Secondary-school records when applicable.
- Official or acceptable university transcripts.
- English translations of non-English records.
- English-proficiency evidence when required.
- Passport biographical-page copy for international applicants.
- Academic records from each institution previously attended.
- Transfer-credit documentation or credential evaluation when required.
- Compliance with the admission requirements of the intended major.
Transfer scholarship eligibility is primarily based on the applicant’s academic performance in previous college study.
Master’s Degree
International master’s applicants generally need:
- Completed UNH Graduate School application.
- Bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent.
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Certified translations for transcripts not written in English.
- English-proficiency test scores unless an approved waiver applies.
- Names and email addresses of the required recommenders.
- Program-specific application materials.
- Any statement, résumé, portfolio, writing sample, prerequisite coursework, or test required by the selected program.
The exact requirements vary by graduate program, so applicants must follow the requirements published for their intended degree.
Doctoral Degree
International doctoral applicants generally need:
- Completed Graduate School application.
- Appropriate previous university degree.
- Complete post-secondary academic transcripts.
- English translations where necessary.
- English-proficiency evidence unless an approved exemption or waiver applies.
- Required recommendations.
- Academic statement or other written materials when required.
- Résumé or curriculum vitae when requested.
- Research-related documentation where applicable.
- Program-specific prerequisites.
- Any faculty or research-fit information requested by the department.
Some research-based departments recommend that prospective international graduate students submit an extended inquiry form before filing the complete application so that the department can assess research fit.
Application Instructions
The application route depends on whether the student is applying for an undergraduate admission merit scholarship, an international scholarship, a transfer scholarship, or graduate funding.
Step 1: Choose Your Academic Program
- Review the academic programs offered by UNH.
- Select the degree and major that match your educational background.
- Confirm whether the program has additional admission requirements.
- Graduate students should review their individual program page carefully.
Step 2: Prepare the Admission Application
- Undergraduate international students apply through the accepted UNH undergraduate application process, including the Common Application.
- Transfer students use the appropriate transfer application.
- Graduate applicants use the UNH Graduate School application system.
- Enter academic information accurately and consistently.
For standard undergraduate admission merit scholarships, no additional merit scholarship application is required because eligible students are automatically considered during admission review.
Step 3: Submit Academic Records
- Upload or submit the required school or university transcripts.
- Include English translations when original records are in another language.
- Follow UNH instructions concerning unofficial and official documents.
- Graduate applicants must disclose all previous post-secondary institutions attended.
Step 4: Submit English-Proficiency Evidence
International applicants whose circumstances require English-proficiency testing should submit an accepted examination.
For graduate international admission, UNH currently lists minimum scores including:
- TOEFL iBT: 80.
- TOEFL Essentials: 8.5.
- IELTS: 6.5.
- PTE Academic: 59.
- Duolingo English Test: 120.
Undergraduate requirements are administered separately and should be followed according to the undergraduate international admission instructions.
Step 5: Submit Recommendations and Program Materials
- Provide the requested recommendation information.
- Submit essays or statements when required.
- Upload a résumé or CV for programs requesting one.
- Provide portfolios or writing samples when required.
- Complete any department-specific requirements.
Graduate applicants are generally asked to provide contact information for two or three recommenders, although the precise number depends on the program.
Step 6: Receive the Admission and Merit Review
- UNH reviews the admission application.
- Eligible first-year students are automatically evaluated for admission merit scholarships.
- Merit selection is based heavily on academic achievement.
- UNH recalculates undergraduate GPA using core academic subjects for scholarship evaluation.
- Successful applicants receive scholarship information through their admission and financial-aid communications.
Step 7: Apply for International Student Scholarships if Invited
The international scholarship process is separate from automatic undergraduate merit consideration.
- Obtain admission to UNH.
- Meet the applicable academic criteria.
- Monitor the email address connected to the UNH application.
- Eligible students may receive an invitation to apply.
- Complete the international scholarship application according to the instructions provided.
- Provide requested financial, academic, engagement, or service information.
UNH states that admitted international students who have received a merit scholarship may also be invited to apply for its international student scholarships.
Continuing international undergraduates with an overall UNH GPA of at least 3.1 may also qualify for consideration.
Step 8: Monitor the Application Portal
- Sign in regularly to the UNH application portal.
- Check whether documents have been received.
- Respond to requests for additional documentation.
- Verify that transcripts and test scores have been processed.
- Keep your contact information current.
Graduate applicants are specifically instructed to monitor their application portal for checklist updates after submission.
Step 9: Review the Scholarship Conditions
If offered a scholarship:
- Read the scholarship award notice.
- Confirm the award amount.
- Check whether the award is renewable.
- Understand the GPA requirement.
- Maintain the required enrollment status.
- Review any academic-progress requirements.
- Understand what expenses remain your responsibility.
Step 10: Complete International Student Procedures
After admission, international students who need F-1 status must complete the required immigration procedures with UNH’s Office of International Students and Scholars.
Graduate international students requiring F-1 status receive instructions concerning the I-20 process after admission.
Documents Required for Registration
Depending on degree level and program, applicants may need:
- Completed admission application.
- Passport biographical page.
- Secondary-school transcript.
- University transcripts, where applicable.
- Certified English translations.
- English-proficiency test results.
- Letter or letters of recommendation.
- Personal or academic statement.
- Résumé or curriculum vitae.
- Program-specific essay.
- Portfolio, where required.
- Writing sample, where required.
- Academic credential evaluation, where requested.
- Financial documentation for immigration processing after admission.
- Scholarship application materials for scholarships requiring a separate application.
Important Tips
- Apply with a complete and accurate academic record.
- Choose the correct undergraduate or graduate application route.
- Do not submit unnecessary scholarship applications for automatic merit awards.
- Maintain strong grades throughout your studies.
- Check your email and UNH portal regularly.
- Prepare English translations carefully.
- Submit official test scores when required.
- Read the conditions attached to every scholarship offer.
- Calculate costs not covered by the scholarship.
- Keep copies of every submitted document.
Conclusion
The University of New Hampshire Scholarship opportunities can substantially reduce tuition for academically competitive students, particularly through the university’s admission merit scholarships.
International undergraduates may also be considered for IESS and other international scholarship funding, while transfer students have dedicated merit awards and graduate students should investigate department-specific fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships.
Applicants should remember that most UNH awards are partial rather than automatically fully funded.
A strong admission application, accurate academic records, appropriate English-proficiency documentation, and careful attention to scholarship renewal conditions are therefore essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one scholarship officially called the University of New Hampshire Scholarship?
No.
UNH offers multiple scholarships and funding programs rather than one single award with that exact umbrella title.
These include admission merit scholarships, transfer awards, international scholarships, departmental scholarships, and graduate funding opportunities.
Can international students receive UNH scholarships?
Yes.
UNH confirms that international undergraduate students may qualify for merit-based scholarships and international scholarship opportunities, including IESS.
Is the University of New Hampshire Scholarship fully funded?
The main undergraduate merit scholarships are partial awards.
Applicants should not assume that tuition, housing, meals, insurance, travel, and personal expenses will all be covered.
Do I need a separate application for UNH merit scholarships?
Not for the principal undergraduate admission merit scholarships.
Students are automatically considered during the admission review.
What is the highest standard first-year merit scholarship amount?
UNH currently lists the Trustee’s Scholarship at up to $20,000 for qualifying non-New Hampshire residents.
Can a scholarship continue for all four undergraduate years?
Yes.
The major first-year admission merit scholarships can be renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters when the student satisfies the required enrollment, GPA, academic-progress, and conduct conditions.
What GPA must merit scholarship recipients maintain?
Recipients of the principal first-year merit scholarships must achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.20 by the end of their fourth semester and maintain the required level afterward.
Does UNH offer scholarships specifically for international students?
Yes.
The International Engagement and Service Scholarship supports qualifying high-achieving international undergraduate students with financial need and includes a service and engagement component.
Are master’s and PhD students covered by the same undergraduate merit scholarships?
No.
Graduate students should investigate funding attached to their program, including scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and other departmental support.
Does receiving admission guarantee a scholarship?
No.
Admission and scholarship selection are separate decisions.
Merit and international scholarship awards are competitive, and admission alone does not guarantee institutional funding.