UndergraduatePartial

International Merit Scholarships

Last verified 15 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Clark University offers merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate applicants who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and potential.

Provider: Clark University
Host country: United States
Region: Americas

Official source

Topics

Undergraduate scholarships

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

International Merit Scholarships is open to African students applying to study in United States at the Undergraduate level, with partial funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Undergraduate · applicants for United States
Funding: Partial
Study level: Undergraduate
Deadline

Key eligibility criteria

Open to international applicants applying for undergraduate programs.

About the International Merit Scholarships (2026)

## Overview Clark University, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers a range of merit-based scholarships to highly qualified international undergraduate applicants. These scholarships are designed to recognize and reward students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Clark University is committed to fostering a diverse and globally-minded student body, and these scholarships play a crucial role in attracting talented students from around the world. The university emphasizes a liberal arts education combined with a strong focus on research and community engagement, preparing students to become global leaders and thoughtful citizens. ## Benefits The International Merit Scholarships at Clark University are partial tuition awards. While the exact amount of the scholarship can vary depending on the applicant's qualifications, these awards significantly reduce the financial burden of pursuing an undergraduate degree in the United States. Recipients benefit from access to Clark University's renowned academic programs, experienced faculty, and a vibrant campus community. The scholarships also provide an opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in American culture and gain valuable global perspectives. ## Eligibility To be considered for an International Merit Scholarship, applicants must: * Be an international student applying for an undergraduate program at Clark University. * Demonstrate a strong record of academic excellence. * Exhibit intellectual curiosity and a commitment to learning. * Show potential for contributing positively to the Clark University community. There are no specific citizenship restrictions beyond being an international student. The selection process is highly competitive and focuses on the overall strength of the applicant's profile. ## Required Documents Applicants for the International Merit Scholarships are automatically considered based on their complete application for admission to Clark University. Therefore, the required documents are the same as those for regular undergraduate admission, which typically include: * Completed Common Application or Coalition Application. * Official high school transcripts. * Letters of recommendation from teachers and/or school counselors. * Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), if submitted (Clark University is test-optional). * Essays and personal statements. * Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test scores), if English is not the applicant's native language. * Financial aid application forms, if applying for additional need-based aid. ## How to Apply International students are automatically considered for International Merit Scholarships upon submission of their complete application for undergraduate admission to Clark University. There is no separate application form or process specifically for these scholarships. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all required admission materials by the stated deadlines to ensure full consideration for both admission and merit-based scholarship opportunities. ## Key Dates The official page for this scholarship is currently unavailable or experiencing technical difficulties. Therefore, specific deadlines for application and scholarship notification cannot be provided at this time. However, prospective applicants are advised to consult the broader Clark University undergraduate admissions website for general application deadlines, which typically fall in the late fall or early winter for early action/decision and regular decision applicants. ## Selection Criteria Scholarship recipients are selected based on a holistic review of their application materials. The admissions committee considers several factors, including but not limited to: * **Academic Performance:** Strong grades, challenging coursework, and a high GPA. * **Standardized Test Scores:** While test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can enhance an application. * **Essays and Personal Statements:** Demonstrated writing ability, self-awareness, and clear articulation of goals. * **Letters of Recommendation:** Insights from teachers and counselors about the applicant's character, potential, and classroom contributions. * **Extracurricular Activities:** Participation in clubs, sports, community service, and other activities that demonstrate leadership, commitment, and diverse interests. * **Impact and Potential:** The applicant's potential to contribute to the Clark University community and make a positive impact in the world. ## Tips * **Focus on a Strong Overall Application:** Since scholarships are awarded based on the admission application, ensure every component is as strong as possible. * **Highlight Unique Qualities:** Use essays and recommendations to showcase your individuality, passions, and what makes you a unique candidate. * **Demonstrate Leadership and Engagement:** Involvement in Extracurricular activities, especially leadership roles, can significantly strengthen your application. * **Showcase English Proficiency:** If applicable, present strong English language test scores to demonstrate readiness for academic work in an English-speaking environment. * **Research Clark University:** Understand Clark's values, academic programs, and campus culture to tailor your application to demonstrate a genuine interest. ## Official Source While the specific scholarship page was not accessible, general information about international student scholarships and financial assistance can be found on the Clark University admissions website: [https://www.clarku.edu/admissions/undergraduate/international-students/scholarships-and-financial-assistance/](https://www.clarku.edu/admissions/undergraduate/international-students/scholarships-and-financial-assistance/)

International Merit Scholarships eligibility for United States applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Open to international applicants applying for undergraduate programs.

Documents required for the International Merit Scholarships application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Standardised test scores where required (SAT or ACT for many U.S. universities)
Secondary-school leaving certificate (WAEC, KCSE, NSC, EGSECE or equivalent)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the International Merit Scholarships 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.clarku.edu/admissions/undergraduate/international-students/scholarships-and-financial-assistance/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Open to international applicants applying for undergraduate programs.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.clarku.edu/admissions/undergraduate/international-students/scholarships-and-financial-assistance/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit at least one week before the deadline
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Clark University will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

International Merit Scholarships deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the International Merit Scholarships?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Undergraduate level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Clark University, and be able to relocate to United States for the duration of the programme.

Is the International Merit Scholarships fully funded?+

Funding model: Partial. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is . Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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