Undergraduate, MastersPartial

Pepperdine University International Student Scholarships

Last verified 18 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Partial, institution-funded scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and select graduate programs at Pepperdine University, with school-specific offerings and priority given to strong academics, leadership, and mission fit. Verify award details and deadlines on the official pages.

Provider: Pepperdine University
Host country: United States
Deadline: Varies by school and program; scholarship consideration commonly aligns with admission priority deadlines—verify exact dates on the official Pepperdine pages.
Region: California

Official source

Topics

Undergraduate scholarships

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Pepperdine University International Student Scholarships is open to African students applying to study in United States at the Undergraduate, Masters 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, Masters · applicants for United States
Funding: Partial
Study level: Undergraduate, Masters
Deadline: Varies by school and program; scholarship consideration commonly aligns with admission priority deadlines—verify exact dates on the official Pepperdine pages.

Key eligibility criteria

Open to non-U.S. citizens/non-permanent residents applying to eligible Pepperdine undergraduate or graduate programs
strong academics, English proficiency, full-time enrollment, and mission alignment are expected
program-specific criteria apply.

What the partial award covers

Accommodation

About the Pepperdine University International Student Scholarships (2026)

## Overview - Pepperdine University International Student Scholarships are institution-funded awards intended primarily to reduce tuition for non‑U.S. citizens and non‑U.S. permanent residents pursuing undergraduate study at Seaver College and select graduate programs across Pepperdine’s schools (Graziadio Business School, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Caruso School of Law, and the School of Public Policy). Amounts and structures vary by school and program, and most awards are partial rather than full. - Pepperdine is a distinctive, medium‑sized private Christian university rooted in the Churches of Christ tradition. The mission emphasizes purpose, service, and leadership; this ethos often features in scholarship selection through attention to character, service engagement, and leadership potential in addition to academics. - The Malibu campus is renowned for its Pacific Ocean setting, small classes, and a tight‑knit residential community. International students benefit from proximity to Los Angeles’ global industries (entertainment, tech, finance, public policy, education, law) and an active campus life that integrates faith, mentorship, and service opportunities. - International cohorts at Pepperdine typically draw students from numerous countries and regions. While cohort sizes differ by school and program, the university’s global engagement (including extensive study‑abroad options for undergraduates) fosters a multicultural environment in which international students contribute meaningfully to classroom dialogue, student leadership, and service programs. - Funding for international students differs from U.S. citizens/permanent residents: internationals are not eligible for U.S. federal need‑based grants or federal loans, and their aid packages generally center on institutional merit awards, limited school‑specific grants, assistantships (primarily at the graduate level), and external scholarships. Proof of financial resources is also required to obtain a Form I‑20 for the F‑1 student visa. - Because institutional policies and availability can change and may vary by school, all applicants should verify current offerings and requirements on Pepperdine’s official financial aid pages. If a page you visit returns an error or moves, use the site search or the school‑specific Financial Aid and Scholarships pages to locate the most up‑to‑date information. ## Benefits - Partial tuition reduction: Most Pepperdine international awards are partial scholarships applied toward tuition. Actual ranges, names, and renewal rules differ by school and program; confirm details directly with your admitting school’s financial aid office. - Renewable support (when applicable): Many merit awards are renewable annually for students who maintain full‑time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress as defined by their school. Renewal GPA thresholds and unit requirements can vary and should be reviewed in the award letter and official policy pages. - Graduate‑level options: Depending on program, internationals may access merit scholarships (e.g., program‑specific awards at Graziadio Business School and Caruso School of Law), limited need‑sensitive institutional grants, and academic/student support roles. Assistantships or fellowships—more common in graduate education and psychology (GSEP), business (Graziadio), and some public policy programs—may provide tuition reductions and/or stipends; availability and eligibility are program‑specific. - Campus employment opportunities: International students on F‑1 visas may be eligible for on‑campus employment, generally limited to part‑time hours during terms, which can offset incidental expenses. Availability varies by campus unit and cannot be guaranteed or assumed as part of a scholarship package. - Integrated development: Pepperdine’s scholarships are situated within a holistic educational experience that highlights mentorship, faith‑informed leadership, service learning, and close faculty interaction—benefits that amplify the value of partial funding by enhancing career readiness and personal formation. - Strategic location: Malibu/Greater Los Angeles provides internships and industry exposure across entertainment, media, technology, finance, education, psychology, law, and policy—opportunities that can complement scholarship support with practical experience (subject to visa rules and institutional approvals). ## Eligibility - Citizenship/residency: Open to international students (non‑U.S. citizens and non‑permanent residents) who are applying to or enrolled in eligible Pepperdine undergraduate or graduate programs. Some awards may be restricted to specific schools, degrees, or entry terms. - Academic preparation: Strong academic performance in prior studies (rigor of curriculum, grades, class rank, and—if submitted—standardized testing) is central to merit consideration. Program prerequisites (e.g., quantitative background for business, prior legal education for law LLMs) also apply. - English proficiency: Applicants must meet the university or program’s English language requirements (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other accepted measures) unless exempt under published criteria. Minimum scores and waiver policies vary by school. - Enrollment status: Most institutional awards require full‑time enrollment at Pepperdine and are not transferable to other institutions or campuses outside the student’s admitted program. - Conduct and mission fit: Pepperdine’s Christian mission emphasizes character, service, and leadership; demonstrated integrity and engagement in community service or leadership can strengthen scholarship eligibility where considered. - Visa and financial certification: Eligibility to receive institutional awards does not replace the requirement to document sufficient funding to obtain a Form I‑20 (financial certifications are required under U.S. law and Pepperdine policy). Details on amounts and acceptable documents should be verified with the International Student Services and Financial Aid offices. ## Required Documents - Admission application materials: Completed application to the relevant Pepperdine school/program, official academic transcripts, and certified translations/evaluations as required. Graduate programs may require a résumé/CV and program‑specific prerequisites. - English proficiency results: Official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other accepted assessments per your school’s policy, sent by the testing agency where required. Some programs allow waivers under published criteria. - Financial certification for I‑20 issuance: Bank statements or official financial letters, affidavits of support (if applicable), and any sponsor documentation that demonstrates the ability to cover estimated educational and living costs for at least the first year. Requirements differ by level and program; consult the official guidance. - Passport identification page: A clear copy for immigration and records purposes. Ensure the passport will remain valid for the duration recommended by U.S. immigration authorities. - Recommendations and essays: Letters of recommendation and personal statements/essays required by your admitting school (and, where applicable, for competitive scholarships or assistantships). Tailor content to highlight academic excellence, leadership, service, and mission alignment. - Supplemental scholarship/assistantship forms: Some graduate programs and departments require a separate scholarship, assistantship, or fellowship application, plus statements of interest or research fit. Deadlines often coincide with or precede program priority deadlines. ## How to Apply - Undergraduate (Seaver College): Submit your admission application by the published deadlines. International applicants are typically considered automatically for available institutional merit awards as part of the holistic review; verify whether any additional forms are required for special scholarships on Seaver’s financial aid pages. - Graduate programs: Apply directly to your school (Graziadio Business School; Graduate School of Education and Psychology; Caruso School of Law; School of Public Policy). Review each program’s funding page for merit scholarships, grants, and assistantships. Where separate funding forms exist, submit them by the program’s scholarship/priority deadline. - Engage with financial aid offices: After applying, monitor your Pepperdine applicant portal and email for award notifications or requests for documentation. Contact the school‑specific financial aid office with questions about award criteria, renewal standards, and stacking policies with external scholarships. - Prepare immigration and financial documentation: Once admitted and after accepting your offer (and any scholarship), promptly submit required financial certifications for I‑20 issuance. Early submission helps secure timely visa appointments. - Pursue external funding concurrently: Compile a list of external, government, corporate, or foundation scholarships available to your nationality or field of study. Apply early and confirm that Pepperdine policies permit external awards to stack with institutional aid. - Finalize enrollment steps: Upon receiving your award(s), pay deposits by the stated dates, complete housing and orientation steps, and register within your time ticket. Keep copies of all award letters and immigration documents for your records. ## Key Dates - Admission and scholarship priority dates vary by school, degree, and entry term (fall, spring, and occasional summer intakes). Many programs align scholarship consideration with their application deadlines or specific priority/early rounds; confirm exact dates on the official pages for your program. - English testing and document submission timelines should be scheduled to ensure scores and credentials arrive before scholarship consideration deadlines. Build in time for credential evaluations or notarized translations where required. - Financial certification and I‑20 issuance windows begin after admission and intent to enroll. Submit proof of funding as early as possible to facilitate SEVIS processing and visa interview booking. - Renewal checkpoints typically occur annually (or per term for some programs). Maintain the required GPA and full‑time status to keep renewable awards; consult your award letter for the precise renewal policy and any credit‑completion thresholds. - Housing, orientation, and registration deadlines may affect eligibility for certain campus‑based opportunities (including some assistantships). Monitor your school’s calendar to avoid missing time‑sensitive steps. - Because institutional calendars can change, always verify the most current dates on your program’s Admission and Financial Aid pages before applying. ## Selection Criteria - Academic achievement and rigor: High performance in challenging coursework is central. Committees consider grades, curriculum strength, trends, and—if submitted—standardized tests in the context of your educational system. - Leadership and service: Evidence of meaningful leadership, community engagement, and service—aligned with Pepperdine’s mission of purpose, service, and leadership—can be highly persuasive for merit and mission‑oriented awards. - Program fit and professional potential: For graduate programs, alignment with the discipline’s competencies (e.g., quantitative readiness for MBA, legal aptitude for law, research or practitioner orientation for education/psychology) is assessed through your statement of purpose, résumé/CV, and recommendations. - Holistic character review: Integrity, maturity, and contributions to campus culture matter at a Christian university; reflection on ethical leadership, faith integration (if applicable), and cross‑cultural empathy can strengthen your profile. - Diversity and contribution: International geographical diversity and the ability to contribute unique global perspectives to classrooms and communities are valued. - Financial planning credibility: For international students, feasible funding plans (combining scholarship, family resources, and external awards) are essential to clear immigration requirements and to secure institutional confidence in enrollment viability. ## Tips for Strong Applications - Articulate mission alignment: Use essays to connect your academic goals to Pepperdine’s values—describe how you will lead and serve in your field and community. Specific anecdotes of service, mentorship, or impact are more persuasive than general statements. - Showcase context and distinction: Explain your school system’s grading scale, course rigor, and any obstacles overcome. Provide evidence of academic distinction (awards, publications, competitions) that committees can fairly compare across countries. - Strengthen English readiness: If your program requires an English test, aim to submit competitive scores early. If eligible for a waiver, document the basis clearly (e.g., prior study in English). Consider supplemental writing samples if invited. - Line up recommenders early: Select referees who can attest to academic excellence, leadership, and character. Provide them with your CV, drafts of your statements, and the Pepperdine mission to help them tailor their letters. - Build a layered funding plan: Combine institutional awards with external scholarships (home‑country ministries, corporate or foundation awards, Fulbright or similar), and—at the graduate level—explore assistantships at Graziadio, GSEP, or research/teaching roles where available. Verify stacking policies with the financial aid office. - Apply by priority deadlines: Many programs use priority rounds for both admission and scholarships. Submitting a complete application early often maximizes merit consideration and processing time for immigration documents. - Prepare for visa timelines: After receiving your I‑20, schedule the F‑1 visa interview promptly. Keep financial documents, award letters, and SEVIS fee confirmation organized to avoid delays. - Engage with the community: Attend virtual information sessions, connect with international student services, and speak with current students or alumni. Demonstrated interest and informed fit can enhance both admission and scholarship outcomes. ## Official Source - Primary page for international student financial aid at Pepperdine: https://www.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/international-students/ (If the page is temporarily unavailable or has moved, use the site search for “International Students Financial Aid” or navigate via Admission > Financial Aid.) - Seaver College Financial Aid overview (undergraduate): https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/ (From here, follow links to Undergraduate/Graduate Financial Aid and Scholarships for current policies and timelines.) - School‑specific funding (recommend using each school’s site search): - Graziadio Business School: search “Graziadio scholarships” or visit the Financial Aid section on bschool.pepperdine.edu. - Graduate School of Education and Psychology: search “GSEP scholarships and assistantships” on gsep.pepperdine.edu. - Caruso School of Law: search “Caruso Law financial aid and scholarships” at law.pepperdine.edu. - School of Public Policy: search “SPP scholarships and financial aid” at publicpolicy.pepperdine.edu. - Always confirm current award availability, eligibility, application steps, and deadlines on the official Pepperdine pages for your intended program before you apply.

What the Partial Pepperdine University International Student Scholarships covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Accommodation

Pepperdine University International Student 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 non-U.S. citizens/non-permanent residents applying to eligible Pepperdine undergraduate or graduate programs
strong academics, English proficiency, full-time enrollment, and mission alignment are expected
program-specific criteria apply.

Documents required for the Pepperdine University International Student 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
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
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 Pepperdine University International Student 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.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/international-students/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Open to non-U.S. citizens/non-permanent residents applying to eligible Pepperdine undergraduate or graduate programs; strong academics, English proficiency, full-time enrollment, and mission alignment are expected; progr…". 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.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/international-students/, 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 by Varies by school and program; scholarship consideration commonly aligns with admission priority deadlines—verify exact dates on the official Pepperdine pages. (aim 7 days early)
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, Pepperdine 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.

Pepperdine University International Student 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 Pepperdine University International Student Scholarships?+

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

Is the Pepperdine University International Student 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 Varies by school and program; scholarship consideration commonly aligns with admission priority deadlines—verify exact dates on the official Pepperdine pages.. 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.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Browse by category & country

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.

By destination

Study in USA