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 Track this application

Topics

Undergraduate scholarships

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: 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.
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.

Recorded funding information

Partial

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.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Partial

Pepperdine University International Student Scholarships eligibility

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.

Pepperdine University International Student Scholarships document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Pepperdine University International Student Scholarships 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://www.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/international-students/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: 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.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Varies by school and program; scholarship consideration commonly aligns with admission priority deadlines—verify exact dates on the official Pepperdine pages.. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Pepperdine University International Student Scholarships deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Varies by school and program; scholarship consideration commonly aligns with admission priority deadlines—verify exact dates on the official Pepperdine pages.. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Varies by school and program; scholarship consideration commonly aligns with admission priority deadlines—verify exact dates on the official Pepperdine pages.
Provider deadline information: Varies by school and program; scholarship consideration commonly aligns with admission priority deadlines—verify exact dates on the official Pepperdine pages.. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Pepperdine University International Student Scholarships?+

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 funding does the Pepperdine University International Student Scholarships offer?+

Listed funding: Partial. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Varies by school and program; scholarship consideration commonly aligns with admission priority deadlines—verify exact dates on the official Pepperdine pages.. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://www.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/international-students/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: 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.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Varies by school and program; scholarship consideration commonly aligns with admission priority deadlines—verify exact dates on the official Pepperdine pages.. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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