International Student Retention Scholarship

The International Student Retention Scholarship (ISRS) 2025 at Portland State University (PSU) is a merit-based and need-based scholarship funded by the State of Oregon to support international students pursuing higher education in Portland, Oregon. Aimed at fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community, the ISRS provides financial assistance to students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate programs. The scholarship offers up to USD $1,500 per term (or the full cost of tuition, whichever is lower) for a maximum of six consecutive terms across Fall, Winter, and Spring, helping students focus on their academic and professional goals without financial strain.

To be eligible for the International Student Retention Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an international student (non-US citizen or non-permanent resident) enrolled at PSU with a valid student visa (e.g., F-1 or J-1).

• Be pursuing a full-time undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate degree in any subject offered by PSU.

• Meet the following academic and enrollment requirements:

  • Undergraduate Students: Must have sophomore standing or higher, have completed at least three terms at PSU, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75.

  • Undergraduate Transfer Students: Must have sophomore standing or higher, have completed at least one term at PSU, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75.

  • Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Students: Must have completed at least one term at PSU and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00.

• Demonstrate financial need through a statement detailing family annual income and financial circumstances.

• Co-enrolled students at another USCIS-approved institution are eligible, provided they meet PSU’s academic requirements.

• Exclusions:

  • Not available to students receiving the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) award, Graduate/Teaching Assistantships, or Research Assistantships.

  • Not available to US citizens or permanent residents.

  • Not applicable for Summer term enrollment.

• The scholarship provides up to USD $1,500 per term, or the total cost of tuition (whichever is lower), applied as a tuition fee remission.

• The award is renewable for a maximum of six consecutive terms (Fall, Winter, and Spring only), subject to continued funding availability and academic performance.

• If a student graduates within the six-term period, the scholarship covers the final term, provided it falls within the limit.

• The scholarship does not cover non-tuition expenses such as accommodation, books, or living costs.

To apply for the International Student Retention Scholarship 2025, follow these steps:

1. Access WorldLink Portal: Visit the PSU WorldLink portal at https://worldlink.intl.pdx.edu/ to begin the application process.

2. Complete Application Form: Provide the following details:

   • Personal background information.

   • Academic and professional goals, explaining how a PSU degree will help achieve them.

   • Financial support statement, including family annual income (excluding bank statements) and financial need circumstances.

3. Submit Letters of Recommendation: Provide two recommendation letters (dated within the last six months) from instructors or academic advisors who can attest to your academic abilities and potential.

4. Submit Application: Upload all required documents and submit the application via the WorldLink portal by the relevant term deadline.

5. Review Process: Applications are reviewed by PSU’s scholarship committee based on financial need, academic performance, and clarity of goals. Awards are subject to funding availability.

Note: Deadlines are strictly enforced. Late applications are considered for the following term.

• Completed ISRS application form (via WorldLink portal).

• Financial need statement detailing family annual income and circumstances (bank statements not required).

• Two recommendation letters (dated within the last six months) from instructors or academic advisors.

• Proof of enrollment at PSU (automatically verified through student records).

• Note: Additional documents may be requested by the scholarship committee to verify eligibility.

• Fall Term 2025: July 15, 2025.

• Winter Term 2026: October 15, 2025.

• Spring Term 2026: February 15, 2026.

• Enrollment Requirement: Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credits per term for undergraduates; 9 credits for graduates) during Fall, Winter, and Spring terms.

• Academic Performance: Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 (undergraduates) or 3.00 (graduates/post-baccalaureate) to retain the scholarship.

• Note: Applications received after a term’s deadline are considered for the next term. Check the WorldLink portal for updates, as deadlines may vary.

• Email: intl-life@pdx.edu (for scholarship inquiries).

• Phone: +1 (503) 725-4094 (Office of International Student and Scholar Services).

• Address: Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Portland State University, 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201, USA.

• Website: https://www.pdx.edu/international-students/international-student-scholarships

• WorldLink Portal: https://worldlink.intl.pdx.edu/ (for application submission).

• Funding Availability: Scholarship continuation depends on State of Oregon funding, and awards are not guaranteed. Applicants should apply early to secure limited spots.

• GPA Maintenance: Recipients must maintain the required GPA (2.75 for undergraduates, 3.00 for graduates/post-baccalaureate) each term to remain eligible.

• Other Scholarships: PSU offers additional scholarships, such as the International Achievement Scholarship (up to $10,000 per year for new undergraduates) and the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP, $3,250 per term for cultural presentations). These cannot be combined with the ISRS.

• PSU Scholarship Universe: Students can explore additional funding through PSU’s Scholarship Universe portal, open from January 15 to May 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 academic year. Separate applications are required for other PSU scholarships.

• Visa Compliance: International students must maintain valid F-1 or J-1 visa status and comply with USCIS regulations to receive the scholarship.

• Campus Diversity: The ISRS enhances PSU’s commitment to cultural diversity, enriching the campus and Portland community with global perspectives.