Admissions & Scholarships
How to Win the $3,000 A-State International Freshman Scholarship
If you are aiming for A-State's Fall 2027 intake (or the closer Spring/Summer 2027 terms), there is one scholarship worth understanding well ahead of time: the International Freshman Scholarship, worth $3,000 per year. The bar is realistic for a solid student, but locking it in means preparing the right documents and applying early. Here is what the scholarship actually requires, how to prove your GPA, and a timeline to follow.
What the International Freshman Scholarship covers
This award is for first-time freshmen applying directly to A-State (not transfer students). It is worth $3,000 per year, and the main requirement is a high school GPA of 3.25 or higher (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent). One important detail: this scholarship is not combinable with the Transfer Scholarship, which is reserved for transfer students with a 3.25 GPA and at least 24 transferable credit hours. Since the two awards apply to different applicant types, most Vietnamese students coming straight from high school will be evaluated under the Freshman track.
Quick comparison of entry scholarships
| Award | Value | Main requirement | Renewal / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Freshman Scholarship | $3,000/year | GPA 3.25+ | Confirm renewal terms with the Vietnam Office |
| Transfer Scholarship | $3,000/year | GPA 3.25+ and 24+ transferable hours | Not combinable with the Freshman award |
| ACT/SAT Merit tiers | $1,000–$4,000/year | Based on ACT/SAT score band | Renewal requires a 3.5 GPA |
Whether the ACT/SAT merit tiers can stack with the International Freshman Scholarship is not clearly documented — confirm this with the Vietnam Office for your specific situation before you assume anything.
Documents you need to prove your GPA
- An official high school transcript showing your cumulative GPA.
- An English translation (if the original is in Vietnamese), typically notarized.
- SAT/ACT scores, if you have them, since these drive the merit-based tiers.
- An English proficiency score (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) — this is an admission requirement, not a scholarship condition, but you need it to be admitted in the first place.
GPA conversion methods and notarization/translation requirements can vary by case, so confirm the exact expectations with the Vietnam Office before you submit anything.
Minimum admission requirements to clear first
Before scholarships come into play, you need to meet A-State's undergraduate admission minimums:
| Criterion | Minimum |
|---|---|
| GPA | 2.3 |
| TOEFL | 61 |
| IELTS | 5.5 |
| Duolingo | 110 |
| SAT EBRW | 550 |
| ACT | 21 |
Notice the gap: a 2.3 GPA gets you admitted, but you need 3.25 to unlock the $3,000 scholarship. Run your numbers through the admission checker tool to see exactly where your profile stands.
Step-by-step plan for Fall 2027
- Right now: gather your transcript, any English test scores, and SAT/ACT results if you have taken them.
- Apply: complete the online application and pay the $50 application fee.
- Watch the deadline: Fall intakes have typically closed on June 1 — verify the exact Fall 2027 date on the deadlines page, since it can shift year to year.
- Get your decision: A-State will notify you of admission and, if you qualify, the scholarship amount attached.
- Pay your deposit: a $350 international deposit confirms your seat.
- I-20, SEVIS fee, visa: follow the sequence on the application timeline.
- Arrive: finalize housing, health insurance, and remaining entry steps.
Applying early gives you more time for the visa process and can help your file be reviewed while scholarship funds are still fully available, since some awards may be considered as complete applications come in.
FAQ
Do I need a separate scholarship application? This award is generally considered automatically once your application meets the GPA threshold, but the exact process can vary — confirm with the Vietnam Office when you apply.
What if my GPA is below 3.25? You can still be admitted with a GPA of 2.3 or higher; you simply would not qualify for this particular scholarship. Ask the Vietnam Office about the ACT/SAT merit tiers or other options that might fit your profile.
How long does the scholarship last, and what keeps it active? For the ACT/SAT merit tiers, renewal requires maintaining a 3.5 college GPA. For the International Freshman Scholarship, check with the Vietnam Office for the specific year-by-year renewal terms.
Where can I learn more? The scholarships page lists all current awards, and undergraduate admissions covers the full document checklist.
Note: tuition, scholarships, and deadlines can change from year to year. The figures here apply to the 2026–27 academic year and current intake cycle — always double-check the latest numbers before you plan around them.
Talk to the Vietnam Office about your specific case
Every transcript is a little different, so the fastest way to know exactly where you stand is to have your records reviewed directly. Reach the Vietnam Office at study@astate.edu.vn, call the hotline at 097 586 1994, or submit your details through the contact page to get help planning your Fall 2027 application.
Photo by Pang Yuhao on Unsplash
