About the NAU International Excellence Award

The International Excellence Award at Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a merit-based scholarship designed to recognize and reward outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to global engagement. NAU, located in Flagstaff, Arizona, is known for its welcoming community, strong support for international students, and affordable tuition. This award significantly reduces the cost of attendance, making NAU an excellent option for Afghan students seeking a high-quality American education at a fraction of typical U.S. costs.

Key Award Programs

• International Excellence Award (General): Merit-based scholarship ranging from $4,000 to $12,000 per year for undergraduate students
• NAU Global Achievement Scholarship: Additional awards for students from underrepresented regions including Afghanistan
• Graduate International Excellence Award: Tuition awards for master's-level international students in select programs
• Flagstaff Community Scholarship: Additional need-based support for international students demonstrating financial hardship
• Renewable: Automatically renewed each year if you maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Number of Awards: Awarded to all qualifying international applicants — no fixed cap

Eligibility Requirements

• Nationality: Open to all international students (Afghanistan fully eligible)
• Enrollment: Must be admitted to a full-time degree program at NAU
• Academic Achievement: Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent
• Test Scores: SAT/ACT optional for international applicants (test-optional policy)
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 70+ (varies by program)
• Financial Need: Not required for the Excellence Award, but strengthens the Flagstaff Community Scholarship application
• Leadership: Evidence of extracurricular involvement, community service, or leadership
• Freshman Status: For the undergraduate award, must be a new first-year student
• Visa: Must obtain an F-1 student visa to enroll

Application Details

Required Documents

• Completed NAU undergraduate or graduate application
• Official high school or university transcripts (certified English translation)
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo)
• Personal statement (500 words) — academic goals and why NAU
• Two letters of recommendation (for graduate applicants; optional for undergraduate)
• Copy of valid passport
• Financial statement / bank verification for F-1 visa
• Portfolio or work samples (for arts and design programs)
• SAT/ACT scores (optional — test-optional policy)

Application Timeline

• Fall Application Opens: July 1 of the preceding year
• Fall Priority Deadline: February 1 (strongly recommended for scholarship consideration)
• Fall Final Deadline: May 1
• Spring Application Opens: February 1
• Spring Priority Deadline: September 1
• Spring Final Deadline: November 1
• Scholarship Notification: Included in admission letter
• Academic Year Begins: Late August (Fall) or mid-January (Spring)

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence (GPA and rigor of coursework)
• Consistency and upward trend in grades
• Personal statement quality and clarity of goals
• Leadership and community involvement
• Diversity contribution to the NAU community
• Alignment with NAU's values of access and opportunity

Benefits Covered

• Tuition reduction ranging from $4,000 to $12,000 per year
• Renewable for 4 years (undergraduate) with a 3.0 GPA
• Access to on-campus employment opportunities (up to 20 hours/week)
• Eligibility for additional NAU scholarships (stackable)
• International Student Support Services
• Free airport pickup and orientation week
• Access to NAU's 600+ student clubs and organizations
• Flagstaff's low cost of living (much cheaper than Phoenix or Los Angeles)