Global Citizen Scholarship: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The Global Citizen Scholarship is a prestigious initiative by Indiana University (IU), created in recognition of the outstanding contributions international students make to the IU community. It is designed to reward talented and globally-minded students who demonstrate a commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding. If you are an international student with a passion for making a difference, this scholarship provides a significant financial boost to support your academic journey in the United States.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the application window is expected to open in early January 2025 and close in mid-March 2025. This guide will walk international applicants through every step of the process, including eligibility criteria, the unique video submission requirement, details of the funding, and key deadlines. You can be fully prepared to seize this valuable opportunity to reduce your educational costs at a renowned U.S. institution.

The Global Citizen Scholarship is exclusively applicable to various undergraduate and graduate programmes offered across Indiana University's campuses for international students. It is not limited to a single college, providing flexibility in your choice of study.

Global Citizen Scholarship Awards

The Global Citizen Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides substantial financial support for international students to pursue their studies at Indiana University. It acknowledges students who actively contribute to global citizenship.

The scholarship is a one-time award presented to three selected students each year during the fall semester. The financial support is direct and aimed at easing the burden of educational expenses.

Global Citizen Scholarship Amount

The award is a one-time scholarship of $7,500 (approximately ₹6.2 Lakhs). This amount is disbursed directly to the student to assist with various costs associated with studying in the U.S.

Global Citizen Scholarship Benefits

Beyond the direct financial award, the Global Citizen Scholarship offers significant prestige and recognition within a leading American university.

The eligibility for this scholarship is specifically designed for international students who can creatively express their ideas on global citizenship.

Who can apply: International Students

The application process is integrated with your admission application to IU. It is competitive and hinges on the quality and creativity of your video submission.

1. Apply for Admission: First, submit your application for admission to Indiana University through the official portal.
2. Review Scholarship Theme: Check the Office of International Services (OIS) website for the current year's video theme and prompt.
3. Create Your Video: Produce a short, engaging video that creatively addresses the given theme.
4. Submit Your Entry: Upload your video to a platform like YouTube or Vimeo and submit the link through the OIS scholarship application form by the deadline.

Please note: The application process for the Fall 2025 semester is expected to begin in early January 2025, but you will have until mid-March 2025 to complete and submit your video and forms.

Application Timeline for Global Citizen Scholarship

Adhering to the timeline is critical as the scholarship is awarded only once a year for the fall intake. Mark these estimated dates for the 2025 intake.

Global Citizen Scholarship Interview

There is typically no interview round for the Global Citizen Scholarship. The selection is based primarily on the creativity, content, and impact of your submitted video, along with your overall application for admission. The committee will review all video entries and make a decision based on the published criteria.

International Students.

The application process centers around a creative video, but supporting documents are crucial for verification and admission.

• Completed IU application for admission.
• Official academic transcripts and certificates.
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
• A creative video submission based on the annual theme.
• A valid passport.

FAQs about Global Citizen Scholarship

Who is eligible for the Global Citizen Scholarship?

You must be an international student applying to or enrolled in a degree program at Indiana University. The main requirement is the submission of a creative video on the specified theme.

What does the Global Citizen Scholarship cover?

It is a one-time financial award of $7,500. This amount is not tied to specific expenses and can be used by the student to support their educational costs.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

You must first apply for admission to IU. Then, create and submit a video based on the annual theme through the official OIS scholarship portal before the deadline.

What is the key selection factor?

The selection committee primarily evaluates your creative video submission. They are looking for originality, clarity of message, and how well you embody the spirit of a "global citizen."

Other Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad