Are you actively looking to sign up for a U.S. scholarship in 2026 that can quietly save you between $18,000 and $32,000 per year while opening doors to part-time jobs, paid co-op placements, and long-term immigration opportunities?

Then this guide on the International Merit Program at Drexel University is exactly where your application journey should begin. The apply-now process is straightforward, competitive, and built for ambitious international students who think ahead.

Why These Scholarships Matters

Here’s the honest truth most people won’t tell you upfront. Studying in the United States without a scholarship is expensive.

Tuition alone at top private universities can hit $45,000–$55,000 per year, and when you add housing, insurance, books, and daily living costs, you’re easily staring at $70,000 annually. That’s why the Drexel International Merit Program matters more than ever in 2026.

This scholarship isn’t just about feeling good that you “got funding.” It’s about reducing financial pressure immediately while positioning yourself for long-term financial stability.

For international students from Nigeria, India, Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan, Vietnam, and even parts of Europe, saving $25,000 per year means your family avoids loans, delayed retirement plans, or selling assets back home.

What makes this program especially powerful is timing. Drexel sits in Philadelphia, one of the highest-paying student employment markets in the U.S.

International students here routinely earn between $12,000 and $22,000 per year through on-campus roles, research assistantships, and Drexel’s famous co-op system.

When combined with merit aid, your net study cost can drop to $28,000–$35,000 per year, which suddenly makes a U.S. degree realistic.

There’s also a deeper advantage. U.S. employers value graduates who studied at institutions with strong experiential learning.

Drexel’s model increases your odds of securing post-study jobs paying $60,000–$85,000 annually within 12 months of graduation. That matters if your long-term plan includes OPT, H-1B sponsorship, or employer-backed immigration routes.

In short, this scholarship matters because it converts a dream into a financially calculated decision. You don’t just apply to study. You apply to earn, save, and build momentum from day one.

What These Scholarships Covers

Now let’s talk numbers, because that’s what actually convinces smart applicants to sign up. The Drexel University International Merit Program primarily covers tuition reductions, but its real value goes far beyond that headline.

Most award recipients receive between $18,000 and $30,000 per academic year, renewable for up to four or five years depending on your degree program.

Over a full study cycle, that’s a total scholarship value ranging from $72,000 to over $140,000. That’s not pocket change. That’s a house in some countries or a full retirement plan contribution back home.

While the scholarship doesn’t directly pay cash into your bank account, it reduces your billed tuition before payments are calculated. This means lower upfront deposits, reduced visa proof-of-funds requirements, and less pressure on family sponsors.

Many students report that their required annual proof of funds drops from $70,000 to about $42,000, which significantly improves visa approval odds.

Another overlooked benefit is how this funding stacks with income opportunities. Drexel allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during semesters.

At an average campus wage of $15–$18 per hour, you’re looking at $1,200–$1,400 monthly. Over nine months, that’s roughly $10,000–$12,500 earned legally.

Then comes the co-op program. Paid co-op placements often pay between $20 and $28 per hour, with six-month earnings reaching $18,000–$25,000 in one cycle.

When combined with your merit scholarship, many students effectively offset 70–80% of total education costs. AxSo while this scholarship may look like “just tuition support,” in reality, it’s a financial system that reduces risk, increases earning power, and keeps you in control.

Common Types of These Scholarships

One reason Drexel attracts serious international applicants is flexibility. The International Merit Program isn’t a single rigid award.

It’s a portfolio of merit-based scholarships designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and long-term potential.

The most common type is the Academic Merit Scholarship, awarded based on GPA, standardized test scores, and curriculum rigor.

Strong applicants typically have GPAs equivalent to 3.5–4.0, and awards here often range from $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Over four years, that’s up to $120,000 saved.

Next is the Global Achievement Award, aimed at students who demonstrate leadership, entrepreneurship, or community impact. These scholarships usually fall between $15,000 and $25,000 annually.

Students with startup experience, NGO involvement, or leadership roles often stand out here, especially if they tie achievements to future jobs and innovation goals.

There are also college-specific merit awards. Engineering, business, health sciences, and computing programs sometimes add $5,000–$10,000 per year on top of general merit aid.

This is especially relevant in high-demand fields where graduate salaries average $70,000–$95,000 within two years.

Some students also qualify for renewal-based performance awards, meaning your funding can increase if you maintain strong academic results. A student starting at $18,000 per year may move up to $25,000 by year two.

When you apply, you’re not limited to one chance. Drexel evaluates you across multiple merit categories automatically.

That’s why submitting a strong application early is critical, it maximizes scholarship combinations and long-term financial upside.

Eligibility Criteria

Let’s be very clear here, because this is where many applicants either qualify confidently or disqualify themselves unnecessarily.

The eligibility rules for Drexel University’s International Merit Program (2026–2027) are competitive but realistic, especially if you’re serious about studying, working part-time, and positioning yourself for high-paying jobs after graduation.

First, this scholarship is strictly for international students. If you’re applying from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam, the Philippines, parts of Europe, or the Middle East, you’re already in the right pool.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are excluded, which actually increases your chances as a foreign applicant. Academically, Drexel is looking for consistency, not perfection. Successful candidates usually meet these benchmarks:

• A strong secondary school or previous university GPA, typically equivalent to 3.3–4.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Competitive applicants often fall in the top 10–20% of their graduating class
• For postgraduate applicants, a minimum undergraduate GPA equivalent to 3.0+ is common

English proficiency is another factor, but it’s not designed to block you, it’s designed to ensure you can thrive and eventually compete for U.S. jobs paying $60,000–$90,000 per year.

Typical English benchmarks include:

• IELTS scores around 6.5–7.0
• TOEFL scores from 79–95
• Duolingo scores averaging 105–120

Financial intent also matters. Drexel wants students who understand payments, budgeting, and long-term planning.

You must show you can cover the remaining cost after scholarship support, which usually lands between $28,000 and $40,000 annually depending on your award size.

Most importantly, Drexel favors applicants who show career clarity. If your application clearly connects your degree to future employment, industry demand, and even immigration goals, your chances rise significantly.

Students who articulate how they plan to transition into OPT roles earning $55,000+ annually are far more attractive to the admissions team.

Required Documents

This section is where smart applicants separate themselves from rushed ones. The good news? Drexel’s document requirements are standard, digital, and mostly upload-based, meaning no courier fees, no embassy stamping, and no unnecessary payments.

You’ll need to prepare academic, personal, and financial documents. When properly arranged, the entire upload process can take under 60 minutes.

Here’s what Drexel typically requires for the International Merit Program:

• Academic transcripts from secondary school or previous universities
• Proof of graduation or expected graduation certificate
• English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo, if applicable)
• A personal statement or essay explaining academic goals and career plans
• One to two letters of recommendation, preferably from teachers or employers
• A valid international passport
• Financial support documents showing ability to cover remaining costs

For postgraduate applicants, additional documents may include:

• A detailed CV or résumé highlighting skills, internships, and jobs
• Statement of purpose connecting your degree to industry demand
• Portfolio (for design, media, or architecture programs)

Financial documents deserve special attention. After merit aid, most students are required to show funds between $28,000 and $45,000, depending on housing choices and insurance. This figure is significantly lower than non-scholarship applicants, who may need to prove $65,000–$75,000.

What makes Drexel attractive is flexibility. Sponsors can be parents, relatives, employers, or organizations. Many international students combine:

• Family savings
• Educational loans
• Employer sponsorships
• Government or NGO support

Once documents are uploaded and verified, Drexel issues admission and scholarship decisions together. That single step alone can save you weeks of stress and unnecessary follow-ups.

How to Apply

Now let’s talk action, because this is where opportunities turn into outcomes. Applying for Drexel University’s International Merit Program is not complicated, but timing and precision matter a lot.

The application process is fully online, and there is no separate scholarship form. Once you apply for admission, you are automatically considered for merit awards. That alone saves applicants time, effort, and extra payments.

Here’s how most successful candidates approach it:

• Start with Drexel’s official online application portal
• Select your intended program and 2026–2027 intake
• Complete your personal details and academic history
• Upload required documents in clear, legible formats
• Submit your application before priority deadlines

Priority deadlines are crucial. Applicants who submit early, often 3–5 months before program start dates, are far more likely to receive higher-value awards.

Early applicants frequently secure scholarships worth $25,000–$30,000, while late applicants may see offers closer to $15,000–$18,000.

After submission, Drexel’s admissions team reviews your profile holistically. This means:

• Academic strength
• Leadership potential
• Career alignment
• Financial readiness

Decisions typically arrive within 4–8 weeks. Once admitted, your scholarship amount is clearly stated in your offer letter. From there, you proceed with acceptance deposits, visa documentation, and housing plans.

Students who complete this process efficiently often transition smoothly into on-campus jobs paying $14–$18 per hour, followed by co-op roles earning $20–$28 per hour.

That’s how many international students fund living costs without draining family savings or delaying long-term retirement goals.

Valuable Tips for Application

If you want to treat this scholarship like a serious opportunity, and not a lottery ticket, then strategy matters.

Every year, Drexel receives tens of thousands of international applications. Only a fraction secure $25,000+ per year in merit funding. The difference is rarely luck. It’s preparation.

First, timing is money. Applicants who apply early statistically receive higher awards. Submitting your application 4–6 months ahead of the intake can increase scholarship value by $5,000–$10,000 annually.

Over four years, that’s $20,000–$40,000 saved without doing anything extra. Second, your personal statement must sell outcomes, not dreams. Admissions teams respond better to applicants who link education to:

• In-demand jobs
• Industry shortages
• Expected salaries of $60,000–$95,000 per year
• Long-term contribution to global markets

Third, treat your documents like financial instruments. Clean transcripts, clear scans, and properly labeled files speed up decisions by 1–2 weeks, which can be the difference between a $18,000 award and a $30,000 award.

Fourth, don’t underplay work experience. Even unpaid internships, freelance work, or part-time jobs earning $200–$500 monthly matter. They show Drexel you understand effort, payments, and responsibility.

Finally, plan your finances realistically. Students who show a clear budget, covering tuition gaps of $28,000–$40,000 annually, appear more credible than those who vaguely mention “family support.”

Benefits Beyond Funding

If you think this scholarship is only about reducing tuition, you’re missing 70% of the value. The real advantage lies in what happens after you enroll.

Drexel’s co-op program alone places students into paid industry roles earning between $20 and $28 per hour.

Over a six-month placement, many international students earn $18,000–$25,000, enough to cover rent, food, insurance, and still save.

Beyond income, these roles convert into post-study employment. Graduates with co-op experience secure full-time jobs faster and at higher salaries:

• Business & Analytics: $65,000–$85,000
• Engineering & Tech: $75,000–$100,000
• Health & Life Sciences: $60,000–$90,000

That income trajectory matters for immigration. Employers are more willing to sponsor OPT extensions and H-1B visas when candidates already understand U.S. work culture.

There’s also lifestyle value. Philadelphia is 15–30% cheaper than cities like New York or San Francisco. Students typically spend:

• Housing: $800–$1,200/month
• Food & transport: $400–$600/month
• Health insurance: $2,000–$2,500/year

Compared to higher-cost cities where annual living expenses exceed $30,000, Drexel students often manage on $18,000–$22,000, preserving family savings and protecting long-term retirement plans back home.

FAQ about These Scholarships

Is the Drexel International Merit Program fully funded?

No. The scholarship is partially funded, but highly generous. Most awards range from $18,000 to $30,000 per year, reducing total annual costs from about $70,000 to roughly $30,000–$40,000.

Do I need a separate application for the scholarship?

No. Once you apply for admission, you are automatically considered. There is no extra form, interview fee, or hidden payment.

Can international students work while studying at Drexel?

Yes. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters, earning $14–$18 per hour, which totals about $10,000–$12,000 per academic year.

Are scholarships renewable every year?

Yes, most merit awards are renewable as long as you maintain satisfactory academic performance, usually a GPA equivalent to 2.75–3.0 or higher.

Does the scholarship improve visa approval chances?

Absolutely. Reduced tuition lowers proof-of-funds requirements by $20,000–$30,000, which significantly strengthens student visa applications.

Can this scholarship help with U.S. immigration later?

Indirectly, yes. Graduates with co-op experience often secure OPT jobs paying $60,000–$90,000, making employer sponsorship more realistic.

Which courses attract higher scholarships and salaries?

High-demand programs such as engineering, computing, business analytics, and health sciences often lead to stronger funding and post-study salaries above $70,000 annually.

Is there an age limit for applicants?

No official age limit exists. Applicants are evaluated on academic readiness and career clarity, not age.