University of Central Florida Scholarships for International Students 2027
Students considering University of Central Florida can explore scholarships that range from fully funded support to partial awards. This shortlist highlights higher coverage options first.
For institution funded support at University of Central Florida, these scholarships are frequently highlighted when prioritizing higher coverage. Boyd Lyon Memorial Fellowship is a fully funded award, and the listed benefits often include 100% of tuition fees, A stipend of $23,000 annually divided over two terms, and health insurance. MFA Provost’s Graduate Fellowship is usually considered fully funded, and typical coverage can include tuition fees and a stipend of $16,000 annually. A strong option is Graduate Assistantships which is full tuition and often covers up to full tuition fees, a biweekly stipend, and health insurance.
Outside the university’s own funding routes, University of Central Florida students may be eligible for external programs that can offer substantial support. Here are a few to consider. Fulbright Foreign Student Program is fully funded, and coverage often includes roundtrip transportation from the country of origin to the US, monthly living stipend, and tuition fees. AAUW’s International Fellowship is partially funded and typically covers $20,000 for Master's and first professional degree recipients, $25,000 for doctoral students, and $50,000 for postdoctoral students.
This is only a shortlist. Additional scholarships and funding options appear further down on this page.
University of Central Florida Scholarships for International Students
The scholarships at University of Central Florida can help fund your study expenses. There are currently 6 scholarships being offered to international students at the University of Central Florida, all with varying requirements, benefits, and application processes. We have compiled them in this list to help you find the scholarship that best fits you.
Graduate Scholarships
External Scholarships
There are many degrees that are open to international students right now — find yours.
University of Central Florida Admissions
Here are the official admission pages for University of Central Florida:
| Degree | Admissions Pages |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | International Students Admissions Page |
| Master's | International Students Admissions Page |
Admissions and Scholarship Results at University of Central Florida
Here are some of the admissions and scholarship results from previous applicants to University of Central Florida, which you might find helpful. For more results to University of Central Florida, please see the University of Central Florida Admissions Profile Page .
| Nationality / Region | SAT/ACT | EFC | GPA | Scholarship | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 1560 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Accepted |
| Brazil | 1510 | N/A | 3.7 | N/A | Accepted |
| Asia | 1430 | N/A | 4 | N/A | Accepted |
| Brazil | 1520 | N/A | 3.9 | N/A | Accepted |
| Brazil | 1520 | N/A | 3.9 | N/A | Accepted |
University of Central Florida Application Deadlines
| Degree | Admission Deadline |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Fall) | March 1, 2027 |
| Master's (Fall) | January 15, 2027 |
Tuition Fees at University of Central Florida for International Students
Indicative annual tuition fee ranges for international students at University of Central Florida. Exact fees vary by program, so always confirm the current cost on the university's official tuition fee pages.
| Degree Level | Typical Annual Range |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Tuition | 22,482 USD |
| Master's Tuition | 15,318 – 22,977 USD |
Please note that tuition fees can vary based on the specific program you choose. For the most accurate and current fee information, consult the official tuition fee pages linked above.
University of Central Florida Scholarship Recipients
International students who received scholarships to study at University of Central Florida, documented by Global Scholarships.
Scholarship Recipient Insights at University of Central Florida
4 degree-study stories.
| Nationalities | Stories per nationality |
|---|---|
| Bangladeshi, Nigerian, Pakistani, Panamanian | 1 each |
| Degree level | Stories | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s | 3 | Biotechnology, Computer Vision, Cybersecurity and Privacy |
| PhD | 1 | Aerospace Engineering |
Funding Routes Used by Featured Recipients
| Funding route | Stories | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Research/teaching assistantships | 2 | Sabera; Ogbenna Favour |
| Fulbright funding | 2 | Yusra Ahmed; Gustavo Arturo Estribi Lipero |
Funding Coverage Reported by Recipients
| Recipient and degree/program | Reported coverage |
|---|---|
| Sabera — Master’s in Biotechnology | UCF covered tuition and health insurance; a stipend supported her combined research and teaching assistant responsibilities. |
| Ogbenna Favour — PhD in Aerospace Engineering | Graduate Research Assistantship in the Multiphysics Simulation Lab: approximately US$30,000 annually, paid biweekly. |
| Yusra Ahmed — Master’s in Computer Vision | Fulbright Scholarship covered tuition, health insurance, airfare, visa processing, settling-in and equipment allowances, and a monthly living stipend; she valued the two-year package at approximately US$96,000. Also received a US$26,500 UCF tuition waiver. |
| Gustavo Arturo Estribi Lipero — MSc in Cybersecurity and Privacy, graduated 2025 | SENACYT-IFARHU / Fulbright Panama package covered tuition, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, airfare and academic allowances for two years. |
Academic and Campus Experiences
| Recipient and degree/program | Reported experience |
|---|---|
| Sabera — Master’s in Biotechnology | Researched intestinal epithelial cell biology, gut inflammation and drug-based therapeutic regulation in Dr. Saleh Naser’s lab. Praised laboratory facilities, graduate-coordinator support, multicultural events, the pantry and the Bangladeshi community. |
| Ogbenna Favour — PhD in Aerospace Engineering | Research focused on reduced-order modelling of turbulent flow, expanding his ocean-engineering background toward compressible flow and advanced computational fluid dynamics. His assistantship involved 20 hours of work weekly. |
| Yusra Ahmed — Master’s in Computer Vision | Valued collaborative learning and cultural exchange; Pakistani Student Association and Muslim Student Association events helped her maintain cultural connections. |
| Gustavo Arturo Estribi Lipero — MSc in Cybersecurity and Privacy, graduated 2025 | Engaged with the student cybersecurity and hacking club. UCF Global supported visa matters, orientation, advising and career workshops. |
Examples of Featured Recipients’ Application Backgrounds
| Recipient and degree/program | Scholarship/application route | Reported background and preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Sabera — Master’s in Biotechnology | Research/teaching assistantship | BSc double major in Biotechnology and Microbiology at BRAC University, CGPA 3.93; prior teaching assistance and research including an icddr,b internship. Faculty interview focused on undergraduate research and laboratory experience; obtained recommendations from research and internship supervisors. |
| Ogbenna Favour — PhD in Aerospace Engineering | Graduate Research Assistantship | Marine Technology bachelor’s at Federal University of Technology Owerri, CGPA 4.0/5, and Ocean Engineering master’s at Indian Institute of Technology Madras, CGPA 8.4/10. Strengthened C++ programming and writing before applying; transferred from doctoral study at Florida Atlantic University. |
| Yusra Ahmed — Master’s in Computer Vision | Fulbright Scholarship | Electrical Engineering bachelor’s at National University of Sciences and Technology, CGPA 3.76; built AI preparation through relevant courses, projects and laboratories. Tracked requirements in a spreadsheet and refined essays around how she would use Computer Vision expertise after returning to Pakistan. |
| Gustavo Arturo Estribi Lipero — MSc in Cybersecurity and Privacy, graduated 2025 | SENACYT-IFARHU / Fulbright Panama | Systems Engineering and Computing bachelor’s at Universidad Tecnologica de Panama, GPA 3.0/4.0, 2009–2014, and over eight years of work across government, telecommunications and consulting. Connected election-security experience to Panama’s cybersecurity needs; worked with an IIE advisor on tailored university applications. |
How Recipients Met Language Requirements
| Language requirement route | Stories / total degree-study stories | Recipients and examples |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL taken for the application | 2/4 | Sabera — Master’s in Biotechnology — prepared for approximately 14 days; Gustavo Arturo Estribi Lipero — MSc in Cybersecurity and Privacy, graduated 2025 — used official guides, timed tests and professional English practice. |
| IELTS taken during the scholarship application journey | 1/4 | Yusra Ahmed — Master’s in Computer Vision — overall Band 8.0; practiced speaking and writing with a friend. |
Standardized Tests Reported by Featured Recipients
| Test | Stories reporting the test / total degree-study stories | Linked recipients and reported scores |
|---|---|---|
| GRE | 2/4 | Yusra Ahmed — Master’s in Computer Vision — 324: Verbal 154, Quantitative 170, for her Fulbright application; Gustavo Arturo Estribi Lipero — MSc in Cybersecurity and Privacy, graduated 2025 — took the GRE during his Fulbright journey. |
Application Timelines Reported by Recipients
| Recipient and degree/program | Application or scholarship route | Reported application timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Yusra Ahmed — Master’s in Computer Vision | Fulbright Scholarship for 2025 | Registered for the GRE on the announcement day, about two months before taking it; began serious work on the Personal Statement and Study/Research Objectives about a month before the application deadline. |
| Sabera — Master’s in Biotechnology | UCF graduate application | Prepared for TOEFL for approximately 14 days, then took the test for her UCF application; subsequently discussed research and internship experience in a faculty interview. |
What Featured Recipients Would Do Differently
| Recipient and degree/program | Reported lesson |
|---|---|
| Yusra Ahmed — Master’s in Computer Vision | Would begin GRE preparation and essay refinement earlier and seek more undergraduate research experience. |
| Ogbenna Favour — PhD in Aerospace Engineering | Would apply for fellowships alongside research assistantships. |
| Gustavo Arturo Estribi Lipero — MSc in Cybersecurity and Privacy, graduated 2025 | Would contact prospective faculty and lab directors earlier. |
What Recipients Pursued After Studying at University of Central Florida
| Recipient | Degree/program at University of Central Florida | Reported outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Gustavo Arturo Estribi Lipero | MSc in Cybersecurity and Privacy, graduated 2025 | After graduation in 2025, returned to Panama, served as a security consultant and rejoined Tribunal Electoral de Panama as co-chair of the TREP committee for the upcoming 2029 general elections. |
What Scholarship Recipients Say
Advice and insights from international students who successfully secured funding to study at University of Central Florida.
"The financing of my degree here at UCF was not from a scholarship, but a fully funded opportunity where the tuition fees are fully covered by UCF, and then I receive a stipend for working as an RA or TA in the university. I am currently taking both RA and TA responsibilities at UCF, which pays me enough to survive in the US. Additionally, my health insurance is also covered by UCF."
"My advice for those looking to apply for a similar scholarship would be to focus on building a strong academic and research profile. Obtain meaningful research experience, whether in a lab, through internships, or in bioinformatics projects, and seek mentors who can provide strong letters of recommendation. Highlight any teaching or leadership experience, maintain a good academic record, and ensure your English proficiency is well-documented through tests like TOEFL if required."
"My name is Sabera, and although I am now in the USA, my roots are in Bangladesh. At the University of Central Florida (UCF), where I am pursuing a master's degree in biotechnology, I am actively engaged in research in Dr. Saleh Naser's lab. My research focuses on intestinal epithelial cell biology, gut inflammation, and drug-based therapeutic regulation."
"My experience at UCF has been very positive. The faculty members are knowledgeable and approachable, and the graduate coordinator has been extremely helpful in guiding students through academic and research-related processes. The laboratories are well-equipped, providing an excellent environment for hands-on learning and research. Overall, it has been a supportive and enriching experience."
"My funding comes through the Multiphysics Simulation Lab in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at UCF, where I conduct research in Reduced Order Modelling of Turbulent Flow. As a Graduate Research Assistant, I work 20 hours per week and receive a biweekly stipend. The annual amount is approximately $30,000 USD."
"UCF is excellent, especially for STEM-related fields."
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about scholarships, admissions, and studying at University of Central Florida.
Yes, UCF Online has offered scholarships specifically tied to fully online enrollment, and UCF Online notes that online students can access scholarships like on-campus students.
UCF scholarships span a wide range of subjects, including STEM fields and also business and humanities. UCF’s scholarship resources highlight college- and department-level scholarships across areas like Arts & Humanities, Business, Engineering & Computer Science, Health Professions, Nursing, and Sciences, so opportunities exist well beyond one department.
In the Global Scholarships recipient stories for UCF, both examples are STEM: Ogbenna Favour pursued Aerospace Engineering and said, “UCF is excellent, especially for STEM-related fields,” while Sabera pursued Biotechnology and wrote that her research focused on “gut inflammation, and drug-based therapeutic regulation.”
It depends on the scholarship type: some awards are open broadly (including international students), while others are restricted by residency or citizenship. UCF also has a large international community overall, which means many scholarship pathways are designed to work with international enrollment.
In the UCF recipient stories on Global Scholarships, funding clearly supported international students: Ogbenna Favour opened with “I am Ogbenna Favour from Nigeria,” and Sabera shared, “my roots are in Bangladesh.” These are concrete examples that UCF graduate assistantship-style funding can apply to multiple nationalities.
For the most accurate fit, check each scholarship’s eligibility notes in A2O and in departmental postings. Nationality/citizenship rules vary a lot by funding source.
Often yes for international applicants, depending on your background and program requirements. In her story, Sabera wrote, “I took the TOEFL to demonstrate proficiency in English,” and she also noted “my undergraduate degree was taught entirely in English,” which can sometimes support waivers or alternative pathways depending on institutional policy.
If you are aiming for teaching assistant-type funding, language testing can matter even more. Sabera emphasized documenting proficiency: “A good TOEFL score also reflected my proficiency in English,” and she advised applicants to ensure proficiency is “well-documented through tests like TOEFL if required.”
Minimum grades vary by program, but scholarship-funded admits are usually stronger than the minimum. In the UCF recipient stories, both students highlighted strong academic records: Sabera reported a CGPA of 3.93/4.00, and Ogbenna Favour reported strong CGPAs in prior degrees and said his standout factors were “My CGPA, the universities I previously attended, and my technical skill set.”
Practical takeaway: treat “minimum” as a floor, but plan for a stronger-than-minimum record if you want competitive scholarships or assistantship funding.
There isn’t one universal age limit across “UCF scholarships.” Some scholarships have no age rule at all, some are designed for non-traditional (often older) students, and some external/prestigious awards can include strict age caps.
A “good” background depends on the scholarship, but the UCF recipient stories show a common pattern: strong grades plus evidence you can contribute (research, technical skills, teaching, leadership). Sabera pointed to “strong letters of recommendation” and said her profile included “a high CGPA and experience as a teaching assistant,” alongside hands-on research experience.
For research/teaching funding routes, departments often look for fit and readiness. Ogbenna Favour described preparing by strengthening relevant skills: “I focused on improving my programming skills (particularly C++) and strengthening my writing abilities.”
Minimum eligibility is usually: (1) meet admission requirements for your program, and (2) meet the scholarship’s specific rules. For graduate assistantships specifically, you generally need to be admitted and enrolled full-time in a graduate program, and then the department decides based on funding, fit, and performance indicators.
Undergraduate (international) examples: UCF requires an application and application fee, plus required academic documents that vary by entry level. Common items include official transcripts (secondary school and/or post-secondary), and for some applicants, official course-by-course evaluations for international coursework and exam score reports (AP/IB/AICE/CLEP/Cambridge, if applicable).
Graduate examples: UCF graduate applications commonly require official transcripts and program-specific supporting documents (often a personal/academic statement, resume/CV, and recommendation letters). In the UCF recipient stories, Ogbenna Favour summarized typical Ph.D. application components as “a strong statement of purpose, a resume, three letters of recommendation,” and Sabera highlighted that she took TOEFL for English proficiency and relied on strong recommendation letters from supervisors.
- Undergraduate: application + fee; official transcripts/credentials; country/entry-level specific academic documents; possible credential evaluation for international coursework; exam score reports (if applicable).
- Graduate: application + fee; official transcripts (and sometimes evaluations of foreign transcripts); English proficiency test results if required; plus program-specific items like statement of purpose/personal statement, resume/CV, recommendation letters, and sometimes GRE/GMAT depending on the program.
Yes. UCF undergraduate applications typically have a nonrefundable application fee (international undergraduate admissions lists a $30 fee).
Graduate applications also have a nonrefundable fee; UCF pages commonly show $31 for graduate applications (often described as a processing fee that can include a convenience fee), though some pages list $30. In practice, you should budget around $31 for the graduate application fee unless your specific program confirms otherwise.
There are many degrees that are open to international students right now — find yours.

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