Scholarship Opportunities for International Students

The Associated Students International Matador Scholarship will be awarded to 5 continuing international students at CSUN. The amount of each award will be $3,000.00 per student. The scholarship is not renewable. Scholarship recipients will be chosen on the basis of academic ability, financial need and willingness to promote international student involvement at CSUN.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants & recipients must be in F-1 student status.
• Undergraduate applicants must have a minimum CSUN GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Graduate applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Open to continuing matriculated F-1 students enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or Doctorate program.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a full course of study at CSUN (12 units for undergraduates; 8 units for graduates) for the upcoming academic year.
• Scholarship will be awarded upon verification of full-time enrollment at CSUN.
• Applicants who have previously received this scholarship will not be considered.
• Government sponsored students are not eligible to apply.

Application Process

A completed application packet includes the following:

• Application submitted on time via CSUN's online scholarship database myMatador Scholarships.
• One letter of recommendation, which will be requested through the myMatador Scholarship system. Recommender will submit their letters through this system.

The goal of the Graduate Student Scholarship is to recognize and assist alumni who are loyal to the university and choose to continue their education at CSUN beyond the undergraduate level. One $2,000 scholarship is awarded.

• Must have received an undergraduate, graduate degree or teaching credential from CSUN.

General Scholarship Application Criteria

• A completed online application (one letter of recommendation, a personal essay and transcripts).
• CSUN GPA of at least 3.0.
• Enrolled in 12 units as an undergraduate or 6 units as a graduate student.
• Involvement and leadership in community and/or extra-curricular activities.

Application Process

A completed application packet includes the following:

• Application submitted on time via CSUN's online scholarship database myMatador Scholarships.
• One letter of recommendation
• A personal statement
• An unofficial copy of your high school or college transcripts if you are not currently a CSUN student
• A copy of a Degree Progress Report (DARS) if you are a current CSUN student
• All documents listed above must be completed or uploaded via the Scholarship System

2024-2025 Academic Year Award

The Associated Students Dianne F. Harrison Award was created to support current international students enrolled at CSUN. This award was created to provide an annual distributions of book voucher awards.
 

The Associated Students of California State University, Northridge (AS) is the primary advocate for students at California State University, Northridge. AS provides excellent, meaningful programs and services designed to enhance and create a spirited learning-focused campus environment. AS is also the official seat of student governance for the campus. The Student Government division represents the student body, advocates its needs and defends its interests in dealings with faculty, campus administrators and government officials.
 

This award was created to honor, Dr. Dianne F. Harrison who began her appointment as president of California State University, Northridge in June 2012. Prior to her appointment, she served as president of California State University, Monterey Bay since 2006 and for nearly 30 years worked at Florida State University, where she began as a faculty member and served in various administrative leadership roles, including vice president for academic quality and external programs. President Harrison is known for her commitment to students, academic excellence, strategic leadership, and for building strong partnerships with public and private organizations. She holds a Ph.D. in social work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master’s of Social Work and a baccalaureate degree in American Studies, both from the University of Alabama. Her academic and research areas of expertise include HIV prevention among women and minority populations and higher education issues related to university leadership. Dr. Harrison currently serves on the board of the American Council on Education (ACE) and Second Nature, and is vice chair of the board of the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities (USU). She served two full 4-year terms as former California Governor Jerry’s Brown appointee on the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, having been initially appointed in 2011 and served in 2014 as chair of the Commission. As an active civic leader, she serves on the Boards of Directors for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the Valley Economic Alliance, and Valley Presbyterian Hospital. She is a member of the Los Angeles Coalition for the Economy and Jobs. She also serves on the Advisory Council of BizFed and, for 2019–20, as Chair of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) Board of Directors. Active with the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), she serves on the NCAA Division I Committee on Academics and the NCAA Board of Governors’ Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity. She and her husband, John Wujack, reside in Northridge.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants who have previously received this Award will not be considered.

• Open to continuing CSUN undergraduate and graduate international students.
• Scholarship opportunity is open to continuing matriculated F-1 students enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or Doctorate program.
• Government sponsored students are not eligible to apply.

• Undergraduate students must enroll in 15 units or more during the Fall & Spring terms of the award year.
• Graduate students must enroll in a minimum of 8 units or more during the Fall & Spring terms of the award year.
• Undergraduate students must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
• Graduate students must have a GPA of at least 3.5.
• One letter of recommendation must be requested through the my Matador Scholarship system.
• Must upload a copy of your student resume. A student resume is a detailed record of your personal and educational information. It includes the name of your school/college, coursework, projects (if any) undertaken, and awards. The resume may also contain additional information like your extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, job experiences (if any), hobbies, etc
• A reception will be held in your honor by Associated Students within the beginning of the Fall semester. Scholarship recipient will be sent an invitation in early Fall.

Please note:

• Any change to your enrollment status resulting in less than full time enrollment for any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award*.

Award

$500

Scopes

Associated Students, International Students

Deadline

06/03/2024

Supplemental Questions

1. Have you previously received the Associated Students Dianne F. Harrison Award?
2. If yes, indicate the year in which you received this award:
3. Are you a government sponsored student?
4. Please write an essay response that addresses the following questions: a. Academic Achievements: Please list your outstanding academic achievements (i.e. awards, honors, scholarships, competitions, special recognitions, etc.). b. Please Describe Your Future Educational & Career Goals: How did you decide on your major field of study? Why is this field important to you? What will you do with your CSUN degree? How will your studies at CSUN help with your future career plans? c. Student involvement: Please elaborate on any involvement activities, on or off-campus that included assisting students or the community in general. Also, how will you promote international student involvement at CSUN? Please be specific and detailed when responding to each question.
5. Describe your financial need. Please be specific. Why do you need financial assistance? If you are awarded a scholarship, how will you use the money? Are you currently receiving any other types of financial assistance (scholarships, loans, grants, etc.)? If yes, please describe the type and amount.
6. [MSP 1] Please request: A letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, counselor, or community leader - who can attest to your meritorious performance and personal strengths and can assess your potential for academic and career success. The letter should include a signature, title, and contact information. The letter should be addressed to: *Award Selection Committee*.
7. Please upload: A copy of your student resume/CV. A student resume is a detailed record of your personal and educational information. It includes the name of your school/college, coursework, projects (if any) undertaken, and awards. The resume may also contain additional information like your extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, job experiences (if any), hobbies, etc.

2024-2025 Academic Year Award

Created upon the occasion of President Dianne F. Harrison’s Investiture, the Harrison Leadership Award will recognize a California State University, Northridge freshmen student for their leadership, as demonstrated by involvement in student government, a club or another campus organization.

This scholarship is open to continuing CSUN undergraduate students who entered as Freshman in Fall 2023 and successfully completed at least 30 Units at CSUN at the end of the Spring 2024 semester. Applicants must be rising Sophomores for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Current 2023-2024 freshman on track to complete 30+ units.
• Will be a sophomore 2024-2025
• Meet and maintain 3.0 cumulative GPA or better
• Involved in on-campus leadership activities
• International and AB540 students are eligible
• Recipient must enroll in 12 units or more* during the Fall & Spring terms of the award year.
  * Any change to your enrollment status resulting in less than full time enrollment for any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.
• Two letters of recommendation must be requested through the my Matador Scholarship system.
• Must upload a copy of your student resume. A student resume is a detailed record of your personal and educational information. It includes the name of your school/college, coursework, projects (if any) undertaken, and awards. The resume may also contain additional information like your extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, job experiences (if any), hobbies, etc.

*Applications will be thoroughly reviewed following the posting of Spring grades to ensure completion of at least 30 Units at CSUN.

For more information about how to create your resume, go to: www.csun.edu/career

Please note:

Any change to your enrollment status resulting in less than required enrollment for any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.
If you are receiving financial aid (including loans), your financial aid award(s) may be adjusted if you receive a scholarship amount that exceeds your financial aid total limit. Speak to a financial aid counselor during walk-in hours to get a detailed overview about your individual situation.

Award

$8,000

Deadline

04/08/2024

Supplemental Questions

1. I will have successfully completed 30 Units at CSUN at the end of the Spring 2024 term.
2. Essay Question 1: What is your leadership involvement experience at CSUN so far, and how did it shape your first-year experience?
3. Essay Question 2: Student leaders often balance competing priorities and interests. Tell us about a situation where you have been challenged in this way at CSUN. How did you manage it, what kept you motivated to keep going, and what did you learn from this experience?
4. Essay Question 3: As a student leader at CSUN, how have you created a respectful and inclusive environment within your leadership role? In your response, please also share why this is important for you.
5. Letters of Recommendation:
   • Please request: A letter of recommendation from a CSUN faculty member. This letter should address and document your on campus involvement and leadership.
   • Please request: A letter of recommendation from faculty or staff. This letter should address and document your campus involvement and leadership.
6. Please upload: Degree Progress Report or Unofficial Transcripts
7. Please upload: A copy of your student resume/CV. A student resume is a detailed record of your personal and educational information. It includes the name of your school/college, coursework, projects (if any) undertaken, and awards. The resume may also contain additional information like your extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, job experiences (if any), hobbies, etc.

Most CSUN colleges and departments offer scholarships to students in their programs. You may contact your department office or program to inquire about the availability of scholarships.

For a list of College and Department Scholarships, please visit the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department.

Please keep in mind that some scholarship opportunities under this category may require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, and refugees and asylees qualify for federal financial aid in the form of loans, grants, or work-study opportunities. However, generally, students in a nonimmigrant category such as F-1 international students are not eligible for such aid. Therefore, if a scholarship opportunity requires a FAFSA application, please note that as an F-1 international student you may not qualify.

2024-2025 Academic Year Award

This scholarship serves to honor the memory of Tanni Block, an extraordinary student leader at CSUN, by recognizing on-campus leadership, involvement and advocacy efforts that support inclusivity on campus, particularly with and for the LGBTQIA+ community.

This scholarship is open to both continuing undergraduate students and graduate students. International students and undocumented students are eligible to apply. Students currently enrolled part-time are eligible to apply.

Taniella “Tanni” Block was an extraordinary women who showed true passion to the commitment for change. Tanni arrived at California State University Northridge in 2007 and began a mission to encourage community, to enable peer support, and to create safe spaces. Tanni found strength through her siblings while attending CSUN and utilized the EOP Program and the various clubs and organizations on campus she so quickly grew to love. Tanni served with LGBTQA (the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Alliance) as Events Coordinator. She also worked with Queer Ambassadors and CSUN VDay, attended rallies and volunteered with various other organizations on campus and in the community. Her voice played a vital role in creating the first permanent Pride Center at CSUN, dedicated to providing support and increasing services for LGBTQIA+ students. Tanni’s bright smile brought empowerment, joy and comfort to all who knew her. She brought strangers together and worked to unite communities through their differences. With an intersectional identity as a Black pansexual women, Tanni’s motivational and organizational skills joined with her creative musical ability to raise awareness of unprivileged and marginalized communities and to help other students navigate difficult social landscapes. Tanni was a powerful advocate, activist, and ally for CSUN and for all LGBTQIA+ students. Tanni Block passed away in May of 2012, just before the opening of the Pride Center, leaving behind a legacy of work and a legion of people who will always remember her strong spirit.

Eligibility Requirements:

• One letter of recommendation from faculty, staff, peers, and/or community members will be submitted on my behalf via the myMatador Scholarships portal. Reference letter must attest to your advocacy and involvement with LGBTQIA+ communities at CSUN.
• Continuing Undergraduate students must enroll in 6 units or more during the Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 terms.
• Continuing Graduate students must enroll in 4 units or more during the Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 terms.
• Must have a GPA greater than or equal to a 2.0.
• Must submit a resume that outlines professional, academic, community, and/or leadership experience.
• Selected recipient/s must submit a thank you letter.
   

Important note:
If you are receiving Financial Aid (including loans), your financial aid award(s) may be adjusted if you receive a scholarship amount that exceeds your financial aid total limit. Speak to a financial aid counselor during walk-in hours to get a detailed overview about your individual situation.

Award

$1,250

Deadline

04/14/2024

Supplemental Questions

1. CSUN’s LGBTQIA+ community is full of rich and diverse identities that intersect class, gender, race, ability and more. Tell us about your identity and what you learned navigating your leadership at CSUN. Share your understanding of intersectionality, inclusion and diversity.
2. Please describe your contributions toward advancing LGBTQIA+ initiatives on campus. You should include any positions you have held, initiatives you have led or supported, and the impact your contributions have had on the CSUN community.
3. What do you foresee as a focus for LGBTQIA+ advocacy at CSUN in the future? What role do you see yourself playing and how will you balance self-care and advocacy as a CSUN student?
4. If awarded, I can attend the Rainbow Graduation Celebration on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm.
5. I am a continuing matriculated F-1 student enrolled in a bachelor's, master's or Doctorate program.
6. Please request one Letter of Recommendation:
   • Please request: A letter of recommendation from a CSUN faculty or staff member, peer or community member attesting to your ongoing advocacy and involvement with LGBTQIA+ communities at CSUN.

The purpose of the Alumni Higher Education Program is to recognize and assist alumni who are dedicated to the university and want to continue their graduate education at CSUN. Recipients of this award will each receive $1,000.00.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must have received at least one of the following:

• An undergraduate degree from CSUN and be admitted to a graduate program or
• A master’s degree from CSUN and be admitted to a doctoral program or
• A teaching credential from CSUN and be admitted to a master’s program.
• Applicants must have a CSUN GPA of a 3.0 or higher in their undergraduate degree and current graduate students must have a CSUN GPA of a 3.5 or higher.
• Applicants must have enrolled in 6 units or more for the Fall 2023 term.
• Applicants must request one letter of recommendation from a CSUN faculty member.
• Applicants must submit a personal statement (maximum one page, double-spaced) in which you provide a response to the prompt provided.
• Must upload a copy of their CSUN unofficial transcripts.
• Recipients must participate in CSUNposium which will be held in the spring semester.

Not Eligible:

• Applicants who have previously received this award
• Applicants enrolled in a credential program or certificate program.
• Any CSU employee or their dependents receiving a university fee waiver are not eligible (does not apply to TAs, GAs, ISAs or student assistants).
• Graduate students who plan on graduating at the end of the Fall 2023 term are not eligible to apply as this award will be disbursed during the Spring 2024 term.

What is Required:

An application and the following supporting documents must be submitted through the myMatador Scholarships database.

• One letter of recommendation from a CSUN faculty member.
  • Your recommender will receive a notification to submit their letter through the system. Please follow up with your recommender to make sure that they submit by the due date.
• A personal statement (maximum one page, double-spaced)
  • Please provide a response to the following prompt: Please describe why you chose to continue to pursue a graduate degree at CSUN. Biographical information should be included only to the extent it relates to your academic pursuit and your reason for pursuing a graduate degree.
  • The following points are provided to help you fully address the prompts:
    • Why have you chosen to pursue a graduate degree (include your academic background and relevant experiences)?
    • Why have you chosen to return to CSUN as a graduate student?
• A copy of your CSUN unofficial transcripts.

NOTE: Your recommendation letter, personal statement and unofficial transcripts must be submitted through the myMatador Scholarship system.

How to Apply:

• To access the application and to learn more about this funding program please select the Alumni Higher Education Program.

For technical assistance with the my Matador Scholarships portal please contact the Scholarships Office at (818) 677-4907.

The purpose of the Graduate Dreamers Program is to assist undocumented students who are dedicated to the university and want to pursue their graduate education at CSUN. Recipients of this award will each receive $1,000.00.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a master’s or doctorate degree program.
• Applicants must be matriculated graduate students.
• Applicants must have an approved California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request (AB 540 Affidavit) on file with the University.
• Applicants must have a completed CA Dream Act Application on file for the current academic year.
• Incoming applicants must have a GPA of a 3.0 or higher in their undergraduate degree, and current graduate students must have a CSUN GPA of a 3.5 or higher.
• Applicants must be enrolled in 6 units or more for the Fall 2023 term.
• Applicants must submit a personal statement (maximum one page, double-spaced) in which you provide a response to a provided prompt.
• Applicants must request one letter of recommendation from a faculty member (doesn’t have to be from CSUN) or employer (no personal letters).
• Applicants must submit a copy of all unofficial transcripts.
• Recipients must participate in CSUNposium which will be held in the spring semester.

Not Eligible:

• Applicants who have previously received this award.
• Applicants enrolled in a credential program or certificate program.
• Any CSU employee or their dependents receiving a university fee waiver are not eligible (does not apply to TAs, GAs, ISAs or student assistants).
• Graduate students who plan on graduating at the end of the Fall 2023 term are not eligible to apply as this award will be disbursed during the Spring 2024 term.
   

What is Required:

• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member or employer (no personal letters).
  • Your recommender will receive a notification to submit their letter through the system. Please follow up with your recommender to make sure that they submit by the due date.
• A personal statement (maximum one page, double-spaced)
  • Please provide a response to the following prompt: Please describe why you chose to pursue a graduate degree at CSUN. Biographical information should be included only to the extent it relates to your academic pursuit and your reason for pursuing a graduate degree.
  • The following points are provided to help you fully address the prompts:
    • Why have you chosen to pursue a graduate degree (include your academic background and relevant experiences)?
    • Why have you chosen CSUN for graduate school?

• A copy of your unofficial transcripts.
• An application submitted through the myMatador Scholarships database.

Your recommendation letter, personal statement and unofficial transcripts must be submitted through the myMatador Scholarship system.

How to Apply:

• To access the application, and to learn more about this funding program, please select the Graduate Dreamers Program.

For technical assistance with the my Matador Scholarships portal please contact the Scholarships Office at (818) 677-4907.

The International Graduate Student Program will be awarded to continuing international graduate students. Recipients of this award will each receive $1,000.00. New incoming international graduate students, credential only or certificate students are not eligible.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants & recipients must be in F-1 student status.
• Applicants must have a minimum CSUN GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Applicants must be a continuing matriculated F-1 student enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program.
• Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time graduate student at CSUN (8 units) for the academic year.
• Applicants must submit a personal statement (maximum one page, double-spaced) in which you provide a response to a provided prompt.
• Applicants must request one letter of recommendation from a CSUN faculty member (no personal letters).
• Applicants must submit a copy of their CSUN unofficial transcript.
• Recipients must participate in CSUNposium which will be held in the spring semester.

Not Eligible:

• Graduate students who plan on graduating at the end of the Fall 2023 term are not eligible to apply as this award will be disbursed during the Spring 2024 term.
• Applicants who have previously received this award.
• Applicants enrolled in a credential program or certificate program.
• New incoming international graduate students.
• Any CSU employee or their dependents receiving a university fee waiver are not eligible (does not apply to TSs, GAs, ISAs, or student assistants).

What is Required:

An application and the following supporting documents must be submitted through the myMatador Scholarships database.

• One letter of recommendation from a CSUN faculty member (no personal letters).
  • Your recommender will receive a notification to submit their letter through the system. Please follow up with your recommender to make sure that they submit by the due date.
• A personal statement (maximum one page, double-spaced)
  • Please provide a response to the following prompt: Please describe why you chose to pursue a graduate degree in the United States and specifically at CSUN. Biographical information should be included only to the extent it relates to your academic pursuit and your reason for pursuing a graduate degree.
  • The following points are provided to help you fully address the prompts:
    • Why have you chosen to pursue a graduate degree in the United States (include your academic background and relevant experiences)?
    • Why have you chosen CSUN for graduate school?

• A copy of your CSUN unofficial transcripts.
• An application submitted through the myMatador Scholarships database.

How to Apply:

• To access the application, and learn more about this funding program, please select the International Graduate Student Program.

For technical assistance with the my Matador Scholarships portal please contact the Scholarships Office at (818) 677-4907.

Award: $1,000

Western Union pioneered the idea of moving money around the world and has been connecting people globally for over 169 years. As one of the world’s leading providers of cross-border business payments, Western Union Business Solutions is transforming how businesses can expand globally through one of the largest and most diverse payment networks in the world. The Western Union International Student Scholarship was established for international students studying at any of the California State University campus (add entire paragraph).

Eligibility:
•    Be an undergraduate or graduate student in any major field;
•    Be an international student;
•    Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing at CSUN

Application Process:
Sign into myMatadorScholarships using your MYNORTHRIDGE PORTAL Login.  Complete a general application, then apply for this specific scholarship by submitting all required materials to this scholarship by the deadline.

For questions concerning these scholarship opportunities, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at (818) 677-2138.

I'm Jenishkumar Bhavnagri, a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering at CSUN. My passion for innovation and technology led me to this program. I work as a Student Assistant in CSUN IT. I've received recognition for my involvement as a Senator at AS leadership and participation in the GE Honors program. My career goal is to work for an innovative company that improves lives. My advice for scholarship applicants: Stay true to your passions, highlight your involvement, and acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small.

Junior in Computer Science

In 2021, I arrived in the United States as an International Student, driven by a determination to pursue my dreams. Hailing from rural India, I'm the first in my family to attend college, and I'm currently a Junior majoring in Computer Science at CSUN. I've maintained a 4.0 GPA despite the challenges of being an international student.

In addition to my studies, I work as a Student Supervisor at the Library Technology Services and serve as a CS tutor at the Learning Resource Center. I'm passionate about promoting women in STEM and actively participate in organizations like the Society of Women Engineers, Girls Who Code, and Leaders in Engineering and Computer Science. I've also been a peer mentor at the University Counseling Services.

My future goal is to become a computer scientist and use technology to solve real-world problems. To scholarship applicants, I'd say: Embrace every opportunity, and don't underestimate the power of perseverance and seeking support when needed.