Imagine studying at a well-known university in the United States without paying a single dollar for tuition. For International students, that’s exactly what Berea College in Kentucky offers, it’s the only school in the U.S. that guarantees full funding for international students it admits.In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Berea’s scholarship, how to apply,its benefits, eligibility criterias, what the application requirements are and answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the scholarship.

Overview of Berea College and the Berea College Scholarship

Berea College, a liberal arts institution founded in 1885, renowned for its commitment to providing accessible education, offers fully funded scholarships to international students. This American grant covers the full cost of tuition for the first year for all enrolled international students at Berea College. Students from a wide range of backgrounds can benefit greatly from this wonderful opportunity, which includes coverage of tuition, accommodation and other fees.

The Berea College Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to making significant contributions to their communities.Students who are accepted into the program will get a full scholarship for their first year of study and may be eligible for further funding for their second, third, and fourth years.

This scholarship is made possible by the generous donations of people and organizations who support providing higher education to talented and deserving students worldwide. It enables overseas students to fulfill their desire to go to college and graduate with a degree.

Scholarship summary

Institution : Berea College

Host Country : United States

Level of Study : Undergraduate

Deadline : December 15, 2025

Program Period : 4 years or longer depending on the major

What the Berea College Scholarship Covers

Berea College is unique because it’s the only school in the U.S. that gives full financial support to every international student in their first year. That means your tuition, housing, meals, and fees are fully covered, so you can settle into college life without worrying about money.

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After your first year, you’ll be expected to contribute about $1,000 per year toward your costs. Don’t stress about it, Berea makes this doable by offering summer jobs to help students earn that amount themselves.

To secure your spot once admitted, you’ll need to pay a $50 entrance fee and a $2,200 deposit. But here’s the good part: the deposit isn’t just money gone forever, it’s used for your expenses throughout your four years. And if paying the full deposit is tough, Berea can step in by assisting you with extra financial aid. Plus, every international student gets a paid on-campus job through the Work Program. In your first year, you’ll usually earn around $2,000, which helps cover personal expenses like books, clothes, or anything else you need.

Benefits of the Berea College Scholarship

• Full Coverage in the First Year: Your tuition, housing, meals, and fees are completely paid for, so you can focus on your studies without worrying about money.
• Housing and Accomodation : On-campus housing costs are included, providing a safe and supportive living environment.
• Support in Later Years: From the second year onward, students are asked to contribute about $1,000 each year. To make this possible, Berea provides summer job opportunities to help you earn the amount.
• Upfront Payments: When you’re admitted, you’ll need to pay a $50 entrance fee and a $2,200 deposit. The deposit isn’t lost, it’s set aside to help cover your expenses over your four years. And if paying it all at once is hard, Berea offers extra financial aid.
• On-Campus Work Program: Every international student gets a guaranteed campus job. In your first year, this usually adds up to around $2,000 in earnings, which you can use for personal expenses.

Eligibility Criteria for Berea College Scholarship

If you’re thinking about applying for the Berea College Scholarship, there are a few things the school looks for in international students:

• Nationality : The scholarship is open to international students from all countries, but excluding U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents or refugees.
• Enrollment : Applicant must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at Berea
• Strong Academics: You’ll need a solid academic record. Berea wants students who have shown they can do well in their studies. Applicants should have finished high school (or the equivalent) with strong grades usually a GPA of 3.0 or higher in a college-prep program. Most admitted students also have an ACT score between 20–30 or a similar SAT score.
• English Skills: Since all classes are in English, you’ll have to prove your language ability with a test like TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. The minimum scores of TOEFL (520 paper-based, 68 internet-based), IELTS (6.0 overall, no band below 5.0), SAT(980 combined), ACT (19 composite) and Duolingo (95). Nursing applicants are required to have a minimum of 83 in TOEFL iBT with 26 in the spoken section.
• Demonstrated Financial Need: This scholarship is meant for students who can’t afford to pay for college in the U.S. on their own. You’ll need to show that you truly need the support.
• Complete Application: Make sure you send in everything, your application form, transcripts, test scores, a personal essay, and recommendation letters before the deadline.
• Age : Applicants are usually between 17 and 24 years old, since the scholarship is meant for undergraduate students.
• Community Spirit: Berea values students who aren’t just focused on themselves, but also want to give back and make a difference in their communities.

Fields of Study at Berea College

Berea College gives students plenty of options when it comes to choosing a major. The school offers 33 different programs under both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.

Here are some of the main areas you can study:

• STEM: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics.
• Health Sciences: Nursing (note that this program requires stronger English proficiency).
• Humanities: English, History, Philosophy, and Religion.
• Social Sciences: Economics, Political Science, and Sociology.
• Arts: Art, Music, and Theatre.
• Professional Programs: Business Administration, Education, and even a dual-degree Engineering track.

How to Apply as an International Student at Berea College

Berea College has always made it possible for international students from all over the world to study at their school but admission into the school is really competitive because of the “no-tuition” offer. It’s very important to know what exactly is required before applying. Here’s a breakdown of what is needed and the application process for international students.

1. Free Online Application

You have to start your application by filling out the Berea College Application for Admission for International Students. Berea does not have an application fee, and the portal opens every year on August 1.

2. Personal Essay

You’ll need to write a 2–5 page essay in English without outside help. This essay plays a big role in your admission decision and even helps with course placement. Here are a few things to address in your essay:

• An overview of your educational and life experiences.
• What you plan to do after finishing your studies.
• Whether you plan to return to your home country, and why.
• How you’ve made a positive difference in your community.

Be as detailed as possible because it helps you stand out. Once you’re done, upload it through the application portal.

3. Official Secondary school records

You have to submit these documents and they may include leaving exam results, A-level results, O-Level results, National Higher Diploma results or West African Examination results. Provide records that show you’ve completed all secondary school requirements in your home country. If these records are not in English, you should translate them to English and have them certified by the school officials.

4. Teacher Recommendation

Ask a teacher who knows you well to fill out the official recommendation form through the portal. If that’s not possible, they can write a typed recommendation in English and you can upload it.

5. Financial Resource Recommendation

This form needs to be filled out by someone who can honestly speak about your financial situation like a school administrator, employer, or community leader. Please note that your relatives cannot fill out this form and it should be written in English.

6. Official Test Scores

Berea requires official test scores (less than two years old). You cannot apply for the test-optional, even if you’re from an English-speaking country. Accepted tests and minimum scores are:

• ACT: 19 (Berea’s SchoolCode: 1492)
• SAT: 980 (Berea’s School Code: 1060)
• TOEFL iBT: 68 | PBT: 520 (Berea’s school code 1060), ITB is not accepted
• IELTS: 6.0 overall (with no subscore lower than 5)
• Duolingo English Test: 95

You’ll need to upload a copy of your score report, even if you’ve already sent it directly to Berea.

7. International Financial Questionnaire

Finally, complete Berea’s Financial Questionnaire through the application portal. Note: they do not accept CSS Profile or ISFSAA in place of this form.

Extra Notes

• If you’ve applied before: You’ll need to submit a new application and updated supporting documents (like transcripts, test scores, and recommendations). Make sure to include any university or college coursework you’ve done since your last application.
• Costs & Aid: Remember, Berea’s scholarship covers most costs, but you’ll still have a few small financial responsibilities (like the deposit and personal expenses).

Tips for a Strong Application

If you want to boost your chances of the scholarship at Berea, here are a few tips to help with the application :

• Keep your essay as authentic as possible. Don’t try to write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Write your true story, your experience, challenges you’ve faced, your goals etc..
• Show your financial need clearly. Use documents like bank statements, tax records, or letters from community leaders to back it up.
• Aim higher than the minimum test scores. Meeting the requirement is okay, but scoring above it makes your application stronger.
• Pick the right person for recommendations. Choose someone who really knows you and your situation, like a teacher, school official, or community leader.
• Apply as early as possible. Berea accepts only a little number of international students each year, try not to miss a deadline because it might potentially cost you a spot.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Berea College Scholarship

Q1: When is the application deadline

International applicants must submit all their application components by December 15

Q2: Can international students apply more than once?

Yes. You can only submit one application per academic year, but if you don’t get in the first time, you’re welcome to try again the following year. Many students actually do this and often with better results. For example, retaking an English test and getting a higher score can make your application much stronger the second time around.

Q3: What if I can’t afford the $2,200 deposit?
Don’t worry, Berea understands that not every student can pay the full deposit. If you’re admitted, the school will look at your situation and may reduce the amount you need to pay.

Q4: Can I get an extension if I miss the application deadline?
Unfortunately, no. Berea does not allow deadline extensions. If you can’t complete your application in time, you’ll need to reapply for the next academic year.

Q5: Do I need to submit bank statements?
No. You don’t have to provide bank statements when filling out the International Financial Questionnaire.

Q6: Does Berea accept international transfer students?
Yes, but spots are extremely limited. Berea gives priority to students who haven’t had the chance to attend college yet. If you’ve already taken university courses, you must follow the international application process and submit all transcripts from schools you’ve attended.

Conclusion

Berea College’s scholarship program for international students is a really generous and comprehensive opportunity for international students to have an American higher education.

Berea College is the only school in the United States that gives 100% tuition funding to enrolled international students thereby making it a really tough spot to get. If you meet all the necessary requirements, take your time to write a comprehensive application essay, prepare your application carefully and you’re ready to put in the work then you don’t have any problem with getting into Berea college.