Every year, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo gives international students a chance to study in the U.S. without carrying the full money burden alone. Studying abroad is exciting, but let’s be real — it can get expensive fast. Tuition, rent, food, books… it all adds up.
That’s where scholarships step in. They don’t fix everything, but they can make things much easier.
This guide breaks it all down in a clear way — what you can apply for, who can apply, and how to not miss your chance.
Table of Contents
What scholarships are there?
If you’re coming on an F-1 visa, you have a few main options.
1. UH Hilo International Student Scholarship
This is the big one most students look at first.
- It’s limited, so not everyone gets it
- Based on your grades and your financial situation
- If you’re a new student, you don’t need a separate application — you’re automatically considered after admission
- If you’re already studying there, you’ll need to apply again
Deadline: March 15, 2026
👉 Important: You must get admission first. No admission = no scholarship review.
2. Dean’s Scholarships
Each department has its own small pool of scholarships.
- Deadlines are usually in March
- Rules are different for each major
- Some are easy, some are competitive
Best move? Contact your department directly and ask.
Also Check: University of Michigan LSA Scholarships 2026 – International Students
3. UH System Common Scholarship
Instead of applying again and again, you fill out one form and get considered for many scholarships across the whole University of Hawaiʻi system.
Deadline: March 2, 2026
Good news — you don’t need FAFSA for this.
Some examples include:
- Alec and Kay Keith Scholarship
- Dr. John G. Chan Scholarship
- Subaru Telescope Scholarship
- UH Hilo Pride Legacy Scholarship
Some care about grades. Others look at leadership or activities. So even if you’re not top of the class, you still have a shot.
Can you get money from outside UH Hilo?
Yes. And honestly, you should try.
There are many outside scholarships like:
- MPOWER Financing
- ACI Foundation
- AAUW (for women)
- Bold.org
- Generation Google (for tech students)
These can be combined with UH Hilo scholarships. That’s how some students manage their full expenses.
Special support for Pacific Island students
If you’re from places like FSM, Palau, or the Marshall Islands, you may have extra options.
- You might qualify for U.S. federal aid
- Your home government may offer scholarships
Each program is different, so you’ll need to check with your local offices.
Deadlines (don’t ignore these)
- UH Hilo International Scholarship → March 15, 2026
- UH Common Scholarship → March 2, 2026
- Dean’s Scholarships → Around March
Miss the deadline, and that’s it. No second chance.
How to actually apply
It’s not complicated, but you need to follow the steps in order.
- First, apply and get admission
- Then fill out the common scholarship form
- After that, apply separately if any scholarship asks for it
That’s it. Just don’t delay.
Also — international students don’t need FAFSA here. That saves time.
What about loans?
Sometimes scholarships aren’t enough.
You might look at:
- Loans with a cosigner
- Loans without a cosigner (a bit harder to get)
But be careful. Loans mean you’ll pay money back later, with interest.
Small tips that actually matter
Start early. Seriously. Waiting till the last week is risky.
Apply for more than one scholarship. Don’t depend on just one.
Ask questions if you’re confused. Email the scholarship office — that’s what they’re there for.
And double-check your documents. One missing file can ruin everything.
What do students usually say?
Most students who succeed do a few simple things:
They apply early.
They stay organized.
They don’t rely on one option only.
Some scholarships are easy to apply for. No long essays. No interviews. But still — you need to be careful and complete everything properly.
Final thoughts
Getting into University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is one thing. Paying for it is another.
But there are real chances to reduce your costs if you plan smart.
Start early.
Know your deadlines.
Apply everywhere you can.
Do that, and studying in Hawaiʻi won’t just be a dream — it becomes something you can actually manage.
Official Scholarship Information:
UH Hilo International Scholarships 2026–27
