General Financial Information for International Students

The University of Hawaii is a multi-campus system of post-secondary educational institutions serving the State of Hawaii. The University of Hawaii at Manoa (University of Hawaii), on the island of Oahu, is the major comprehensive research campus enrolling more than 20,000 students. The University of Hawaii at Hilo, University of Hawaii at West Oahu and seven community colleges are also part of the University of Hawaii system. Each campus has its own form of financial assistance for students. The following information offers details on scholarships available to international students admitted to or enrolled only at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM).

An important consideration in any educational planning is to look realistically at the financial situation. Although tuition charges at the University of Hawaii Manoa are relatively low, Hawaii cost of living is one of the highest in the United States. See estimated cost of study at Manoa. However, the UHM offers a number of scholarships to encourage and assist students from abroad and to enhance its Pacific-Asian mission.

Most international students at UHM are fully or partially supported by family funds. However, many are also supported for some period by employment and/or scholarships available in Hawaii.

Employment Information

Many international students earn a portion of their costs by working while studying. However, all applicants for student visas must provide evidence of adequate means to finance their educational and living expenses without having to seek employment. F-1 students may initially only work on-campus. Currently there is a wide range of on-campus positions available at University of Hawaii at Manoa. After 9 months or two semesters of full time studies, F-1 or J-1 students may be eligible for selected off-campus employment. J-1 and F-1 visa holders may also receive permission to work upon completion of studies for a limited period of academic or practical training in positions related to the academic major for the degree just completed.

UHM Pacific Asian Scholarship

Pacific Asian Scholarship (full or partial tuition waiver) is available to graduate and undergraduate students with high academic standing pursuing studies important to the Pacific and Asian regions. Most graduate awards are made through the academic departments. Undergraduates are not eligible in their first semester of study of UHM. Continuing classified undergraduate students may contact the Student Academic Service Coordinator, School of Hawaiian, Asian Pacific Studies, and 1890 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822 for further information.

UHM APTDE Scholarship (no longer offered)

The Asia Pacific Tuition Differential Exemption (APTDE), a merit scholarship for international students from selected jurisdictions in the Asia Pacific region,  will no longer be offered as of Fall 2007.

Statutory Awards (no longer offered)

Legal permanent residents of selected Pacific Island jurisdictions with no 4-year public institution of higher learning have been eligible to pay resident tuition based on statutory benefits. This scholarship will no longer be offered as of Fall 2007.

Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship for International Students

The University of Hawai`i at Manoa is pleased to announce that a new merit tuition scholarship, called the Chancellor's Merit Scholarship, will be available to meritorious international freshmen, transfer and graduate students beginning fall semester 2007. This partial tuition merit scholarship will be awarded at the time of admission. The value of the scholarship will be $3,000.00 or $6,000.00, depending on merit, for the first year. This scholarship may be renewed.

Other Awards and Scholarships

SEED Scholarships:
Other scholarships available to international students are administered by the Office of Student Equity, Excellence, and Diversity (SEED). Information is available at the SEED website: www.hawaii.edu/diversity.

ISS Scholarships:
The International Student Services administers a scholarship program. Continuing classified students only may apply for the following awards:

1. ISS Tuition Waivers (partial or full) are available for students in 3 categories: Demonstrated Financial Need, Outstanding International Student, and ISS Internships. Awards are made for the duration of one semester, but awardees may reapply in a subsequent semester. Application forms are posted on the Continuing Student Forms page during November (awards for the following spring semester) and April (for the following fall semester.)

2. The ISS also administers two small grant/scholarship funds: the Kenji Yamaguma Scholarship (KYS) and the June Chun Naughton ISS Scholarship (JCN). Priority for KYS awards goes to students with demonstrated financial need. Priority for JCN awards goes to students who have demonstrated leadership in the international student community. Applications are accepted and reviewed by the ISS Scholarship Committee throughout the academic year. See an ISS adviser for more information.

The East-West Center Scholarships: Funding is available to selected students from Asia and the Pacific Islands for study at UH. Application procedures vary by country. 1777 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96848 for information.
Website:http://www.ewc.Hawaii.edu/

Note: The educational officer at many US Embassies and Consulates can provide additional information on scholarships and other possible sources of funding for study in the U.S. for students from your country.