Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The University of Dayton Merit Scholarship 2027 is a competitive undergraduate award for international students seeking to study in the United States. Hosted by the University of Dayton—a private Roman Catholic research university in Ohio—this scholarship recognizes academic excellence and provides substantial financial support to reduce the cost of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
For students from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a significant opportunity to study at an institution ranked among the top 20 U.S. universities for internship opportunities, according to the International Student Barometer.
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Scholarship Value and Benefits
This is a partially funded scholarship with the following components:
- Merit Scholarship: $30,000 per year (renewable)
- Textbook Scholarship: $4,000 distributed over four years ($1,000 per year)
- No registration fee required for application
The total value exceeds $124,000 over a standard four-year undergraduate program. Note that this award covers tuition and textbooks but does not include full living expenses, housing, meals, or health insurance. Students should budget approximately $15,000–$20,000 annually for remaining costs.
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Host Institution
The University of Dayton (UD) is a private research university located in Dayton, Ohio, founded in 1850. Key facts:
- Total enrollment: 11,306 students (8,681 undergraduate; 2,625 graduate)
- Student body represents 41 U.S. states and 38 countries
- Offers 80+ academic programs across five colleges
- First U.S. university to offer an undergraduate degree in human rights (2009)
- Ranked tied for 132nd among U.S. national universities (U.S. News & World Report 2023)
- Ranked 58th nationally for undergraduate teaching
The university provides extensive support for international students, including English language immersion programs and research opportunities with faculty.
Available Programs and Fields
Scholarship recipients may enroll in any undergraduate program offered by the University of Dayton:
- Arts and Sciences
- Business Administration
- Education and Health Sciences
- Engineering
- Law (undergraduate pre-law and related programs)
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to:
- International students from all nationalities
- Applicants for first-year undergraduate admission
- Applicants for transfer admission (students currently enrolled at other institutions)
Specific academic requirements (GPA, test scores) are not published in the available source material. Applicants should consult the official University of Dayton admissions website for detailed eligibility criteria.
Required Documents
Prepare the following materials for your application:
- Completed application form including an essay
- Official high school transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Letter of financial support
- Proof of English proficiency (one of the following):
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- PTE Academic
- SAT
- ACT
Application Deadlines
The University of Dayton operates on a rolling admission system with term-specific deadlines:
| Term | Period | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | August – December | May 1, 2026 |
| Spring | January – April | November 1, 2026 |
For scholarship consideration, international applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well before these deadlines. The November 1, 2026 deadline is particularly relevant for students seeking spring 2027 admission.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the University of Dayton official website
- Register for an online application account
- Complete all required sections of the undergraduate application
- Upload or submit all required documents
- Submit the application (no registration fee required)
- Monitor your application status through the online portal
There is no separate scholarship application. All international applicants are automatically considered for the Merit Scholarship upon submission of their admission application.
Tips for African Applicants
For students from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and other SADC countries:
- Begin English proficiency testing early—IELTS and TOEFL test centers may have limited availability
- Request transcripts and recommendation letters 6–8 weeks before deadlines
- Prepare financial documentation demonstrating ability to cover costs not met by the scholarship
- Research Dayton, Ohio’s climate (continental, with cold winters) and cost of living
- Explore the university’s internship programs, which rank in the U.S. top 20
Important Considerations
This scholarship requires careful financial planning. While $30,000 annually covers a significant portion of tuition (approximately 70–80% depending on program), students must demonstrate additional funding sources for remaining tuition, housing, meals, health insurance, and personal expenses. The University of Dayton requires proof of financial support as part of the application process for visa documentation.
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
