For international students aiming to pursue higher education in the United States, National Louis University (NLU) offers a wide range of scholarships designed to make education more affordable. From major tuition reductions to merit-based awards, these opportunities provide flexible financial support for undergraduate, transfer, and even alumni students.
Degree Level
- Undergraduate
- Graduate
Available Subjects
- All subjects
Benefits
Here’s a complete breakdown of NLU scholarships for international students in 2026.
NLU International Fresh Start Scholarship (Up to 44% Tuition Reduction)
One of the most attractive options is the International Fresh Start Scholarship, specifically for first-time undergraduate students.
Key Benefits:
- Covers 44% of tuition fees
- Reduces cost from $430 to $239 per credit hour
- Approximate annual tuition: $10,755
- Renewable every term
Eligibility:
- Must hold an F-1 student visa
- First-time freshman (less than 20 semester hours transfer credit)
- Enroll in on-campus programs in Chicago or Wheeling
- Maintain GPA of 2.0 and full-time enrollment
This scholarship is automatically awarded upon admission—no separate application required.
International Opportunity Scholarship (Up to 10% Tuition Reduction)
This scholarship supports all international undergraduate students admitted to NLU.
Highlights:
- Covers 10% of full tuition
- Worth up to $7,599 annually
- Renewable each year
Requirements:
- Must be an international student
- Maintain full-time enrollment and academic progress
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (50% Tuition Coverage)
The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship is a prestigious global initiative that rewards students committed to intercultural exchange and leadership.
Benefits:
- Covers 50% of tuition fees
- Renewable annually
- Limited to two students per year
Application Requirements:
- 500–1000 word essay or 2–5 minute video
- Demonstrate leadership and intercultural engagement
Important Dates:
- Deadline: July 15, 2026
- Award Notification: July 20, 2026
- Deposit Deadline: July 25, 2026
Kendall College Scholarships (Up to 25% Tuition Reduction)
Students enrolling in hospitality or culinary programs under Kendall College (NLU) can benefit from specialized scholarships.
Available Awards:
- Culinary Arts & Baking: 25% tuition reduction (up to $24,123)
- Hospitality Management: 10% tuition reduction
These are also automatically awarded upon admission.
Direct to Success Scholarship (Transfer Students – 25% Tuition Reduction)
International students transferring with a completed associate degree can receive:
- 25% tuition discount
- Faster degree completion through credit transfers
Alumni Scholarship (15% Tuition Discount)
NLU supports its graduates by offering:
- 15% tuition reduction for alumni pursuing another degree
- Available for both undergraduate and graduate programs
Eligible Nationalities
Open to international students of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
General Eligibility Requirements
Across most NLU scholarships, students must:
- Maintain full-time enrollment (14+ credits per term)
- Keep a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Follow university policies and visa requirements
- Note: Students can receive only one NLU scholarship per academic year
Application Procedure
The best part about most NLU scholarships is their simplicity:
- Apply for admission via the official NLU application portal
- Get accepted into an eligible program
- Scholarships are automatically applied (except #YouAreWelcomeHere)
Final Thoughts
National Louis University stands out for its accessible and automatic scholarship system, making it easier for international students to secure funding without complicated processes. While these are mostly partial scholarships, they significantly reduce tuition costs and make studying in the U.S. more achievable.
For students looking for affordable undergraduate education with flexible scholarship options, NLU offers a strong and practical pathway.