Iowa State University Scholarship 2026 in USA | Fully Funded

Iowa State University Scholarship 2026 offers exceptional financial support for international students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs in the United States, providing up to $25,000 per year. This scholarship aims to empower talented graduate students to advance their academic goals at one of the nation’s leading research universities while gaining valuable experience in their chosen fields.

Specifically, Sub-Saharan African students can benefit from the Borel Global Fellows Program within ISU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Established in 2018 thanks to alumni Jim and Marcia Borel, the program focuses on developing future leaders who will enhance agricultural innovation, improve livelihoods, and address food and nutrition security in their home countries. Through this fellowship, students gain the training and support needed to drive long-term regional development and make a meaningful global impact.

Benefits 

• Up to $25,000 per year per student is available for graduate student stipends (or a combination of a partial stipend and research funding).
• Funding duration is up to 30 months for MS students and up to 42 months for PhD students.
• Additional funding is available for travel to and from Africa for research purposes.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Borel Global Fellowship, you must:

• Be admitted into a graduate program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
• Commit to completing graduate studies as a means for preparation of a career contributing to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Complete the majority of their graduate research in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Demonstrate an intention to work and live in Sub-Saharan Africa after completing their graduate studies

Required Documents for Iowa State University Scholarship 2026

To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;

• Completed application form
• Cover letter from the major professor,
• A CV of the student, and
• A copy of the student’s goal statement.

How to Apply?

• Check that the student is enrolled in a graduate program at Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and is interested in food security or agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Prepare all necessary documents: a cover letter from the major professor, the student’s CV, and the student’s goal statement. The cover letter should highlight the professor’s support for tuition, fees, research costs, and the student’s proposed research.
• Submit the application through Iowa State University faculty. Students cannot apply directly. Faculty will forward applications to request funding for eligible students.
• Ensure the application is complete and submitted by January 15. Late submissions are not considered.
• For questions or guidance, faculty can contact the Office for Global Engagement at Iowa State University.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Iowa State University Scholarship 2026 supports graduate students in agriculture committed to Sub-Saharan Africa research. Faculty submit applications, funding covers stipends and travel, and the January 15 deadline ensures participation in food security initiatives.