Berea College Scholarships for International Students 2025–2026

Posted by: Praise Publisher || Categories: Scholarship

Berea College, a private liberal arts institution in Berea, Kentucky, founded in 1855, is renowned for its commitment to providing tuition-free education to students with limited financial resources.

The college’s No-Tuition Promise ensures that all admitted students, including international students, receive fully funded scholarships covering 100% of tuition costs for their first year of enrollment.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, Berea offers scholarships to approximately 30 international students from diverse backgrounds, including Nigerians, to pursue undergraduate degrees in a supportive, inclusive environment.

With a motto of “God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth,” Berea welcomes students of all nationalities, faiths, and economic circumstances, fostering a diverse campus rooted in equality and service.

This guide outlines eligibility, benefits, application processes, and tips for success for international applicants seeking to join Berea’s transformative academic community.

Why Choose Berea College Scholarships?

Berea College stands out for its unique approach to education, combining academic rigor with financial accessibility and a mandatory work program. Key benefits include:

• Tuition-Free Education: The No-Tuition Promise covers 100% of tuition (valued at nearly USD 200,000 over four years) for all admitted students.
• Comprehensive Support: Scholarships offset costs for room, board, and fees in the first year, with financial aid available in subsequent years.
• Work Program: All students participate in paid on-campus jobs, earning approximately USD 2,000 annually to cover personal expenses.
• Diverse Academic Programs: Choose from 33 majors in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, including nursing, computer science, and biology.
• Global Opportunities: Access study abroad, internships, and leadership development through honor societies and education abroad grants.

Scholars like Chiamaka from Nigeria, who studied nursing at Berea, describe the scholarship as a life-changing opportunity, enabling them to pursue their dreams without financial burdens while gaining practical work experience.

Program Overview

Berea College Scholarships for international students provide full funding for undergraduate programs, covering tuition, room, board, and fees for the first year of enrollment.

In subsequent years, students are expected to contribute USD 1,000 annually toward expenses, supported by summer jobs provided by the college.

The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining academic standing and participation in the College’s Work Program.

Berea admits about 30 international students each year, prioritizing those with strong academic potential and significant financial need.

The college’s liberal arts curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, diversity, and social justice, preparing graduates for careers in fields like healthcare, technology, and education.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for Berea College Scholarships is based on academic merit, financial need, and leadership potential. Specific requirements include:

• Nationality: Open to international students from all countries, excluding U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, or refugees.
• Academic Qualifications: High school certificate or equivalent with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in a college-preparatory curriculum. ACT scores of 20–30 or SAT equivalent are typical for admitted students.
• Financial Need: Demonstrated inability to afford U.S. college education, verified through financial documents.
• English Proficiency: Minimum scores of TOEFL (520 paper-based, 68 internet-based), IELTS (6.0 overall, no band below 5.0), ACT (19 composite), SAT (980 combined), or Duolingo (95). Nursing applicants require TOEFL iBT 83 with 26 on the spoken section.
• Leadership and Service: Evidence of community service, leadership, or extracurricular involvement.
• Age: Typically 17–24 years old, suitable for undergraduate studies.
• Enrollment: Must enroll full-time in an undergraduate program at Berea.

Nigerians educated in English-medium schools may be required to submit English proficiency scores, as Berea does not offer English language instruction. All admitted students are assessed for English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

Benefits of Berea College Scholarships

The scholarships provide comprehensive support, including:

• First-Year Funding: 100% coverage of tuition (approximately USD 49,000), room, board, and fees for the first year.
• Subsequent Years: Continued tuition coverage, with students contributing USD 1,000 annually, supported by summer jobs.
• Work Program: Paid on-campus jobs (e.g., library assistant, lab technician) yielding about USD 2,000 per year for personal expenses.
• Enrollment Fees: A one-time USD 50 entrance fee and USD 2,200 deposit, which can be used for medical, dental, or emergency expenses during the four-year program. Financial aid is available for students unable to pay the deposit.
• Additional Opportunities: Access to funded internships, study abroad, teacher education programs, and 16 honor societies.

The deposit is refunded upon graduation, ensuring long-term financial support.

Fields of Study Covered

Berea offers 33 majors across Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, including:

• STEM: Biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics.
• Health Sciences: Nursing (with higher English proficiency requirements).
• Humanities: English, history, philosophy, religion.
• Social Sciences: Economics, political science, sociology.
• Arts: Art, music, theatre.
• Professional Programs: Business administration, education, dual-degree engineering.

Students can design independent majors or pursue specialized programs, with opportunities for experiential learning through internships and study abroad.

Application Process

Applications for the 2025–2026 Berea College Scholarships are free and submitted online, with a competitive process due by November 1, 2025. Steps include:

1. 1. Complete Online Application: Submit the International Application for Admission and Scholarship form via Berea’s online portal, available from August 1, 2025.
   2. Prepare Documents:
      • International Personal Essay (2–5 pages) covering educational and life experiences, future goals, and reasons for choosing Berea (no external assistance allowed).
      • Official secondary school records (translated if not in English; do not send originals).
      • English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, ACT, SAT, or Duolingo).
      • Personal Statement of Financial Circumstances.
      • International Financial Questionnaire (IFQ).
      • International Financial Recommendation Form.
      • Two admission recommendation forms, one from a current or former teacher.
   3. Submit Application: Upload all materials via the online portal by November 1, 2025, 5:00 PM Eastern Time. If unable to mail documents, email finaid@berea.edu after November 1 for alternative submission methods.
   4. Await Results: Admission and scholarship decisions are announced by March 31, 2026.

Previous applicants must submit a new application with updated materials. The CSS Profile or ISFSAA are not accepted in lieu of Berea’s financial forms.

Tips for a Successful Application

With only 30 international spots, the process is highly competitive. Enhance your application with these strategies:

1. 1. • Start Early: Begin preparing documents by July 2025 to meet the November 1 deadline.
      • Craft a Compelling Essay: Write an authentic personal essay highlighting your educational journey, leadership, and alignment with Berea’s mission of inclusivity.
      • Secure Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who can validate your academic and leadership potential.
      • Demonstrate Financial Need: Provide clear, honest financial documentation to strengthen your case.
      • Ensure English Proficiency: Register for TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo early to include scores in your application.

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026

Key dates include:

1. 1. • August 1, 2025: Application portal opens.
      • November 1, 2025: Application deadline (5:00 PM Eastern Time).
      • March 31, 2026: Admission and scholarship notifications.
      • August 2026: Program start for Fall 2026.

Early submission is critical to avoid delays or technical issues.

Life as a Berea College Scholar

Scholars at Berea engage in a vibrant campus life, balancing academics, work, and community activities in the scenic Appalachian region of Kentucky.

The Work Program fosters skills like time management and teamwork, with jobs ranging from campus maintenance to teaching assistance. The USD 2,000 earned annually covers personal expenses, while the inclusive community supports students of all backgrounds.

Alternative Opportunities

If ineligible, consider:

1. 1. • University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award: Need-based undergraduate scholarships in Canada.
      • Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: For African students at select global universities.
      • Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship: Fully funded undergraduate awards at the University of Toronto.

Conclusion

Berea College Scholarships for 2025–2026 offer international students, including Nigerians, a fully funded opportunity to pursue undergraduate degrees in the USA.

With 100% tuition coverage, support for room and board, and a unique Work Program, Berea empowers students with financial need to achieve academic and leadership success.

The competitive application process requires early preparation, strong academics, and clear financial documentation by November 1, 2025.

Apply now to join a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to transforming lives through education. Visit here for more details.

 

CLICK HERE TO COMMENT ON THIS POST