Academic Excellence
For students with a strong record in the classroom who will add to school life.
International Merit Scholarship · 2027–2028
Study in America. Be recognized for your talent.
Scholarships of $2,000 to $4,000 per year for outstanding international students who join our long-term U.S. high school program in San Diego.
$2,000–$4,000 per yearMerit-based · renewable · applied to your program
What this scholarship is
Awarded for merit — not for financial need.
The IEM International Merit Scholarship rewards talented international students who are ready to succeed in a U.S. high school. You do not need to prove that you need money. You only need to show your talent, your results, and your effort.
The amount you receive reflects how strong your application is against the published criteria.
Merit-based, at a glance
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Based on merit. Awarded for what makes you excellent — academics, sport, or leadership.
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Not need-based aid. No financial-need proof is required to be considered.
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Applied to costs. A credit toward your IEM program and tuition.
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Not cash. The award is never paid to you or your family in cash.
Three ways to be recognized
Choose the category that fits you.
Every student is different. Apply in the category that shows your strongest side.
Sports Excellence
For student-athletes who compete with skill, heart, and good character.
Leadership & Community Impact
For students who lead others, help their community, and make a difference.
Three award levels
The stronger your record, the higher the award.
Every category uses the same three levels. The review committee decides your level based on your application.
Tier I
Merit
$0
per academic year
For students who clearly meet the criteria with a strong record.
Tier II
Distinguished
$0
per academic year
For students who go beyond the criteria with notable achievement.
Tier III
Exceptional
$0
per academic year
For students who show outstanding, well-documented distinction.
Awards are renewable each year you stay enrolled and in good standing. The scholarship is a credit toward your program — it is not paid in cash.
How the award is used
The scholarship helps offset the cost of your IEM journey.
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Applied to your program for the awarded year.
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Not paid in cash to you or your family, and it has no cash value.
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Partial support. Your family still covers the remaining program costs.
Priority deadline
September 30
Apply before September 30 for the first and strongest round of awards. Applying early gives your family more time for placement and the F-1 student visa — and you are considered before most awards are given.
Applications after September 30 are still reviewed, on a rolling basis, while space and funding remain available.
The details
Good to know.
Everything about eligibility, each category, and the award terms. Tap a question to open it.
Start your application
Your talent deserves recognition.
Apply by September 30 for priority consideration. Our San Diego team is ready to help you begin.
Contact IEM Student Exchange · info@iemstudentexchange.com · +1 619-450-2224 · iemstudentexchange.com
Please note: Scholarships are based on merit and are applied toward IEM program and tuition costs. They are not cash awards and are not a guarantee of admission. Admission decisions are made by partner schools. Award amounts, the number of awards, and renewal depend on eligibility, funding, and program terms. IEM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or any other protected status. This information is general and is not immigration, legal, financial, or tax advice.