Introduction

Do you want to study in the United States? Fully financed scholarships are among the most economical options, and Louisiana State University (LSU) is one of the top universities for foreign students. With a range of financial options, including discipline-specific prizes, merit-based full scholarships, and graduate assistantships, LSU can make your U.S. education both affordable and of the highest caliber.

LSU at a Glance

As a top public research university, LSU boasts Carnegie R1 status, strong engineering and cybersecurity programs, and vibrant campus life LSU+3ScholarshipPark.com+3Scholarship Region+3LSUWikipedia+2LSU+2LSU+2Scholarship RegionWikipedialouisiana.edulsu.academicworks.com+2LSU+2LSU+2lsu.academicworks.com+1LSU+1. It’s home to a lively Honors College, internship funds like Lagniappe, and a scholarship ecosystem managed via the Blackbaud portal LSU.

Types of Fully Funded Scholarships

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

These cover full tuition remission, a monthly stipend, and usually a health plan—ideal if you’re pursuing a master’s or PhD Scholarship RegionScholarshipPark.com.

Merit-Based Undergraduate Scholarships

Awards include the LSU Presidential and Stamps Scholarship (which LSU offers) LSU+9Wikipedia+9lsu.academicworks.com+9, as well as Honors College support Wikipedia.

International Student Scholarships

While LSU doesn’t offer exclusive scholarships for internationals, you can qualify for merit scholarships and non-resident fee waivers like the Fleur-de-Lis Award louisiana.edu.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

• Coverage: 9-month tuition, stipend, insurance

• Eligibility: Strong academic record, research alignment

• Process: Contact prospective advisors early, submit application and CV

• Timing: Typically decision by Feb–March for fall admission Wikipedia+14Scholarship Region+14LSU+14lsu.academicworks.com+2ScholarshipPark.com+2Wikipedia+2

Pro Tip: Explore the SIMSIS Lab in Civil Engineering—they offer funded roles and help kickstart your research career ScholarshipPark.com.

Merit-Based Undergraduate Scholarships

Stamps Scholarship

Values up to $300K over four years, awarded on academic and leadership excellence LSU.

Honors College

Full tuition, research support, and leadership opportunities Wikipedia.

How to Qualify

Apply by early December (or January for some programs), with strong GPA/SAT scores, personal statements, and recommendations. Access via the Blackbaud BAM portal LSUlsu.academicworks.com.

International Student Scholarships

Fleur-de-Lis & Cayenne Awards

Non-resident fee waivers of $6,864 per semester, renewable each year louisiana.edu.

Requirements:

• Fleur-de-Lis: Freshmen, GPA ≥ 2.5, ACT ≥ 20 or SAT ≥ 1030

• Cayenne: Transfer students with 12+ U.S. credit hours and GPA ≥ 2.75 louisiana.edu

Discipline-Specific & Donor-Funded Awards

• COE Scholarships: $1,000–$4,000 for engineering students (GPA ≥ 3.25) LSU

• Cybersecurity Scholarships: Full award for Computer Science majors LSU

• Business & Arts Scholarships via LSU Foundation’s gift-driven scholarship pool lsue.edu+2LSU+2lsu.academicworks.com+2

Timeline & Deadlines

• GRA Positions: Advisor contact and applications by February–March

• Undergraduate Merit Awards: Early deadlines in December/January

• Board of Supervisors Scholarships: Opens March 10, rolling until funds exhaust LSU

Application Process Overview

1. Apply to LSU via Common App or LSU portal

2. Complete the General Scholarship Application in Blackbaud BAM

3. For GRAs, reach out to faculty, share your CV and research interests

4. Enter GPA, test scores, essays, and recommendations in both systems

Crafting a Winning Application

• Strong academics: GPA in upper 3.0s or 4.0s, test scores competitive

• Personal essay: Showcase leadership, global perspective, and community impact

• Recommenders: Research or academic advisors who can vouch for you

Graduate Assistantship Interview Tips

• Proactively email faculty with your interests and ask about openings

• Show alignment in publications or lab projects

• Prepare for questions on methodology and research fit

Scholarship Retention Obligations

• Maintain a minimum GPA (usually 3.0–3.5)

• GRAs must work required hours per week

• Must remain enrolled full-time and meet academic standards

After Receiving Funding

• Use funding to satisfy F-1 visa financial proof

• Engage in campus life: orientation, student orgs, cultural exchange

• Pay attention to immigration reporting deadlines

Student Success & Alumni Benefits

• Students gain access to career services, internship programs, and LSU alumni networks

• Honors and GRA recipients often continue into doctoral programs or high-impact careers

Conclusion

For international students, LSU provides outstanding fully financed options, such as full-ride scholarships and research assistantships. Strategic preparation, well-written applications, and on-time submission could help you achieve both academic success and financial independence at LSU.

I can assist you with contacting academics for a GRA or organizing your personal essay.

FAQs

1. What counts as “fully funded” at LSU?
Graduate research assistantships cover tuition, health insurance, and provide monthly stipends. Merit scholarships cover tuition, and some include room and board.

2. Can international students get GRAs?
Absolutely! GRAs are awarded based on academic and research fit—not citizenship.

3. Are there scholarships for transfer students?
Yes. Awards like the Cayenne Scholarship offer full non-resident tuition waivers LSU+14louisiana.edu+14LSU+14lsu.academicworks.com+1LSU+1LSU+5lsua.edu+5ulm.edu+5Scholarship Region.

4. What GPA is needed to keep the scholarship?
Typically a 3.0–3.5 GPA is required for renewal, along with full-time enrollment and scholarship-specific duties.

5. Will scholarships cover living expenses?
Living costs aren’t covered directly, but stipends from GRAs can help. Merit scholarships may or may not include room and board; check each award.