1. Overview: Costs & Admission Fees for International Students
International undergraduate students at U‑Michigan (Ann Arbor) are considered out-of-state and must pay the full cost of attendance. For 2025–26, typical budgets include:
- Lower division (first‑year/sophomore): Tuition & fees ≈ $63,962; total COA ≈ $84,164
- Upper division (junior/senior): Tuition & fees ≈ $68,444; total COA ≈ $88,646 CHS STU+2Reddit+2Reddit+2Shiksha+2University of Michigan Admissions+2GyanDhan+2
Application fee (admission fee): U‑Michigan charges a non-refundable application fee, typically around USD $75–90 (varies by program); this is required at the time of application and is separate from tuition.
🎓 2. Scholarships for International Undergraduates
International students are not eligible for U.S. federal or state financial aid, and U‑Michigan offers only very limited merit-based scholarships to this group University of Michigan Admissions.
College of Literature, Science & the Arts (LSA): International Student Scholarships
- Offers renewable merit awards up to $25,000/year, for eligible incoming international first‑year students
- Renewable for up to four years (full-time enrollment and maintaining criteria)
- Requires a separate application by April 15, and admission into LSA Counseling+3College of LSA+3College of LSA+3
Departmental & College Merit Awards
- Certain departments (e.g. math, engineering) may offer small awards ($1k–2.5k/year)
- These are rare and typically insufficient to significantly offset the cost of attendance UM-Flint NOW+15Reddit+15Reddit+15University of Michigan Financial Aid+4iMpact Web Portal+4Wikipedia+4
Stamps Scholars Program
- A prestigious merit scholarship open to exceptional students, including international applicants
- Awards range between $5,400–$75,000 total, plus enrichment funds (research, travel, etc.) Wikipedia+1Reddit+1
💬 3. Student Perspectives
Reddit users report that merit-based aid is very limited for international undergraduates:
“very rarely. merit scholarships are uncommon and international students are not eligible for need based aid via federal govt.” Reddit
“international students … have not received any aid and they are paying full price.” Reddit
“There are smaller, merit scholarships … they pay so little compared to your tuition … you cannot even call them a scholarship.” College of LSA+4Reddit+4Reddit+4
However, anecdotal exceptions exist—an out-of-state engineering freshman reported receiving $60,000 in scholarships from the university under special circumstances (e.g. Evans Scholarship) Reddit.
📊 4. Charts & Graphs
- Pie Chart (above): Distribution of funding sources for LSA international student scholarships—illustrating total donor contributions and awards.
- Bar Chart (below): Estimated University of Michigan cost of attendance for international students vs. maximum available scholarship (LSA: $25k/year).
These visuals highlight the large gap between cost and available internal funding.
📋 5. Summary Table
| Type of Support | Eligibility | Award Range | Application Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSA International Scholarship | Incoming international undergrads in LSA | Up to $25,000/year (4 yrs max) | Yes (by April 15) |
| Departmental merit awards | Varies by department | $1,000–2,500/year | Usually yes |
| Stamps Scholarship | Exceptional undergraduates (incl. international) | $5k–75k total + enrichment | Highly competitive |
| Graduate assistantships (Grad) | Graduate international students | Tuition waiver + stipend | Through departments/programs |
| External scholarships | All levels | Varies | External deadlines apply |
💡 6. Tips for International Applicants
- Apply early, especially if targeting LSA scholarship (deadline April 15) or Stamps Scholarship.
- Maintain top-tier academic record, leadership experience, and extracurriculars for high merit credentials.
- Contact your intended department about small internal awards.
- Explore external funding like Aga Khan Foundation, Fulbright, Soros Fellowships, country-specific awards College of LSA+1College of LSA+1UM-Flint NOW+2UMich Environment and Sustainability+2Reddit+2College of LSARedditWikipedia+1Wikipedia+1iMpact Web Portal+1University of Michigan Financial Aid+1.
- Consider graduate studies: international grad students may secure teaching or research assistantships offering tuition support and living stipends.
✅ Final Thoughts
- U‑Michigan does not meet full demonstrated financial need of international undergrads and awards are limited.
- LSA scholarships and Stamps Scholarship represent the primary merit-based opportunities—though highly competitive.
- Most international students must rely on external funding, private resources, or departmental support.
- Planning ahead, applying early, and exploring multiple scholarship routes are essential to making U‑Michigan financially attainable.
