George Mason University Scholarships: Eligibility and Benefits
George Mason University Scholarships aims to help talented and aspirational international students fulfil their academic goals at George Mason University. Each eligible student enrolled in the George Mason University Pathway programs receives financial aid for $9,000 to $18,000.
Students who want financial aid must demonstrate their challenges through their scholarship application. Accepted students who have sent a tuition deposit as proof of their acceptance to George Mason University are eligible for scholarships. For consideration in the need-based scholarships, the applicant must submit an annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Who sponsors George Mason University Scholarships?
George Mason University sponsors the George Mason University Scholarships. Also, philanthropists and the U.S government administer scholarships through the university to eligible students.
Overview of George Mason University
George Mason Institution is a public research university in Washington, D.C. Although established in 1949 as a regional outpost of the University of Virginia, the institution became an autonomous university in 1972.
George Mason University is one of the largest universities in Virginia, USA. Its main campus is Fairfax. However, it has campuses in South Korea and Ras al-Khaimah. It also has four campuses in Virginia: Arlington, Prince William, Fairfax, and Front Royal.
Overview of Virginia, USA
Virginia is one of the original 13 colonies and a state that makes up the United States of America. It shares borders with Maryland to the northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, Kentucky to the west, West Virginia to the northwest, and North Carolina and Tennessee to the south.
Virginia played a predominant role in the American revolution. It is the home state of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other founding fathers of America. The most populated city in the Commonwealth is Virginia Beach, while Fairfax County is the most populous governmental unit.
Opportunities for Study and Scholarships at East-West Centre
Below is a list of Scholarships available at George Mason University.
1. George Mason University Regional Scholarship
- Worth of Scholarship: up to $10,000
- Duration of Scholarship: First year
- Number of Available Scholarships: Limited
- Eligible Course: All Courses
George Mason University Regional Scholarship is available to year-one international students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or transfer program at George Mason University. The scholarship is available in their first year of study. It is also limited and is awarded based on a first-come, first serve.
The scholarship does not involve any criteria. However, students from some regions may be required to submit a 300-400 word personal statement and undergo a scholarship interview. Furthermore, the George Mason Regional Scholarship is available for all academic majors and fields of study.
2. Schar Scholars Program
- Worth of Scholarship: up to $1,000-$3,000 per year
- Duration of Scholarship: Four years
- Number of Available Scholarships: Unknown
- Eligible Courses: Government, International relations, Political science, Public policy, Public Administration, and Pre-law
The Schar Scholars program award $1,000-$3,000 in financial assistance to freshman interested in government, political science, international relations, public policy, pre-law, and public administration. The scholarship is renewable every year and lasts throughout the registered course of study.
Recipients of the Schar Scholars awards receive an invitation to be part of the Schar School first-year residential learning community, the Democracy Lab. The scholarship remains valid if the recipient maintains good academic standing and registers their interest in at least two Schar School classes each academic year.
3. DACOR Bacon House Foundation scholarships
- Worth of Scholarship: up to $6,000 per year
- Duration of Scholarship: One year
- Number of Available Scholarships: Unknown
- Eligible Courses: Courses related to international affairs
DACOR Bacon House Foundation scholarships are accessible to full-time undergraduate students of George Mason University. The scholarship is given out to American students to encourage them to pursue majors and careers in international affairs.
Only American citizens in their junior or senior year at George Mason University are eligible for this scholarship opportunity.
4. The Douglas and Mariana Brook Scholarship
- Worth of Scholarship: up to $2,500 per year
- Duration of Scholarship: One year
- Number of Available Scholarships: Two
- Eligible Courses: All bachelor-accelerated masters courses
The Douglas and Mariana Brook Scholarship select two students from Schar school bachelors-accelerated master’s degree programs for financial aid every year. It is a one-time award. The funds are applied after bachelor’s graduation for the first semester upon admission into a master’s program.
Students currently accepted into a Schar School BAM program will be completing their bachelor’s degree by spring or fall and are eligible to apply.
5. The Beinecke Scholarship Program
- Worth of Scholarship: up to $5,000 entering graduate school + an additional $30,000 while attending graduate school
- Duration of Scholarship: five years
- Number of Available Scholarships: Unknown
- Eligible Courses: Graduate courses in the arts, humanities and social sciences
Graduate students can receive financial aid from the Beinecke Scholarship Program at George Mason University. To honour Edwin, Frederick, and Walter Beinecke, The Sperry and Hutchinson Company Board of Directors established this scholarship in 1971. The scholarship encourages highly motivated students to pursue opportunities in the humanities, social sciences, and arts through this program.
Before starting graduate school, each scholar receives $5,000, and they each receive an additional $30,000 while they are enrolled. The scholarship is applicable anywhere in the world, and recipients can combine it with other financial aid like assistantships and research grants.
Scholarship Benefits
- The scholarships available at George Mason University grant partial tuition fees to awardees.
- The scholarship amount ranges from $1,000 to over $18,000 per year.
Note: Despite receiving the George Mason Scholarship, the applicants should fund their remaining tuition, accommodation, insurance, visa and other living costs throughout their academic program at the university.
Applicable Courses
Scholarships are available for every undergraduate and graduate course offered by the university including
- Government
- International relations
- Political science
- Public policy
- Public Administration
- Pre-law
- Arts
- Humanities
- Social sciences
Eligibility Criteria
- Students admitted into George Mason University International students and domestic students alike.
- Undergraduate and graduate students
- High achieving students
General Requirements
- Statement of intention
- Official transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency
- A copy of your passport
Fees & Funding
Does George Mason University allow multiple programs?
Yes, the university allows for multiple programs. During your application, you should create one login and use it for all of the applications you plan to complete. In addition, you will submit separate applications, upload documents, and pay application fees for each program application submitted.
Do I need an international transcript evaluation?
Yes. Every prospective international student of George Mason University requires a transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation verifies the authenticity and equivalence of international transcripts.
To get an international transcript evaluation, you can pay separately for your transcript evaluation or may request that George Mason University completes an International Transcript Evaluation for you as part of your application.
Does George Mason University offer conditional admission without the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE or English language exams?
No, without the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE or English language exams, George Mason University cannot offer an applicant admission into its institution. You may need to contact the university if you are interested in improving your English-language skills in preparation for your graduate or undergraduate study.
Application Procedure
- Register on the university’s website
- Activate your account and receive a Patriot Pass login credential (NetID username and password)
- Once you can access the online application, upload all necessary documents
- Submit your application before the deadline
Contact information
George Mason University 4400 University Drive Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Tel: +1(703)993-1000