Iowa State University

A historic campus. A global vision. An experience that transforms.

Located in the heart of Iowa, Iowa State University combines rich history, cutting-edge research, and a diverse student community from around the world. Founded in 1858, Iowa State is now home to around 30,000 students, including a community of over 2,700 international students representing more than 100 countries worldwide. Additionally, the university has a global alumni network of 248,000 members spanning 150 nations.

Iowa State is comprised of eight academic colleges offering over 300 programs in a range of subject areas, and the school's expert teaching faculty leads their student with a passion for education, challenging some of the world's most pressing issues. Scholarships are available for both freshmen and transfer students.

Iowa State has a rich history of academics and innovation, making history with the first electronic digital computer as well as the first moving tornado simulator and continues to lead in discovery and ideas development.

Located in Ames, Iowa (45 minutes from Des Moines), the 1,900-acre campus blends academic excellence with leadership opportunities, research, and a huge variety of student-run organisations ensuring a well-rounded and memorable university experience.

Iowa State has eight academic colleges, offering an endless supply of study options:

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

160 years of global leadership in food, energy, and the environment.

College of Business

Students can study at bachelors, master's or PhD level, in a college where esteemed faculty provide an unmatched business education with global connections.

College of Design

Those looking to be designers, planners, artists, scholars and more can find programs in the College of Design that work towards improving the quality of life for society.

College of Engineering

The college teaches future leaders who make the world a better place through cutting-edge research, technology, and real-world impact.

College of Human Sciences

With the desire to help others, the College of Human Sciences studies human life in order to find transformative solutions.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

A range of academic programs and Home to humanities, sciences, and global thinkers.

College of Veterinary Medicine

A fully accredited college, committed to advancing animal and human health.

Graduate College

Students looking to advance their studies can find a community of innovative minds where they'll grow through research and discovery across disciplines.

To be eligible for freshman entry to Iowa State University, international students must have completed:

Academic (Freshman):

• GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 scale
• 4 years of English or native language
• 3 years of science
• 3 years of math
• 2 years of social studies
• SAT/ACT optional (can help with admission and scholarships)

Transfer:

• GPA of 2.3 (or 2.75 for engineering programs) out of 4.0 scale

English Language Proficiency:

As classes are taught mostly in English, students will need to satisfy the English language proficiency requirements. They will need to submit results for one of the following language tests:

• TOEFL iBT: 71 (17+ in speaking and writing)
• IELTS: 6.0 (no section below 5.5)
• PTE: 48+
• Duolingo: 105+
• or an accepted equivalent

Students who live in a country where English is the only official language are not required to submit English language test scores.

Iowa State offers thousands of scholarships and funding awards to incoming students.

Freshman Excellence Award

• Up to USD 12,000 per year, for 8 semesters
• Based on academic merit + SAT/ACT scores
• No separate application needed

Iowa State University also offers merit scholarships (selection by review) to both first year and transfer international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and a demonstrated record of accomplishments, offering valuable financial support as students pursue their educational goals at Iowa State.

Freshman International Merit Based Scholarships

• Up to USD 10,00 per year, for 8 semesters
• First-year international students are eligible for a limited number of merit scholarships
• Selection is highly competitive and based on a holistic review
• Application required

Transfer Merit Scholarships

• Awards of USD 4,000–USD 8,000/year for up to 5 semesters
• Requires 3.0 GPA
• Application required

Pro Tip: Submit scores and documents early to maximise eligibility.

Students are strongly encouraged to check the availability and eligibility requirements for each award.

There are many academic, social and personal facilities available at Iowa State University, ensuring students have everything they need for success, and will never be bored. There is always something to be involved in and support services to help them along the way.

• Student housing: Safe, inclusive, on-campus, complete with dining and 24/7 support staff. International students will immediately be able to meet new people and make friends when living at Iowa State.
• Libraries: The school's library is a superb facility at the heart of campus, offering research and digital resources with expert assistance.
• Career services: Each academic college has its own office supporting internships, jobs, and career prep, including College of Design Career Services, Business Career Services, Engineering Career Service, etc.
• Student activities: More than 800 clubs, leadership programs, and recreation options
• ISU dining: Campus-wide food courts, cafes, and bakeries with flexible dining plans

At Iowa State University, safety is a top priority. The Department of Public Safety is made up of highly trained law enforcement professionals dedicated to keeping the campus secure and welcoming. They work around the clock to ensure students feel safe and supported, whether in the classroom, residence halls, or walking across campus.

Ames: One of the Safest College Towns in the U.S.

Regularly ranked for low crime and high quality of life, making it an ideal place to live and study.

24/7 Campus Police Presence

A fully accredited campus police department actively patrols and responds to incidents around the clock.

SafeRide Escort Service

Free late-night transportation for students who need help getting across campus safely.

ISU Alert System

Real-time emergency text and email notifications to keep students informed during critical situations.

Blue Emergency Phones

Dozens of bright blue emergency call boxes placed around campus provide immediate access to campus security.

Campus Safety Education

Ongoing programs that educate students on personal safety, situational awareness, and crime prevention.

Students can have peace of mind when considering their safety at the Iowa State. They can access details about all of the safety services and procedures, where they'll find plenty of information about personal safety, workplace safety, crisis services and much more.

At Iowa State, students can take more than 12 credit hours per semester without paying extra tuition, helping them graduate faster or explore more of what they love. With over 100 majors and more than 130 minors, international students have the freedom to customise their education without financial penalty. Whether students are double-majoring or trying out a new subject, Iowa State supports their academic exploration with flexibility and value.

With a 95 percent career placement rate, Iowa State graduates are recruited by top global employers in engineering, technology, business, agriculture, and more. The university's strong industry partnerships, career fairs, and hands-on experiences make it easy for international students to connect with internships, co-ops, and job opportunities early in their studies. Iowa State hosts two of the largest career fairs in the USA, where students can connect with top employers like Amazon, Marriott, Boeing, NASA, Caterpillar, 3M, Collins Aerospace, and many more.

Iowa State graduates are not just earning a degree: they're launching a career.

Iowa State has an incredible number of student clubs and organisations, with more than 800 in total. It's easy for students to make friends, develop leadership skills, and stay connected, and organisations include international student groups, academic societies, music, sports, and cultural clubs. There's something for everyone, and a community that supports everyone's success.

Nestled in Ames, one of America's top-ranked college towns, Iowa State University offers a safe, welcoming environment that feels like home from day one. Its beautiful, park-like campus is designed for walking and biking, with award-winning safety and sustainability initiatives in place. Ames consistently ranks among the best U.S. cities for quality of life, and Iowa State's commitment to campus safety ensures peace of mind for students and their families.