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2026-27 Scholarship Program

The ISO U.S. Journey
Spotlight Scholarship

At ISO, we were founded by international students, and we're proud to invest back into the community that built us. Share your story, and you could receive $1,000 toward your tuition.

$5,000 Total awarded
5 Winners selected
$1,000 Towards Your Tuition
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Who Can Apply?

 
Age 18 or older
Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
 
Valid U.S. visa status
Must hold a valid F1, M1, or other student visa required. F1 OPT is not eligible.
 
Enrolled full time
Must be enrolled full time in classes for Fall 2026 at an accredited U.S. university.
 
Degree program
Must be partaking in an undergraduate, graduate, master's, or PhD program.

You do not need to be an ISO insurance member to apply.

 
Applications Open
Jun 15
▶
 
Applications Close
Sep 20
▶
 
Winners Announced
Sep 30
▶
 
Payment to School
Fall '26 or Spring '27
How it works

Three simple steps to apply

01
Fill out the form
Complete the short application below with your basic info and a brief description of your U.S. journey. No essay required.
02
Wait for selection
Applications close September 20th. Our team will review all submissions and announce 5 winners on September 30th, 2026.
03
Receive $1,000
Payment is sent directly to your school's financial aid or bursar's office for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 tuition.
About the scholarship

Celebrating the courage to start a new chapter - in a new country

Every international student carries a story shaped by ambition, sacrifice, and the courage to leave home in pursuit of something greater. At ISO, we understand that studying in the U.S. is deeply rewarding - and deeply challenging. This scholarship exists to recognize that journey.

"We welcome applications from international students across the country and look forward to highlighting the journeys that inspire us all. Our only ask: share the story of what brought you to the U.S. and the dreams you are working toward."

- Stephanie Lin, CEO

Share your U.S. journey

Applications open June 15, 2026. Leave your email address below to get an alert when applications go live!
ISO insurance plans

Affordable coverage built for international students

Whether you need to satisfy your school's waiver requirement or just want peace of mind, ISO has a plan designed for your visa type and budget.

Most popular

International Student Plan

From $31/mo
For F1 visa students, ages 12-64

Comprehensive coverage that meets university waiver requirements. Access to 1M+ doctors nationwide. Instant enrollment and waiver assistance.

Learn More
J1 Scholar

J1 Exchange Visitor Plan

From $39/mo
For J1 scholars and exchange visitors

Meets U.S. government requirements for J1 visa holders. Covers scholars, exchange students, and trainees at qualifying institutions.

Learn More
OPT

OPT Plan

From $39/mo
For F1-OPT graduates

Dedicated plans for graduates on Optional Practical Training. Flexible coverage designed to work around your post-grad timeline.

Learn More
Dependents

F2 / J2 Dependent Plan

Custom
For visa dependents

Coverage for F2 and J2 dependents accompanying international students and scholars on their U.S. journey.

Learn More
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be an ISO insurance customer to apply?
No purchase is required. The ISO U.S. Journey Spotlight Scholarship is open to any eligible international student regardless of whether they have an ISO insurance plan.
How will winners be selected?
ISO's team will review all submitted applications after September 20th. Five winners will be selected and publicly announced on September 30th, 2026. Decisions are at the discretion of ISO.
How and when will the $1,000 be paid?
Payment is made directly to your school's financial aid or bursar's office - not to individual recipients. Depending on timing, this will be applied toward Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 tuition.
I'm on a J1 visa - am I eligible?
J1 students enrolled in a full-time degree program at an accredited U.S. university are eligible to apply. J1 Scholars (non-student exchange visitors) are not eligible for this program.
What do I need to write in my "U.S. journey" description?
Share what brought you to the United States and the goals you are working toward. There are no right or wrong answers - just be authentic. The minimum is 100 characters, but feel free to share as much as you'd like.
Is ISO a legitimate organization?
Yes. ISO has been providing health insurance for international students since 1958 and has served over 1 million students from 185+ countries. We are the world's largest insurance manager solely for international students.
Can students at any U.S. university apply?
Yes. No restrictions on waiver or non-waiver schools. You must be enrolled full time in a degree program (undergraduate, graduate, master's, or PhD) at an accredited U.S. institution for Fall 2026.