Scholarships for international students help students from outside the US pay for a US degree. The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is one of them: it's open to international students and worth up to $100,000 over four years.
The Donaghey Scholarship for international students at a glance
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years. It's merit based, open to every major, and about 25 new scholars are chosen each year.
- International students can apply once they're admitted to UA Little Rock.
- You need a 3.5 GPA and a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT. UA Little Rock doesn't require the ACT or SAT for admission, but Donaghey does.
- For fall 2027 entry, apply by January 15, 2027 (priority) or February 15, 2027 (final).
- Your first step is a free Donaghey profile. It takes a few minutes, and we'll guide you through the rest.
The George W. Donaghey Foundation has funded the Donaghey Scholarship Program at UA Little Rock since 1987. Scholars come from Arkansas, from across the US, and from other countries. If you have strong grades and test scores, this is one of the largest scholarships for international students at a US public university.
Can international students get the Donaghey Scholarship?
Yes. International students apply the same way as everyone else and must be admitted to UA Little Rock. To apply, you need:
- A 3.5 GPA or higher (scholars' median is 3.9).
- A 24 ACT or 1180 SAT or higher (scholars' median is a 30 ACT).
- Admission to UA Little Rock.
Selection is competitive. A committee reviews your grades, activities, essays and recommendations, and top applicants are interviewed. Transfer students can apply with fewer than 36 hours of college credit. See the full Donaghey admission standards.
Meet the 3.5 GPA and 24 ACT or 1180 SAT?
Create your free profile now. It's the first step for every applicant, and it tells you what to do next. Create your free Donaghey profile to get started.
UA Little Rock admission requirements for international students
Here are the main requirements to be admitted to UA Little Rock as an international undergraduate:
- Application: online, with a $40 fee.
- English proof: one of the options below.
- Proof of funds: a bank letter from the last 6 months showing you can pay one year of costs. Once it's accepted after admission, UA Little Rock issues your I-20, the form you need for a US student visa.
- ACT or SAT: not required for admission to UA Little Rock. Donaghey requires one (see below).
English options (any one):
- TOEFL iBT: 4 on the new scale (61 on the old one)
- IELTS: 6
- Duolingo English Test: 110
- PTE Academic: 44
- SAT or ACT: SAT reading and writing 510, or ACT English and Reading 19 each
- UA Little Rock's Intensive English Language Program: Complete the program
Citizens of the UK, Ireland, Canada (outside Quebec), Australia, New Zealand and the Commonwealth Caribbean don't need to prove English.
This is a summary. For the full, current list, including transcript evaluations and other accepted tests, check UA Little Rock's international admissions page.
The ACT or SAT: required for the Donaghey Scholarship
To apply for Donaghey, you need a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT, even though UA Little Rock admission doesn't ask for one.
A strong SAT or ACT can also be your English proof (SAT reading and writing 510, or ACT English and Reading 19). One test can cover both, so you may not need a separate TOEFL or IELTS.
What it costs, and what Donaghey covers
UA Little Rock estimates these yearly costs for international undergraduates. Check the current figures before you plan.
- Tuition and fees: $18,750
- Living expenses: $9,000
- Health insurance, books and other: $5,000
- Total estimate: $32,750
There's also a $150 international student fee each semester.
The Donaghey Scholarship pays tuition and fees for up to 18 hours a semester for 8 semesters. It adds an $8,000 to $10,000 yearly stipend, $700 a semester for on-campus housing, $8,500 toward study abroad, and a laptop. It doesn't cover every cost, so plan for health insurance, travel and fees.
Up to $100,000 toward your US degree
About 25 scholars are chosen each year. Your free profile is the first step. Create your free Donaghey profile to get started.
How to apply for scholarships for international students at UA Little Rock
Here's how to apply for fall 2027 entry:
- Create your free Donaghey profile. It shows you what to do next and keeps you on track for the deadlines.
- Take the ACT or SAT (24 ACT or 1180 SAT minimum), and an English test if your scores don't cover it.
- Apply for admission to UA Little Rock.
- Send your official test scores and transcripts, and complete the Donaghey application by January 15, 2027 (priority) or February 15, 2027 (final).
- If you're invited, send essays and recommendations. Top applicants are interviewed, and decisions come out in mid to late March 2027.
- After admission, send your proof of funds so UA Little Rock can issue your I-20.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students apply for the Donaghey Scholarship?
Yes. International students can apply once they're admitted to UA Little Rock. You need the same 3.5 GPA and 24 ACT or 1180 SAT as every other applicant.
Do international students need the SAT or ACT?
Not for admission to UA Little Rock, but yes for the Donaghey Scholarship: you need a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT. A strong reading score on either test can also count as your English proof.
What English test score does UA Little Rock require?
Any one of these: TOEFL iBT 4 on the new scale (61 on the old one), IELTS 6, Duolingo 110, PTE 44, SAT reading and writing 510, or ACT English and Reading 19. Citizens of some English-speaking countries are exempt.
Is the Donaghey Scholarship fully funded for international students?
It's worth up to $100,000 over four years and covers tuition and fees, a yearly stipend, housing support, study abroad, and a laptop. It doesn't cover every cost, so plan for health insurance, travel, and fees.
When should international students apply?
For fall 2027 entry, the Donaghey deadlines are January 15, 2027 (priority) and February 15, 2027 (final). Your first step is creating a free Donaghey profile.
Apply to be a Donaghey Scholar
About 25 new scholars are selected each year. The final deadline for fall 2027 entry is February 15, 2027.