🚨 URGENT UPDATE: The application portal for the MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship is currently OPEN. With only 21 days left until the January 31st deadline, we recommend submitting your essay by January 20th to avoid website traffic delays!
Introduction: Financial Freedom for International Students
For many students in Nigeria, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other developing nations, the dream of studying in the United States or Canada is often hindered by two things: the massive cost of tuition and the requirement for standardized tests like the SAT or GRE. However, for the 2026 academic year, MPOWER Financing is offering a lifeline.
The MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship is specifically designed for international and DACA students. It is one of the most accessible scholarships because it does not require a specific test score or a high bank balance. Instead, it rewards leadership, vision, and a commitment to making a global impact. In this guide, we provide the "Inside Tips" on how to win up to $10,000 for your education.
MPOWER Scholarship Fast Facts
- Grand Prize: $10,000
- Honorable Mentions: $2,000 and $1,000
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
Read Also: Fully Funded Scholarship in USA 2026 for International Students
The British Council GREAT Scholarship 2026
Eligible Levels: Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD
Location: Over 400 universities in the USA and Canada
Eligibility: Do You Qualify?
Unlike many US-based scholarships, MPOWER is actually only for international students. U.S. and Canadian citizens are not eligible to apply. To qualify, you must:
- Be an International Student: You must have a valid F-1 visa (USA) or a Study Permit (Canada). DACA recipients and Green Card holders are also eligible.
- Be Enrolled Full-Time: You must be accepted into or currently enrolled in a degree program at an MPOWER-supported school.
- No SAT Required: This scholarship is "test-agnostic." You do not need to submit SAT, ACT, or GRE scores to apply.
The Master List: MPOWER Supported Schools (Sample)
You can only win this scholarship if you are attending a school that MPOWER supports. Below is a sample of popular schools for 2026. If your school is on this list, you should apply immediately!
United States (Sample):
- Harvard University
- Columbia University
- Northeastern University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- New York University (NYU)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of California (Berkeley, UCLA, etc.)
- Cornell University
Canada (Sample):
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- York University
- Carleton University
- Dalhousie University
> Inside Tip: If you want to check your specific school, visit the Official MPOWER School Search Tool.
> How to Win: The 500-Word Essay Strategy
The most important part of your application is the essay. The scholarship committee isn't looking for the student with the highest grades; they are looking for a "Global Citizen."
The Winning Formula:
- Identify a Problem: Start by describing a specific challenge in your home country (e.g., "In Lagos, access to clean water is limited by old infrastructure...").
- The Connection: Explain how your specific degree (e.g., Civil Engineering at ASU) will give you the tools to solve that problem.
- The Vision: End with a strong statement about your future. Use words like lead, innovate, implement, and transform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to take a loan from MPOWER to get the scholarship?
A: No. You do not need to be an MPOWER borrower to apply or win. This is a pure scholarship grant.
Q: Can I apply if I am in my first year of university?
A: Yes. The scholarship is open to students at any stage of their degree, as long as they are enrolled full-time.
Q: When will winners be notified?
A: Winners for the January cycle are typically announced within 8 weeks of the deadline (usually late March 2026).
Q: Must I have my visa already?
A: Yes. You must have your visa stamped in your passport by the time the scholarship application closes on January 31.
How to Apply (Official Link)
Ready to secure your $10,000? Follow these steps:
- Draft your essay in a Word document first to check for grammar and tone.
- Gather your documents: You will need a digital copy of your university acceptance letter and your passport/visa.
- Submit Online: Head to the official portal to complete your application.
Official Application Link: 👉 Apply for MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship Here
Conclusion: Don't Leave Money on the Table
$10,000 can cover a significant portion of your living expenses or tuition. With no SAT requirement and a simple essay process, there is no reason not to apply. Start your draft today and give yourself the best chance for a debt-free education in 2026!
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