Thanks to the generosity of donors Morad Elhafed and his wife, Ghita Akkar, the International Center announces the creation of the Akkar Elhafed Scholarship Fund for undergraduate international students.
Morad Elhafed, an international student at the University of Michigan, graduated in 2005 with a BBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. Reflecting on his own experiences at U-M, he understands the unique challenges international students face. Morad and Ghita are committed to easing the burden of unexpected scholarship needs. Through their gift, they hope to ensure that international students can focus on their education and graduate from U-M, regardless of unforeseen circumstances.
Eligibility
- Degree-seeking undergraduate international students at U-M Ann Arbor
- Students must be enrolled full-time.
- Holds F-1 or J-1 student visa status at the time of application
High Priority/Preference
- Undergraduate students in non-STEM majors (see list for STEM majors) and whose country of citizenship has 25 or fewer students enrolled at the time of application (see IC Statistical Report for countries that have 25 or fewer students enrolled)
Other Selection Preferences
- Undergraduate students who are approaching graduation
- Undergraduate students who have not received this scholarship in the past
- Undergraduate students without significant institutional or external funding, fellowships, governmental or other scholarships, or emergency funds)
Funding Uses
The Akkar Elhafed Fund for Undergraduate International Students can be used to fund expenses including but not limited to:
- Tuition and fees
- Housing
- Food
- Healthcare expenses
- And other emergency needs
Scholarship Amount and Timeline
- Scholarship amounts generally range from $3,000-$5,000
- Funding given to support tuition expenses will be distributed in the Fall, Winter, or Spring/Summer semesters based on enrollment and application review timeline.
- Funding will be applied directly to student accounts.
- Students requesting funding should complete the Akkar Elhafed Fund for International Students Application and include the requested supporting documentation. A committee will review completed applications. Students will be informed of the application decision at the end of the selection period, generally 4-6 weeks after the application deadline. Students granted awards must accept the scholarship within 2 weeks. It typically takes two weeks for the funds to be disbursed to student accounts.
Dates
The Akkar Elhafed scholarship operates on an annual cycle. The Winter 2025 application is closed.
How do I apply?
- Follow this link to complete the Akkar Elhafed Fund for International Students application.
- Please email [email protected] if you encounter any technical difficulties while accessing the application form.
Grant Taxes:
Funds received are generally subject to tax withholding and are processed accordingly by the University. For more information about these taxes or to see if your country of citizenship has a tax treaty with the U.S., please review the following links: