Academic Merit-Based Tuition Assistance Programs
VUST offers tuition assistance programs based on academic merit to qualified students. Merit-based tuition assistance may be applied toward a portion of a student’s tuition and fees. The eligibility criteria for the merit-based tuition assistance program are outlined as follows:
A. Academic Merit (Presidential Level)
Description and Objective
Recognizes and promotes academic excellence for high-performing students.
Eligibility Criteria
i. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or IT field
ii. GPA of 3.90 on a 4.0 scale or straight-A grades for 4 years.
iii. Valid GRE Score: 160 in Quantitative and verbal reasoning, with a 5.5 in Analytical writing.
iv. No criminal record or illegal behavior.
v. Must maintain a GPA 4.00 or above while studying at VUST. Otherwise, the scholarship will be terminated.
Amount to Be Awarded
$5,000 USD will be split across the entire program – $5,000 USD divided by the terms of program completion.
B. Academic Merit (Dean’s Level)
Description and Objective
Recognizes and promotes academic excellence for high-performing students.
Eligibility Criteria
i. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or IT field
ii. GPA is 3.75 on the 4.0 scale. or straight-A grades for 4 years.
iii. Valid GRE Score: 155 in Quantitative and verbal reasoning, with a 5.0 in Analytical writing.
iv. No criminal record or illegal behavior.
v. Must maintain a GPA 3.85 or above while studying at VUST. Otherwise, the scholarship will be terminated.
Amount to Be Awarded
$3,000 USD will be split across the entire program – $3,000 USD divided by the terms (semesters) of program completion.
C. Teaching Assistant (TA):
Description and Objective
Provides academic and practical teaching experience through course assistance.
Eligibility Criteria
i. Completed at least two (2) terms at VUST with a CGPA of 4.0;
ii. No criminal record or no outstanding tuition balance.
iii. All Teaching Assistants (TAs) must complete mandatory TA training prior to the start of their assigned course.
iv. TAs are generally assigned to one course for one academic term, unless otherwise required.
v. TAs must arrive on campus—or log in for hybrid courses—at least 15 minutes before each class session, notify the instructor of their readiness to assist, and have their attendance and performance evaluated by the instructor. At the end of the term, TAs must submit an instructor-approved timesheet to the Finance Office.
Amount to Be Awarded
Paid at the Virginia state minimum wage.
D. Student Services (SS):
Description and Objective
The Student Services program provides students with practical work experience by supporting and assisting with campus operations and services.
Eligibility Criteria
i. Completed at least two (2) terms at VUST with a CGPA of 3.85.
ii. No criminal record or no outstanding tuition balance.
iii. Student Services (SS) participants must have reliable transportation and a valid state-issued driver’s license.
iv. SS participants are expected to demonstrate reliability and professionalism.
v. SS are generally assigned to one academic term, unless otherwise required.
vi. SS participants must perform duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services (DSS). At the end of the term, an approved timesheet must be submitted to the Finance Office.
Amount to Be Awarded
Paid at the Virginia state minimum wage.