Lana Oconnell
International students often find it challenging to secure fully-funded scholarships for their undergraduate studies. While they are generally ineligible for federal financial aid, international students may be eligible for merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, or outside scholarships offered by private organizations or specific institutions. Additionally, international students can explore opportunities like the Fulbright Scholarship, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, and the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, among others, which provide financial support in the form of tuition waivers, stipends, grants, or loans. These scholarships often cater to students from developing countries, those with exceptional merit or financial need, or those pursuing specific fields of study.
Are international students eligible for university scholarships and stipends?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eligibility for university scholarships | International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships, but not for federal or university-provided need-based financial aid. |
| Types of scholarships | Merit-based, need-based, and fully-funded scholarships are available. |
| Scholarship providers | Scholarships are provided by universities, private organizations, and specific institutions. |
| Scholarship criteria | Scholarships are awarded based on TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, athletic ability, and financial need. |
| Stipend availability | Some scholarships offer a stipend as part of the funding, such as a taxable stipend for a paid internship. |
| Scholarship amount | Scholarship amounts vary, with some covering full tuition and fees, while others offering partial funding or a stipend. |
| Additional funding options | International students may also borrow from private lenders with a creditworthy US co-signer or explore outside scholarship opportunities. |
| Scholarship search | Students can use scholarship search engines or consult free online resources and organizations to find international student scholarships. |
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What You'll Learn
Merit-based scholarships
International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships at many universities worldwide. These scholarships are typically awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic, personal, and creative achievements. Some scholarships are also based on financial need, while others focus on recognising students with leadership potential. Merit-based scholarships can cover a range of expenses, from tuition and living costs to stipends for internships and health insurance.
In the United States, several universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students. For instance, Syracuse University's Office of Admissions provides merit scholarship awards that acknowledge academic, personal, and creative achievements. Similarly, Clark University offers Global Scholars Program scholarships of at least $10,000, along with a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship to first-year international applicants. Emory University also provides funding opportunities for international students who can demonstrate financial need.
International students at Harvard University can apply for a range of competitive international scholarships. Illinois State University offers tuition waivers, merit awards, and graduate assistantships to incoming international students. Iowa State University has a merit-based scholarship program for high-achieving international students. Michigan State University also provides various grants and scholarships for international students studying in the US at MSU.
Outside the US, several countries offer merit-based scholarships to international students. The UK, for example, has the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships, established in the will of Cecil Rhodes in 1902. The scholarship supports exceptional international students from selected countries at the University of Oxford, covering university fees, a personal stipend, health insurance, and airfare. The Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford are another example, awarded based on academic excellence and potential across all graduate-level subjects.
In Australia, the Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships recognise meritorious international students. The Netherlands also offers the Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships (AES) to exceptionally talented non-EU students pursuing Master's Programmes at the University of Amsterdam. The scholarship provides a full scholarship of €25,000, covering tuition and living expenses. Switzerland has the ETH Excellence Scholarships, where ETH Zurich supports excellent students pursuing Master's degrees through two scholarship programmes: the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) and the Master Scholarship Programme (MSP).
There are also international scholarship programmes that are not specific to any one country or university. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program, for instance, enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to research and study in the US for a year or more at US universities or other institutions. The Chevening Scholarships, offered by the UK government, provide awards to outstanding scholars with leadership potential to study postgraduate courses at UK universities.
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Need-based scholarships
Generally, only permanent residents or citizens of the United States are eligible for need-based federal and university funds. However, international students may qualify for need-based scholarships at certain universities. For example, Emory University has a Needs-Based Scholarship Program that provides funding opportunities for international students who can demonstrate financial need.
International students can also apply for outside scholarships independent of universities and the federal/state aid process. For instance, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance, to students from developing countries who are applying for a development-related Master's program. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial help for their graduate studies. The scholarship is 50% grant and 50% loan. The American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women seeking a Master's or doctorate in the USA, with priority given to women who demonstrate a commitment to advancing women and girls' rights. The Civil Society Leadership Awards offers full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries dedicated to fostering social change.
International students may also be eligible for loans from private lenders with a creditworthy US co-signer.
It is important to be cautious of dishonest scholarship offers and never send money, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers to any organization promising a scholarship in return.
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Scholarships for women
International students are eligible for university scholarships and stipends. There are a variety of scholarships available for women who are international students. These scholarships are offered by various institutions and organizations to promote the rights, well-being, and professional status of women worldwide. Scholarships for women often have specific criteria, including academic performance, financial need, leadership skills, and affiliation to particular communities.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships for non-American women pursuing a Master's or doctorate in the USA. The AAUW also provides seven different types of grants, including International Fellowships for women from other countries and American Fellowships for US citizens or permanent residents.
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries pursuing graduate degrees in the USA. PEO International also runs the PEO Program for Continuing Education, providing need-based grants of up to $3,000 for women in the US and Canada whose education has been interrupted. Additionally, the PEO STAR Scholarship and PEO Scholar Awards are offered to women pursuing undergraduate and doctoral studies, respectively.
Zonta International sponsors two scholarship programs for women. The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship offers annual scholarships to women studying business management at the undergraduate or master's level. The Amelia Earhart Scholarship assists women in entering male-dominated fields such as aerospace engineering, astronomy, and business.
Other notable scholarships for women include the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund, which provides grants of approximately $12,000 to international women studying in the US or Canada. The MMMF South Africa grants offer $4,000 to women from developing countries attending the University of Pretoria or the University of Cape Town. The 100 Dreams Scholarship Fund provides one-time financial assistance of up to $1,000 to women in high school or university who demonstrate financial need.
It is important to note that scholarships for international students, including those for women, may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes. Students should carefully review the requirements and application guidelines for each scholarship opportunity. Additionally, students should be cautious of dishonest scholarship offers and consult with the admissions office or international student office for guidance.
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Country-specific scholarships
International students often find it challenging to find fully funded scholarships for their undergraduate studies. However, there are numerous country-specific scholarships available for graduate and postgraduate international students. Here are some examples:
United States of America
The US Department of Education offers resources and tips to protect students from dishonest scholarship organizations. The College Board, a free online financial aid source, provides scholarships, grants, and loans for college-bound students, including permanent residents and international students. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program also offers fully funded scholarships for graduate students from around the world to study in the USA. Additionally, the American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women pursuing a Master's or doctorate in the USA, with priority given to those demonstrating a commitment to advancing women and girls.
United Kingdom
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing Master's or PhD studies at the University of Cambridge. It provides a stipend, health insurance, academic development funding, and a family allowance.
Switzerland
The ETH Zurich Excellence Master's Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing Master's studies in Switzerland. It provides a grant covering living and study expenses, as well as a tuition fee waiver.
Japan
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance to students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development. The MEXT Scholarship is another fully funded scholarship for international students in Japan, covering undergraduate to PhD studies and training studies.
Australia
Monash University offers a fully funded scholarship for international doctoral research students, including an annual living allowance, relocation allowance, and a research allowance. Additionally, the Marten Bequest Traveling Scholarship is open to native-born Australians aged 21-35 who demonstrate outstanding ability and promise.
India
Buddy4Study is a scholarship search engine specifically designed for Indian students applying to schools in the USA and other countries.
China
MPOWER Financing's Chasing Dreams Scholarship celebrates promising international graduate students from China with awards of up to $5,000.
Colombia
ColFuturo provides scholarships for Colombian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.
Mexico
Conacyt provides scholarships for Mexican students undertaking postgraduate studies in institutions abroad.
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University-specific scholarships
International students often find it challenging to find fully funded scholarships for undergraduate studies in the United States. However, there are university-specific scholarships that international students can apply for. These scholarships are usually merit-based or need-based.
Merit-based scholarships are granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities. For example, a university may offer scholarships based on TOEFL scores, academic records, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability. To be considered for a merit-based scholarship, applicants must demonstrate exceptional ability in the required area.
Need-based scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded based on financial need. Students who can demonstrate financial need at a predetermined level are eligible for this type of scholarship. Academic departments within universities may have funds allocated specifically to assist international students with exceptional financial need and/or talent.
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: Undergraduate scholarships for international students showing leadership potential to study at American University in Washington, DC.
- Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship Program: Funding for high-achieving international students with an interest in contributing to the student community.
- Clark University Global Scholars Program: Scholarships of at least US$10,000, along with a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship, are available for first-year international applicants.
- Emory University Needs-Based Scholarship Program: Funding opportunities for international students who can demonstrate financial need at Emory University.
- Harvard University Scholarships: Harvard offers a range of competitive international scholarships for students from around the world.
- Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships: Merit-based scholarship program recognizing high-achieving international students.
- Michigan State University International Scholarships: Various grants and scholarships for international students to study at MSU in the United States.
- New York University Wagner International Scholarships: Scholarships for international students to pursue graduate studies at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
- University of Arkansas International Scholarships: Funding opportunities for international students of varying backgrounds and nationalities at the University of Arkansas.
- University of Minnesota International Scholarships: Offers the Global Excellence Scholarship and the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, a renewable scholarship providing $15,000 per year.
In addition to these university-specific scholarships, international students can also explore other scholarship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Scholarship, Rotary Scholarships, and the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, among others. It is recommended to use online scholarship search engines and consult with the university's admissions or international student office for more information on eligibility and application processes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students are eligible for university scholarships. However, they are generally not eligible for funding intended specifically for US nationals or federal financial aid. International students may qualify for merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, or outside scholarships independent of universities.
Here are some scholarships that international students can apply for:
- Fulbright Scholarship
- Rotary Scholarships
- Postdoctoral Fellowships
- College Loans
- MPOWER Financing Global Citizen Scholarship Program
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
- Civil Society Leadership Awards
- David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship
- Preply Scholarship
- Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship
- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
- East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships
- Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program
- Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship Program
- Clark University Global Scholars Program
- Emory University Needs-Based Scholarship Program
- Harvard University Scholarships
- Illinois State University International Awards
- Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
Yes, some scholarships come with a stipend. For example, the Clark University Global Scholars Program offers a guaranteed taxable stipend of $2,500 for a paid internship. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program also provides a monthly stipend, in addition to comprehensive financial coverage for tuition, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance.
