Fellowship Opportunities For International Students: What You Need To Know

There are a variety of fellowships that international students can apply for. These include the P.E.O International Peace Scholarship, the Josephine de Karman Scholarship, the American Association for University Women – International Fellowships, the LAWA Fellowship, the Mayo Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Scholarships, and many more. These fellowships often provide financial support for international students pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies, with some specifically targeting women or students from particular regions or backgrounds. It is important to note that eligibility criteria and application processes may vary for each fellowship, so interested candidates should carefully review the requirements before submitting their applications.

Fellowships for international students in the US

International students can apply for a variety of fellowships in the US, spanning diverse fields such as law, technology, medicine, the arts, and more. Here are some examples of fellowships that are open to international students:

DeKarman Fellowships

DeKarman fellowships offer $16,000 scholarships to support the final year of study for juniors or PhD candidates with ABD status. These fellowships are open to students in any discipline, including international students enrolled in a university or college in the US. However, postdoctoral and master's degree students are not eligible for this opportunity.

American Association for University Women – International Fellowships

The American Association for University Women provides international fellowships for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not US citizens or permanent residents. Both graduate and postgraduate studies are supported at accredited US institutions. Applicants must have earned the equivalent of a US bachelor's degree and must have applied to their proposed institutions by the time of application.

Qualcomm Innovation Fellowships

The QInF program is open to teams of two students from a variety of top US-based and international schools. Students are invited to submit innovative proposals, with finalists receiving a one-year fellowship and mentorship from Qualcomm engineers to facilitate their research.

University of Texas at Austin Fellowships

The Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin offers dissertation fellowships, postdoctoral fellowships, travel stipends, and more for projects that require the use of its collections. Applicants from any nation are eligible, and visa support is provided for international applicants.

IBM PhD Fellowship Awards Program

The IBM PhD Fellowship is a highly competitive program that recognizes exceptional PhD students with interests in solving problems fundamental to IBM and academic innovation. This includes a range of disciplines such as computer science, engineering, physical sciences, mathematical sciences, and more.

The Coro Fellows Program

The Coro Fellows Program is designed to develop emerging leaders by providing hands-on experience for recent college graduates working with urban institutions in five US cities: Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and St. Louis.

The Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy

The Horowitz Foundation supports emerging scholars working on projects that address contemporary issues in the social sciences, with a focus on social policy applications on a global or local level. Grants are worth a total of $7,500, with $5,000 awarded initially and the remaining $2,500 upon completion of the project.

The Urban Fellows Program

This nine-month fellowship, based in New York City, combines work in Mayoral offices and City agencies with volunteer service opportunities and a seminar series exploring current urban issues impacting public policy.

The Consortium for History of Science, Technology, and Medicine Fellowships

The Consortium offers nine-month dissertation fellowships, NEH postdoctoral fellowships, and Fellowships-in-Residence for scholars in the history of science, technology, or medicine who wish to utilize the collections at their institutions.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program for Study/Research

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers fully funded PhD and graduate programs for international students in the US.

These are just a few examples of the many fellowships available to international students in the US. It is important to review the eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each program, as they may vary. Additionally, some fellowships may be open to applicants from any country, while others may be specific to certain nationalities or regions.

International fellowship eligibility criteria

• Nationality: Many fellowships are open to international students from any country, while others may be specific to certain regions or countries. For example, the LAWA Fellowship program is open to applicants from any country in Africa, while the Taiwan/Caltech Ministry of Education Fellowship is targeted at students from Taiwan.
• Academic Qualifications: Fellowships often require applicants to have a strong academic background, with specific requirements varying by program. Some fellowships are open to undergraduate students, while others are targeted at graduate or postgraduate students. Certain fellowships may also require applicants to have a minimum GPA or be in a specific year of their academic program.
• Field of Study: Different fellowships support various fields of study, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, law, business, arts, and more. Some fellowships are open to students in any discipline, while others are specific to certain fields, such as food sciences, journalism, or aerospace engineering.
• Research or Study Proposal: Many fellowships require applicants to submit a well-defined research or study proposal that outlines their intended project or area of focus. This proposal should demonstrate the project's innovation, feasibility, and potential impact.
• Institutional Requirements: Some fellowships are offered directly by specific institutions, and eligibility may depend on gaining admission to that institution and meeting their academic requirements.
• Financial Need: Some fellowships are need-based and prioritize applicants who can demonstrate financial need or difficulty in obtaining other forms of funding for their studies.
• Leadership and Extracurricular Involvement: Certain fellowships seek applicants who demonstrate leadership skills, extracurricular involvement, or community engagement. This may be assessed through essays, personal statements, or multimedia projects as part of the application process.
• Previous Study or Work Experience: Some fellowships have requirements regarding previous study or work experience. For example, the Mayo Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program requires applicants to be enrolled in a news/editorial program for at least two years.
• Commitment to Return to Home Country: Several fellowships, especially those targeted at international students, encourage or require applicants to return to their home countries after completing their studies to contribute to their communities and foster peace, development, or global understanding.
• Gender: A few fellowships are specifically targeted at women, such as the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship and the Zonta International Amelia Earheart Fellowship, with the goal of promoting gender equality and opportunities for women in specific fields.

It is important to carefully review the specific eligibility criteria for each fellowship, as they can vary significantly, and some may have additional requirements or restrictions. The official websites of the fellowships or the relevant institutions are the most reliable sources for up-to-date and detailed information on eligibility.

Scholarships for international students

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education as an international student. There are numerous scholarships available for international students, each with its own unique criteria and requirements. Here are some popular scholarships and fellowships for international students:

Fulbright Scholarship

The Fulbright Program offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from around the world to study or conduct research in the United States. The program provides grants and funding opportunities for international students pursuing various fields of study.

Josephine de Karman Scholarships

The Josephine de Karman Scholarships offer $16,000 to support the final year of study for juniors or PhD candidates. This scholarship is open to international students enrolled in a university or college within the United States, excluding postdoctoral and master's degree students.

IEFA (International Student Scholarship Search & International Financial Aid)

IEFA is a comprehensive database of scholarships, grants, and loan programs specifically for international students. It is a premier resource for students seeking financial aid to pursue their international education. IEFA has partnered with leading providers of international student loans, making it a valuable tool for funding your studies abroad.

InternationalStudent.com

InternationalStudent.com provides a free and up-to-date list of scholarships, grants, and awards available to international students worldwide. The website allows you to search for scholarships by location, subject of study, or student origin, making it easier to find opportunities that match your profile.

P.E.O International Peace Scholarship

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship is for non-U.S. or Canadian women pursuing a graduate degree. Recipients are expected to return to their home countries after completing their degree and contribute to fostering global peace.

External Fellowships for International Students

Various external fellowships are specifically designed for international students pursuing graduate studies. These include the DeKarman Fellowships, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Scholarships, Qualcomm Innovation Fellowships, and the Taiwan/Caltech Ministry of Education Fellowship, each with its own eligibility criteria and focus areas.

Country-Specific Scholarships

Some scholarships are tailored for students from specific countries or regions, such as the MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program, which offers up to $3,000 for students from Central America, and the Victor Pinchuk Foundation WorldWideStudies (WWS) Scholarships for Ukrainian citizens pursuing a Master's degree.

Discipline-Specific Scholarships

Certain scholarships cater to specific fields of study. For instance, the American Association for University Women – International Fellowships support women pursuing full-time study or research in the United States who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Similarly, the Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future Fellowship is awarded to women from developing countries pursuing PhDs in STEM.

To increase your chances of securing a scholarship, it is essential to thoroughly research and identify opportunities that align with your background, academic achievements, and interests. Many scholarships have specific eligibility criteria, so be sure to carefully review the requirements before applying.

Research fellowships for international students

There are a variety of research fellowships available for international students. These fellowships are offered by universities, private companies, and non-profit organizations. Some of the fellowships are aimed at specific groups, such as women or students from developing countries, while others are open to all international students.

American Association for University Women – International Fellowships

The American Association for University Women offers international fellowships for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not US citizens or permanent residents. Both graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited institutions are supported. Applicants must have earned the equivalent of a US bachelor's degree and must have applied to their proposed institutions of study by the time of the application.

Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Program brings citizens of other countries to the United States for Master's or PhD study at US universities or other appropriate institutions. Foreign students can apply for Fulbright Fellowships through the Fulbright Commission/Foundation or US Embassy in their home countries.

IBM PhD Fellowship

The IBM PhD Fellowship Awards Program is a worldwide program that honors exceptional PhD students who have an interest in solving problems that are fundamental to innovation in many academic disciplines and areas of study. These include computer science, engineering, physical sciences, mathematical sciences, and more.

DeKarman Fellowships

DeKarman fellowships are open to students in any discipline, including international students, who are currently enrolled in a university or college located within the United States. Only PhD candidates who will defend their dissertation within two years and undergraduates entering their senior year are eligible for consideration. Special consideration is given to applicants in the Humanities.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Scholarships

NSERC provides financial support to high-calibre scholars engaged in a doctoral program in the natural sciences or engineering. NSERC encourages interested and qualified Aboriginal students to apply.

Other Fellowships

There are also several other fellowships and scholarships available for international students, including the Harry Ransom Center Dissertation Fellowships, the Obama Foundation Scholars Program, the Qualcomm Innovation Fellowships, the Taiwan/Caltech Ministry of Education Fellowship, and the P.E.O International Peace Scholarship. Additionally, some universities, such as Swarthmore College and the University of Southern California, offer their own fellowships and scholarships specifically for international students.

International fellowship application deadlines

International students can apply for a wide range of fellowships, including those offered by universities, private organizations, and governments. These fellowships typically provide financial support for international students pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies, research, or other academic endeavours. Application deadlines for international fellowships can vary depending on the specific fellowship and the organization offering it. Here is a detailed overview of some notable international fellowship application deadlines:

AAUW International Fellowships

The American Association for University Women (AAUW) offers International Fellowships for women who are not US citizens or permanent residents. The fellowships are awarded for full-time postgraduate studies or research in the United States. The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is November 15, 2024, with notifications of decisions emailed to applicants by April 15, 2025.

Josephine de Karman Scholarships

The Josephine de Karman Scholarships are open to international students enrolled in a university or college in the United States. The scholarships provide support for the final year of study for juniors or PhD candidates. The application deadline for this fellowship is typically in late January or early February, with the exact date varying from year to year. For example, the deadline for 2023 was February 4th.

The British Academy International Fellowships

The British Academy offers International Fellowships to support early-career researchers who want to work in a UK institution for two years. Applicants must have a PhD or be in the final stages of completing one. The fellowship provides support for research expenses and relocation costs. While specific dates are not mentioned, the fellowship is named "International Fellowships 2025", suggesting that applications may have been due in late 2024 or early 2025.

External Fellowships for International Students

Various universities, such as Caltech and MIT, offer external fellowships for international students. These include the Qualcomm Innovation Fellowships in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the Taiwan/Caltech Ministry of Education Fellowship, and the HHMI International Student Research Fellowships. Each fellowship has its own unique application process and deadlines, which can be found on the respective university's website.

University-Specific Fellowships

In addition to external fellowships, many universities offer their own fellowships and scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the USC Graduate School lists the American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) Fellowships and the P.E.O International Peace Scholarship as opportunities for international students. These fellowships have varying application deadlines, and interested students should refer to the specific program websites for detailed information.

It is important to note that application deadlines can change from year to year, and interested applicants should always refer to the official websites or contacts for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some fellowships may have specific requirements or restrictions, so it is essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying.

Frequently asked questions