International Students: Grants And Application Process

International students who wish to study in the United States can apply for grants to help cover some of the costs. While grants and scholarships for international students can be highly competitive, there are still many opportunities available. These include campus-based grants, scholarships from private organisations, and federal financial aid. International students are not eligible for US government-backed loans, but they may be eligible for private international student loans.

Characteristics and Values Table for International Students Applying for Grants

International students can apply for both national and international grants

Grants for international students can be highly competitive and are usually only awarded to the highest-achieving students. They often target those pursuing advanced degrees in highly specialised fields. As such, it is important to apply as early as possible for as many grants as you can.

There are a number of grants available to international students, including the UC International Students Grant, which provides financial assistance to foreign students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants must be full-time students, and awards are determined based on academic merit and financial need. Columbia College in Missouri also sponsors a variety of grants for international students, including the Columbia International Award, which is available to both freshman and transfer students who are foreign nationals. The International Award is determined by academic merit, and the award amount is $1,000. The International Excellence Award offers a half-tuition award to international students who meet the college's stringent academic requirements. Lewis and Clark University in Portland offers the Davis United World Scholarship for international students, which is determined by a combination of financial need and academic merit.

International students may also be eligible for federal financial aid, depending on their visa status. For example, citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau are eligible for Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and Federal Work-Study. To apply for federal financial aid, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In addition to grants and scholarships, international students may also consider applying for private international student loans to help fund their studies. However, it is important to carefully consider the amount of debt being taken on and only borrow what is truly needed.

Grants are available for undergraduate and graduate international students

International students can apply for grants to help cover the costs of studying in a foreign country. Grants are available for undergraduate and graduate international students, although they are often competitive and may be challenging to find. It is important to start researching and applying for funding as early as possible, ideally about 18 months before starting your program.

Undergraduate international students can explore various grant opportunities to support their studies. Some grants are offered by specific institutions, such as the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship, which is hosted by participating colleges and universities and is open to international undergraduate students. Additionally, the Institute for International Education (IIE) provides information and resources for undergraduate international students seeking financial aid.

Grants for graduate international students are also available. For example, the Foreign Fulbright Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students from around the world to study in the USA. The American Association of University Women provides fellowships for non-American women pursuing Master's or doctoral degrees in the USA, with a focus on those committed to advancing women and girls. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers comprehensive financial support for students from developing countries applying for development-related Master's programs.

International students can also explore grants based on their nationality. For instance, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship assists students from select developing countries who have no other means of financial support for their graduate studies. Similarly, Conacyt provides scholarships for Mexican students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, while ColFuturo offers scholarships for Colombian students in the same situation.

It is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application procedures for each grant, as they can vary significantly. Some grants may be need-based, while others may be merit-based or focused on specific areas of study. International students should also be cautious of dishonest scholarship offers and consult with their university's admissions or international student office for guidance when needed.

Grants are highly competitive and awarded to the best students

International students can apply for grants to fund their studies in the United States. However, grants are highly competitive and are only awarded to the top students. The application process for grants can be challenging, and the grants themselves are usually quite scarce.

Grants are often awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. For example, the Columbia International Award at Columbia College, Missouri, is determined by academic merit, while the Davis United World Scholarship at Lewis and Clark University in Portland is based on both financial need and academic merit.

To increase your chances of securing a grant, it is advisable to start the application process early and apply to as many grants as possible. It is also important to carefully research and prepare your applications, as each grant will have specific eligibility criteria, including factors such as age, nationality, previous grades, and financial status.

In addition to grants, international students may also consider scholarships and private student loans as alternative sources of funding. Scholarships are often offered by the colleges themselves, but there are also private scholarships available, such as the NextGen Scholarship Fund and the International Peace Scholarship from PEO. International students can also explore federal financial aid options, although these may be limited for non-citizens.

To summarise, while grants are highly competitive and not easily attainable, international students can improve their chances by being diligent in their research and applications, as well as exploring alternative funding sources to support their studies in the United States.

International students can apply for scholarships through the same process as domestic students

International students can find scholarship opportunities through a variety of sources, including the financial aid office of their school, private organizations, and their home country. Many U.S. colleges and universities offer financial aid for international students, and some private institutions may offer discounted tuition rates. It is important for international students to carefully research the eligibility requirements for each scholarship, as some may be restricted to specific countries, fields of study, or degree levels.

There are also grants available specifically for international students, which can provide funding for tuition and living costs. These grants may be offered by individual colleges or universities, or by organizations such as the Fulbright Commission. International students can also apply for federal financial aid in the form of grants if they are a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau. Additionally, permanent residents of the U.S. can apply for grants through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

While international students are not eligible for U.S. government-backed loans, they may be able to access private international student loans from banks and lenders. However, these loans often require a cosigner who is a permanent resident or U.S. citizen with a good credit score. It is important for international students to carefully consider their financial options and plan ahead to ensure they have the necessary funding to support their studies.

Grants are available from universities, private institutions, and governments

International students can apply for grants, but these are often highly competitive and only awarded to the best students. Grants are available from universities, private institutions, and governments, both in the student's home country and the country they wish to study in.

University grants

Many US colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices. For example, Columbia College in Missouri sponsors a variety of grants for international students, including the Columbia International Award and the International Excellence Award. Lewis and Clark University in Portland also offers the Davis United World Scholarship for international students.

Private institution grants

Private institutions can sometimes discount or reduce the costs of tuition. There are also private scholarship options, such as the NextGen Scholarship Fund and the International Peace Scholarship from PEO.

Government grants

International students are not eligible for US government-backed loans, but they may be eligible for federal financial aid and private international student loans to study in the US. Students from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau may be eligible for Pell Grants, FSEOG Grants, and Federal Work-Study.

It is important to start applying for funding as early as possible, and to be aware of dishonest scholarship offers. Students should also check the eligibility rules for each grant, as criteria vary.

Frequently asked questions