Lana Oconnell
International students can apply for scholarships, although they may find it challenging to find opportunities that are not exclusive to domestic students. Scholarships for international students are available, but they are often competitive, and international students may have to pay higher fees than domestic students. There are various scholarship websites and databases that international students can use to find opportunities, such as InternationalStudent.com, Bold.org, and BestColleges.com. These platforms offer a range of scholarships, including those based on merit, financial need, and specific demographics. It is important for international students to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application instructions for each scholarship to ensure they meet the necessary criteria and submit all required materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scholarship availability | Scholarships for international students are available, but they are highly competitive and quite rare. |
| Eligibility | Eligibility varies; some scholarships are open to all students, while others are specific to demographics, such as country of origin, gender, or academic program. |
| Application process | Applications may require essays, test scores, letters of recommendation, academic records, financial documents, and other supplemental materials. |
| Resources | Schools, scholarship search tools, and databases are useful resources for finding international student scholarships. |
| Tips | Students should start their scholarship search early, carefully review requirements, and be honest in their applications. |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international students in USA-based colleges and universities
International students can apply for scholarships to study in the USA, although these can be hard to find and are often highly competitive. Most US-based scholarships are aimed at supporting American students, and there are fewer scholarships for international students.
Schools are one of the best resources to find scholarships for international students. Experts recommend contacting a school's financial aid office and using scholarship search tools like InternationalStudent.com to find out about scholarships awarded by colleges and universities in the US.
There are also some US universities that offer need-blind admission to international students. Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need, and students who can demonstrate need at a predetermined level are eligible for this type of aid. Academic departments within the university may have funds allocated to assist international students with exceptional need and/or talent.
Some scholarships are provided by private organisations, and some are funded by the US government. One of the most popular government-funded scholarships is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship also awards scholarships to women from other countries who are earning graduate degrees in the USA.
Some scholarships are aimed at students from specific countries or regions. For example, the Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program offers scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. The Japan-United States Friendship Commission is an initiative that offers grants to Japanese students wishing to study in the US, and vice versa. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage 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.
Some scholarships are aimed at students with specific interests or backgrounds. The Bat and Ball Game Women’s Sports Scholarship offers $1,000 to a woman currently studying a sports-related degree at any US university. The MIT-Zaragoza Women in Logistics and SCM Scholarship is open to female students of any age, ethnicity, or nationality, to study at the Zaragoza Logistics Center at MIT. The David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship is worth $1,000 and is open to current or prospective students in the US diagnosed with autism.
Some scholarships require students to submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange. The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship is open to all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US. The Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded twice a year to passionate international students wishing to study in the US. The Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship offers a $2,000 prize and requires students to submit an essay, and the scholarship is open to all nationalities.
International students should be aware of the potential for dishonest scholarship offers. Students should not send money, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers to any organisation that promises a scholarship in return. If you doubt the truthfulness of any scholarship source, consult with the admissions office or the international student office at the university you are applying to.
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Where to find scholarships for international students
International students can find scholarships to fund their studies, although these can be highly competitive and quite rare. Schools are one of the best resources to find scholarships for international undergraduate students. Here are some places to look for scholarships as an international student:
School's financial aid office
Experts recommend contacting a school's financial aid office to find out about scholarships awarded by colleges and universities. Many scholarships for undergraduate study are only available to citizens or permanent residents of the country, but there are university-based scholarships that are open to international students. For example, the Wien International Scholarship Program at Brandeis University in Massachusetts has brought over 890 scholars from 115 countries to the school.
Scholarship search tools
Websites like InternationalStudent.com and IEFA.org provide free, up-to-date, comprehensive lists of scholarships, grants, and other awards available to international students from around the world. You can search for awards by location, subject of study, student origin, or award name. After finding an award you're interested in, you can apply directly to the host school or organization.
Private and public institutions
Some public and private universities offer financial incentives for students to attend their institution. While most institutional aid is reserved for graduate study, there are undergraduate scholarships available for international students.
Country-specific scholarships
There are scholarships available for students from specific countries. For example, the MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program offers students from Central America the chance to win up to $3,000 toward their international education. There are also scholarships for Hungarian students wishing to study in the US, and for Chinese citizens studying in the US or Canada.
#YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship
This scholarship is hosted by colleges and universities, offering two yearly renewable scholarships for international undergraduate students. Each institution has different eligibility criteria, so check with your school to see if they host this scholarship and what the requirements are.
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Types of scholarships for international students
International students can apply for scholarships, but they may find it challenging to find fully funded scholarships, especially at the undergraduate level. Most U.S.-based scholarships cater to American students, and only a few are available for international students. Here is a list of some of the types of scholarships that international students can explore:
University-based Scholarships
Numerous universities in the U.S. offer scholarships open to international undergraduate applicants. For example, the Wien International Scholarship Program at Brandeis University in Massachusetts has welcomed scholars from over 115 countries. Schools are an excellent resource for international students seeking scholarships, and it is recommended to contact the financial aid office to explore opportunities.
Country-Specific Scholarships
Several scholarships are designed for students from specific countries. For instance, the MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program offers Central American students a chance to win up to $3,000 towards their international education. Similarly, the Hungarian American Coalition provides partial annual scholarships to Hungarian students wishing to study in the U.S.
Need-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Academic departments within universities may have funds to assist international students with exceptional financial need and/or talent. International students can consult their university or major department to learn about special funding opportunities.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Some scholarships are awarded based on merit, recognizing academic excellence and leadership potential. For example, the Rotary Peace Fellowship is a competitive scholarship program for doctoral international students.
Fellowships and Assistantships
Fellowships and assistantships are common for international graduate students, providing funding for research and teaching opportunities. For example, the Zonta International Fellowship, created in honour of Amelia Earhart, is available to women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences.
It is important to note that scholarships for international students can be highly competitive, and applicants should give themselves ample time to prepare strong applications. International students can use scholarship search tools like InternationalStudent.com and eduPASS to explore opportunities further.
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Application requirements for international students
International students seeking scholarships to study abroad face a highly competitive process. Scholarships are rare, and applicants should be aware that most awards are reserved for graduate study.
International students applying for scholarships should be prepared to submit a range of documents and materials. These may include:
- Cover letters
- Financial documents
- CVs/Resumes
- Letters of recommendation
- Academic records
- Proof of admission to the host institution
- Essays
- Transcripts
- Evidence of extracurricular activities
- Evidence of leadership and teamwork
- Evidence of a strong academic record
Additional Considerations
International students should be mindful of the following when applying for scholarships:
- Deadlines: Applicants should avoid leaving applications to the last minute.
- Original work: Essays and written submissions should be the student's own work, free from plagiarism.
- Honesty: Applicants should be honest about their achievements and extracurricular activities.
- Editing: Scholarship essays should be carefully reviewed, edited, and spell-checked before submission.
- Letters of recommendation: Students should give recommenders ample time to write letters of recommendation.
- Eligibility: Each scholarship has different eligibility criteria, and applicants should carefully review the requirements before applying.
- Country-specific scholarships: Some scholarships are country-specific, and applicants should research awards relevant to their nationality.
- Online scholarship search tools: Applicants can use online scholarship search tools, such as InternationalStudent.com, to find scholarships offered by specific colleges and universities.
- Financial aid offices: Prospective students can contact the financial aid office of their intended school to inquire about scholarships and financial aid.
- Application fees: Some institutions may waive application fees for international students.
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Fellowships and grants for international students
International students seeking fellowships and grants to fund their studies can explore a variety of options. While scholarships for international students are rare and competitive, they are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Here are some suggestions for fellowships and grants:
Undergraduate Level:
Undergraduate international students can explore scholarships like the Wien International Scholarship Program at Brandeis University, which is open to students from diverse countries. Schools are an excellent resource for finding scholarships, and students are advised to contact the financial aid office and use scholarship search tools. Additionally, international undergraduates can demonstrate leadership and writing skills to increase their chances of securing scholarships.
Graduate Level:
At the graduate level, international students have more opportunities for fellowships and grants. Here are some examples:
- American Association for University Women – International Fellowships: These fellowships support full-time graduate and postgraduate studies for women who are not US citizens or permanent residents.
- National Academies Fellowships: The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council offer fellowships in science, engineering, and medicine.
- Morningside and VP&S competitions: These competitions are for PhD students or postdocs conducting biomedical research at specific campuses.
- Zuckerman Institute Fellowships: The Zuckerman Institute offers various fellowships for international graduate students, including the HHMI Hanna H. Gray Fellowship, which focuses on promoting diversity in the sciences.
- External Fellowships: Several external fellowships are available for graduate international students, such as the Whitaker International Program, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution - Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Fellowship, and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Foundation Grants.
Country-Specific Scholarships:
Some scholarships are specifically tailored for students from certain countries. For example, the Hungarian American Coalition provides partial annual scholarships to Hungarian students wishing to study in the US. Similarly, MPower Financing offers scholarships for graduate students with Chinese citizenship studying in the US or Canada.
Need-Based Scholarships:
International students with exceptional financial need can explore need-based scholarships. Academic departments within universities may have funds allocated to assist international students with financial difficulties and/or exceptional talent. It is recommended to consult with the university and major department to learn about special funding opportunities.
In summary, while scholarships for international students are competitive and less common than those for domestic students, a variety of fellowships and grants are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. International students should carefully research their options, prepare strong applications, and be mindful of deadlines to maximize their chances of securing financial support for their studies.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can apply for scholarships. There are several scholarships for international students in USA-based colleges and universities. However, scholarships for international students are often quite competitive and hard to come by as most U.S.-based scholarships are looking to support American students.
International students can find scholarships by reaching out to the financial aid department of their university. There are also scholarship search tools like InternationalStudent.com, Bold.org, and BestColleges.com.
Some scholarships for international students include the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship, the Jennifer D. Hale Memorial Scholarship, and the MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program.
