Douglas Olsen
International students hoping to pursue their studies in the United States often face the challenge of rising college costs and limited financial aid options. While grants and scholarships for international students are available, they tend to be highly competitive and may have specific eligibility criteria. Students with international parents may be able to access financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, federal financial aid, or private student loans. The availability and eligibility for these grants depend on various factors, including the student's residency status, nationality, academic merit, and financial need. It is recommended that students explore the financial aid offerings of their intended university, as well as external grant and scholarship opportunities, to secure the necessary funding for their education.
Characteristics of grants for students with international parents:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability | Not as abundant or far-reaching as grants for domestic students |
| Eligibility | Based on factors such as merit, nationality, previous grades, and financial status |
| Types | Campus-based grants, national grants, international grants, scholarships, bursaries, fee reductions, loans |
| Sources | Universities, governments, commercial and charitable organizations, special interest groups, federal sources, private lenders |
| Competition | Highly competitive due to benefits offered |
| Application Process | Requires thorough research, eligibility checks, and consultation with relevant offices |
| Examples | Fulbright Program, Aga Khan Foundation, Margaret McNamara Education Grant, International Student Grant from Ohio State University |
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What You'll Learn
Grants for international students in the US
Grants for international students studying in the US can be awarded based on various criteria, from the subject of study to nationality. These grants can range from as little as $100 to covering three years of tuition fees and living costs. It is important to note that grants for international students are highly competitive and are only awarded to the best students.
International students can apply for the Fulbright Program, which is available in over 160 countries and selects approximately 4,000 international students annually. The program covers tuition, room and board, and transportation fees for six to twelve months. Students must have a bachelor's degree to be eligible and must apply through their home country's program.
The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program provides a grant for foreign citizens to teach their language and culture at a US university for one academic year. While a master's degree is preferred, it is not required. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) sponsors international fellowships for women interested in studying in the US, with varying award amounts depending on the degree type.
Other notable grants include the International Fulbright Science and Technology Award, which provides three years of funding for eligible foreign students pursuing a Ph.D. in approved science or technology fields. Scholarship databases, such as Scholarship Finder and International Education Financial Aid, also offer free resources for international students to search for scholarships and grants.
Additionally, international students can explore merit-based scholarships granted by universities based on TOEFL scores, academic records, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability. Need-based scholarships are another option, awarded to students who can demonstrate financial need. Consulting with the university's admissions office or international student office is recommended to explore all available opportunities and protect oneself from dishonest scholarship offers.
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Grants for international students in the UK
International students can access various grants and scholarships to support their studies in the UK. However, it is important to note that tuition fees for international students are substantially higher than for domestic students and can range from £10,000 to £38,000 or more per year, depending on the chosen university and course.
- Reach Oxford Scholarships are offered to students from low-income countries who are unable to study for a degree in their home country due to political, financial, or educational infrastructure reasons. These scholarships cover course fees, living costs, and one return airfare per year for all courses except medical degrees.
- The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) offers scholarships to Indian students studying at Oxford or Cambridge. These scholarships are competitive, and the amount awarded depends on donors, ranging from £941 to £3,764.
- Students from developing countries can apply for funding through the Aga Khan Foundation, which provides half of the funding as a grant and half as a loan to those with financial needs.
- The Fulbright Program offers grants to international students pursuing degrees at accredited colleges and universities in the UK. While most Fulbright grants cover transportation, monthly stipends, and full or partial tuition, specific programs like the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program provide funding for foreign students pursuing a degree in teaching English as a foreign language.
- The American Association of University Women (AAUW) sponsors international fellowships for women interested in studying in the UK.
- Students wishing to study in the UK can also explore grants and scholarships offered by individual universities. For example, the International Student Grant from Ohio State University is available to international students with financial needs who have one semester left until graduation.
It is recommended that international students explore all funding options and have a backup plan, as securing additional funding during their studies can be challenging. Many international students also choose to work part-time to fund their living expenses and additional costs.
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Eligibility for grants
Grants for international students are often highly competitive and are typically awarded to the highest-achieving students. These grants are usually targeted at students pursuing advanced degrees in highly specialised fields. While grants for international students are fewer in number, they offer greater educational opportunities to students from around the world.
In the United States, federal financial aid is available to international students, but eligibility criteria regarding residency status apply. Generally, residents of American Samoa and Swains Island are eligible, as are permanent residents. Students with an Arrival-Departure Record showing “Refugee”, “Asylum Granted”, “Cuban-Haitian Entrant”, “Conditional Entrant” or “Parolee” are also eligible. Those who hold, or have parents who hold, T nonimmigrant status are eligible, as are those considered battered immigrant-qualified aliens. Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau are eligible for Pell Grants, FSEOG Grants, and Federal Work-Study.
Students with nonimmigrant visas (F-1, J-1, etc.) are generally not eligible for federal financial aid. However, both private and public institutions may waive application fees. Students may also be eligible for merit-based scholarships, which are granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need.
In the United Kingdom, scholarships, grants, and bursaries for international students are offered by universities, governments, commercial and charitable organisations, and special interest groups involved in international education. These may be in the student's home country or in the UK. Students may receive a bursary or fee reduction from a university based on a prior relationship or existing link with them, such as having a family member who is a current student or alumnus. Tuition fee discounts may be available to international students who pay their fees in full, at the start of their course.
There are also several grants available to international students regardless of their country of study. The Fulbright Program is available in more than 160 countries, and about 4,000 international students are selected to participate each year. The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program provides a grant for foreign citizens to teach their language and culture at a U.S. university. A master's degree is preferred but not required. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) sponsors international fellowships for women interested in studying in the U.S. Students from developing countries can apply for funding through the Aga Khan Foundation, and women from developing countries who intend to study in the U.S. or Canada can apply for a Margaret McNamara Education Grant.
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Fulbright grants
The Fulbright Program is a US government initiative that provides grants for international students to study in the United States, as well as for US students to study abroad. The program is highly competitive and offers a variety of merit-based grants. It is supported and administered by the US Department of State and is available in more than 140 countries worldwide, with around 4,000 international students selected to participate each year.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides financial assistance to international students pursuing graduate degrees, as well as to young professionals and artists, to undertake research and studies for a year or more at an accredited US college or university. The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program provides grants for international students to teach their native language and culture at a US university. This grant lasts for one school year and cannot be renewed. A master's degree is preferred but not required. While participants will not receive a degree, they will be required to take coursework related to teaching.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program accepts applications in the creative and performing arts. Candidates should have relatively limited professional experience (typically seven years or less) in the field in which they are applying. Artists with more experience can apply for the Fulbright Scholar Program. Creative and Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.
The Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships are offered in partnership with the Fogarty International Center of the US National Institutes of Health. These awards support the expansion of research in public health and clinical research in resource-limited settings. The Fulbright-National Geographic Award Program funds projects that undertake an in-depth examination of globally relevant issues, incorporating science, storytelling, and/or education.
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Other financial aid for international students
International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US, and US institutions rarely offer financial aid to international undergraduate students. However, there are other options for financial aid, scholarships, and grants available for international students.
Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program offers a variety of highly competitive merit-based grants for both US students studying abroad and foreign students studying in the US. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides financial assistance to international students pursuing graduate degrees, young professionals, and artists to study and research for a year or more at an accredited US college or university. The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program provides a grant for foreign citizens to teach their language and culture at a US university for one school year. The Fulbright International Education Exchange Program is supported and administered by the US Department of State. Most Fulbright grants provide funding that covers round-trip transportation, monthly stipends, and full or partial tuition.
Margaret McNamara Education Grant
The Margaret McNamara Education Grant is for women from developing countries who intend to study in the US or Canada. The foundation gives out six to ten awards, each worth about $12,000.
Aga Khan Foundation
The Aga Khan Foundation provides funding for students from developing countries. Half of the money is given as a grant, and half as a loan.
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
The AAUW sponsors international fellowships for women interested in studying in the US.
Ohio State University
Ohio State University offers the International Student Grant for international students with one semester left until graduation who need financial assistance. Undergraduate students need to have a 2.5 GPA, while graduate students need a 3.0 GPA.
Howard University Freshman Scholarships
Howard University in Washington, DC, offers merit-based scholarships for first-time-in-college international students.
Need-based scholarships
Some academic departments within universities may have funds allocated to assist international students with exceptional financial need and/or talent. Consult with your university and/or your major department to take advantage of any special funding opportunities they offer.
Work-study programs
Work-study programs allow students to earn their degree while gaining valuable connections and experience within their future career field. However, nonimmigrant students are not eligible to be employed in federal work-study positions.
Scholarship databases
There are several scholarship databases that provide free access to scholarship, grant, and fellowship opportunities for international students, including:
- College Board
- Scholarship Finder
- EducationUSA
- EduPASS
- FastWeb
- International Education Financial Aid
- International Scholarships
- Mobility International USA
- International Student
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get grants to study in the US. Grants are available from the US government, universities, and private institutions. However, grants for international students are highly competitive and are only awarded to the best students.
The Fulbright Program is one of the most well-known grant programs for international students in the US. It is available in more than 160 countries and provides funding for transportation, monthly stipends, and tuition fees. The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program provides a grant for foreign citizens to teach their language and culture at a US university. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) sponsors international fellowships for women interested in studying in the US. The Aga Khan Foundation provides funding for students from developing countries. The Margaret McNamara Education Grant is another grant for women from developing countries who intend to study in the US or Canada.
Grants for international students in the UK are usually offered by UK universities or third-party organisations. Universities may offer bursaries or fee reductions to international students based on prior relationships or existing links, such as having a family member who is a current student or alumnus. Governments, commercial and charitable organisations, and special interest groups involved in international education may also provide international scholarships.
Grants for international students can be merit-based or need-based. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on special skills, talents, or abilities, such as TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability. Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need.
