Lana Oconnell
Scholarships for international students exist, but they can be competitive and difficult to find. Most scholarships offered by US colleges and universities are aimed at American students, and undergraduate scholarships for international students are particularly scarce. However, international students can increase their chances of receiving a scholarship by demonstrating leadership skills, writing skills, and financial need. Scholarships are also available from private organisations, corporations, and governments, and international students can receive loans from private institutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scholarship availability for international students | Scholarships are available for international students, but they can be challenging to find. |
| Location | Scholarships are offered by institutions in the USA, Canada, and the UK. |
| Level of study | Scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate international students. |
| Eligibility criteria | Eligibility varies; some scholarships are merit-based, while others are need-based. Criteria may include academic background, area of study, financial need, country of origin, TOEFL scores, and GPA. |
| Application process | Application requirements vary and may include essays, personal statements, projects, or interviews. Students should research and contact the relevant institutions for specific eligibility criteria and application processes. |
| Scholarship providers | Scholarships are provided by colleges and universities, private organizations, and specific institutions. |
| Scholarship amount | Scholarship amounts vary, covering tuition, housing, and other expenses. Some scholarships are full scholarships, while others are partial or renewable yearly. |
| Additional opportunities | International students can also explore assistantships, fellowships, grants, loans, and on-campus employment opportunities to fund their studies. |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international students in the USA and Canada
International students can apply for scholarships to study in the USA and Canada. However, it is important to note that minimal scholarship aid is available to international students, and most of it is reserved for graduate studies. US institutions rarely offer discounts on tuition, although application fees may be waived in some situations.
Scholarships for international students in the USA
- Foreign Fulbright Student Program: Scholarships for graduate students from around the world (as well as young professionals and artists) to study in the USA.
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: Provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance, to students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development and are applying for a development-related Master's program.
- MPOWER Financing Global Citizen Scholarship Program: The broadest eligibility criteria for international and DACA students.
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: Awards scholarships to women from other countries who are earning their graduate degree in the USA.
- American Association of University Women Fellowships: Fellowships for non-American women who want to earn a Master's or doctorate in the USA. Priority is given to women who can demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls.
- Civil Society Leadership Awards: Offers full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: A non-degree scholarship program for international, experienced professionals wishing to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US.
- East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships: Scholarships to study in the US within selected institutions, aimed at international students from the Asia-Pacific region.
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: International scholarships aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US. Applicants must submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
Scholarships for international students in Canada
- Study in Canada Scholarships: Provide international students from a wide range of countries and territories with short-term exchange opportunities for study or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
- Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program: Offers scholarships to Canadians wishing to pursue short-term study, research, or Chinese language training at participating institutions in China.
- Global Affairs Canada’s Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship: Scholarships available to students from other OAS member states to pursue graduate studies or research in Canada.
- Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program (CCSEP): Offers scholarships to Chinese scholars and professionals wishing to conduct research in Canada, specifically in the area of Canadian studies.
There are also several online resources and search engines that provide information on scholarships for international students in the USA and Canada, such as:
- ScholarshipCanada.com
- EduPASS
- FastWeb
- International Education Financial Aid
- Mobility International USA
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Scholarships for international students in the UK
Scholarships are available for international students who want to study in the UK. These scholarships can be highly competitive, and students should give themselves plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
The UK government and its agencies offer scholarships to international students. Popular government-funded scholarships include the Chevening Scholarships and the Commonwealth Scholarships. The latter is available for students from Commonwealth countries at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and covers tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses. The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to outstanding international students pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge, covering all costs. The Reach Oxford Scholarship is aimed at students from low-income countries who are unable to study in their home country due to financial or political reasons.
Many UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international undergraduate students, often based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both. For example, the University of Sheffield offers the International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, awarding up to 50% of tuition costs for high-achieving students. University-specific scholarships may include additional benefits such as mentoring programs and networking opportunities.
International graduate students can also receive full or partial teaching or research assistantships through the university. Additionally, fellowships are short-term funded research and study opportunities that can last from a few weeks to several years.
To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants must first be accepted into a UK institution. Letters of recommendation, essays, and personal statements may be required as part of the application process. It is recommended to contact the financial aid office of the desired school and use scholarship search tools to find out more about specific scholarships and their requirements.
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Merit-based scholarships for international students
Scholarships for international students are rare, and most US-based scholarships are aimed at supporting American students. However, there are merit-based scholarships available for international students.
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers nearly 100 different scholarships to international students, including the New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award Scholarship, which provides an annual award of $9,500 to $17,000 per year based on 30 hours of enrolment. The University also offers scholarships to enrolled students who have excelled in their academic programme or demonstrated financial need.
UChicago
UChicago offers a variety of merit scholarships for international students.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
UW-Madison offers a variety of generous, merit-based scholarships to international students.
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University allows international freshman applicants to apply for all of its merit-based scholarships.
Wake Forest University
International students are eligible for most Wake-Forest merit-scholarship programs.
Villanova University
Villanova selects 25 Presidential Scholars annually. This renewable, merit-based award covers full tuition, room and board, the general fee, and the cost of textbooks for eight semesters. To be eligible, students must be nominated by a counsellor or school official by December 1st and submit their Common Application by December 5th.
University of British Columbia
UBC offers a range of scholarships and awards for international students, including the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award, a one-time, merit-based entrance scholarship awarded to academically strong students who display involvement outside of the classroom. For the 2025/2026 academic year, OIS awards will be valued at $10,000 – $25,000. UBC also offers International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES), which are awarded to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs. For the 2025/2026 academic year, IMES awards will be valued at $10,000 – $20,000/year.
American University
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship awards one international student who will require a visa to study in the U.S. The EGS Scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for up to four years, as long as satisfactory academic performance is maintained.
Boston University
BU automatically considers its international freshman applicants for the Presidential and Trustee scholarships.
University of Southern California
USC offers a number of merit scholarships to international students.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
UNLV offers the International Student Scholarship to current undergrads with a minimum 2.75 GPA.
John M. Belk Scholarship
The John M. Belk Scholarship is the University's most prestigious academic merit award, providing full tuition plus room and board. Scholars are selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, a strong sense of purpose, and commitment to a diverse and inclusive campus community.
To increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, it is recommended that you give yourself plenty of time to prepare a strong application and communicate your goals for university study, career aspirations, and reasons for applying to a specific university. Strong leadership skills and writing skills can also make your application more competitive.
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Need-based scholarships for international students
Scholarships for international students exist, but they are highly competitive and quite rare. Most U.S.-based scholarships are intended for American students, and international students usually have to pay full tuition fees. However, need-based scholarships are available for international students who can demonstrate a genuine need for financial support. These scholarships are offered by universities, governments, or private organisations. While financial need is the main requirement, other factors such as citizenship, academic history, and chosen field of study may also be considered.
The Fulbright Program, for instance, is a prestigious scholarship that enables international students to study in the United States. It provides funding based on financial need, covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance. Similarly, the Chevening Scholarship, offered by the UK government, is available to students from eligible countries who demonstrate both leadership potential and financial need. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and more, for a one-year master's degree program at any UK university. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) also offers need-based scholarships to international students interested in studying in Germany.
Some universities in the U.S. offer scholarships to international students. For example, the University of Arkansas provides the New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award Scholarship, which offers an annual award of $9,500 to $17,000 per year based on 30 hours of enrollment. The university also offers scholarships to currently enrolled international students who excel academically or demonstrate financial need. Ohio Wesleyan University also offers need-based aid for international students, although it does not offer loans to these students.
To increase their chances of receiving a scholarship, international students should focus on demonstrating leadership and writing skills. Strong letters of recommendation, a consistently strong academic record, and evidence of follow-through and discipline are also important. Additionally, students should give themselves ample time to prepare a strong application and communicate their goals for university study, career aspirations, and reasons for applying to a specific university.
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Fellowships for international students
Fellowships are a great way to fund your education as an international student. Here are some fellowship opportunities for international students:
DeKarman Fellowships
DeKarman fellowships are open to students in any discipline, including international students, enrolled in a university or college within the United States. 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.
Intel PhD Fellowship Program
The Intel PhD Fellowship Program awards fellowships to exceptional PhD candidates pursuing leading-edge innovation in fields related to Intel's business and research interests.
Josephine de Karman Fellowship Trust
The Josephine De Karman Fellowship Trust was established in memory of Dr. Theodore Von Karman's sister, Josephine. The fellowship recognizes and assists students whose scholastic achievements reflect Professor Von Karman's high standards.
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 U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The fellowships support both graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement and a commitment to women and girls' empowerment.
AAUW International Fellowships
AAUW International Fellowships promote education and equity for women by investing in international applicants pursuing postgraduate studies or research in the U.S. The fellowships are designed for women who are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with a track record of academic excellence and empowering other women.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides funding for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States.
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Scholarships
NSERC provides financial support to high-calibre scholars engaged in doctoral programs in natural sciences or engineering. They offer the Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships-Doctoral Program (CGS D) and the NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships-Doctoral Program (PGS D). NSERC encourages qualified Aboriginal students to apply.
The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) Fellowships and Grants
The American-Scandinavian Foundation offers fellowships (up to $23,000) and grants (up to $5,000) for individuals to pursue research, study, or creative arts projects in Scandinavian countries for up to one year. Applicants must have a well-defined project that requires a stay in Scandinavia.
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. Upon completion of their degree, students are expected to return to their home countries to foster global peace.
Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future Fellowship
The Schlumberger Foundation's Faculty for the Future Fellowship is for PhD students in STEM from developing and emerging economies. The fellowship recognizes women for their leadership capabilities and scientific talents, and they are expected to return to their home countries to inspire other young women.
These are just a few examples of fellowships available to international students. Each fellowship has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so be sure to review the requirements carefully before applying.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get scholarships to study in the US and other countries. However, they are highly competitive and quite rare for undergraduate students.
Criteria vary, but scholarship providers often consider the student's academic background, area of study, financial need, leadership skills, and writing skills.
International students can find scholarships through free online databases, such as the Institute of International Education's Funding for U.S. Study website, International Scholarships, and International Student Scholarships. They can also contact the financial aid office of their intended university and their home country's government or private organisations for support.
Examples of scholarships for international students include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which provides up to $38,000 for graduate students, and the New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award Scholarship, which offers $9,500 to $17,000 per year to undergraduate students at the University of Arkansas.
