Lana Oconnell
International students often face higher college costs than domestic students, as they are typically ineligible for federal or state aid. However, many colleges and universities in the United States offer scholarships to international students. These scholarships can be need-based or merit-based, with the latter being awarded based on criteria such as academic performance, test scores, or special skills. International students can also seek scholarships from private organizations or specific institutions, such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which is funded by the US government. Additionally, some colleges provide emergency scholarships on a case-by-case basis for international students facing unexpected financial difficulties. While it may be challenging to find fully-funded scholarships, international students can explore a range of opportunities to help reduce the cost of studying in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do public colleges give scholarships to international students? | Yes, public colleges do give scholarships to international students. |
| Number of colleges offering scholarships | Almost all colleges in the US offer scholarships to international students. |
| Types of scholarships | Merit-based, need-based, emergency, and need-blind admission scholarships. |
| Scholarship providers | Colleges, universities, private organizations, specific institutions, and US government. |
| Scholarship amount | Varies, some scholarships cover full tuition, room and board, while others are partial scholarships. |
| Eligibility criteria | Academic excellence, leadership qualities, financial need, GPA, test scores, and special skills. |
| Application process | Essay, personal statement, project, interview, or additional scholarship applications. |
| Other considerations | International students can also consider community colleges for lower tuition fees and transfer scholarships. |
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What You'll Learn
Merit-based scholarships
Almost all colleges in the United States offer scholarships for international students. While there may be fewer scholarship opportunities for non-residents, international students can still use scholarships to reduce their college costs and make studying abroad more financially feasible.
Some colleges automatically consider all applicants for merit-based scholarships, while others may require additional scholarship applications. It is important for students to review each school's website or speak with the financial aid office for more information on how to apply.
- Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships: Merit-based scholarship program for high-achieving international students.
- Michigan State University International Scholarships: Various grants and scholarships for international students to study at MSU.
- New York University Wagner International Scholarships: Scholarships to study at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
- University of Arkansas International Scholarships: Funding opportunities for international students of varying backgrounds and nationalities.
- University of Oregon International Scholarships: Scholarships aimed at international students from around the world.
- Western Washington University: Merit-based scholarships are available for international freshmen and transfer students.
- Florida International University Miami: Merit-based scholarships are available for international students.
- Kent State University Kent: College-wise scholarships are available for international students.
- Manhattan College Riverdale: Merit-based scholarships are available for international students.
- Monroe College Bronx: Scholarships are available for graduate and undergraduate F1 students.
- Canisius College Buffalo: Merit-based scholarships are available for international students.
- San Mateo College of Silicon Valley: Merit-based scholarships are available for F1 students.
- Capital University Ohio: Merit-based scholarships are available for international students.
- Husson University Bangor: Merit-based scholarships are available for international students.
- Colorado Mesa University: Merit-based scholarships are available for international students.
- Seattle Central Community College: A one-time scholarship that does not require an application.
- Hillsborough Community College Tampa: Merit-based scholarships are available for international students.
- Manhattanville College New York: Merit-based scholarships are available for freshmen and transfer students.
- University of Nevada Reno: Departmental scholarships are offered to current international undergraduate students.
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee: Undergraduate International Student Scholarship Program – Summer internship scholarships and foreign language study fellowships are provided to international students.
- Yale Young African Scholars: Various scholarships are offered by Yale University for international students, including the Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship, which is awarded to an international student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement.
- Centre College: Lincoln Scholars Program, which offers a full scholarship, renewable for four years.
It is worth noting that private colleges often have more scholarship funds available than public colleges. Since international students typically pay out-of-state tuition rates at public schools, a private school may be comparable or even lower in cost if a student can obtain a substantial scholarship. Additionally, international students should also research national or state-wide scholarship opportunities. There are many searchable scholarship databases that can filter out certain criteria so students can find awards not limited to US citizens.
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Need-based scholarships
While studying in the US as an international student can be expensive, scholarships can significantly decrease the cost. Almost all colleges in the US offer scholarships for international students. However, there may be fewer scholarship opportunities for non-residents, and international students are not eligible for federal financial aid.
- The University of Wisconsin-Madison's King-Morgridge Scholars Program offers full-time, four-year/eight-semester scholarships that include tuition and fees, on-campus room and board, health insurance, airfare, and a stipend for miscellaneous expenses.
- The University of Wisconsin Superior Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program offers tuition waivers for international students who can demonstrate financial need.
- The John M. Belk Scholarship at Davidson College provides full funding plus special study stipends to students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and purposeful engagement in the classroom or other areas.
- The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship is a renewable scholarship that offers $15,000 per year to international students studying at participating colleges or universities in the US.
- The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer fully-funded scholarships for students from eligible countries to study at the master's level in the US or another host country.
International students can also seek financial support from outside organizations, such as Rotary, which offers competitive scholarships to international students. Additionally, international students may be eligible for on-campus jobs or work-study programs funded through institutional funding.
It is important to note that scholarship scams targeting international students do exist. Remember that scholarship applications never have fees or require upfront payments. If in doubt, consult with the admissions office or international student office at the university.
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Emergency scholarships
Almost all colleges in the United States offer scholarships for international students, although there may be fewer opportunities for non-residents. International students can still use scholarships to reduce their college costs and make studying abroad more financially feasible.
Since international students are not eligible for federal financial aid, it is important to understand which forms of aid are not restricted to US citizens. Most of these opportunities are available directly through the student’s school, although there are other options for financial support.
In some cases, international students who are already enrolled in college might encounter an unexpected situation where their sponsor is no longer able to afford their tuition and living expenses. This could be due to a conflict in their home country or their sponsor losing employment. In such cases, there may be some emergency scholarships available from the university on a case-by-case basis.
Beyond each individual college, international students should also research national or state-wide scholarship opportunities. There are many searchable scholarship databases that can filter out certain criteria so students can find awards not limited to US citizens.
Examples of Emergency Scholarships
- The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship is a renewable scholarship that offers $15,000 per year to international students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US (of which there are 57). Students must submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
- The David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship is a scholarship worth US$1,000 open to current or prospective students in the US diagnosed with autism.
- The Preply Scholarship awards three winners with up to $2,000 each. It is open to all students (domestic and international) aged between 16 and 35, regardless of their study level.
- The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer fully-funded scholarships for graduate students from eligible countries to study in the US or another host country.
Other scholarships for international students include the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship, which is awarded to women from other countries earning their graduate degrees in the USA, and the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, which provides scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial help for their graduate studies.
Additionally, some colleges offer merit-based scholarships, which are not awarded based on financial need, so international students may be eligible for this type of funding regardless of their economic background. Private colleges often have more scholarship funds available than public colleges, so this may be an option for international students to consider.
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Private colleges vs. public colleges
International students can benefit from scholarships at both private and public colleges in the US. However, private colleges are often perceived to have more scholarship funds available than public colleges. Private colleges are known for their academic excellence, innovative courses, and student involvement in various projects. They also offer more scholarship opportunities, especially for international students looking for research opportunities. Private colleges are often part of projects and top research initiatives funded by the US government and global corporations, providing students with great exposure.
On the other hand, public colleges in the US also offer scholarships to international students. While there may be fewer scholarship opportunities for non-residents at public colleges, international students can still use scholarships to reduce their college costs and make studying in the US more financially feasible. For example, the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), the University of Virginia, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and the University of Florida are top public universities that provide scholarships.
Additionally, community colleges can be a great starting point for international students to save on tuition fees while earning college credits before transferring to a four-year institution. This can also open up scholarship opportunities specifically for transfer students.
When it comes to the type of scholarships, merit-based scholarships are common at both private and public colleges. These scholarships are awarded based on an applicant's academic performance, such as GPA, test scores, or special skills like athletics or artistic talents. International students are typically eligible for merit-based scholarships, regardless of their economic background.
In summary, both private and public colleges in the US offer scholarships to international students. Private colleges may have more scholarship funds available and are known for their academic excellence and research opportunities. Meanwhile, public colleges, including top-ranked institutions, also provide scholarships, and community colleges offer a cost-effective pathway to four-year institutions. Ultimately, international students should research both private and public colleges and consider their study preferences, career aspirations, and financial situations when deciding where to apply.
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International scholarships in the US
The US is one of the most expensive nations in which to pursue higher education. However, there are hundreds of opportunities to gain funding for your studies. As an international student, you won’t be eligible for funding intended specifically for US nationals, nor will you be eligible for federal or state aid. However, US universities prioritize internationalization, so the number of international scholarships to study in the US has grown.
Merit-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded regardless of financial need, so international students are eligible for this type of funding. They are usually very competitive and are granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities. For example, you may need to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement. Eligibility often comes with stipulations, such as maintaining a minimum GPA for the award to be renewed each year.
Need-based scholarships
Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Those 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.
Specific scholarships
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Perhaps the most popular government-funded scholarship for international graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: A non-degree scholarship program for international, experienced professionals wishing to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US.
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: International scholarships aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US (of which there are 57). Applicants should submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
- Civil Society Leadership Awards: Fully-funded scholarships are available for students from eligible countries to study in the US or another host country at the master’s level.
- David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship: A scholarship worth US$1,000, open to current or prospective students in the US diagnosed with autism.
- Preply Scholarship: Three winners will receive an award of up to $2,000. Open to all students (domestic and international, and at any study level) aged between 16 and 35. To enter, you need to submit a 500-word essay related to online education, multilingualism, and professional development.
- Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship: A $2,000 prize is available to a student currently enrolled in the US or another study destination as a high school, undergraduate or graduate student. You will need to submit an essay to apply and the scholarship is open to all nationalities.
- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship: Awarded twice a year to passionate international students wishing to 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.
- Japan-United States Friendship Commission: An initiative offering grant programs to Japanese students wishing to study in the US (and vice versa).
- Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program: Scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study in the US at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Covers the full cost of tuition and student fees.
- Hungarian American Coalition: This fund provides partial annual scholarships to Hungarian students wishing to study in the US.
Other opportunities
There are also other opportunities to save money on college expenses. Community colleges can be a great starting place for international students who want to pay lower tuition fees while earning college credit before transferring to a four-year institution.
Additionally, international students should research national or state-wide scholarship opportunities. There are many searchable scholarship databases that can filter out certain criteria so students can find awards not limited to US citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, public colleges do give scholarships to international students. However, private colleges often have more scholarship funds available.
Here are some scholarships that international students can apply for:
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
- Civil Society Leadership Awards
- David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship
- Preply Scholarship
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
- American Association of University Women Fellowships
- Michigan State University International Scholarships
- New York University Wagner International Scholarships
- University of Arkansas International Scholarships
- University of Iowa Scholarships for International First Year Students
- University of Minnesota International Scholarships
- University of Oregon International Scholarships
Here are some ways to save money as an international student:
- Consider starting at a community college
- Rent or buy used textbooks
- Take advantage of on-campus events and opportunities
- Take public transportation
Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, test scores, or special skills. They are not awarded based on financial need, so international students are eligible for this type of funding.
Here are some tips for applying for scholarships:
- Look for scholarships that fit your specific profile
- Apply for as many scholarships as you can
- Be aware of scams targeting international students
