International Student Scholarships: The Us University Perspective

do us universities give scholarships to international students

The United States is known for its high costs of living and pursuing higher education, but that doesn't stop international students from wanting to study there. Fortunately, there are hundreds of opportunities for international students to gain funding for their studies in the US. While international students are not eligible for funding intended for US nationals, many universities offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid to international students. These scholarships are often merit-based, but some are also need-based, and some universities offer need-blind admission.

Characteristics Values
Number of colleges offering scholarships 125
Average amount of scholarship $23,800
Highest scholarship amount $86,258
Scholarship offered by US government, private organizations, specific institutions
Example of private organization offering scholarship Yale Young African Scholars
Example of specific institution offering scholarship Vassar College
Scholarship type Need-based, merit-based, tuition-waivers, need-blind admission
Scholarship availability For freshmen, transfer students, graduate students, young professionals, artists
Scholarship requirements Strong leadership potential, intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, extracurricular activities, community activities, writing skills

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Scholarships for international freshmen

US universities do offer scholarships to international students, and there are many scholarship opportunities for international freshmen. However, international applicants often find it challenging to secure fully-funded scholarships.

International freshmen seeking scholarships to study in the US can consider the following options:

  • Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, offers merit-based scholarships for international freshmen seeking admission for the Spring or Fall semester.
  • George Mason University in Fairfax County, Virginia, provides the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship for first-year undergraduate international students on F-1 visas. This scholarship covers 50% of tuition fees and is renewable based on academic performance.
  • West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, offers scholarships for first-time freshmen or transfer students.
  • Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, provides merit-based scholarships and regional availability-based scholarships for international students.
  • University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, offers merit-based scholarships for freshmen or transfer students admitted in the Fall semester.
  • Manhattanville College in New York offers merit-based scholarships for freshmen and transfer students.
  • Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, provides merit-based scholarships for international students.
  • St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York, offers the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship for international freshmen.
  • Metropolitan College in New York City, New York, provides a merit scholarship that does not require a separate application.
  • Fisher College in Boston, Massachusetts, offers scholarships for undergraduate international students demonstrating high academic excellence.
  • Green River College in Auburn, Washington, provides scholarships for new and current international students.
  • Seattle Central Community College in Seattle, Washington, offers a one-time scholarship that does not require a separate application.
  • Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida, offers merit-based scholarships for international students.
  • Centre College: Lincoln Scholars Program. This program offers full scholarships to 10 students, renewable for four years. Students receive individual mentoring and leadership development opportunities.
  • Davidson College: Belk Scholarship. High schools abroad are invited to nominate outstanding students with extraordinary potential for this scholarship, which requires academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and purposeful engagement.
  • American University in Washington DC: Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to an international student demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement. It covers tuition, room, and board and is renewable for four years.
  • East-West Center Scholarships: Scholarships for international students from the Asia-Pacific region to study at selected institutions in the US.
  • Fulbright Foreign Student Program: One of the most popular government-funded scholarships for international graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more.
  • The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: Provides scholarships for postgraduate international students from developing countries in Africa. It is a 50% grant and 50% loan.
  • The American Association of University Women Fellowships: Offers fellowships for non-American women seeking a Master's or doctorate in the US. Priority is given to those committed to advancing women and girls.
  • The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: Awards scholarships to women pursuing graduate degrees in the US.
  • Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: A non-degree scholarship for international experienced professionals to study in the US for 10 months.
  • St. Lawrence University: Kenya Scholarship Program. This university offers two full scholarships annually to qualifying Kenyan students.

Tips for Securing Scholarships

When applying for scholarships, it is essential to consider your unique profile and seek opportunities that align with your strengths and background. Creating an account on scholarship search platforms like International Student, Fastweb, or eduPASS can help you find scholarships, grants, and loan programs that match your criteria. Additionally, some universities offer need-blind admission or need-based scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers, so it is beneficial to explore the financial aid options provided by your chosen institutions.

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Scholarships for international transfer students

US colleges and universities offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid packages to international students. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or both. While some scholarships are specifically for international students, others are open to all students, including internationals.

International transfer students can access scholarships from various sources. Some US universities offer scholarships specifically for international transfer students, while others provide general scholarships that are also open to this group. Additionally, certain private colleges and universities offer more financial aid to international students than public institutions.

  • Whitworth University offers international transfer student scholarships. The scholarship amount is determined by the student's college transcript(s) or high school cumulative GPA if they have completed less than one full term of college work. Whitworth also provides a $1,000 scholarship for students registered at an EducationUSA centre worldwide who are admitted to and enrol at the university.
  • The University of Alabama offers out-of-state and international transfer scholarships.
  • Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, provides merit-based scholarships for international freshmen seeking admission for the spring or fall semester.
  • West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, offers scholarships for first-time freshmen or transfer students.
  • Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, provides merit-based scholarships and regional availability-based scholarships for international students.
  • The University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, offers merit-based scholarships for freshmen or transfer students admitted in the fall semester.
  • Manhattanville College in New York offers merit-based scholarships for transfer students.
  • Centre College in Kentucky offers the Lincoln Scholars Program, which provides 10 students with a full-ride scholarship renewable for four years.
  • Davidson College offers the Belk Scholarship for students demonstrating academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and purposeful engagement in various areas.
  • St. Lawrence University offers the Kenya Scholarship Program, providing two full scholarships to qualifying Kenyan students annually.

Additional Financial Aid Options

In addition to scholarships, international students can explore other financial aid options to fund their education in the US. These include grants, student loans, and work-study programs. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial form for accessing grants, federal student loans, and work-study funds. Additionally, some states offer need-based scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers to residents. International students may also be eligible for private scholarships or financial aid directly from their chosen institution.

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Scholarships for international graduate students

Scholarships are a great way to fund your graduate studies in the US as an international student. While the cost of living and other expenses in the US can be very high, scholarships can significantly reduce your financial burden.

Types of Scholarships

Before we dive into the scholarships offered by specific universities, it's important to understand the different types of scholarships available to international graduate students:

  • University Scholarships: Some US universities offer scholarships specifically for graduate students from other countries.
  • Financial Need Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on the applicant's financial situation and, in some cases, academic performance (GPA or GRE scores).
  • Merit Scholarships: While these may consider financial need, the primary focus is on academic excellence and strong GPAs or standardised test scores.
  • Country-based Scholarships: Certain scholarships may only be available to students from specific countries.
  • Privately Funded Scholarships: These scholarships are often provided by businesses or foundations and may be aimed at certain groups, such as minority groups or specific majors.

University-Specific Scholarships

Now, let's explore some of the scholarships offered by specific universities for international graduate students:

  • Harvard University: Harvard offers highly competitive international scholarships for students from all over the globe.
  • Illinois State University: Illinois State provides tuition waivers, merit awards, and graduate assistantships for incoming international students.
  • Iowa State University: Iowa State has a merit-based scholarship program for high-achieving international students.
  • Michigan State University: MSU offers various grants and scholarships for international students to study at their university.
  • New York University (NYU): NYU's Wagner International Scholarships are US scholarships available for graduate study at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
  • University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides funding opportunities for international students of diverse backgrounds and nationalities.
  • American University (AU) in Washington, DC: AU offers the Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship to international students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement. This scholarship covers tuition, room, and board and is renewable for up to four years.
  • Colorado State University: Colorado State provides merit-based scholarships for international freshmen seeking admission for the Spring or Fall semester.
  • George Mason University: George Mason in Virginia offers the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship, covering 50% of tuition for first-year undergraduate international students on F-1 visas. It is renewable based on academic performance.
  • Manhattanville College: Manhattanville College in New York offers merit-based scholarships for freshmen and transfer students.
  • Canisius College: Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, provides merit-based scholarships for international students.
  • St. Thomas Aquinas College: Located in Sparkill, New York, this college provides the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship for international freshmen.
  • Fisher College: Fisher College in Boston, Massachusetts, offers scholarships for undergraduate international students with high academic excellence.
  • Green River College: Green River College in Auburn, Washington, provides scholarships for new and current international students.
  • Hillsborough Community College: Hillsborough in Tampa, Florida, offers merit-based scholarships for international students.
  • University of Southern California (USC): USC maintains a wide range of scholarships for various disciplines of graduate study.
  • Capella University: Capella Progress Rewards are scholarships for new students, with values ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, and they are not need-based.
  • Walden University: Walden provides scholarships of up to $25,000 for graduate study in K through 12 or public policy.
  • St. Lawrence University: St. Lawrence has a special relationship with Kenya and offers two full scholarships annually to qualifying Kenyan students. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, room, and board.
  • Davidson College: Davidson offers the Belk Scholarship, which provides full funding and special study stipends to outstanding students nominated by their high schools.
  • Centre College: The Lincoln Scholars Program at Centre College offers full scholarships, renewable for four years, to 10 students, along with mentoring and career-building opportunities.

Other Notable Scholarships

In addition to university-specific scholarships, there are several notable scholarship programs for international graduate students:

  • Fulbright Foreign Student Program: One of the most popular government-funded scholarship programs, Fulbright offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for a year or more.
  • Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: This non-degree scholarship program is for international experienced professionals who want to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US without earning a degree.
  • #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: This scholarship aims to foster intercultural learning and exchange and is open to international students studying any subject at participating colleges or universities in the US.
  • Civil Society Leadership Awards: These fully-funded scholarships enable students from eligible countries to pursue master's-level studies in the US or another host country.
  • Graduate Women International Fellowships: These awards are for women pursuing master's or first professional degrees outside of their home countries. The awards are renewable and provide $18,000 for master's students and $20,000 for doctoral students.
  • International Peace Scholarship Fund: Administered by the PEO Sisterhood, this scholarship provides up to $12,500 for international female students pursuing graduate studies in the US.

Tips for International Students

When applying for scholarships as an international student, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Start your research early: Identifying and applying for scholarships takes time, so begin your search well in advance of your intended start date.
  • Understand the requirements: Each scholarship has its own set of criteria, so make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.
  • Demonstrate your strengths: Whether it's academic excellence, financial need,

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Scholarships for international students with financial need

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education as an international student in the US. While there are thousands of scholarship opportunities, finding one that suits your needs can be challenging. Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit, need, or both, and some scholarships depend on your chosen field of study. Here are some examples of scholarships for international students with financial need:

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance. This scholarship is for students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development and are applying for a development-related Master's program.

MPOWER Financing's Global Citizen Scholarship Program

MPOWER Financing offers scholarships for international and DACA students. Its Global Citizen Scholarship Program is offered throughout the year and has broad eligibility criteria. MPOWER also offers the Chasing Dreams Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 to promising international graduate students with Chinese citizenship.

P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries pursuing graduate degrees in the US.

American University in Washington DC: Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship

The AU Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship is awarded to an international student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement. The scholarship covers tuition, room, and board and is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

St. Lawrence University: Kenya Scholarship Program

St. Lawrence University has a long-standing relationship with Kenya and offers two full scholarships annually to qualifying Kenyan students. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, room, and board but does not include transportation or personal expenses.

Centre College: Lincoln Scholars Program

The Lincoln Scholars Program at Centre College offers ten students a full-ride scholarship, renewable for four years. The scholarship also provides individual mentoring and career-building opportunities.

Davidson College: Belk Scholarship

High schools abroad are invited to nominate outstanding students to compete for the John M. Belk Scholarship. The scholarship provides full funding and special study stipends to allow students flexibility in their opportunities.

In addition to these scholarships, many US colleges offer financial aid to international students. For example, Arizona State University offered aid to 2,985 international students during the 2023-2024 academic year, with an average aid amount of $12,700. The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, awarded an average of $40,500 in aid to nine international students during the same period.

To find more scholarships, you can use scholarship search engines such as InternationalScholarships.com, IEFA.org, and eduPASS.org. These websites provide searchable databases of scholarships, grants, and loan programs specifically for international students.

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Scholarships for international students with academic excellence

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education as an international student in the United States. While the cost of living and other expenses in the US can be very high, scholarships can help to reduce the financial burden on students.

There are thousands of scholarship opportunities out there, and many US universities do offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on various factors, including merit, need, and field of study. Some scholarships are also specific to certain countries, so it is important to research the options that are available to you.

Many scholarships for international students in the US are merit-based, rewarding academic excellence. Here are some examples of scholarships that recognise outstanding academic achievement:

  • Fisher College, Boston, Massachusetts: This college provides scholarships for undergraduate students with high academic excellence.
  • Davidson College, Belk Scholarship: High schools abroad are invited to nominate outstanding students with extraordinary potential to compete for this scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and purposeful engagement in the classroom and beyond. The scholarship provides full funding plus special study stipends.
  • Centre College, Lincoln Scholars Program: Offers 10 students a full scholarship, renewable for 4 years. Students will receive individual mentoring and have career-building and leadership-enhancing experiences.
  • American University in Washington DC, Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to an international student who has shown academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement. The scholarship covers tuition, room, and board, and is renewable for up to four years based on performance.
  • #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: Participating colleges and universities offer renewable scholarships that cover a minimum of 50% of tuition to selected international undergraduates dedicated to bridging intercultural divides. Applicants answer an essay question or present a multimedia project about their ideas for advancing intercultural learning.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to scholarships for academic excellence, there are many other scholarships available for international students, including:

  • Need-based scholarships, such as the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, which provides scholarships to students from developing countries with financial need.
  • Scholarships for students from specific countries, such as ColFuturo, which provides scholarships for Colombian students, and Conacyt, which provides scholarships for Mexican students.
  • Scholarships for students in specific fields, such as the Foreign Fulbright Student Program, which offers scholarships for graduate students in various fields, including art and science.
  • Merit-based scholarships at universities such as Colorado Mesa University, Manhattanville College, and Colorado State University, which recognise outstanding academic achievement.

To find scholarships that fit your specific profile, you can use scholarship search tools such as InternationalScholarships.com, International Student Scholarship Search, and eduPASS. These websites provide comprehensive listings of scholarships, grants, and loan programs for international students.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, US universities do give scholarships to international students. However, the availability of scholarships varies across universities and the competition is high.

You can contact the financial aid office of the university you are interested in applying to. You can also use scholarship search tools like InternationalStudent.com to find scholarships awarded by US colleges and universities.

Here are some examples of scholarships for international students:

- The Wien International Scholarship Program at Brandeis University

- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship at George Mason University

- Belk Scholarship at Davidson College

- AU Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship at American University in Washington DC

- Kenya Scholarship Program at St. Lawrence University

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