Savanna Hoffman
International students often face challenges when it comes to financing their education, especially in countries like the United States, where higher education can be extremely expensive. While it is rare, it is still possible for international students to obtain full scholarships to attend universities in the US. These scholarships are typically highly competitive and may be awarded based on various criteria such as academic merit, financial need, leadership potential, or extracurricular involvement. To increase their chances of securing a scholarship, international students should start their search early and utilize resources such as scholarship databases, university websites, and government agencies to identify opportunities that align with their academic and personal achievements. Additionally, students can look for universities that offer need-blind admission or participate in the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship program, providing renewable scholarships for international undergraduate students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scholarship type | Merit-based, need-based, subject-specific, leadership-based, social change-based, or field of study-based |
| Scholarship providers | Universities, governments, private organizations, companies, foundations, or universities from the student's home country |
| Application requirements | High academic achievement, financial need, citizenship of specific countries, commitment to a cause, or membership of a specific group |
| Application process | Finding relevant scholarships through online databases, applying directly to the scholarship provider, or applying through the university |
| Scholarship amount | Varies depending on the scholarship provider and the student's needs |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international students in the US
Scholarships are a great way to finance your studies in the US as an international student. While US colleges offer little to no tuition discounts for international students, there are still many scholarship opportunities available. Here are some tips and examples to help you get started on your search:
Start with your school of choice
Your first step when searching for scholarships should be the financial aid office of your chosen school. Most colleges offer scholarship programs specifically for international students attending the institution. Check out your school's financial aid website, or contact the office directly if you can't find the information you need online. Remember that college admissions officers and financial aid experts are there to help you find as much funding as you qualify for.
Look for scholarships that fit your profile
The best way to win a scholarship is to apply for those with criteria that match your specific profile. Merit-based scholarships, for example, are granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities. Your university may have scholarships based on TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability. Need-based scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded based on financial need. Academic departments within the university may have funds allocated to assist international students with exceptional need and/or talent. Consult with your university to take advantage of any special funding opportunities they offer.
Explore scholarship databases
There are many free online resources and databases to help you search for scholarships. InternationalScholarships.com, for example, offers a free scholarship search. Other websites like Fastweb provide access to millions of scholarships worth billions of dollars. Students can create a profile and keep track of their applications on the website. International Student also has a comprehensive and searchable database of grants, scholarships, and loan programs for international students.
Be aware of dishonest scholarship offers
Be cautious of scholarship scams and dishonest organizations trying to take advantage of international students. Never send money, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers to any organization 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're applying to. The US Department of Education also offers tips and resources to protect students from scams.
Examples of scholarships for international students in the US
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: One of the most popular government-funded scholarships for international students. Fulbright offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more.
- East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships: Scholarships for international students from the Asia-Pacific region to study at selected institutions in the US.
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: Undergraduate scholarships for international students showing leadership potential to study at American University in Washington, DC.
- Clark University Global Scholars Program: Scholarships of no less than $10,000, along with a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship, are available for first-year international applicants.
- Harvard University Scholarships: Harvard offers a range of competitive international scholarships for students from all over the globe.
- ACI Foundation Scholarship: A fully-funded scholarship or fellowship for undergraduate, master's, PhD, and postdoctoral studies. It provides a $10,000–$15,000 US educational stipend for tuition, residence, books, and materials.
- University of Minnesota Fellowship: A fully-funded scholarship for master's studies, covering full tuition costs, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.
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Scholarships for international students in Canada
International students looking to study in Canada can explore various scholarship opportunities offered by the Canadian government, foreign governments, non-governmental organisations, and international organisations. Here is some information on scholarships for international students in Canada:
Where to Look for Scholarships
Global Affairs Canada is responsible for the Government of Canada's participation in major international scholarship programs. Their website provides information on international scholarships offered by various entities to support studies or research in Canada. Additionally, websites like ScholarshipsCanada.com and International Student offer searchable databases of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities specifically for international students.
The Study in Canada Scholarships
The Study in Canada Scholarships provide students from select countries and territories in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa with short-term exchange opportunities at Canadian post-secondary institutions. These scholarships are available for college, undergraduate, and graduate levels.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program provides funding to outstanding postdoctoral applicants, both national and international, who demonstrate the potential to contribute positively to Canada's economic, social, and research-based growth.
Organisation of American States Academic Scholarship Program
The Organisation of American States (OAS) Academic Scholarship Program offers graduate students from OAS member states the opportunity to study in Canada.
Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030)
The BCDI 2030 program provides international students with quality education and training opportunities in Canada, including vocational and technical training.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
There are also other international scholarship programs that are not specific to Canada but may be applicable to studying in Canadian universities. These include the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, the Fulbright Scholarship, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, and the MPOWER Financing Global Citizen Scholarship Program. Additionally, there are scholarships specific to certain nationalities, such as the American Association of University Women fellowships for non-American women and the Civil Society Leadership Awards for Master's students from specific countries.
Remember, finding scholarships can take time and effort, involving extensive research and staying informed about the various options available. It is essential to start early and carefully review the eligibility criteria and application processes for each scholarship opportunity.
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Merit-based scholarships
Examples of Merit-Based Scholarships
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most popular merit-based scholarship programs for international students. It enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to research and study in the United States for one year or longer at U.S. universities or other appropriate institutions. The Fulbright program provides funding for the duration of the study, including tuition, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
The University of Sheffield in the UK offers an International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship worth £10,000 per year of study, with a maximum value of £40,000 for four-year programs. This scholarship is awarded to new international students who meet the eligibility criteria and is applicable towards the tuition fee for an undergraduate degree program.
Syracuse University in the US offers merit-based scholarships that may be combined with other tuition-specific awards, including those outside of the university, as long as they do not exceed the amount of tuition for each year.
How to Apply for Merit-Based Scholarships
The application process for merit-based scholarships may vary depending on the university and scholarship program. Some universities, such as the University of Sheffield, require students to hold an offer to study at the university before applying for the scholarship. Other universities, such as UMW, automatically consider international students for a merit scholarship upon admission, with no additional scholarship application necessary.
It is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for any scholarship program you are interested in. This may include submitting essays, letters of recommendation, or other supporting documents that showcase your academic achievements and qualifications.
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Need-based scholarships
Some need-based scholarships are renewable, meaning students can receive funding for multiple years as long as they maintain eligibility requirements, such as a minimum GPA and continued financial need.
International students can access scholarship databases to find opportunities for financial aid. Some databases charge fees, but free alternatives are available, and they generally provide the same information. Students should be aware of dishonest scholarship offers and consult their university's admissions or international student office if they doubt the truthfulness of any scholarship source.
Some examples of need-based scholarships for international students include:
- The Fulbright Program (USA): Funding based on financial need, covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.
- Chevening Scholarship (UK): Offered by the UK government to students from eligible countries who demonstrate leadership potential and financial need. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and more, providing full support for a one-year master's degree program.
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany): Need-based scholarships offered by the German Academic Exchange Service to international students wishing to study in Germany.
- Emory University Needs-Based Scholarship Program: Funding opportunities for international students who can demonstrate financial need.
- Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program: Scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, USA.
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Scholarships for international students in the UK
Scholarships are the most common form of funding available for international students in the UK. They are offered by UK universities themselves and by third parties, such as governments or organisations in the student's home country. Undergraduate scholarships for international students are less common than those for postgraduates, but they do exist.
The British Council offers scholarships in partnership with UK universities to international students from various countries to pursue master's degrees in any field. These are fully funded scholarships awarded to outstanding applicants from any country to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge or the University of Oxford.
The UK government and its agencies also provide scholarships to international students. Popular government-funded scholarships include the Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and Marshall Scholarships. The GREAT Scholarships are another option, which are offered to students from 18 countries. The UK government also offers bursaries and additional financial support to students from a large number of countries.
Many UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international undergraduate students. These scholarships are often merit-based and can cover either part or all of the tuition fees. They may also cover living and travelling expenses.
There are also scholarships for students who plan to study a particular subject, such as engineering, business, or medicine. Disability scholarships are also available to support international students with disabilities or long-term mental health conditions.
To find out more about the funding available, international students can visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can use scholarship search tools like InternationalStudent.com, eduPASS, and International Student to find scholarships. They can also contact the financial aid office of the university they are applying to.
Some scholarships for international students in the US include the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, the Fulbright Scholarship, the Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program, and the New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award Scholarship.
International students should research the different scholarships available to them and put together a strong application that represents their needs and strengths. They should also be aware of dishonest scholarship offers and not send any money or bank details to organizations promising scholarships. Strong leadership skills, writing skills, and a consistently strong academic record can make international students more competitive applicants.
Yes, there are some scholarships specifically for undergraduate international students, such as the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship, which is offered by participating colleges and universities. The University of Wisconsin Superior also offers a Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program for international students demonstrating financial need.
Yes, there are scholarships for international students to study in countries other than the US. For example, the Civil Society Leadership Awards offers full scholarships for Master's students from selected countries who are dedicated to fostering social change. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition and a monthly stipend, for graduate students from around the world.
