Savanna Hoffman
International students can access scholarships to study in the USA, although these can be competitive and hard to find. The first step is to contact the financial aid office of the school you wish to attend, as most colleges offer scholarship programs for international students. You can also search for scholarships by location, subject of study, or student origin using online resources. Scholarships are often awarded based on merit, so a high TOEFL score, academic record, or athletic ability may be required. International students may also be eligible for loans, although these usually require a cosigner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Contact your school's financial aid office |
| Scholarship search websites | InternationalScholarships.com, InternationalStudent.com, TopUniversities.com, EduPASS.org, BestColleges.com, Buddy4Study (for Indian students) |
| Scholarship search engines | International Student, Fastweb |
| Scholarship scams | Common |
| Scholarship providers | US government, private organizations, specific institutions, international organizations |
| Scholarship types | Need-blind, merit-based, need-based, subject-specific, origin-specific, gender-specific, essay-based, interview-based, profile-based, project-based, sports-based |
| Scholarship amounts | Full, partial, $1,000, $2,000, $48,000, 50% grant and 50% loan, comprehensive financial coverage |
| Application requirements | TOEFL scores, GPA, cover letter, financial documents, CV, letters of recommendation, academic records, proof of admission, essay, video, profile, project, sports-based |
| Application eligibility | Non-US citizens, nonimmigrant visas, international students with disabilities, women, students from specific countries, students from developing countries, students under 35, full-time students, legal status to study in the US, graduate students, young professionals, artists, doctoral students, athletes, musicians, students with special skills/talents/abilities |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international graduate students
As an international student, you won't be eligible for funding intended for US nationals. However, US universities are prioritizing internationalization, so the number of international scholarships to study in the US is growing.
There are different kinds of scholarships that international graduate students can apply for:
- University scholarships: Some US universities offer scholarships to international graduate students. For example, NYU offers Wagner Scholarships, which are merit-based awards.
- Financial scholarships: These awards usually go to applicants with a high financial need, but they may also consider your GPA.
- Merit scholarships: These scholarships are for students with strong academic performance and high GPA or GRE scores.
- Country-based scholarships: These awards are only available to students from certain countries.
- Privately funded scholarships: These are often provided by businesses or foundations with funds set aside for certain groups, such as minority groups or specific majors.
- Part scholarships: These may take the form of a contest, sweepstake, or giveaway.
There are also scholarships that cater to specific groups of people:
- The Fulbright Program: This is perhaps the most popular government-funded scholarship for international students. It grants up to $50,000 per year to approximately 4,000 foreign students.
- The Humphrey Fellowship Program: This program is for young and mid-career professionals from selected foreign countries, offering them the opportunity to spend a year in the US. Although it is not a degree program, fellows can enhance their leadership skills through various activities, including taking courses and participating in conferences.
- The International Peace Scholarship Fund: This program, offered by the PEO Sisterhood, awards up to $12,500 to international female students wanting to study at a graduate level in the US. Preferred applicants are women with a history of working to advance women and girls through civic, community, or professional work.
- The Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program: This scholarship is specifically for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, covering the full cost of tuition and student fees.
- AAUW International Fellowships: These fellowships are offered by the American Association of University Women for female international students to study in the US.
You can find scholarships by searching online, either through free scholarship search websites or by checking the financial aid section of specific university websites. You can also create an account on scholarship websites to save awards you're interested in and find out how to apply. Be cautious of scholarship scams, and remember that college admissions officers and financial aid experts are there to help you find the right opportunities.
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Scholarships for international undergraduate students
The United States is a popular destination for international students, offering academic excellence, research opportunities, internships, and a vibrant campus life. However, studying in the US can be expensive, so many international students rely on scholarships to fund their education. Here is a guide to help international undergraduate students find and apply for scholarships in the USA.
Types of Scholarships
There are various types of scholarships available for international undergraduate students in the USA, including:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based scholarships
- Athletic scholarships
- Full-tuition scholarships
- Full-ride scholarships
It's important to note that most scholarships only cover a portion of the cost of attendance, and not all scholarships are fully funded.
Where to Find Scholarships
There are numerous scholarship opportunities for international undergraduate students in the USA, offered by both universities and private organizations. Here are some ways to find these opportunities:
- Use a scholarship search engine: Websites like InternationalScholarships.com offer free scholarship search tools that allow you to input specific criteria, such as field of study or location, to find relevant scholarships.
- Contact your college's financial aid office: Many colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, and their financial aid offices can provide information on internal scholarships that may not be widely publicized.
- Check university websites: University websites often have information on the scholarships they offer, including any specific eligibility requirements.
- Explore private organizations: In addition to university scholarships, many private companies and organizations offer scholarships to international students, although these often come with specific requirements, such as enrolling in a certain major.
Popular Scholarships for International Students
- Fulbright Scholarship: One of the most popular government-funded scholarships, the Fulbright Program offers opportunities for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more.
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: This scholarship is aimed at international students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US. Applicants are required to submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
- Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program: This scholarship is specifically for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, covering the full cost of tuition and student fees.
- Preply Scholarship: Open to students of all nationalities and at any study level, this scholarship offers three awards of up to $2,000 each. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay related to online education, multilingualism, and professional development.
Application Process
The application process for scholarships can vary, but here are some general tips:
- Check eligibility requirements: Scholarship providers will have specific criteria, such as a minimum TOEFL score, country of origin, or grade point average. Be sure to review these requirements before applying.
- Deadlines: Pay attention to application deadlines and try to submit your applications well in advance.
- Essays and supporting documents: Some scholarships require essays or videos as part of the application process. Ensure that you carefully review the essay prompts and submit any necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts or letters of recommendation.
In conclusion, there are numerous scholarship opportunities available for international undergraduate students in the USA. By conducting thorough research, using scholarship search tools, and carefully following application guidelines, students can increase their chances of securing financial support for their studies in the United States.
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Scholarships based on merit
Many universities in the US offer merit-based scholarships to international students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on a combination of academic achievement, test scores, and extracurricular involvement. Some scholarships may also consider financial need and other factors. Here are some examples of merit-based scholarships available to international students in the US:
Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships
Colby-Sawyer College offers merit-based financial aid to international students. The scholarship value increases based on academic ability, measured by GPA, and can be up to $8,000 per year.
Concordia College Scholarships
Concordia College values the contributions of international students and provides partial financial assistance through its International Student Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on academic ability and family need, ranging from $11,000 to $17,000 per year. Concordia also offers two annual, renewable scholarships covering at least 50% of tuition to international undergraduates dedicated to advancing intercultural learning.
Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
Illinois Wesleyan University offers merit-based scholarships to international applicants with outstanding academic achievement and test scores on the required entrance exams. These awards range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years. Additionally, they award two full-tuition President's International Student Scholarships each year.
Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
Iowa State University offers merit-based scholarships to international students. These scholarships are awarded based on a holistic review of SAT or ACT scores and high school grades. The awards range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year and are renewable for up to 2.5 years or until degree completion, whichever comes first.
New York University Wagner Scholarships
NYU offers merit scholarships to a limited number of admitted students, including internationals. These scholarships are partial to full tuition scholarships ranging from $25,000 to $47,000.
Oregon University Scholarships
The University of Oregon awards over $2.5 million in financial aid and scholarships to international students annually. Their ICSP Scholarship provides tuition waivers ranging from partial to full tuition waivers for up to 15 credits per term. Scholarships are based on financial need, academic merit, and presentation skills to diverse groups.
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
American University in Washington, DC, offers the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, which covers full tuition, room, and board for up to four years to one international student requiring a visa. Merit awards are also available and are based on academic achievement, communication skills, leadership, volunteerism, and community service.
University of Arkansas International Scholarships
The University of Arkansas offers nearly 100 different scholarships to international students, including funding opportunities for those with varying backgrounds and nationalities.
Clark University Scholarships
Clark University offers a range of Clark merit scholarships to international students, including the International Scholar Award, which recognizes outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements.
Harvard University Scholarships
Harvard University offers a wide variety of competitive international scholarships for graduate students from around the world. Undergraduate international students are automatically considered for freshman academic scholarships, while graduates are eligible for university grants, scholarships, and teaching/research assistantships.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a popular government-funded scholarship that provides opportunities for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from all fields except medicine to study in the US for one year or more.
Other Notable Scholarships
Other notable scholarships for international students in the US include the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program, the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, Civil Society Leadership Awards, and university-specific scholarships at East Tennessee State University, Dartmouth College, Emory College, Michigan State University, and many more. Additionally, private scholarships like the Preply Scholarship, the Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship, and the Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship are open to international applicants.
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Scholarships based on financial need
International students are not eligible for federal or university-provided need-based financial aid, which is reserved for US citizens or eligible non-citizens. However, international students may qualify for merit-based scholarships, which are granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities. These include high TOEFL scores, academic records, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability.
Some US universities offer need-blind admission to international students, and there are a growing number of international scholarships available as US universities prioritize internationalization. Many scholarships are funded by the US government, private organizations, or specific institutions.
- The University of Wisconsin Superior Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program offers tuition waivers for international students who can demonstrate financial need.
- The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from select developing countries with no other source of financial aid for graduate studies. The scholarship is 50% grant and 50% loan.
- The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a popular government-funded scholarship for international graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more.
- The American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women pursuing a Master's or doctorate in the USA, with priority given to those committed to advancing women and girls.
- The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries dedicated to fostering social change.
- The Preply Scholarship awards $2,000 to students aged 16-35 who submit a 500-word essay on online education, multilingualism, and professional development.
- The Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded twice a year to international students wishing to study in the US, with a value of $1,000.
To find scholarships based on financial need, international students can utilize online scholarship search services such as International Scholarships, EduPASS, or International Student. These platforms offer free databases and resources specifically for international students seeking financial aid. Additionally, students can contact their school's financial aid office, as most colleges offer scholarship programs for international students.
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Free scholarship search tools
There are several free scholarship search tools available for international students looking to study in the USA. These tools can help students find scholarships, grants, and other financial awards to support their studies. Here are some of the popular free scholarship search tools:
InternationalScholarships.com
InternationalScholarships.com is a website that offers a free scholarship search engine for international students. The website provides a comprehensive listing of scholarships, grants, and loan programs for students wishing to study abroad. It also allows users to browse scholarship organizations and private sponsors for international students. Registered members can access contact details and connect with other international students through the website's Discord community.
International Student
International Student is a website that provides a comprehensive and searchable database of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other financial information for international students. It includes opportunities specifically for international students in the USA, such as the Fulbright Scholarship and Rotary Scholarships. The website also offers resources for US study abroad students.
EduPASS
EduPASS (The Smart Student Guide for Studying in the USA) is a website that offers a wealth of information on financial aid for international students. It provides a glossary of key financial aid terms and a list of scholarships specifically for international students. This includes the Foreign Fulbright Student Program, MPOWER Financing's scholarship programs, and more.
Fastweb
Fastweb is a scholarship search platform that provides access to 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion. Students can create a profile and easily track their scholarship applications through the website.
Mobility International USA
Mobility International USA is a free online scholarship resource specifically for non-US citizens with disabilities who wish to study in the country.
Buddy4Study
Buddy4Study is a scholarship search engine tailored for Indian students applying to schools in the USA and other countries.
When using these free scholarship search tools, students should be cautious of potential scholarship scams targeting international students. It is important to research the legitimacy of any scholarship opportunity and remember that financial aid officers at colleges are available to help students find the financial support they need.
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Frequently asked questions
You can search for scholarships on websites such as InternationalScholarships.com, InternationalStudent.com, EduPASS, and BestColleges.com. You can also search for scholarships by location, subject of study, student origin, or award name on websites like InternationalStudent.com. Additionally, if you are an Indian student, you can use Buddy4Study as a scholarship search engine.
Here is a list of some scholarships for international students to study in the USA:
- Fulbright Scholarship
- Rotary Scholarships
- Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Merit Scholarships
- College Loans
- Preply Scholarship
- Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship
- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
- East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
- Civil Society Leadership Awards
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
- AAUW International Fellowships
- Bat and Ball Game Women’s Sports Scholarship
- Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
- MPOWER Financing Global Citizen Scholarship Program
Eligibility criteria vary depending on the scholarship. Some scholarships require students to have a certain TOEFL score, be from a certain country, or have a certain grade point average. Some scholarships are merit-based and are granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities. Other scholarships require students to submit an essay, personal statement, project, or interview.
You can increase your chances of getting a scholarship by applying to as many scholarships as possible. Additionally, you can consider applying for scholarships that are unrelated to a specific institution, such as those offered by organizations like Rotary. You can also reach out to your school's financial aid office for support, as college admissions officers and financial aid experts can help you find as much money as you qualify for.
Yes, it is important to be aware of scholarship scams targeting international students. Additionally, international students might face higher costs since they are not eligible for federal or state aid and may have to pay more for travel and moving costs. It is also important to note that international student scholarships in the USA are highly competitive, especially for undergraduate programs.
