International Student Scholarships: Where To Look

how can i find scholarships for international students

As an international student, finding scholarships to study abroad can be challenging, but there are many opportunities available. Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or both, and they can be highly competitive. The availability of scholarships depends on factors such as your academic background, field of study, and the specific college or university you plan to attend. Your first step should be to check with your school's financial aid office, as many institutions offer scholarships specifically for international students. Additionally, there are numerous online resources and databases, such as International Student, Fastweb, and EduPASS, that provide searchable lists of scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities for international students. These platforms allow you to create a profile, track your applications, and connect directly with the host institutions offering the awards. It is also worth noting that some scholarships cater to specific demographics, such as women or students from developing countries, so exploring these options can increase your chances of finding suitable scholarships.

Characteristics Values
Scholarship websites internationalstudent.com, iefa.org, internationalscholarships.com, bestcolleges.com, nafsa.org, etc.
Scholarship databases IEFA, InternationalScholarships.com, EduPASS
Scholarship search tools InternationalStudent.com
Scholarship amount $3,000 to $20,000 per year
Eligibility criteria Academic excellence, leadership skills, writing skills, financial need, etc.
Application requirements Cover letter, financial documents, CV, letters of recommendation, academic records, proof of admission, etc.
Application process Apply directly to the school or organization offering the scholarship
Additional tips Contact the school's financial aid office, join the International Student Community on Discord, pursue on-campus employment, etc.

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Search online databases for international scholarships

There are thousands of scholarships available for international students, but finding them can be challenging. Here are some online databases to help you in your search:

InternationalScholarships.com

This website provides a comprehensive listing of scholarships, grants, loan programs, and other financial aid information for international students. It currently features over 2,000 awards, with a total reach of over 600,000 international students annually. The site also provides a platform for students to connect, ask questions, and empower each other to pursue international education.

InternationalStudent.com

This website offers a free, up-to-date, and comprehensive list of scholarships, grants, and other awards available to international students worldwide. It also provides country-specific information, such as state-by-state guides for international students interested in studying in the USA. Additionally, it features schools actively looking for international students.

EduPASS

EduPASS provides a list of scholarships specifically for international students, including undergraduate scholarships and MBA funding opportunities. It also offers a database of partners that support international students' dreams, such as the MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program, which offers up to $3,000 towards international education for Central American students.

IEFA.org

IEFA (International Education Financial Aid) is a premier database for international scholarships and grants. It provides the most comprehensive listing of scholarships for international students, partnering with leading providers of international student loans to help talented students pursue their dreams of studying abroad.

BestColleges.com

BestColleges.com offers a collection of scholarships specifically for international students, including information on full scholarships, need-based financial aid, and external fellowships like the Rotary Peace Fellowship for doctoral students. It also provides guidance on the application process, noting that while some scholarships only require a form, others may require essays, personal statements, or interviews.

These online databases provide a great starting point for international students seeking scholarships and financial aid to support their educational goals.

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Scholarships for international undergraduates

Scholarships for international undergraduate students can be difficult to find, but they do exist. Here are some tips and resources to help you get started on your search:

University scholarships

Many colleges and universities in the United States offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both. Some schools that offer scholarships for international undergraduates include:

  • Clark University in Massachusetts: The Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition and on-campus room and board for all four years, regardless of financial need.
  • University of Arkansas: The school offers several scholarships to undergraduate international students.
  • Harvard and Yale: Both universities offer full need-based financial aid for international students.

Private scholarships

In addition to university scholarships, there are also private scholarships offered by organisations and companies. For example, the Hungarian American Coalition provides partial annual scholarships to Hungarian students wishing to study in the US. Rotary International also offers scholarships for international students.

Online scholarship databases

There are several online scholarship databases that provide information on scholarships for international undergraduates:

  • InternationalStudent.com: This website offers a free, up-to-date list of scholarships, grants, and awards available to international students worldwide.
  • IEFA.org: IEFA is a comprehensive database of scholarships, grants, and loans for international students.
  • NAFSA: NAFSA provides information on financial aid for undergraduate international students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
  • International Education Financial Aid: This free online scholarship search service is designed specifically for international students.
  • International Scholarships: A free online scholarship database for international students wishing to study worldwide.

Government scholarships

Some governments offer scholarships for international students to study in their country. For example, the US government offers the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which supports undergraduate students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad.

Contact the university

Experts recommend contacting the financial aid office or international student office of the universities you are interested in to inquire about scholarships. They can provide you with information on scholarships offered by the university as well as external scholarships you may be eligible for.

Remember to start your search early and apply for as many scholarships as possible to increase your chances of receiving financial aid. Good luck with your scholarship search!

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Scholarships for international graduate students

University Scholarships:

Some universities offer scholarships specifically for international graduate students. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or both. For example, Clark University in Massachusetts offers the Presidential Scholarship, which is open to both domestic and international students and covers full tuition and on-campus room and board for all four years, regardless of financial need. The University of Arkansas also offers several scholarships to undergraduate international students.

Country-Based Scholarships:

These scholarships are specifically for students from certain countries. For example, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial aid for their graduate studies. The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change.

Financial Scholarships:

These scholarships are typically awarded based on financial need. However, other factors such as academic performance (GPA) may also be considered. The Fulbright Program, for instance, grants up to $50,000 per year to approximately 4,000 foreign students.

Merit Scholarships:

Merit scholarships focus on academic excellence and may also consider factors like leadership skills, writing abilities, and extra-curricular activities. The Emerging Global Leader Scholarship offered by American University is one example, which was awarded to a student who demonstrated strong writing skills through writing-intensive courses and extra-curricular activities.

Privately Funded Scholarships:

These scholarships are often funded by businesses or foundations and may be targeted towards specific groups, such as minority groups or students in certain majors. MPOWER Financing offers scholarships for international students, including the Global Citizen Scholarship Program, which has broad eligibility criteria.

Online Resources:

There are several online resources that provide searchable databases of scholarships for international students:

  • InternationalStudent.com: Allows you to search for scholarships by location, subject of study, student origin, or award name.
  • IEFA.org: Features the most comprehensive listing of scholarships for international students, including grants and loan programs.
  • EducationConnection.com: Provides information on various scholarship opportunities for international graduate students, including specific examples of universities that offer scholarships.
  • BestColleges.com: Offers a guide to scholarships for international students, including information on merit-based scholarships and scholarships for specific countries or regions.
  • EduPASS.org: Lists scholarships for international students, including country-specific opportunities and privately funded scholarships.

Remember to research scholarships thoroughly, as not all opportunities may be listed on common application platforms. Additionally, don't hesitate to contact the financial aid offices of your prospective universities, as they can provide valuable information and guidance on available scholarships.

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Scholarships for international students with disabilities

International students with disabilities can access scholarships through various organisations and institutions. These scholarships are often designed to support students with specific disabilities or those facing multiple barriers to education, such as financial need or other marginalised identities.

The City University of New York, for example, offers several scholarships for students with disabilities. The Google and Lime Connect Scholarship Program provides scholarships and networking retreats for computer science students with disabilities. The Alexander Graham (AG) Bell College Scholarship Program is another scholarship offered by The City University of New York, which is aimed at full-time students with pre-lingual bilateral hearing loss who are pursuing bachelor's, master's or doctorate degrees.

The University of Arkansas also offers several scholarships to undergraduate international students, and Clark University in Massachusetts offers the Presidential Scholarship, which is available to both domestic and international students and covers full tuition and on-campus room and board for all four years.

Additionally, scholarships.com lists a range of disability scholarships, such as the Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program, the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP), and the Tommy Tranchin Award, which supports students with physical, emotional or intellectual disabilities.

International students with disabilities can also benefit from recruitment efforts and financial aid opportunities at various schools. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 has mandated that schools accommodate the needs of disabled students, enabling them to access educational resources and achieve their college goals.

To find scholarships, international students with disabilities can utilise online platforms such as internationalstudent.com and iefa.org, which provide comprehensive lists of scholarships, grants, and awards available worldwide. These websites allow users to search for awards based on location, subject of study, and student origin. Students can also contact the financial aid offices of their desired schools and use scholarship search tools specific to their desired country or region.

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International student loans

There are a variety of scholarships available for international students, which can be found using online scholarship search tools. Websites such as InternationalStudent.com provide a free, comprehensive list of scholarships, grants, and awards available to international students worldwide. The website also features schools that actively seek international students and provides state-by-state guides for the USA.

International students can also apply for scholarships directly from the schools they are applying to. For example, Clark University in Massachusetts offers the Presidential Scholarship, which is available to both domestic and international students and covers full tuition and on-campus room and board for all four years, regardless of financial need. The University of Arkansas also offers several scholarships to undergraduate international students. Prospective international undergraduates can also demonstrate leadership and writing skills to win U.S. university scholarships.

In addition to scholarships, international student loans are available for those studying abroad. Loans can help cover the costs of tuition, room and board, books, travel, health insurance, and living expenses. InternationalStudentLoan.com offers a comparison tool for students to find the right loan and apply online. Most loans for non-US citizens will require a US cosigner, although some lenders offer no-cosigner loans. MPOWER Financing, for example, provides loans for international students attending eligible colleges or universities in the US and Canada.

For those seeking to study in Singapore, OCBC Bank offers student loans with a low interest rate of 4.5% per annum and flexible repayment options.

Frequently asked questions

There are several scholarship search websites that international students can use to find scholarships, such as InternationalStudent.com, EduPASS, Fastweb, Buddy4Study, and College Board. These websites provide databases of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities that are available to international students.

Here are some scholarships that international students can apply for:

- The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

- The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

- MPOWER Financing's Global Citizen Scholarship Program

- The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship

- The American Association of University Women Fellowships

- The Civil Society Leadership Awards

- Conacyt Scholarships

- ColFuturo Scholarships

- Foreign Fulbright Student Program

The application process for scholarships can vary. While some scholarships only require an application form, others may require additional materials such as a written piece of work or specific academic qualifications. It is important to research the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship. Once you have found a scholarship you are interested in, you can contact the award administrator or the host institution to inquire about the application process and apply directly.

The factors considered in awarding scholarships to international students can vary. Some scholarships may consider financial need, academic background, area of study, extracurricular activities, or talent. It is important to note that eligibility criteria can differ for each scholarship, so it is essential to carefully review the requirements before applying. Additionally, international students should be aware of scholarship scams and exercise caution when applying for scholarships.

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