Douglas Olsen
International students can attend US universities for free through a variety of means. Some universities offer full scholarships to students who meet their high entry requirements, while others provide tuition fee waivers for those who work a certain number of hours per week. Additionally, international students may qualify for student aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Merit-based scholarships are also an option, awarded based on special skills, talents, or abilities. Students can also apply for grants, financial aid, and work-study programmes. However, it is important to note that the availability of financial aid for undergraduate international students is limited, with most scholarships being reserved for graduate studies.
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international students
Scholarships are a great way for international students to attend US universities for free. While the US government generally does not provide funding for international students, there are several scholarships, funded by the US government, private organisations, and specific institutions, that international students can apply for.
Schools tend to be one of the best resources to find scholarships for international students. International students can contact a school's financial aid office and use scholarship search tools like InternationalStudent.com to find out about scholarships awarded by colleges and universities in the US. Numerous university-based scholarships are open to international undergraduate applicants. For example, the Wien International Scholarship Program at Brandeis University in Massachusetts has brought over 890 scholars from 115 countries to the school.
Some scholarships are aimed at all overseas students studying at a participating college or university in the US. For example, the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, which requires applicants to submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
Other scholarships are aimed at students from specific regions. For example, the East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships are scholarships to study in the US within selected institutions, aimed at international students from the Asia-Pacific region.
Some scholarships are also aimed at students studying specific subjects. For example, the Bat and Ball Game Women’s Sports Scholarship is a scholarship offering $1,000 to a woman currently studying a sports-related degree at any US university.
Additionally, some scholarships are aimed at students with specific interests or identities. For example, 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.
It is important to note that scholarships are highly competitive, and students should give themselves plenty of time to prepare strong applications. Students should also maximize their opportunities by applying for multiple scholarships.
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Tuition-free universities in the US
There are several tuition-free universities in the US, and many ways for international students to attend US universities for free. Firstly, international students can apply for scholarships, grants, or loans, or take advantage of work-study programmes. Additionally, federal student aid is available for non-citizens through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Some US universities offer free tuition to students from families with an income below a specific threshold. For example, Stanford University offers free tuition to students from families with an income below $60,000, and Duke University does the same for families earning less than $60,000 per year. Similarly, the State of New York offers full scholarships, the Excelsior Scholarship, to all students from families earning less than $125,000 per year.
Some universities offer free tuition to students who live in their residence halls, such as Barclay College. Berea College, a private liberal arts college, offers four-year degree programmes in 28 fields and has a Tuition Promise Scholarship programme where every student receives a full scholarship. Alice Lloyd College provides free tuition for students from select Appalachian counties, but they are required to work at least 160 hours per credit.
College of the Ozarks is a private Christian college where full-time students are not required to pay tuition but must work 15 hours a week, plus two 40-hour work weeks per school year. Similarly, students at Macaulay Honors College receive a full undergraduate tuition-free scholarship, excluding fees, but they must complete 10 hours of community service each year for their first three years.
The US Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and US Air Force Academy all offer free tuition, room, and board in exchange for military service after graduation.
Some universities, such as the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, offer full-tuition scholarships to all of their undergraduate and graduate students. The NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York also offers full-tuition scholarships to all students enrolled in the MD degree programme.
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Work-study programmes for international students
International students can consider work-study programmes to help fund their education in the US. Work-study programmes allow students to work and study simultaneously, providing an opportunity to earn money while pursuing their academic goals.
Understanding Work-Study Programmes:
Work-study programmes, also known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), offer students the chance to work while enrolled in a US college or university. These programmes provide part-time employment opportunities, allowing students to earn money to offset their education expenses.
Eligibility and Requirements:
To be eligible for a work-study programme, international students typically need to demonstrate financial need. This is often assessed through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, students must be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational programme at an accredited institution approved by the US government to accept foreign students.
Types of Employment:
Work-study jobs can vary significantly from one college to another. Students may find employment opportunities within their institution, such as working in administrative offices, libraries, or research laboratories. Additionally, some colleges partner with private employers to offer work-study positions. These jobs can provide valuable work experience and enhance students' resumes.
Visa Considerations:
International students intending to participate in work-study programmes should be aware of visa requirements. Students with F-1 visas (Academic Student) are permitted to accept on-campus employment during their first academic year, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. For off-campus employment, F-1 visa holders must ensure that the work is related to their area of study and must obtain authorisation from the Designated School Official and USCIS before starting work.
Time Management:
Balancing work and studies can be challenging. Students should carefully consider their course demands and manage their schedules effectively. While work-study programmes provide financial assistance, students must ensure that their academic commitments remain a priority.
In conclusion, work-study programmes offer international students in the US a valuable opportunity to gain work experience, improve their language skills, and earn money to offset the cost of their education. By understanding the eligibility requirements, visa considerations, and time management demands, students can benefit from these programmes while pursuing their academic goals.
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Financial aid for international students
International students can access financial aid to attend US universities through various means. Firstly, international scholarships are specifically designed to help fund education programs overseas and facilitate cultural exchange. Many US colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices. Students can also benefit from federal financial aid, grants, and scholarships.
Some universities offer full scholarships to students who meet their high entry requirements. For example, the Macaulay Tuition Scholarship at CUNY covers eight semesters of full-time undergraduate tuition for international students who meet the eligibility requirements for in-state tuition. The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia has offered full-tuition scholarships to all of its undergraduate and graduate students since 1928. The NYU Grossman School of Medicine also awards full-tuition scholarships to all students enrolled in the MD degree program.
International students can also seek funding from their home countries. For example, the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP) is a generous scholarship for Saudi Arabian students that covers the total university cost, provides full medical and dental insurance, a monthly stipend, and more. The Fulbright Commission is another organization that grants aid to students worldwide.
Additionally, international students can pursue on-campus employment opportunities, such as resident assistant (RA) positions, or participate in Work-Study Programmes. Beginning studies at a community college and then transferring credits to a four-year institution can also help reduce costs.
It is important to note that there is generally less financial aid available for undergraduate international students, and scholarships for this group are often highly competitive. Most institutional aid for international students is reserved for graduate study in the form of assistantships and fellowships.
To explore financial aid options, students should contact the admissions office or financial aid office of their desired US universities. They can also refer to online resources, such as scholarship databases, to identify additional opportunities. However, students should be cautious of dishonest scholarship offers and consult with the relevant university offices when in doubt.
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Grants for international students
As an international student, you may not be eligible for funding intended for US nationals. However, US universities are prioritising internationalisation, so the number of international scholarships to study in the US is growing.
Where to Find Information on Grants for International Students
There are several scholarship databases that provide information on grants for international students. Some of these databases charge a fee, but generally, the same information is available from free database services.
EduPASS is one such free database service. It provides a comprehensive and searchable database of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other information for international students.
Fastweb is another database that provides access to 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion. Students can create a profile and keep track of their applications on the website.
The US Department of Education also offers tips and resources to protect students from dishonest organisations.
Grants and Scholarships for International Students
Below is a list of grants and scholarships that international students can apply for:
- The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial help for their graduate studies. The scholarships are 50 percent grant and 50 percent loan.
- The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a government-funded scholarship program that offers scholarships to graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more. It is open to international students in all fields excluding medicine.
- The East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships – Scholarships to study in the US within selected institutions, aimed at international students from the Asia-Pacific region.
- The Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program – Scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and student fees.
- The #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). Students must submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
- The 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.
- The David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship – A scholarship worth US$1,000, open to current or prospective students in the US diagnosed with autism.
- The 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.
- The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance, to students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development and are applying for a development-related Master’s program.
- The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries who are earning their graduate degrees in the USA.
- MPOWER Financing offers scholarships for international and DACA students. Its Global Citizen Scholarship Program has broad eligibility criteria and is offered throughout the year, and niche scholarships are also available.
- Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships – Merit-based scholarship programs 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 Iowa Scholarships for International First Year Students – Various scholarships for international students starting their first year in Autumn 2017.
- University of Minnesota International Scholarships – Offers a Global Excellence Scholarship, as well as the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, a renewable scholarship offering $15,000 per year.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways international students can attend US universities for free. Firstly, they can apply for scholarships or grants from the university, non-profit, or private organisations. They can also work part-time on campus, take advantage of work-study programmes, or apply for financial aid offered by the university or federal government.
Some universities that offer free tuition to international students include the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) in Brazil, the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York. Public universities in South America are also mostly free or very cheap for international students.
It is important to note that the US government generally does not provide funding for international students. Additionally, there may be visa fees and health insurance costs, and it is usually difficult to work in the US as an international undergraduate student. However, if you have an F-1 visa, most colleges offer part-time jobs on campus.
