Lana Oconnell
International students can secure scholarships to study in the USA through various avenues. While full scholarships are rare, they are not impossible to obtain. Students can explore university-specific scholarships, country-specific scholarships, or those offered by private institutions and organisations. Additionally, demonstrating leadership qualities, strong writing skills, and academic excellence can enhance an international student's competitiveness for scholarships. Online scholarship databases, such as those offered by the Institute of International Education and International Scholarships, provide valuable resources for identifying scholarship opportunities. It is beneficial for students to maximise their prospects by applying for multiple scholarships and thoroughly reviewing application requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scholarship availability | Scholarships for international students in USA-based graduate programs are not as widely available as those for undergraduate students. |
| Scholarship amount | Most federal government funding is reserved for American students. |
| Full scholarships | Full scholarships are rare, but some colleges, such as Harvard and Yale, offer full need-based financial aid for international students. |
| Scholarship sources | Scholarships can be awarded by the college or university, or by people or organizations in the student's home country. |
| Application requirements | Requirements may include essays, test scores, letters of recommendation, academic records, and proof of admission into an American school. |
| Eligibility | Eligibility depends on the scholarship. Some scholarships require students to have a certain TOEFL score, be from a certain country, or have a certain GPA. |
| Competitive advantage | Strong writing skills, leadership skills, and demonstrated financial need can make international students more competitive applicants. |
| Resources | Free scholarship listing sites include the Institute of International Education's (IIE) Funding for U.S. Study website, International Scholarships, and International Student Scholarships. |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international graduate students
Most federal government funding for college and university students is reserved for American students, but there are still many opportunities for scholarships for international students in USA-based colleges and universities.
Some scholarships are offered by the universities themselves, such as:
- Capella University: Capella Progress Rewards are scholarships for eligible new students and are not need-based. They are valued at $3,000 to $20,000.
- Walden University: Walden awards up to $25,000. They fund graduate study in K through 12 or public policy.
- American University: AU offers merit-based awards that international students may apply for.
- University of Southern California: USC offers a wide range of scholarships in many disciplines of graduate study.
- New York University: NYU offers Wagner Scholarships, which are also merit-based.
- University of Arkansas: The New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award Scholarship provides an annual award of $9,500 to $17,000 per year based on 30 hours of enrollment. The school also offers college and departmental scholarships and scholarships for students who have excelled academically or demonstrated financial need.
Other scholarships are offered by external organizations, such as:
- The Fulbright Foreign Student Program: This program helps graduate students, young professionals, and artists study and conduct research in the United States. Approximately 4,000 students from around the world receive this scholarship every year, with awards of up to $38,000 for those doing their first-year Master's or PhD.
- The Humphrey Fellowship Program: This program caters to young and mid-career professionals from select foreign countries, offering them the opportunity to spend a year in the U.S. Although it is not a degree program, fellows can enhance their leadership skills through various activities, including taking courses at their host institution, participating in conferences, networking, and exchanging insights.
- Graduate Women International: They offer up to 5 International Fellowships for master’s/first professional degrees, which are renewable for a second year and award $18,000. Doctoral awards are $20,000 and Postdoctoral $30,000. Preferred applicants are women with a history of working to advance women and girls.
- The PEO Sisterhood: This charitable organization offers the International Peace Scholarship Fund, which awards up to $12,500 to international female students wanting to study at a graduate level in the U.S.
There are also some scholarships and loans available specifically for students with disabilities, such as the Mobility International USA scholarship resource for non-U.S. citizens with disabilities.
To find scholarships, it is recommended that students contact the financial aid office of the schools they are interested in and use scholarship search tools. They should also not be afraid to apply for multiple scholarships to maximize their opportunities to fund their education.
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Leadership and writing skills
International students can increase their chances of receiving a scholarship to study in the USA by demonstrating leadership and writing skills.
Leadership Skills
US universities want to accept students who will become future world leaders. Therefore, they look for evidence of leadership potential in scholarship applicants. Leadership skills can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, such as by being the head boy or girl, captain of a sports team, editor of the school newspaper, or founder of an entrepreneurship club.
Writing Skills
Writing skills are important for communicating your strengths effectively in your application. It is crucial that you write your own essay and that you are honest about your achievements and extracurricular activities. The personal statement is the most critical part of your application, as it allows admissions officers to get to know you. It is important to show self-awareness and know how to tell your story.
Scholarships to Consider
There are several scholarships available for international students demonstrating leadership skills, such as the Civil Society Leadership Awards, which offers fully-funded scholarships for master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change. The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is another undergraduate scholarship aimed at international students showing leadership potential.
Additionally, there are essay-based scholarships offered by many private and public organizations. These often require applicants to submit an essay or multimedia project showcasing their leadership skills.
Tips for Applying
When applying for scholarships, it is important to start by researching the different categories of scholarships and identifying those that fit your specific profile. You can use scholarship search engines and databases, such as InternationalScholarships.com, to find opportunities. Remember to also check the website of the school you plan to attend for college-specific scholarships.
It is worth noting that international students may face higher costs than US citizens, as they are not eligible for federal or state aid. Therefore, it is important to apply for as many scholarships as possible to help cover the costs of studying in the USA.
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Application essays and personal statements
When crafting application essays, international students should carefully review the essay prompts or questions provided by the scholarship committee. These prompts guide your essay structure and content, ensuring your response aligns with the evaluation criteria. For instance, some scholarships may request a statement of financial need, detailing your economic circumstances and how the scholarship funds will contribute to your educational goals. In such cases, be transparent about your financial situation, including family income, personal contributions through student jobs, and the financial gap you need to bridge to pursue your education.
Other essay prompts may focus on your personal and professional goals, leadership experiences, or extracurricular activities. For example, the "#YouAreWelcomeHere" scholarship asks applicants to submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange. In such cases, structure your essay to highlight your goals, experiences, and how the scholarship will enable you to further your aspirations.
Personal statements, like application essays, should be tailored to the specific scholarship you're applying for. Focus on your academic and career objectives and explain how the scholarship will help you achieve them. If you're applying for a need-based scholarship, be explicit about your financial circumstances and the impact of receiving the scholarship.
To streamline the application process, consider writing a “Super Essay” that addresses multiple prompts or scholarships. This strategy saves time and results in a stronger, more versatile essay. Additionally, seek out essay samples and examples of successful submissions to gain insights into content and structure.
Remember, application essays and personal statements are your opportunity to make a compelling case for why you deserve the scholarship. Be authentic, showcase your unique experiences, and clearly articulate how the scholarship will contribute to your personal and academic growth.
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Loans and scholarship databases
International students can find it challenging to secure scholarships for studying in the USA, and the availability of scholarships for graduate programs is more limited than for undergraduate programs. However, there are still many scholarship opportunities for international students in US colleges and universities.
There are several free online databases that provide information on scholarships, grants, and loans for international students. These databases can be routinely updated and are a great way to search for funding opportunities. Here are some examples:
- Institute of International Education (IIE): The IIE's Funding for U.S. Study website provides information on scholarships, grants, and loan programs for international students.
- International Scholarships: This website offers a comprehensive listing of scholarships, grants, and loan programs for students wishing to study abroad, including international students seeking to study in the USA.
- International Student Scholarships: This website is specifically designed for international students and provides a searchable database of grants, scholarships, and loan programs. It also offers other valuable resources such as internship information.
- IEFA.org: IEFA is a comprehensive database of scholarships and grants for both US and international students wishing to study abroad. It also provides information on international student loan programs.
- InternationalScholarships.com: This website features more than 2,000 awards and scholarships from around the world, catering to students from any country. It also provides information on private sponsors for international students.
- EduPASS: This website offers a list of scholarships for international students, including the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship for women pursuing graduate degrees in the USA and the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship for students from select developing countries.
In addition to these databases, international students can explore other avenues for financial assistance. Some students may receive scholarships from their home country or through their sponsoring organization. Contacting the financial aid office of the desired US institution can also be helpful, as universities often have scholarships specifically for international students. Additionally, demonstrating leadership qualities and strong writing skills can enhance an international student's scholarship application.
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Funding from home countries
Some international organizations, such as the Fulbright Commission, also grant aid to students worldwide. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program helps graduate students, young professionals, and artists study and conduct research in the United States. Approximately 4,000 students worldwide receive this scholarship annually, with awards of up to $38,000 for first-year Master's or PhD students.
Additionally, students from Latin America and the Caribbean can benefit from the Rowe Fund program, which offers interest-free loans to support their graduate, postgraduate, and final two years of undergraduate studies at accredited universities in the United States.
International students should also be aware of the tax implications of their financial aid. While financial aid may be taxable, international students may be exempt from paying taxes on certain forms of aid depending on their visa type, duration of stay in the US, and the type of award. If the student's home country has a tax treaty with the US, they may even qualify for a full refund of any taxes withheld from their financial aid award.
It is important to thoroughly investigate funding options from one's home country before leaving, as there may be stipulations attached, such as a requirement to return home after graduation. Additionally, many organizations require applicants to be in their home country at the time of application, so planning ahead is crucial due to the competitive nature of these scholarships.
Online scholarship databases, such as the Institute of International Education's (IIE) Funding for U.S. Study website, International Scholarships, and International Student Scholarships, can be excellent resources for international students seeking funding opportunities from their home countries.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several online scholarship databases that international students can use to find opportunities to study in the USA. Websites such as InternationalScholarships.com, the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Funding for U.S. Study website, and International Student Scholarships are routinely updated and free to use.
It is rare for international students to receive a full scholarship to study in the USA. However, some colleges, such as Harvard and Yale, offer full need-based financial aid for international students.
The criteria for awarding scholarships to international students vary. Some scholarships require students to have a certain TOEFL score, be from a certain country, or have a certain grade point average. Strong leadership skills and writing skills can also make international students more competitive applicants.
Yes, there are scholarships and fellowships specifically for international graduate students. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program helps graduate students, young professionals, and artists study and conduct research in the United States, awarding up to $38,000 to first-year Master's or PhD students.
There are international student loans available to individuals who meet certain criteria, although they often require a cosigner. Additionally, some students receive scholarships from organisations in their home country, or through private arrangements.
