Ibrahim Gardner
International students hoping to study in the US can benefit from a variety of scholarships, grants, and loans. These include scholarships offered by specific universities, private organisations, and US government-funded programs. While some scholarships require an application form, others may require a specific piece of work or for the applicant to be pursuing a certain field of study. Some scholarships are aimed at students from specific countries or regions, while others are open to all nationalities. It is important to be aware of scholarship scams and to utilise legitimate free online scholarship search engines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scholarship providers | US government, private organisations, specific institutions, universities |
| Scholarship types | Fully funded, partially funded, tuition waivers, grants, loans, stipends |
| Eligibility | Graduate students, young professionals, artists, non-US citizens, women, students from specific countries, high-achieving students, students with financial need |
| Application process | Application form, written piece of work, studies in a specific field, contact award administrator |
| Scholarship search tools | InternationalStudent.com, InternationalScholarships.com, Fastweb, Buddy4Study, EduPASS, Scholarship Roar, Top Universities |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarship search engines and databases
- InternationalStudent.com: This website offers a free scholarship search engine, specifically for international students. It provides a comprehensive and searchable database of grants, scholarships, and loan programs. It also includes contact details for award administrators.
- EduPASS: This website is a great resource for international students, offering a list of scholarships and a comprehensive glossary of terms related to student financial aid. It also includes information on companies that support undergraduate scholarships and MBA funding opportunities for international students.
- College Board: The College Board's website is a valuable resource for students preparing for college. It offers information on scholarships, financial aid, and internships from more than 2,200 programs.
- Fastweb: With access to 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion, Fastweb is a great tool for international students. Students can create a profile and easily track their applications.
- InternationalScholarships.com: This website offers a free online scholarship database for students from any country. It provides a comprehensive listing of grants, scholarships, and loan programs for those wishing to study abroad.
- NAFSA: NAFSA is a nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. Their website provides financial aid information for undergraduate international students, including a glossary of key financial aid terms.
- Mobility International USA: This is a free online scholarship resource specifically for non-US citizens with disabilities who wish to study in the USA.
- MPOWER Financing: MPOWER offers scholarships for international and DACA students, with various programs catering to different student profiles.
- Foreign Fulbright Student Program: This program offers scholarships for graduate students from around the world, as well as young professionals and artists, to pursue their studies in the USA.
- Country-specific scholarships: Certain scholarship programs are tailored for students from specific countries or regions. For example, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship is for students from select developing countries, while ColFuturo offers scholarships for Colombian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.
Remember to always do your research, as eligibility criteria and application processes can vary significantly across different scholarships. Be cautious of potential scholarship scams, and never pay money to access a scholarship search engine or database if you are unsure of its legitimacy.
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Eligibility and requirements
- Scholarship-Specific Criteria: Eligibility criteria vary significantly among scholarships. Some scholarships are open to students from all countries, while others target specific regions or nationalities. Certain scholarships require a minimum TOEFL score, a specific grade point average, or particular academic achievements. Always review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship before applying.
- Level of Study: Many scholarships are designated for graduate or postgraduate studies, including master's and doctoral programs. However, there are also scholarships available for undergraduate students. Check if the scholarship you're interested in aligns with your level of study.
- Field of Study: Some scholarships are restricted to specific fields of study. For example, the Bat and Ball Game Women's Sports Scholarship is for students pursuing a sports-related degree. Ensure that your chosen field of study aligns with the scholarship's requirements.
- Financial Need: Certain scholarships, like the Emory University Needs-Based Scholarship Program, require applicants to demonstrate financial need. These scholarships aim to support students who cannot afford the cost of attendance without financial assistance.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Many scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, exceptional talent, or community contributions. For instance, the Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships target high-achieving international students.
- Application Requirements: Aside from general eligibility, pay attention to the specific application requirements. Some scholarships may require additional materials, such as an essay, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, or a specific project.
- Deadlines: Scholarship applications often have strict deadlines. Make sure you are aware of the deadlines for the scholarships you are interested in and plan your application process accordingly.
- Visa Status: Your visa status may be a factor in your eligibility for certain scholarships. Some scholarships are specifically for students with non-immigrant visas (e.g., F-1 or J-1 visas). Check the scholarship requirements to ensure your visa status meets their criteria.
- Country-Specific Opportunities: Certain scholarships are designed for students from specific countries. For example, the Japan-United States Friendship Commission offers grants to Japanese students studying in the US. Explore opportunities tailored to your home country.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities in the US offer scholarships specifically for international students. Check the financial aid websites of your target universities to identify these opportunities.
Remember, eligibility criteria can be intricate and vary widely among scholarships. It is crucial to carefully review and understand the requirements for each scholarship before initiating the application process.
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Application processes
The application process for scholarships as an international student in the USA can vary depending on the scholarship and the institution. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Step 1: Research and identify scholarships
Begin by researching and identifying scholarships that are applicable to international students. You can use online scholarship search engines and databases such as InternationalStudent.com, InternationalScholarships.com, eduPASS, Scholarship Roar, and International Student to find opportunities. These platforms allow you to search for scholarships based on criteria such as location, field of study, and student origin. Additionally, remember to check the financial aid websites of the specific colleges you are interested in, as many colleges offer scholarships specifically for international students.
Step 2: Understand eligibility and requirements
Once you have identified potential scholarships, carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements. Eligibility can vary significantly and may include factors such as your country of origin, academic performance (GPA or grade point average), standardised test scores (such as TOEFL), financial need, or specific fields of study. Understanding the eligibility criteria will help you determine which scholarships align with your profile and qualifications.
Step 3: Prepare the required documents
Scholarship applications often require a range of supporting documents. Common documents include transcripts or records of your academic performance, letters of recommendation from teachers or professors, personal essays or statements of purpose, proof of financial need, and language proficiency test scores (such as TOEFL or IELTS). Gather and prepare these documents in advance to ensure they are ready when needed.
Step 4: Complete the application
The application process can vary. Some scholarships may only require you to complete an application form, while others may have more specific requirements, such as submitting a written essay or proposing a specific research project. Carefully follow the instructions provided by the scholarship administrator. If you have any questions or require clarification, don't hesitate to contact the award administrator using the contact details provided.
Step 5: Submit the application
Submit your completed application, along with all the required supporting documents, by the specified deadline. Make sure to keep a copy of your application for your records. Some scholarships may require you to apply directly to the school or organisation offering the award, while others may have a central application process. Always refer to the specific instructions provided by the scholarship provider.
It is important to remain vigilant and aware of potential scholarship scams targeting international students. Remember that you should never have to pay money to access scholarship information or submit an application.
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Scams to watch out for
International students are prime targets for scams when applying for scholarships in the USA. Here are some common scams and how to avoid them:
Never Pay Money Upfront
Scholarships are a form of financial aid that does not need to be paid back. So, if a company or organisation asks for money upfront, it is likely a scam. Never send money upfront or pay an application fee. Legitimate scholarships will be free to apply for and will not ask for money in exchange for financial aid. If a scholarship offer is asking for money upfront, try to contact them personally to verify their authenticity.
Be Wary of Official-Sounding Names
Scam operations often imitate government agencies or grant-giving foundations by using official-sounding names containing words like "Official", "National", "Federal", "Foundation", or "Administration". Be cautious of such organisations and always do your research to verify their legitimacy.
No Exclusive or Limited-Time Offers
There are no exclusive or limited-time scholarship offers. Every student goes through the same application process, and there are no shortcuts. Be wary of companies that offer exclusive access to scholarship programs or "limited-time" financial aid packages in exchange for a fee.
Avoid Urgent Deadlines
Scammers often create a false sense of urgency by contacting students a few days or hours before an application deadline. They might try to trick you into complying with their requests by taking advantage of your sense of urgency. Scholarship application seasons tend to be flexible, and deadlines are usually spread out, so be vigilant and keep track of important dates.
Do Your Research
Before applying for a scholarship, take the time to do your research. Check the company or organisation offering the scholarship by searching for them online. If they are a scam, you will likely find reports of their fraudulent activities. You can also check country company directories, as legitimate companies are usually registered and can be searched for online.
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Funding and fees
Funding US college fees as an international student can be challenging, with minimal scholarship aid available and most US institutions offering little to no discount on tuition fees. However, there are still scholarships, grants, and loans that international students can apply for to help fund their studies.
Scholarships
Many scholarships are available at leading US universities for international students. These include both partially and fully funded opportunities, and some may provide a monthly stipend along with coverage for tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and travel expenses.
Some scholarships are funded by the US government, such as the popular Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which offers scholarships for graduate students from all over the world (as well as young professionals and artists) to study in the US for one year or more. The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is another government-funded scholarship program for international experienced professionals to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US.
Some scholarships are funded by private organizations, such as the ACI Foundation Scholarship, which offers $10,000–$15,000 for undergraduate to postdoctoral studies. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries who are earning graduate degrees in the USA. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) also offers fellowships for non-American women who want to earn a Master's or doctorate in the USA.
Some scholarships are funded by specific institutions, such as the Clark University Global Scholars Program, which offers scholarships of at least $10,000, along with a $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship, for first-year international applicants. Harvard University also offers a range of competitive international scholarships for students from all over the world. Illinois State University offers tuition waivers, merit awards, and graduate assistantships to incoming international students.
Grants and Loans
Some organizations provide grants and loans to international students, such as MPOWER Financing, which offers the Global Citizen Scholarship Program with broad eligibility criteria. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships that are 50% grant and 50% loan to students from select developing countries with no other source of financial help for their graduate studies. 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 applying for a development-related Master's program.
Finding Opportunities
There are many resources available to help international students find scholarships, grants, and loans. Some websites, such as InternationalStudent.com, InternationalScholarships.com, and ScholarshipRoar.com, offer free scholarship search engines. Other websites, such as EduPASS, Fastweb, and International Student, provide searchable databases of grants, scholarships, and loan programs.
It is important to note that scholarship scams are common, and international students are often targeted. Always be cautious when providing personal information and never pay a fee to access scholarship information or apply for a scholarship.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some scholarships that international students can apply for to study in the USA:
- The Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
- The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
- The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
- The American Association of University Women Fellowships
- The ACI Foundation Scholarship
- The Facebook Fellowship Program
There are many scholarship search engines that international students can use to find scholarships in the USA, including:
- InternationalStudent.com
- InternationalScholarships.com
- ScholarshipRoar.com
- EduPASS
- Fastweb
- Buddy4Study (for Indian students)
- Edukasyon (for Filipino students)
The application process for scholarships in the USA varies depending on the scholarship. Some scholarships require students to fill out an application form, while others may require a written piece of work or for the student to be pursuing studies in a certain field. It is important to do your research and contact the award administrator of the scholarship for specific instructions.
