International Student Scholarships: How To Find And Apply

how to find a scholarship for international students

Finding a scholarship as an international student can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help you in your search. Schools tend to be one of the best resources for international students seeking scholarships, and experts recommend contacting a school's financial aid office to learn about scholarship opportunities. Additionally, there are numerous online databases that provide information on scholarships for international students, such as InternationalStudent.com, eduPASS, scholars4dev.com, and IEFA.org. These websites offer searchable databases of scholarships, grants, and loan programs for students from around the world. They allow students to filter awards by location, subject of study, student origin, or award name. Furthermore, some scholarships are specifically designed for international students, such as the Foreign Fulbright Student Program, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, and the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program. By using these resources and applying for scholarships that fit your specific profile, you can increase your chances of securing funding for your international education.

Characteristics Values
Number of scholarships Over 2000
Scholarship providers InternationalStudent.com, eduPASS, scholars4dev.com, IEFA.org, colleges and universities
Scholarship type Undergraduate, Master's, PhD, merit-based, need-based, partial, full
Eligibility criteria Leadership skills, academic excellence, financial need, country of origin, gender
Application process Online applications, letters of recommendation, essays, test scores, videos
Value Up to $20,000 annually, full tuition fee coverage, monthly stipends, airfare, health insurance, travel allowance

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Online scholarship databases

International students can find it challenging to fund their education, and scholarships are a great way to ease the financial burden. There are thousands of scholarship opportunities out there, and online scholarship databases are a fantastic resource to help students find the right ones for them. These databases provide comprehensive, searchable, and free listings of scholarships, grants, and loan programs, along with other valuable information.

InternationalScholarships.com is one such database, offering more than 2,000 awards from across the globe to students wishing to study in another country. The website provides information on scholarship organizations and private sponsors, with contact details available for registered users.

InternationalStudent.com is another excellent resource for international students. It provides a free, up-to-date, and comprehensive list of scholarships, grants, and awards available worldwide. Students can search by location, subject of study, student origin, or award name, and then apply directly to the host institution.

Other notable databases include eduPASS, which has a list of scholarships specifically for international students, and IEFA.org, which is the premier database for international scholarship and grant information. IEFA has the most comprehensive scholarship and grant listings, along with loan programs and other resources to promote international education.

Some databases, like Fastweb, allow students to create a profile and keep track of their applications. Others, like Buddy4Study, cater to specific demographics, such as Indian students applying to schools in the USA and other countries.

These online scholarship databases are a great starting point for international students seeking financial assistance. They provide a wealth of information and opportunities to help students fund their educational dreams.

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Scholarships based on location

North America

Some scholarships are specifically for students wishing to study in North America, particularly the United States. For example, the American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women seeking a Master's or doctorate in the USA. MPOWER Financing also offers scholarships for international and DACA students, with its Global Citizen Scholarship Program open throughout the year. Additionally, some U.S. institutions, such as Harvard and Yale, offer full need-based financial aid for international students.

Europe

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides financial support to students from developing countries who are applying for development-related Master's programs. This scholarship covers tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance.

Australia

The Marten Bequest Traveling Scholarship is open to native-born Australians aged 21-35 who demonstrate outstanding ability and promise in one or more categories of the Arts. This scholarship provides financial support for Australians wishing to pursue artistic endeavours internationally.

Colombia and Mexico

ColFuturo provides scholarships for Colombian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. Similarly, Conacyt offers scholarships for Mexican students pursuing postgraduate studies in institutions outside of Mexico.

To find more scholarships based on location, students can utilize online scholarship databases such as InternationalScholarships.com, IEFA.org, InternationalStudent.com, and Mastersportal. These websites provide comprehensive listings of scholarships tailored to specific locations and nationalities.

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Subject-specific scholarships

When it comes to subject-specific scholarships, there are a variety of options available for international students. Firstly, it is important to identify scholarships that align with your academic and personal achievements. For instance, academic or merit-based scholarships are awarded to students with high grades in a particular subject or excellent academic records. Similarly, performance-based scholarships are offered to students with exceptional talent in sports, arts, or music, who plan to pursue further education in these fields.

External scholarships are another option, provided by businesses, charities, or higher education associations. These scholarships are usually separate from university applications and can be a great way to fund your studies. Many universities and organisations also offer competitive scholarships, such as the Fulbright Program, which is a popular choice for international students in all fields except medicine. The Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program is another example, specifically for Asian students wishing to study at Wesleyan University in the US.

Additionally, government scholarships are available for international students. These are usually funded by the government of the country you plan to study in and may be targeted at students from specific countries or regions. For instance, the US government offers the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, while the UK government provides the Marshall Scholarships for STEM students.

Lastly, there are subject-specific scholarships offered by individual universities. For example, the University of Cambridge offers full-cost scholarships for postgraduate degrees, along with additional funding. Similarly, Harvard and Yale provide full need-based financial aid for international students.

To find these scholarships, you can utilise online resources such as International Student, IEFA, and eduPASS, which offer comprehensive databases of scholarships, grants, and loan programs for international students. These platforms allow you to search for opportunities based on your specific subject of interest.

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Student origin scholarships

International students can access a range of scholarships that are based on their country of origin. These scholarships are offered by various organisations and institutions, and they can provide significant financial support for students who are studying abroad. Here are some examples of scholarships that are geared towards students from specific regions or countries:

Central America Scholarship Program

The MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program offers students from Central America the chance to win up to $3,000 towards their international education. This scholarship is designed to support students who are planning to study abroad and may not have the financial means to do so.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships for students from select developing countries who have no other means of financial support for their graduate studies. The scholarships are structured as 50% grants and 50% loans, offering a sustainable way to fund education for those who need it most.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

This scholarship programme is aimed at students from developing countries who have actively contributed to their home country's development. It provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition fees, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance for those accepted onto a development-related Master's programme.

MPOWER Financing's Chasing Dreams Scholarship

This scholarship is specifically for international graduate students with Chinese citizenship, offering awards of up to $5,000. MPOWER also offers other scholarships for international and DACA students, such as the Global Citizen Scholarship Program, which has broad eligibility criteria and is open throughout the year.

SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students

The SBW Berlin Scholarship supports international students who have demonstrated social commitment and intend to use their skills for social projects in their home countries. This scholarship not only provides financial support but also encourages students to make a positive impact in their home countries, with ongoing advisory support from SBW Berlin.

To find more scholarships tailored to your specific needs and background, it is recommended to utilise online scholarship search platforms such as InternationalStudent.com, InternationalScholarships.com, and eduPASS. These websites allow you to search for scholarships based on criteria such as student origin, location, and subject of study, making it easier to identify scholarships that align with your profile.

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Scholarship award amounts

Full tuition scholarships:

  • Fulbright Program: Offers scholarships to Australian citizens for academic and cultural exchange in the US.
  • Rotary Peace Fellowships: Awards scholarships to master's degree students studying within Rotary's Peace Centers in the US.
  • Civil Society Leadership Awards: Provides full scholarships for master's students from specific countries dedicated to social change.

Partial funding or set amounts:

  • MPOWER Financing: Offers various scholarships, including the Global Citizen Scholarship Program and niche scholarships, with awards of up to $5,000.
  • Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship: Awarded twice a year to international students wishing to study in the US, worth $1,000.
  • Bat and Ball Game Women's Sports Scholarship: Offers $1,000 to women studying sports-related degrees at US universities.
  • Harvard University Scholarships: Provides competitive scholarships to international students, including the Rule of Law Scholarship and the Charles J. Turck Presidential Honor Scholarship.
  • Illinois State University International Awards: Offers tuition waivers, merit awards, and graduate assistantships to international students.

It is important to note that scholarship amounts can vary based on various factors, such as academic merit, financial need, and the specific terms of the scholarship programme. International students are advised to research and apply for scholarships that align with their profiles and eligibility criteria to maximize their chances of receiving financial aid.

Frequently asked questions

You can find scholarships for international students on websites such as InternationalScholarships.com, InternationalStudent.com, Scholars4Dev.com, and eduPASS.org. These websites provide databases of scholarships, grants, and loan programs for international students.

Here are some examples of scholarships for international students:

- 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 American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women pursuing a Master's or doctorate in the USA.

- The Foreign Fulbright Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students from around the world to study in the USA.

- The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides financial support to students from developing countries applying for development-related Master's programs.

- The MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program offers up to $3,000 towards international education for students from Central America.

Here are some tips for finding scholarships for international students:

- Look for scholarships that match your specific profile, such as your country of origin, academic interests, and financial need.

- Contact the financial aid office of the schools you are interested in to inquire about scholarships they offer for international students.

- Utilize scholarship search tools like those provided by InternationalStudent.com and IEFA.org to find scholarships awarded by colleges and universities.

- Review the requirements for scholarships carefully, including test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and other additional materials.

To apply for a scholarship for international students, follow these steps:

- Create an account on the scholarship website or platform.

- Search for scholarships that align with your eligibility and interests.

- Review the application requirements and instructions for each scholarship.

- Gather any necessary documentation, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, or essays.

- Complete the application process, providing all the required information.

- Contact the host institution or organization directly if you have any questions or need more information about the application process.

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