Janice Lozano
The United States is one of the most expensive countries in the world for higher education, but there are hundreds of scholarship opportunities for international students. These include scholarships funded by the US government, private organisations, and specific institutions. Scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students, though most institutional aid is reserved for graduate study. Some scholarships are need-blind, while others are merit-based, and some are aimed at students from specific countries or regions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Government-funded, privately funded, or institutionally funded |
| Student Type | Undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, doctoral, non-degree |
| Student Attributes | Skills, talents, or abilities (e.g., TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, athletic ability) |
| Student Nationality | International students from all countries or specific regions/countries |
| Student Financial Need | Demonstrated financial need or need-blind |
| Application Requirements | Essays, videos, academic standards, TOEFL scores, grade point average, country of origin |
| Award Amount | Partial or full funding, monthly stipends, tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, travel expenses, book costs, living expenses |
| Application Process | Online applications, school financial aid office, scholarship databases |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international undergraduate students
Scholarships are a great way to fund your undergraduate studies in the USA as an international student. While it is true that minimal scholarship aid is available to international students and that most of it is reserved for graduate study, there are still several scholarships that international undergraduate students can apply for. Here are some tips to find them, as well as a list of specific scholarships for you to consider.
Where to Look for Scholarships
First, check your school's financial aid office, website, or ask for help from college admissions officers and financial aid experts. Most colleges offer scholarship programs specifically for international students attending the institution. There are also many free online resources and databases that can help you find scholarships, such as InternationalScholarships.com, eduPASS, International Student, and Fastweb.
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: Undergraduate scholarships to study in the US at American University in Washington DC. Aimed at international students who are showing leadership potential.
- Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship Program: Funding opportunity for high-achieving international undergraduate students with an interest in student community contribution.
- Clark University Global Scholars Program: Scholarships of no less than US$10,000 as well as a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship are available for first-year international applicants.
- Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship: A $2,000 prize available to undergraduate students enrolled in a US university. Applicants must submit an essay and the scholarship is open to all nationalities.
- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship: Awarded twice a year to passionate international students wishing to study in the US. Worth US$1,000.
- East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships: Scholarships to study in the US within selected institutions, aimed at international students from the Asia-Pacific region.
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: International scholarships aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US (57 institutions participated in 2020). Applicants must submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
In addition to these scholarships, international undergraduate students can also consider applying for loans. While international student loans are rare, they are available to individuals who meet certain criteria. Many loans require a cosigner, but there are also a variety of organizations and institutions that provide private loans to international students.
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Scholarships for graduate international students
The US is known for being one of the most expensive countries in which to pursue higher education, but there are hundreds of scholarship opportunities available for international graduate students.
University scholarships
Some US universities offer scholarships specifically for international graduate students. These include:
- Harvard University
- Illinois State University
- Iowa State University
- Michigan State University
- New York University
- University of Arkansas
- University of Southern California
- University of Wisconsin Superior
Government-funded scholarships
The US government also funds scholarships for international students, the most popular of which is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. This scholarship is 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.
Privately funded scholarships
There are also privately funded scholarships available for international graduate students. For example, the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship is open to all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US (of which there are 57). To apply, students must submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
Country-based scholarships
Some scholarships are only available to 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 support for their graduate studies. The scholarship is 50% grant and 50% loan.
Merit-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. For example, the Preply Scholarship awards three winners with up to $2,000 each. To enter, students must submit a 500-word essay related to online education, multilingualism, and professional development.
Financial scholarships
Financial scholarships are usually awarded to students with a high financial need. However, applicants' GPAs may also be taken into consideration.
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Scholarships for international students with financial need
Scholarships are a great way to fund your education as an international student in the USA. While minimal scholarship aid is available to international students, and most of it is reserved for graduate study, there are still many opportunities to gain funding for your studies.
Where to look for scholarships
There are thousands of scholarship opportunities out there, some of which are open to students from almost every country in the world. The trick is knowing where to look. International Student has a comprehensive and searchable database of grants, scholarships, and loan programs for international students. EduPASS (The Smart Student Guide for Studying in the USA) also offers a comprehensive glossary of terms relevant to student financial aid.
- The University of Wisconsin Superior Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program – Tuition waiver for international students demonstrating financial need at the University of Wisconsin.
- The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship – Scholarships for graduate students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial help. The scholarships are 50% grant and 50% loan.
- The American Association of University Women – Fellowships for non-American women who want to earn a Master's or doctorate in the USA. Priority is given to women who demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls.
- The Civil Society Leadership Awards – Full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change.
- MPOWER Financing – Offers scholarships for international and DACA students. Its Global Citizen Scholarship Program has broad eligibility criteria and is offered throughout the year.
- Foreign Fulbright Student Program – Scholarships for graduate students from around the world to study in the USA.
- The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program – Comprehensive financial coverage for 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 – Scholarships for women from other countries who are earning their graduate degrees in the USA.
- Preply Scholarship – Open to all students aged 16–35, with three winners receiving up to $2,000 each.
- Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship – A $2,000 prize available to students enrolled in the US or another study destination. The scholarship is open to all nationalities.
- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship – Awarded twice a year to passionate international students wishing to study in the US. Worth US$1,000.
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Scholarships for international women students
The US is one of the most expensive countries in which to pursue higher education, but there are hundreds of opportunities to gain funding for your studies. As an international student, you won't be eligible for funding intended for US nationals, but many scholarships are available for international students, some funded by the US government, some by private organisations, and some by specific institutions.
- The American Association of University Women ( AAUW ) offers fellowships for non-American women who want to pursue a Master's or doctorate in the USA. Priority is given to women who demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls, and the scholarship may be reapplied for every year of the program.
- The Foreign Fulbright Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students from around the world (as well as young professionals and artists) to study in the USA.
- The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from outside the US earning their graduate degree in the USA.
- The 100 Dreams Scholarship Fund provides one-time financial assistance of up to US$1,000 to women currently attending high school or university who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship can’t be used to fund tuition or ongoing living costs but can be used for textbooks, exam fees, or education conferences.
- The Margaret McNamara Education Grants offer scholarships for women aged 25 or over studying in the US, Canada, or select universities in South Africa and Latin America. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of women and children and be from a country designated as lower or middle-income developing.
- The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree scholarship for international experienced professionals wishing to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US.
- 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 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.
- MPOWER Financing offers scholarships for international and DACA students. Its Global Citizen Scholarship Program has the broadest eligibility criteria and is offered throughout the year, and niche scholarships are also available.
- The Preply Scholarship – three winners will receive an award of up to US$2,000. Open to all students (domestic and international) aged between 16 and 35. To enter, you'll need to submit a 500-word essay related to online education, multilingualism, and professional development.
- The Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship – awarded twice a year to passionate international students wishing to study in the US. Worth US$1,000.
- University of Wisconsin Superior Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program – Tuition waiver for international students demonstrating financial need at the University of Wisconsin.
The best way to win a scholarship is to apply for those with criteria that fit your specific profile. International applicants, especially undergraduate students, often find it hard to find fully funded scholarships. Both private and public institutions may waive application fees in some situations. Merit-based scholarships are granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. Your university may have scholarships based on TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability.
You can also search for scholarships on the following websites:
- International Student has a comprehensive and searchable database of grants, scholarships, and loan programs for international students.
- Fastweb provides access to 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion. Students create a profile and are able to keep track of their applications on the website.
- Buddy4Study is a scholarship search engine for Indian students applying to schools in the USA and other countries.
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Scholarships for international students with special skills
The US is one of the most expensive countries in which to pursue higher education, but there are hundreds of scholarship opportunities for international students. While international applicants, especially undergraduates, often find it hard to find fully-funded scholarships, there are still many companies that offer scholarships for international students.
Merit-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities. Your university may have scholarships based on TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability. These scholarships are usually very competitive, and to be considered, you will need to demonstrate exceptional ability in the required area.
Need-based scholarships
Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Students who can demonstrate need at a predetermined level are eligible for this type of aid. Academic departments within the university may have funds to assist international students with exceptional need and/or talent.
- 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 American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women who want to earn a Master's or doctorate in the USA. Priority is given to women who demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls, and the scholarship may be reapplied for every year of the program.
- The Civil Society Leadership Awards offers full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change.
- The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is perhaps the most popular government-funded scholarship for international students. It covers full tuition fees, a living stipend, full accommodation fees, airfare, and health insurance.
- The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree scholarship program for international, experienced professionals wishing to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US.
- The Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program offers scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. It covers the full cost of tuition and student fees.
- 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.
- The Preply Scholarship awards three winners with up to $2,000 each. It is open to all students (domestic and international) aged between 16 and 35. To enter, you need to submit a 500-word essay related to online education, multilingualism, and professional development.
- The Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship is a $2,000 prize available to students currently enrolled in the US or another study destination as a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student. You will need to submit an essay to apply, and the scholarship is open to all nationalities.
- The Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded twice a year to passionate international students wishing to study in the US.
- 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.
- The Japan-United States Friendship Commission is an initiative run by Japan and the US that offers grant programs to Japanese students wishing to study in the US (and vice versa).
- The You Are Welcome Here Scholarship is aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US. You should submit an essay or video demonstrating your interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
- The ACI Foundation Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship or fellowship for international students. It provides a $10,000–$15,000 US educational stipend for tuition, residence, books, and materials.
- The AAUW Fellowship Program is a fully-funded scholarship offered by The American Association of University Women, USA. International students from all countries are eligible to apply. This scholarship is only available for graduate and postgraduate studies in any subject offered by the university. It covers $18,000 to $30,000 per year, contingent upon meeting academic standards for renewal.
In addition to these scholarships, you can also improve your chances of winning a scholarship by demonstrating strong writing skills in your application, and by communicating why you, of all the applicants, are a good fit for the scholarship. You can also look for private scholarships offered by high school teachers, guidance counselors, and librarians, or your parents' or guardians' employers. Finally, you can use online scholarship search engines to find more opportunities, such as FastWeb, International Education Financial Aid, and International Scholarships.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a variety of scholarships available for international students in the USA, including:
- The Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
- The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program.
- The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship.
- The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship.
- The University of Wisconsin Superior Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program.
- The ACI Foundation Scholarship.
- The Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship.
There are many resources available for finding scholarships, including:
- InternationalScholarships.com.
- eduPASS.
- International Student.
- Fastweb.
- The financial aid office of your school.
Here are some tips for applying for scholarships as an international student:
- Start by looking for scholarships that fit your specific profile.
- Be aware of scholarship scams.
- Consult with your university to take advantage of any supplements or waivers they may offer.
- Consider taking out a loan from a private organisation or institution.
