International Students: Unlocking College Scholarships

how to get scholarships for college as an international student

As an international student, you may not be eligible for funding intended for domestic students, but there are still plenty of scholarships available to help finance your studies. Scholarships are awarded based on many different factors, and can be either merit-based or need-based, with some depending on your chosen field of study. Your first step when searching for scholarships should be your school's financial aid office, as most colleges offer scholarship programs specifically for international students. You can also apply for competitive scholarships from universities and organizations, such as the Fulbright Program, the Aga Khan Foundation, and the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship. Additionally, there are online scholarship databases that provide comprehensive listings of grants, scholarships, and loan programs for international students.

Characteristics Values
Scholarship type Merit-based, need-based, or field of study-based
Scholarship providers Universities, private organizations, or specific institutions
Eligibility Criteria vary, but may include a minimum TOEFL score, country of origin, or grade point average
Application process May require an application form, essay, personal statement, interview, or other specific requirements
Scholarship databases eduPASS, InternationalStudent.com, InternationalScholarships.com, Fastweb, College Board
Example scholarships Fulbright Program, Rotary Scholarships, P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship, #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

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Where to look for international scholarships

International students can look for scholarships in several places. Firstly, there are online databases specifically designed to help international students find scholarships, such as InternationalScholarships.com, eduPASS, International Student Scholarship Search, and IEFA. These websites provide comprehensive listings of scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities for international students wishing to study in another country. They allow users to search for awards by location, subject of study, student origin, or award name, and some even offer additional resources like internship information and community support through Discord.

Secondly, some organisations offer scholarships specifically for international students, such as the Fulbright Program, Rotary Scholarships, the Aga Khan Foundation, and the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship for women pursuing graduate degrees in the USA. These organisations often have their own websites or pages where interested students can find information about eligibility criteria and application processes.

Thirdly, individual colleges and universities may offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the University at Albany offers renewable scholarships for international undergraduate students based on academic achievement. Additionally, some US institutions, such as Harvard and Yale, offer full need-based financial aid to international students. International students can also look for fellowships, which are short-term funded research and study opportunities that can provide financial support during their college education.

Lastly, there are other scholarship providers that are not affiliated with any specific organisation or institution. For example, MPOWER Financing offers various scholarships for international students, including the Chasing Dreams Scholarship for promising international graduate students from China. International students can also look for funding opportunities provided by their home country's government or private sponsors, which can sometimes be found through the resources mentioned above.

It is important to note that the availability and eligibility criteria for international scholarships can vary widely, so it is essential to research and apply for those that fit your specific profile and needs.

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Scholarships based on academic achievement

Scholarships are a great way to fund your college education as an international student. While they can be competitive, they are a good option to consider as colleges in the United States can be expensive, and international students are not eligible for federal or state aid.

Some scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement. For example, the University of Albany offers scholarships to international students based on academic merit, which are renewable annually as long as the student maintains a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

The #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship is another option, which is hosted by colleges that are part of the programme. Each institution has different eligibility criteria, so it is important to check the specific requirements of your school. However, in general, you will need to submit either a short essay or a multimedia project about applying your leadership skills on campus.

Additionally, 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 scholarship is a combination of a 50 percent grant and a 50 percent loan.

The American Association of University Women offers fellowships, rather than direct scholarships, for non-American women pursuing 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 funding can be renewed yearly.

To find scholarships that fit your specific profile, you can use online resources such as IEFA, InternationalStudent.com, eduPASS, and BestColleges.com, which offer comprehensive and searchable databases of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities for international students.

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Need-based scholarships

Identify Your Financial Need

The first step in applying for need-based scholarships is to accurately assess your financial situation and determine the amount of financial assistance you require. This involves calculating the costs of tuition, fees, accommodation, transportation, books, and other living expenses associated with your chosen college or university. Once you have a clear understanding of the total cost of your education, you can identify the amount of financial support you need.

Research Scholarships

There are numerous need-based scholarships available for international students, offered by various organizations, universities, and colleges. Here are some examples:

  • Amherst College Scholarships: Amherst College provides need-based financial aid to international students. Once admitted, your financial need is determined, and Amherst offers an aid package that may include self-help (employment) and gift aid (scholarships and grants).
  • Berea College Scholarships: Berea College offers financial aid and scholarships covering 100% of tuition, room, board, and fees for the first year of enrollment for international students. In subsequent years, students are expected to contribute $1,000, and the college provides summer job opportunities to help meet this requirement.
  • The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: This foundation provides scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other means of funding their education.
  • Fulbright Scholarship: The Fulbright Program offers scholarships to international students, including need-based aid, to cover tuition, housing, or research expenses.
  • Rotary Peace Fellowship: This fellowship is for doctoral international students and provides funding for tuition, fees, and other expenses.
  • AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program: American University awards scholarships to high-achieving international students dedicated to positive civic and social change in their home country. It covers all expenses, including tuition, room, and board, for one international student.

Eligibility Criteria

Application Process

The application process for need-based scholarships typically involves completing an application form, providing financial documentation, and submitting any supporting materials, such as essays, letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, or proof of admission to the college or university. Some scholarships may also require an interview or additional steps, so be sure to follow the specific instructions for each scholarship application.

Deadlines

By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can identify and apply for need-based scholarships that align with your financial situation and academic goals as an international student. These scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of pursuing a college education and make your international study dreams a reality.

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Merit-based scholarships

As an international student, you may face higher college costs than your domestic peers, as you are often not eligible for federal or state aid. However, there are many merit-based scholarships available to help you fund your studies.

  • The University of Arkansas offers nearly 100 different scholarships to international students.
  • UChicago offers a variety of merit scholarships to international students.
  • Colby-Sawyer College offers merit-based financial aid of up to $8,000 per year to international students.
  • Concordia College offers International Student Merit Scholarships of $11,000 to $17,000 per year, based on academic ability and family need.
  • Illinois Wesleyan University offers merit-based scholarships ranging from $16,000 to $30,000 per year to international students with outstanding academic achievement and test scores.
  • New York University offers partial to full merit-based scholarships ranging from $25,000 to $47,000 to a limited number of admitted students, including international students.
  • The University of Oregon awards more than $2.5 million in financial aid and scholarships to international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Emory University encourages international applicants to apply for partial to full merit-based scholarships through the Emory University Scholars Program.
  • The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award, a one-time, merit-based entrance scholarship of $10,000 to $25,000 to academically strong students with extracurricular involvement. UBC also offers the International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES), valued at $10,000 to $20,000 per year, to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs.

To find merit-based scholarships, you can search for scholarships specifically for international students, such as through the International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) scholarship search. You can also research scholarships offered by your desired university, as many universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students. Additionally, look for scholarships based on your specific strengths, such as academic achievement or extracurricular involvement.

Remember that applying for scholarships can be competitive, so it's essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements. You may also want to apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances of receiving financial aid.

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Scholarships for women

Scholarships are a great way to fund your college education, especially if you are an international student. While some colleges offer full need-based financial aid for international students, you can also apply for scholarships unrelated to a specific institution.

Tips for Securing a Scholarship

  • The best way to win a scholarship is to apply for those with criteria that fit your specific profile.
  • Scholarships for women come with all kinds of criteria, including academic performance, sporting achievement, leadership skills, affiliation to a particular culture or community, age, or being part of a minority group.
  • Most scholarships require essays, personal statements, projects, or an interview process. In many cases, you should be able to apply for as many scholarships as you want.
  • Some scholarships may also be renewable yearly, so you have support throughout college.
  • Make sure to complete all required sections of the application and write your application in English, unless otherwise stated. Applications in languages other than the one specified will not be considered.
  • The Women Scholarship for International Students — this scholarship is for female students beginning their undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies and is worth up to $5,000.
  • The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship — this scholarship is awarded to women from countries other than the US who are earning graduate degrees in the USA.
  • The 100 Dreams Scholarship Fund — this scholarship is awarded by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and provides one-time financial assistance of up to US$1,000 to women currently attending high school or university who demonstrate financial need.
  • The American Association of University Women (AAUW) — the AAUW offers seven different types of grants and fellowships for women, including American Fellowships for women scholars who are US citizens or permanent residents, and International Fellowships for women from other countries.
  • The PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund — this scholarship is for international women from outside of the US and Canada who wish to pursue graduate-level studies in one of those two countries.
  • The Margaret McNamara Education Grants — these scholarships are for women aged 25 or over who are studying in the US, Canada, or select universities in South Africa and Latin America.
  • The Jane M Klausman Women in Business Scholarship — this scholarship awards a series of annual scholarships of US$2,000 at the district/region level and US$8,000 at the international level to women studying business management at the undergraduate or master's level.
  • The Amelia Earhart Fellowship — this fellowship is for women studying at the PhD level in the aerospace field. It awards 30 fellowships each year, worth US$10,000 each, to support doctoral studies at any university or college.

Frequently asked questions

You can find scholarships for international students on websites such as InternationalScholarships.com, InternationalStudent.com, BestColleges.com, eduPASS, and TopUniversities.com. These websites provide databases of scholarships, grants, and fellowships, along with other financial resources for international students.

There are numerous scholarships available for international students, and here are a few examples:

- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

- Civil Society Leadership Awards

- David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship

- Preply Scholarship

- Fulbright Foreign Student Program

- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship

- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship

- MPOWER Financing's Chasing Dreams Scholarship

The eligibility criteria for international student scholarships vary depending on the scholarship. Some scholarships may require a certain TOEFL score, specific nationalities, a minimum grade point average, or academic achievements. Others may have need-based or merit-based criteria, while some depend on your chosen field of study. It is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before applying.

The application process for international student scholarships can vary. Some scholarships may require an application form, essays, personal statements, letters of recommendation, academic records, or interviews. It is recommended to research the specific requirements and application process for each scholarship you are interested in. Additionally, you can seek guidance from college admissions officers and financial aid experts at your institution.

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