Lana Oconnell
International students can indeed get scholarships, but they are rare and competitive. The availability and amount of scholarship money depend on the applicant's academic background, area of study, and the college or university they plan to attend. US colleges are known for being expensive, so scholarships that cover tuition, housing, and other expenses are highly sought after. While some colleges, such as Harvard and Yale, offer full need-based financial aid for international students, others offer partial scholarships. There are also scholarships unrelated to specific institutions, such as the Rotary Peace Fellowship for doctoral students. To increase their chances of success, applicants should research opportunities related to their demographics, academic major, and college, and carefully read the scholarship requirements to ensure they qualify.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of full scholarships | Rare, but possible |
| Availability of partial scholarships | Yes |
| Sources of scholarships | Universities, private organizations, specific institutions |
| Application requirements | Essays, academic merit, service commitments, TOEFL score, country of origin, grade point average |
| Scholarship search platforms | InternationalStudent.com, eduPASS, InternationalScholarships.com |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international students in the US
International students can get full scholarships to attend school in the US, although they are rare. The US is one of the most expensive nations in which to pursue higher education, so scholarships can be invaluable in financing your studies. While some colleges, such as Harvard and Yale, offer full need-based financial aid for international students, you can also research and apply for scholarships unrelated to a specific institution.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Perhaps the most popular government-funded scholarship for international students in the US, Fulbright offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more.
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
This is a non-degree scholarship program for international experienced professionals wishing to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US. Although the funding doesn’t support degree qualifications, students can study and develop their knowledge at academic institutions across the nation.
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
This scholarship is aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US (of which there are 57). You should submit an essay or video demonstrating your interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
University of Wisconsin Superior Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program
This scholarship offers a tuition waiver for international students demonstrating financial need at the University of Wisconsin.
Preply Scholarship
Three winners will receive an award of up to $2,000. Open to all students (domestic and international, and at any study level) aged between 16 and 35. To enter, you'll need to submit a 500-word essay related to online education, multilingualism, and professional development.
Other Resources
There are many other scholarships and resources available for international students in the US. Some universities offer need-blind admission to international students, and most colleges offer scholarship programs specifically for international students. You can also find scholarship information through organisations like the College Board, International Student, and scholarship search websites like InternationalScholarships.com.
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Scholarships for international students outside the US
International students can get scholarships to study in the US, although these can be hard to find. The eligibility criteria for scholarships vary, and some are restricted to students from specific countries. Here are some scholarships for international students outside the US:
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Perhaps the most popular scholarship, funded by the US government, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year.
Preply Scholarship
The Preply Scholarship awards three winners with up to $2,000 each. It is open to all students, including international students, aged between 16 and 35. Applicants need to submit a 500-word essay related to online education, multilingualism, and professional development.
Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship
This $2,000 scholarship is available to students enrolled in high school, undergraduate, or graduate programs in the US or another country. It is open to all nationalities, and applicants need to submit an essay.
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
Awarded twice a year, the Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship is worth $1,000 and is given to passionate international students wishing to study in the US.
East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships
These scholarships are for international students from the Asia-Pacific region to study at selected institutions in the US.
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries pursuing graduate degrees in the USA.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This scholarship provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance. It is for students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development and are applying for a development-related Master's program.
International Distinction in Education Award (IDEA)
The IDEA scholarship is open to incoming first-year international students who will graduate from a high school outside the US.
Clark University Merit Scholarships
Clark University offers a variety of merit scholarships to international students.
You Are Welcome Here Scholarship
The You Are Welcome Here Scholarship is open to all international students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US. Applicants must submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
University Scholarships
Many universities in the US offer scholarships specifically for international students, including Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt University, Boston University, Clark University, George Washington University, and the University of Wisconsin.
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How to find scholarships for international students
Scholarships are a great way to fund your education as an international student. While most colleges do not offer federal aid to international students, there are plenty of other scholarship opportunities available. These include scholarships offered by governments, universities, and foundations worldwide. Scholarships are awarded based on various factors, and can be either merit-based or need-based, with some depending on your chosen field of study.
- Online Platforms: Websites like Bold.org, InternationalStudent.com, InternationalScholarships.com, IEFA.org, WeMakeScholars.com, and EduPass.org provide comprehensive listings of scholarships, grants, and loans specifically for international students. These platforms allow you to search and filter scholarships based on criteria such as location, subject of study, student origin, award name, or eligibility requirements.
- University Websites: Many universities actively looking for international students will feature scholarships and financial aid information on their websites. It is worth checking the websites of your target universities to explore these opportunities.
- Government and External Scholarships: Various governments and external organizations offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the MEXT Scholarships in Japan, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, and the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship for students from developing countries.
- Country-Specific Opportunities: Some scholarship opportunities are tailored for students from specific countries. For instance, the MPOWER scholarship for students from Central America, the Marten Bequest Traveling Scholarship for Australians, and the ColFuturo scholarship for Colombian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.
- Discord Communities: International student communities on Discord, such as those hosted by IEFA.org and InternationalScholarships.com, provide spaces for ambitious students to connect, ask questions, and empower each other in their pursuit of international education. These communities can be excellent resources for learning about scholarship opportunities and receiving support throughout the application process.
Remember, the key to finding scholarships is to start your search early and be proactive. There are numerous scholarship opportunities available for international students, and by exploring these various avenues, you can increase your chances of securing the financial support you need to achieve your educational goals.
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Application requirements for international student scholarships
International students can access scholarships, grants, and awards to help fund their studies. While some scholarships are provided by specific institutions, others are unrelated to a particular college or university.
Application Requirements
The application requirements for international student scholarships vary. Some scholarships require students to have a certain TOEFL score, others ask that applicants are from a certain country, while others require a certain grade point average. Many scholarships require an essay, academic merit, or service commitments. Some scholarships may require a specially written piece of work or a multimedia project, and others may require an interview.
Where to Find Scholarships
There are many resources available to students to search for scholarships. Some websites provide a free scholarship search, such as InternationalScholarships.com, eduPASS, and InternationalStudent.com. These sites offer comprehensive, searchable databases of grants, scholarships, and loan programs. Students can also research and apply for scholarships directly with the school or organization that offers the award.
Examples of Scholarships
- The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: provides scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other source of funding.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: a popular government-funded US scholarship for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year.
- Preply Scholarship: open to all students, regardless of nationality, aged between 16 and 35. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay.
- Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship: a $2,000 prize open to all nationalities. Students must be enrolled in a US high school, undergraduate, or graduate program.
- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship: awarded twice a year to international students wishing to study in the US.
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The rarity of full scholarships for international students
Although scholarships for international students exist, full scholarships are rare. The cost of studying in the US can be high, with tuition, housing, and other expenses to consider. While some colleges, such as Harvard and Yale, offer full need-based financial aid for international students, these are not common. Most US-based scholarships are aimed at American students, and there are fewer opportunities for international students.
International students can apply for competitive scholarships from universities and organisations, but these are typically partial scholarships. For example, the Fulbright Program, the University at Albany, and the Aga Khan Foundation offer scholarships to international students to help cover tuition, housing, or research costs. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program, one of the most popular government-funded scholarships for international students, provides scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year. The Fulbright Scholarship is also available to US study abroad students anywhere in the world.
Some scholarships are aimed at specific nationalities or regions. For instance, the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program facilitates study-abroad opportunities in the US for students from Tunisia. The Society of Exploration Geophysicists offers scholarships for international students ranging from $500 to $10,000 per academic year. The International Peace Scholarship Fund provides scholarships of up to $12,500 for female international students enrolled full-time in a US or Canadian college.
Other scholarships are open to international students of all nationalities, such as the Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship, which awards a $2,000 prize to a student enrolled in a US high school, undergraduate, or graduate program. The Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship, worth $1,000, is awarded twice a year to international students wishing to study in the US. The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree scholarship that allows international professionals to study at academic institutions across the US for 10 months.
To increase their chances of securing a scholarship, international students should research opportunities that fit their specific profile and apply to as many scholarships as possible. They can use free online resources, such as InternationalScholarships.com, to search for scholarships, or they can contact their school's financial aid office for guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get scholarships. However, it is quite rare to get a full scholarship, and they are mostly competitive.
There are several scholarships that international students can apply for, including the Fulbright Scholarship, Rotary Scholarships, Postdoctoral Fellowships, Merit Scholarships, College Loans, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, and the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program.
International students can find scholarships by using online scholarship search engines, such as InternationalScholarships.com, eduPASS, or International Student. They can also check their school's financial aid website or contact the financial aid office for more information.
The requirements for international student scholarships vary depending on the scholarship. Some scholarships may require a certain TOEFL score, country of origin, grade point average, or essays. It is important to carefully read the scholarship requirements to ensure eligibility.
In addition to scholarships, international students can explore grants, loans, and work-study programs to help fund their education. They can also consider budgeting, part-time jobs, and taking advantage of campus events and resources to lower their overall costs.
