Janice Lozano
Scholarships are a great way to fund your education, and they are not just limited to US citizens. There are many scholarships available for international students, although they may be harder to find. Some scholarships are offered by specific institutions, such as Harvard and Yale, which offer full need-based financial aid for international students. There are also scholarships unrelated to specific institutions, like the Rotary Peace Fellowship for doctoral international students. To find scholarships, you can use free online resources such as InternationalScholarships.com, International Student, and Fastweb. These websites provide searchable databases of scholarships, grants, and loan programs for international students. When applying for scholarships, be cautious of dishonest scholarship offers and scams that may try to obtain money or personal information from you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of scholarships | Hundreds |
| Scholarship search websites | InternationalStudent.com, eduPASS, Fastweb, Buddy4Study, InternationalScholarships.com, TopUniversities.com, BestColleges.com |
| Scholarship providers | US government, private organizations, specific institutions, universities |
| Scholarship criteria | Need-based, merit-based, country-based, grade point average, TOEFL score |
| Application requirements | Application form, written piece of work, studies in a specific field, essay, video |
| Scholarship scams | Common, do not send money or bank details to any organization |
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What You'll Learn
Be aware of scholarship scams
International students applying for scholarships should be aware of the potential scams that exist within the application process. Scholarship scams often target international students, and victims of these scams can lose thousands of dollars.
Firstly, it is important to note that scholarships that require an application fee are often scams. Legitimate scholarships do not require you to pay a fee to apply. Scholarship scams may also ask for your bank account or credit card details, which should never be provided. Additionally, be cautious of scholarships that guarantee your success or offer unusually low-interest rates, as these are often advance-fee loan scams.
Scams may also come in the form of invitations to financial aid seminars or workshops, where high-pressure sales pitches are used to pressure you into paying for their services immediately. Solid opportunities will not use such tactics and will not require upfront payment. If you are unsure about an organisation, you can search for their name online along with the words "complaint" or "scam" to see what others have said about their experiences.
It is also important to be aware of scam operations that imitate legitimate government agencies, grant-giving foundations, education lenders, and scholarship matching services. These scams often use official-sounding names containing words like "National", "Federal", "Foundation", or "Administration".
To avoid scholarship scams, it is recommended to consult free scholarship databases and resources provided by universities and government organisations.
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Undergraduate scholarships
However, some scholarships are specifically for international undergraduate students. For example, the Fulbright Program, the University at Albany, and the Aga Khan Foundation offer competitive scholarships that cover tuition, housing, or research. Academic departments within universities may also have funds to assist international students with exceptional need and/or talent.
Additionally, some companies offer scholarships for undergraduate international students, such as the monthly scholarship series from the IAPD, which awards three $1,000 scholarships to international students based on a new topic each month.
To increase your chances of winning a scholarship, it is recommended to apply for those with criteria that fit your specific profile. Consult with your university, academic department, and major to take advantage of any special funding opportunities they may offer.
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Graduate scholarships
There are several graduate scholarship opportunities available for international students. These scholarships can be broadly categorized into university scholarships, financial scholarships, merit scholarships, country-based scholarships, and privately funded scholarships.
University scholarships are offered by specific universities to attract talented international graduate students. For example, Harvard University, Illinois State University, Iowa State University, Michigan State University, New York University, and the University of Arkansas all offer scholarships to international graduate students.
Financial scholarships are awarded based on financial need, and applicants may be required to provide information about their financial situation. Examples include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which is a popular government-funded scholarship for international graduate students in the US, and the Rotary Peace Fellowship, which is for students committed to peace and conflict resolution.
Merit scholarships focus on academic achievement and may consider factors such as GPA or GRE scores. The New York University Wagner Scholarships are an example of merit-based awards.
Country-based scholarships are restricted to students from specific countries. For instance, the scholarship offered by MPower Financing is for graduate students with Chinese citizenship studying in the US.
Privately funded scholarships are often provided by businesses or foundations with funds set aside for certain groups. The Preply Scholarship, which is open to all students aged 16-35, is an example of a privately funded scholarship that does not restrict applicants by country of origin.
In addition to these categories, there are other unique scholarships with specific eligibility criteria. For example, the Zonta International scholarship is for women of any nationality pursuing a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering and space sciences.
When applying for graduate scholarships as an international student, it is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements, as these can vary significantly across different scholarship programs.
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University-specific scholarships
Understanding Eligibility: University-specific scholarships often have unique eligibility criteria that are tailored to the institution's priorities and values. International students should carefully review the scholarship requirements, which may include academic merit, financial need, extracurricular involvement, or specific areas of study. It is important to pay attention to details such as GPA requirements, necessary documents, and any additional essays or interviews that may be part of the application process.
Researching Opportunities: International students should proactively search for university-specific scholarships that align with their interests and qualifications. Most university websites have dedicated pages that list the scholarships they offer, providing information on eligibility, application processes, and deadlines. It is beneficial to start researching early, as some scholarships have limited availability or rolling application processes.
Leveraging University Resources: Many universities provide resources and support services to help international students navigate the scholarship application process. This can include international student offices, financial aid departments, or even specific scholarship advising services. These resources can provide guidance on identifying suitable scholarships, understanding application requirements, and developing a strong application.
Demonstrating a Strong Fit: When applying for university-specific scholarships, it is important for international students to showcase how they align with the institution's values, mission, and community. This may involve highlighting how their academic interests match the university's strengths, discussing how they plan to contribute to the campus community, or sharing personal experiences that demonstrate their fit with the university's culture and values.
Applying for university-specific scholarships can be a competitive process, and international students should present themselves in the best light possible. This includes submitting well-written essays, providing any necessary supporting documentation, and, if applicable, participating in interviews. It is also beneficial to carefully review and proofread all components of the application to ensure they are clear, concise, and free of errors.
Staying Informed: Scholarship opportunities can vary from year to year, and international students should stay up-to-date on the latest offerings from their universities of interest. Signing up for university newsletters, following their social media accounts, and regularly checking their websites can help students stay informed about new scholarship opportunities, changes to existing scholarships, or updates to application processes and deadlines.
In conclusion, university-specific scholarships offer significant financial support and recognition for international students pursuing their academic goals. By understanding eligibility criteria, researching opportunities, leveraging university resources, demonstrating a strong fit, and staying informed, international students can maximize their chances of securing these scholarships and gaining access to a high-quality education. It is important for students to start their research early, carefully prepare their applications, and seek guidance when needed to navigate the scholarship application process successfully.
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Country-specific scholarships
Scholarships for international students are often hard to come by, especially for undergraduate students, and even more so for those seeking fully funded scholarships. However, there are still a number of scholarships available for international students, some of which are country-specific.
- The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme provides scholarships for postgraduate international students from developing countries with no other source of financial aid. The scholarship is 50% grant and 50% 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.
- The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change.
- Conacyt provides scholarships for Mexican students pursuing postgraduate studies in institutions abroad.
- ColFuturo provides scholarships for Colombian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.
- 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 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.
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are an initiative led by the European Commission to provide funding for students worldwide to study in Europe at selected institutions.
- DAAD scholarships are for Master's students from developing countries in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, Central and South America, and Central and Eastern Europe to study in Germany.
- The Embassy of Ireland, Tanzania Fellowship Training Programme offers scholarships for Tanzanian students to study one of the listed eligible Master's degrees in Ireland.
- The University of Groningen Talent Grant for Non-EEA Countries provides funding for specific Master's programs for students from Brazil, China, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, or Russia.
- The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Piet Rietveld Scholarship is for a student from a developing country to study a Master's in spatial, transport, and environmental economics.
- The Australia Awards Scholarships are for students from developing countries, particularly the Indo-Pacific region.
- Destination Australia is a government scholarship and fellowship program.
- The Asia Foundation Development Fellows is a merit-based scholarship for students from developing countries in Asia.
- Erasmus-Mundus – India4EU II is for Indian nationals to study in Europe.
- The East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships provide funding for nationals from the Asia-Pacific region to study in the US at specific institutions.
- The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is an undergraduate scholarship to study at American University in Washington, DC. It is aimed at international students showing leadership potential.
- The Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship Program is a funding opportunity for high-achieving students with an interest in contributing to the student community.
- The Clark University Global Scholars Program offers scholarships of no less than US$10,000, as well as a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship, for first-year international applicants.
- The University of Oregon offers international scholarships for students from around the world.
- The University of Wisconsin Superior Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program offers a tuition waiver for international students demonstrating financial need.
There are also some US universities that offer need-blind admission to international students. Additionally, some scholarship databases provide free services to help students find scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, this scholarship is open to all international and domestic students who meet the eligibility requirements. There is no distinction made between the two groups in terms of the application process and selection criteria.
International students should ensure they meet the standard eligibility criteria, which often includes academic merit, financial need, and sometimes a personal statement or essay. Additionally, international students may need to provide proof of their legal status and ability to study in the country where the scholarship is offered.
International students can improve their chances by carefully reviewing the application requirements and submitting all necessary documentation. They should also ensure their application showcases how they meet the selection criteria, and they may wish to emphasize any unique perspectives or experiences they can contribute as an international student. It is also beneficial to apply as early as possible and to carefully proofread all components of the application.
