International Student Scholarships: Available Opportunities

what scholarships are available for international students

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education as an international student, but they can be competitive and challenging to find. While most scholarships are aimed at domestic students, there are still plenty of opportunities for international students to gain funding for their studies. Scholarships are available from a range of sources, including universities, third-party organisations, and study abroad providers. Some scholarships are aimed at specific nationalities, demographics, or areas of study, while others are open to a broader range of applicants. To increase your chances of gaining a scholarship, it's important to start your search early and apply for scholarships that fit your specific profile.

Characteristics Values
Scholarship provider MPOWER Financing, P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship, College Board, Aga Khan Foundation, Civil Society Leadership Awards, Conacyt, ColFuturo, Foreign Fulbright Student Program, Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, Bold.org, International Student, eduPASS, Go Overseas, IEFA
Target students Undergraduate, graduate, Master's, MBA, high school, doctoral, international, female, students of colour, students from developing countries, students from specific countries
Requirements Academic merit, financial need, enrollment in a specific academic program, community service, essay, video, blog
Benefits Tuition, travel expenses, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, travel allowance, textbooks, room and board, transportation, stipends
Application process Sign up for an account, search by location, subject of study, student origin, or award name, contact host institution, apply directly

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Scholarships for international students in the USA

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education as an international student in the USA. While they are limited, and competition can be fierce, there are still plenty of opportunities to gain financial support for your studies.

Where to Look

Firstly, it is important to know where to look for scholarships. Your school's financial aid office is a good place to start. Most colleges offer scholarship programs specifically for international students, so check out their website or get in touch with the office directly. There are also many free online resources, such as InternationalScholarships.com, International Student, and Fastweb, which offer searchable databases of scholarships, grants, and loans. EduPASS is another useful resource, providing a glossary of terms relevant to student financial aid.

Scholarships for International Students

Now, let's look at some specific scholarships for international students in the USA:

  • The Fulbright Foreign Student Program: One of the most popular government-funded scholarships, Fulbright offers support for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from all fields except medicine to study in the USA for one year or more.
  • The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: This scholarship is for students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial aid for their graduate studies. It is a 50/50 grant and loan.
  • American Association of University Women Fellowships: These fellowships are for non-American women pursuing a Master's or doctorate in the USA. Priority is given to women committed to the advancement of women and girls.
  • P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to women from other countries pursuing graduate degrees in the USA.
  • Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship Program: This scholarship is for high-achieving students with an interest in contributing to the student community.
  • Clark University Global Scholars Program: Clark University offers scholarships of at least $10,000, plus a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship, to first-year international applicants.
  • Emory University Needs-Based Scholarship Program: Emory University offers funding opportunities for international students who can demonstrate financial need.
  • Illinois State University International Awards: Illinois State University provides tuition waivers, merit awards, and graduate assistantships to incoming international students.
  • Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships: A merit-based scholarship program for high-achieving international students.
  • Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship: A $2,000 prize is available to students enrolled in a US high school, undergraduate, or graduate program. Applicants must submit an essay, and the scholarship is open to all nationalities.
  • Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship: Awarded twice a year to international students wishing to study in the USA, this scholarship is worth $1,000.
  • East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships: Scholarships for international students from the Asia-Pacific region to study at selected institutions in the USA.
  • Zonta International Fellowship: This scholarship is available to 30 women from any accredited college or university with aerospace engineering or space sciences programs. It is open to women of any nationality pursuing a doctoral degree in these fields.

Remember, eligibility criteria vary for each scholarship, so be sure to carefully review the requirements and application process for each one. Good luck with your scholarship search!

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Scholarships for international students in Canada

There are a variety of scholarships available for international students in Canada, offered by both the Canadian government and individual universities.

The Canadian government offers scholarships such as the Study in Canada Scholarships, which provide international students from a wide range of countries and territories with short-term exchange opportunities for study or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program (FMPBP) is another scholarship offered by the Canadian government, which accepts applications from Canadian post-secondary institutions on behalf of eligible international candidates.

Additionally, individual universities in Canada offer a range of scholarships for international students. For example, the University of Waterloo, Université de Montréal, Douglas College, University of Saskatchewan, and University of Toronto all offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships can be fully or partially funded and may provide a monthly stipend, accommodation charges, health insurance, and a travel allowance. The University of Toronto, for instance, offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, which recognises students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership within their schools. The University of Calgary also offers an International Entrance Scholarship, which is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship worth up to $60,000.

Some universities, such as UBC, offer specific programs for international students with strong academic backgrounds who do not yet meet the English language requirements for direct admission. UBC's Vantage One program offers scholarships based on academic achievement, intellectual promise, and extracurricular or community involvement.

Other scholarships for international students in Canada include the Global Affairs Canada’s Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship and the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program (CCSEP), which offers scholarships to Chinese scholars and professionals conducting research in Canada.

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Scholarships for international students from developing countries

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education as an international student. While many scholarships are aimed at US citizens, international students can also apply for competitive scholarships from universities and organizations. Here are some scholarships that are specifically for international students from developing countries:

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

This scholarship provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance to students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development.

Commonwealth Master's Scholarships

These scholarships are for students from developing countries in the Commonwealth who wish to study in the UK at the master's level.

British Council Scholarships

These scholarships are specifically for Indian students who want to study in the UK.

Said Foundation Scholarships

These scholarships are for Iraqi, Jordanian, Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian postgraduate students who want to study in the UK.

Australia Awards Scholarships

These scholarships are offered by the governments of Australia and the Federated States of Micronesia for students from developing countries, particularly the Indo-Pacific region.

Erasmus-Mundus – India4EU II

This scholarship is for Indian nationals who wish to study in Europe.

Asia Foundation Development Fellows

These merit-based scholarships are for students from developing countries in Asia.

Eiffel Scholarships

These scholarships provide funding for master's and PhD students from outside France.

DAAD Scholarships

These scholarships are for master's students from developing countries in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, Central and South America, and Central and Eastern Europe who wish to study in Germany.

University of Groningen Talent Grant for Non-EEA Countries

This scholarship provides funding for specific master's programs at the University of Groningen for students from Brazil, China, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, or Russia.

MPOWER Financing

MPOWER Financing offers scholarships for international and DACA students through its Global Citizen Scholarship Program. It also has a specific scholarship program for students from Central America, offering up to $3,000 towards their international education.

Other notable mentions

  • Ghent University Top-up Grants
  • Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Empowerment Through Education Scholarships
  • The Hanken School of Economics GBSN Scholarship
  • Leiden University Kuiper-Overpelt Study Fund
  • Ewha Womans University Global Partnership Scholarship
  • Duke Kunshan University Blair Sheppard Leadership Scholarship
  • Asian Institute of Technology Japan Government Scholarship
  • Fulbright Program
  • Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

It is important to note that the availability and eligibility criteria of these scholarships may vary from year to year, so be sure to check the latest information on the official websites of the scholarship providers. Additionally, there are many other scholarships available for international students from developing countries, so don't be afraid to do some savvy scholarship hunting to find the ones that best fit your profile and needs!

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Scholarships for international students from specific countries

There are a variety of scholarships available for international students from specific countries. Here are some examples:

Country-specific scholarships

  • The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other means of funding their education.
  • 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 support to students from developing countries who have contributed to their home country's development and are applying to graduate programs.
  • The MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program offers up to $3,000 towards the international education of students from Central America.
  • The University of Groningen Talent Grant for Non-EEA Countries offers funding for specific Master's programs to students from Brazil, China, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, or Russia.
  • The Embassy of Ireland, Tanzania Fellowship Training Programme provides scholarships for Tanzanian students to pursue a Master's degree in Ireland.
  • The East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships provide funding for nationals from the Asia-Pacific region to study in the US at specific institutions.
  • Australia Awards Scholarships are open to students from developing countries, particularly the Indo-Pacific region, and offer an unrestricted choice of programs.

Scholarships for specific groups

In addition to country-specific scholarships, there are also scholarships available for students from specific groups or with certain characteristics:

  • The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries who are pursuing graduate degrees in the USA.
  • The Amelia Earheart Fellowship, created in honor of Amelia Earheart, is available to 30 women from any accredited college or university with aerospace engineering or space sciences programs. It is open to women of any nationality pursuing a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering and space sciences.
  • MPOWER Financing offers scholarships for international and DACA students through its Global Citizen Scholarship Program, which has broad eligibility criteria and is offered throughout the year.
  • The UK government offers the GREAT Scholarships to students from 18 countries pursuing a variety of subjects at UK universities.
  • The UK's Chevening Scholarships provide fully funded master's degrees in the UK for international students.
  • The Commonwealth Scholarships are given by the UK to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage.
  • Equal access or sanctuary scholarships are offered as tuition fee reductions or waivers, or maintenance awards, to refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution from their home countries.
  • Disability scholarships support international students with disabilities, long-term mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or other special needs.

Scholarships for students from developing countries

Students from developing countries may be eligible for a number of international scholarships aimed at increasing diversity and inclusivity in universities worldwide. Many scholarships in this category have additional criteria, such as a specific country of origin or destination, a particular subject of study, or ties to a particular university. Here are some examples:

  • Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: An initiative led by the European Commission to provide funding for students worldwide to study in selected institutions in Europe.
  • INSEAD Business School International Scholarships: Over 90 different business school scholarships, many aimed at students from developing regions.
  • DAAD scholarships: Scholarships for master's students from developing countries in Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands, Central and South America, and Central and Eastern Europe to study in Germany.
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Piet Rietveld Scholarship: A scholarship for a student from a developing country to study a master’s in spatial, transport, and environmental economics.
  • Asia Foundation Development Fellows: Merit-based scholarships for students from developing countries in Asia.
  • Erasmus-Mundus – India4EU II: Scholarships for Indian nationals to study in Europe.

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Scholarships for international students with specific demographics

Women

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries who are earning graduate degrees in the USA. The American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women seeking a Master's or doctorate in the USA, with priority given to women who demonstrate a commitment to advancing women and girls' causes. Zonta International, inspired by Amelia Earhart, offers a fellowship for 30 women from any recognised college or university with aerospace engineering or space sciences programmes.

Students from Developing Countries

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 Civil Society Leadership Awards offers full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change.

Students from Asia-Pacific

The East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships are aimed at international students from the Asia-Pacific region. The Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program offers scholarships to 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, covering tuition and student fees. The Japan-United States Friendship Commission offers grants to Japanese students wishing to study in the US, and vice versa.

Students with Autism

The David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship is a $1,000 award open to current or prospective students in the US with autism.

Students from Specific Countries

Some scholarships are available only to students from specific countries, such as the scholarships for Colombian and Mexican students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad offered by ColFuturo and Conacyt, respectively. There are also scholarships specifically for Scottish and Hungarian students.

Frequently asked questions

There are several scholarships available for international students. Here are some examples:

- MPOWER Financing's Global Citizen Scholarship Program

- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship

- Civil Society Leadership Awards

- Fulbright Program

- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

- Bold.org's Diversity and Inclusion scholarships

- Go Overseas' IDEA Scholarships

- Child Family Health International scholarships

Some websites that provide scholarship search tools for international students include:

- eduPASS

- InternationalStudent.com

- Bold.org

- IEFA

- Go Overseas

Here are some tips for applying for scholarships as an international student:

- Start your search early and apply to as many scholarships as possible.

- Look for scholarships with specific eligibility criteria that match your profile, as these tend to have fewer applicants.

- Consider both broad scholarships and those created for specific demographics.

- Research what scholarships are available, and put together a strong application that represents your needs and background well.

Full scholarships for international students are quite rare, especially in the US. Most US-based scholarships aim to support American students, and international students often have to pay out of pocket. However, some scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available specifically for international students, so it is important to research and apply to these.

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