Janice Lozano
International students can access a range of scholarships, grants, and awards to help fund their studies. These are offered by universities, private organisations, and governments. While some scholarships are open to all nationalities, others are region-specific. For example, the MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program offers up to $3,000 towards an international education for students from Central America. The application process for scholarships varies, with some requiring an application form, while others may require a written piece of work or proof of financial need. It is important to note that scholarship scams are common, and international students are often targeted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application process | Application forms, essays, personal statements, projects, interviews, references, academic records, proof of admission, financial documents, CV, letters of recommendation |
| Application timing | Deadlines vary, but applications are typically due before the start of the academic year |
| Eligibility | Criteria vary, but may include academic merit, financial need, extracurricular involvement, diversity, and more |
| Scholarship providers | Universities, organizations, companies, governments |
| Scholarship amount | Varies, some cover full tuition and fees, while others provide partial support |
| Scholarship frequency | Some scholarships are one-time awards, while others are renewable or provided annually |
| Application resources | Online scholarship databases, university websites, government websites |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements
The application requirements for scholarships for international students will vary depending on the scholarship and institution. Some scholarships require applicants to complete an application form, while others may require a specially written piece of work or for applicants to be pursuing studies in a specific field. It is important to research the specific requirements for each scholarship before applying. Here are some common components of scholarship applications for international students:
- Application forms: These may outline personal details, academic programme choices, grades, and campus preferences, among other things.
- Essays: Many scholarships require applicants to submit essays or short answers to specific questions. These may focus on personal statements, academic interests, or other topics.
- Academic records: Transcripts, proof of admission, and other academic documents may be required to demonstrate academic achievement and eligibility.
- Letters of recommendation: Some scholarships require letters from nominators, such as school counsellors, teachers, or other academic referees.
- Financial documents: Applicants may need to provide information on their financial situation to demonstrate need.
- Resume or CV: A resume or CV may be required to outline awards, achievements, extracurricular activities, work experience, or other qualifications.
- Interviews: Some competitive scholarships may include an interview process as part of the application.
- Specific eligibility criteria: Certain scholarships may have specific eligibility requirements, such as nationality, field of study, or other criteria. For example, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is for students from developing countries applying for development-related Master's programs.
It is important to note that application requirements may differ for undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships. For example, postgraduate scholarships may be more competitive and require additional components, such as industry experience or other qualifications. Additionally, international students should be aware of potential scams targeting them and should only apply through legitimate channels.
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Application deadlines
For example, the University of Oregon offers international scholarships with an annual deadline, while the University of Minnesota offers the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, which is renewable yearly. The Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program is another example of an annual scholarship, awarding scholarships to 11 exceptional Asian students wishing to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
Some scholarships may have multiple deadlines throughout the year, such as the Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship, which is awarded twice a year to international students studying in the US. Other scholarships, like the MPOWER Financing Global Citizen Scholarship Program, are offered throughout the year with no specified deadlines.
Additionally, students should be aware that some scholarships may have specific requirements, such as the need to maintain a certain grade point average or attend a minimum number of classes. Failing to meet these requirements may result in the withdrawal of funding. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review and understand the terms and conditions of each scholarship before applying.
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Undergraduate scholarships
International students aiming to pursue undergraduate studies can apply for scholarships to help finance their education. While some scholarships are only available to US citizens and permanent residents, there are also numerous scholarship opportunities specifically for international undergraduate students. These include scholarships offered by individual colleges, as well as those provided by private organisations and government initiatives.
International students can utilise scholarship search engines and databases to find suitable scholarships. Websites such as InternationalStudent.com, eduPASS, Fastweb, Buddy4Study, and InternationalScholarships.com offer free and comprehensive scholarship search tools. These platforms provide information on scholarships, grants, and loan programs available to international students worldwide. It is recommended to create an account on these websites to easily access relevant scholarship details and application procedures.
When applying for undergraduate scholarships, it is essential to plan and start the process early. Scholarship deadlines can vary, with some opening a year in advance. For instance, applications for Fall entry in the US typically commence around May of the previous year. Therefore, prospective international students should ideally begin their scholarship search at least a year before their intended enrolment date. This allows ample time to identify suitable scholarships, prepare application materials, and meet the respective deadlines.
The application requirements and processes for undergraduate scholarships can differ. Some scholarships may require a simple application form, while others may have more specific criteria. Commonly, scholarships may ask for essays, personal statements, academic achievements, or interviews as part of the selection process. It is advisable to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application guidelines for each scholarship to increase the chances of success.
Lastly, international students should be cautious of potential scholarship scams. Reputable scholarship providers will not ask for money or sensitive financial information during the application process. In case of doubt, it is recommended to consult with the admissions office or international student office at the university of interest. By staying informed and proactive, international students can effectively navigate the scholarship application process and secure financial support for their undergraduate studies.
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Postgraduate scholarships
There are several scholarship search engines that provide comprehensive and searchable databases of scholarships, grants, and loan programs for international students. These include International Student, Fastweb, and Buddy4Study (for Indian students applying to schools in the USA and other countries).
International students looking to study in the US can refer to the following scholarships:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Perhaps the most popular US government-funded scholarship for international graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: A non-degree scholarship for international, experienced professionals to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US.
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: Undergraduate scholarships for international students showing leadership potential.
- Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship Program: Funding for high-achieving students who contribute to the student community.
- Clark University Global Scholars Program: Scholarships of at least US$10,000, along with 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 for students enrolled in the US or elsewhere as high school, undergraduate, or graduate students. Applicants need to 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 for international students from the Asia-Pacific region to study at selected institutions in the US.
- Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program: Scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, USA.
- Japan-United States Friendship Commission: An initiative offering grants to Japanese students wishing to study in the US, and vice versa.
- 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's Global Citizen Scholarship Program: Offers broad eligibility criteria and niche scholarships for international and DACA students.
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: Awards scholarships to women from other countries earning their graduate degrees in the USA.
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: Provides scholarships to students from select developing countries with no other source of financial aid for graduate studies. The scholarships are 50% grant and 50% loan.
- American Association of University Women Fellowships: Offers funding 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, and the scholarship may be reapplied for each year of the program.
- Civil Society Leadership Awards: Offers full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries 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.
In addition, the UK government offers postgraduate scholarships for international students, such as the Chevening Scholarship, which requires at least two years of eligible work experience. The Marshall Scholarship is another option for those pursuing a master's or PhD, provided they have graduated from a four-year undergraduate course.
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Scholarship scams
As an international student, you are a prime target for scholarship scams. Scam operations often imitate legitimate government agencies, grant-giving foundations, education lenders, and scholarship-matching services. They use official-sounding names containing words like "National," "Federal," "Foundation," or "Administration." Victims of scholarship scams lose thousands, if not millions, of dollars collectively on an annual basis.
- Advance-fee loan scams: Scammers will say, "The scholarship will cost some money," and ask for an upfront payment, sometimes disguised as a "processing cost" or "redemption fee." They may also request your credit card or bank account number to hold the scholarship. Remember, legitimate companies never guarantee or promise scholarships or grants.
- Guaranteed scholarships: Be wary of scholarship matching services that guarantee success. They might say, "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back," or "You can't get this information anywhere else." However, legitimate scholarship opportunities are not sold through nerve-racking tactics like rushing and high pressure.
- Financial aid seminars: Scammers often promote seminars where they claim to help you get financial aid or scholarships. These events are usually high-pressure sales pitches where they pressure you to pay for their services immediately. They might tell you that you're a finalist for a contest you never entered. Remember, solid opportunities will not ask you to pay at the seminar or risk losing out.
- Social media and email invitations: Scams often start with a social media post, email, or letter in the mail. It might look like a personalized invitation, saying you've been selected for a particular scholarship or financial aid package. However, these are often just sales pitches in disguise.
To protect yourself from scholarship scams, always do your research and investigate the organization offering the scholarship. Remember that legitimate scholarship opportunities are rarely exclusive and will not require you to pay any fees.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many resources available to students looking for scholarships. Websites such as InternationalStudent.com, eduPASS, Fastweb, Buddy4Study, and InternationalScholarships.com offer free scholarship searches.
The application deadlines for scholarships vary. Some scholarships are yearly, while others are one-off. It is best to check the deadline for each scholarship you are interested in.
The application requirements vary depending on the scholarship. Some scholarships require applicants to submit an application form, while others may require a specially written piece of work or for the applicant to be pursuing studies in a certain field. Some common requirements include essays, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of financial need.
