Lana Oconnell
International students who wish to study in the United States have a variety of grants and scholarships available to them, although these can be highly competitive. Grants are available from both US and non-US sources, and some are targeted at specific nationalities, fields of study, or students with particular skills and talents. Students should be aware of the eligibility criteria for each grant, which may include nationality, age, previous grades, and financial status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grant availability | Grants for international students are not as abundant as those for domestic students. |
| Application timing | Apply as early as possible, and aim to start applying for funding about 18 months before starting your program. |
| Application criteria | Criteria vary, but may include age, nationality, previous grades, and financial status. |
| Funding sources | Funding may come from the student's home country, international organizations, or U.S. colleges and universities. |
| Grant amount | Grants can vary from as little as $100 to covering full tuition, room and board, and transportation fees. |
| Eligibility | Students need to have their immigration and visa documents in order, and some grants may require a bachelor's degree. |
| Examples of grants | Fulbright Program, Margaret McNamara Education Grant, International Grant in Aid from Miami University, and more. |
| Work eligibility | Students with F-1 status can work part-time on-campus for fewer than 20 hours per week, while J-1 status allows for similar employment with permission from the sponsor. |
| Loan options | International students are not eligible for U.S. government-backed loans but can apply for private international student loans. |
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What You'll Learn
University-specific grants and scholarships
Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program
This scholarship program is aimed at Asian students and covers the full cost of tuition and student fees at Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
New York University Wagner International Scholarships
NYU offers scholarships to international students to study at the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
University of Minnesota International Scholarships
The University of Minnesota offers the Global Excellence Scholarship, as well as the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, which is renewable and offers $15,000 per year.
Michigan State University International Scholarships
MSU offers various grants and scholarships to international students.
Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
Iowa State University offers merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students.
University of Arkansas International Scholarships
The University of Arkansas offers funding opportunities for international students of varying backgrounds and nationalities.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is perhaps the most popular government-funded scholarship for international students in the US. It offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more.
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to women from other countries who are earning graduate degrees in the US.
American Association of University Women Fellowships
These fellowships are for non-American women pursuing a Master's or doctorate in the US. Priority is given to women who demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls.
Civil Society Leadership Awards
These awards offer full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This program provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance, to students from developing countries who are applying for a development-related Master's program.
It is important to note that applications for these grants and scholarships can be extremely competitive, so it is advisable to start applying for funding about 18 months before starting your program. You should also carefully check the eligibility rules and application criteria for each grant or scholarship before applying.
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Government-funded grants
International students seeking government-funded grants to study in the US have a variety of options, although these are not as abundant as grants for domestic students.
The US Department of Labor sponsors the Scholarship Finder, a database of scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. The US Department of Education also offers tips and resources to protect students from dishonest organizations.
One of the most popular government-funded scholarships for international students is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. This program offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more. Fulbright grants are highly competitive and merit-based, and most provide funding that covers round-trip transportation, monthly stipends, and full or partial tuition. The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program provides grants for foreign citizens to teach their language and culture in the US. The Fulbright Program is available in more than 160 countries, and about 4,000 international students are selected to participate each year.
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree scholarship program for international experienced professionals who want to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US. Although the funding does not support degree qualifications, students can study and develop their knowledge at academic institutions across the nation.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) sponsors international fellowships for women who want to study in the US. The amount awarded depends on the type of degree. Students from developing countries can apply for funding through the Aga Khan Foundation, which provides half of the money as a grant and half as a loan. Only students with financial needs will be eligible for an award.
Women from developing countries intending to study in the US or Canada can apply for a Margaret McNamara Education Grant. The foundation gives out six to ten awards, each worth approximately $12,000. Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited university to be eligible.
The International Grant in Aid from Miami University provides a 100% tuition waiver for graduate international students who can demonstrate financial need and meet certain academic standards. Awards are given for one semester at a time, but students can reapply.
Some universities offer tuition waiver programs, meaning international students will pay the in-state tuition rate instead of the out-of-state rate, resulting in significant cost savings over time. Illinois State University, for example, offers tuition waivers, merit awards, and graduate assistantships to incoming international students.
Other notable grants and scholarships include the East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships for international students from the Asia-Pacific region to study at selected institutions in the US, and the Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program, which offers scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
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Private organisation grants
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a highly competitive grant programme supported and administered by the US Department of State. It offers financial assistance to international students pursuing graduate degrees, conducting research, or studying as young professionals and artists at accredited US institutions. The Fulbright programme provides funding that covers round-trip transportation, monthly stipends, and full or partial tuition fees. However, not all Fulbright grants are available in every country, so be sure to check the eligibility requirements on the Fulbright website.
International Fulbright Science and Technology Award
This award is a subset of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and specifically targets international students pursuing a Ph.D. in approved science or technology fields. These fields include aeronautics, biomedical engineering, computer sciences, physics, and neuroscience. Up to 40 awards are granted annually, providing three years of funding for eligible recipients.
Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program
Another Fulbright initiative, this program provides funding for international students pursuing a degree in teaching English as a foreign language. It encourages recipients to study English at a US college or university while immersing themselves in American culture and customs.
AAUW International Fellowship
Sponsored by the American Association of University Women, this fellowship is aimed at women in 116 countries worldwide. It provides funding for graduate and Master's degrees at colleges or universities in the United States, helping to foster gender equality in higher education.
University-Specific Scholarships and Fellowships
Many US universities offer financial incentives for international students to attend their institutions, particularly for graduate studies. These incentives often take the form of assistantships, fellowships, or merit-based scholarships. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on special skills, talents, or abilities, including academic records, artistic abilities, musical abilities, or athletic abilities. Be sure to consult the financial aid office of your chosen university to explore these opportunities.
Country-Specific Scholarships
Some countries offer full scholarships to their students studying in the USA. For example, Saudi Arabia has launched a programme that provides full scholarships to over 10,000 Saudi students pursuing their education in the United States. Before leaving your home country, thoroughly investigate whether similar opportunities exist for students from your nation.
Remember, when applying for private organisation grants, always carefully review the eligibility criteria and application procedures, as they can vary significantly. Start your funding applications early—approximately 18 months before your intended start date—as competition for these grants is often fierce.
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Fellowships and assistantships
Sources of Fellowships and Assistantships
University financial aid offices may offer limited financial aid for international 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, grants, tuition waivers, merit awards, and graduate assistantships to international students.
Notable Fellowships and Assistantships
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Perhaps the most popular US government-funded scholarship for international students, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: This non-degree scholarship program is for international, experienced professionals wishing to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US.
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: International scholarships aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US.
- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship: Awarded twice a year to passionate international students wishing to study in the US, this scholarship is worth $1,000.
- East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships: Scholarships to study in the US within selected institutions, aimed at international students from the Asia-Pacific region.
- Google US/Canada PhD Fellowship: This fellowship recognizes outstanding graduate students doing exceptional work in computer science and related disciplines.
- IBM PhD Fellowship Awards Program: An intensely competitive worldwide program that honors exceptional PhD students with an interest in solving problems important to IBM and fundamental to innovation in many academic disciplines.
- HHMI International Student Research Fellowships: This fellowship program supports outstanding international predoctoral students studying in the United States who are ineligible for fellowships or training grants through the US.
- Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship: Microsoft Research's fellowship program provides financial support for students and early-career faculty, allowing them to focus on their research.
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Nationality-based grants
International students can apply for grants based on their nationality. These grants are offered by universities, governments, or private organizations.
For example, Columbia College in Missouri sponsors grants for international students, such as the Columbia International Award and the International Excellence Award. Similarly, Lewis and Clark University in Portland offers the Davis United World Scholarship for international students, with awards of up to $10,000 determined by financial need and academic merit. The University of Cincinnati also offers grants for foreign nationals.
Some universities offer need-blind admission and provide financial aid for international students of varying backgrounds and nationalities, such as Michigan State University, New York University, and the University of Arkansas.
The US government also sponsors grants for international students. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most popular government-funded scholarships for international graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for a year. The Fulbright Education Exchange Program, supported by the US Department of State, offers highly competitive merit-based grants for US and foreign students studying abroad. The Japan-United States Friendship Commission is another initiative that offers grants to Japanese students wishing to study in the US and vice versa.
International students should also explore funding opportunities from their home countries. For example, Saudi Arabia has a program that provides full scholarships to over 10,000 Saudi students studying in the USA. However, there may be stipulations involved, such as returning home after graduation.
Online scholarship databases, such as Scholarship Finder, EducationUSA, EduPASS, FastWeb, and International Education Financial Aid, can be useful resources for international students to find scholarships, fellowships, and grants. It is important to note that some scholarship databases charge fees, but free alternatives with similar information are available.
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a list of some grants and scholarships that international students can apply for to study in the US:
- Fulbright Program
- International Grant in Aid from Miami University
- Columbia International Award
- International Education Financial Aid
- YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
- Civil Society Leadership Awards
- David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship
- Preply Scholarship
Some universities that offer grants or scholarships for international students include:
- Clark University
- Emory University
- Harvard University
- Illinois State University
- Iowa State University
- Michigan State University
- Columbia College in Missouri
- Lewis and Clark University
The requirements for international students to be eligible for grants or scholarships in the US vary depending on the specific grant or scholarship. However, common requirements include demonstrating financial need, meeting academic standards, and being a full-time student. Some grants and scholarships may also have specific requirements, such as being a woman from a developing country or having a diagnosed form of autism.
International students can use online scholarship databases to search for grants and scholarships that they may be eligible for. Some examples of these databases include Scholarship Finder, FastWeb, and International Education Financial Aid. Students can also contact the financial aid office of the university they plan to attend, as well as organizations like the Overseas Association for College Admission Counseling, to inquire about financial aid opportunities.
Grants and scholarships for international students in the US do not need to be paid back, while loans do. Grants are typically awarded based on financial need and academic merit, while scholarships may also be awarded based on other factors such as special skills, talents, or abilities. Loans for international students typically require a cosigner and it is important to only borrow what is needed to cover the cost of studying and living in the US.
