Janice Lozano
International students are not eligible for U.S. federal aid, such as Stafford Loans or Plus Loans, but there are other sources of funding for those wishing to study in the U.S. The main way to fund your studies in the U.S. is through scholarships, which can be private, institutional, or government-funded. Many universities offer their own scholarships, and some have work-study programs for which international students may qualify. Additionally, several private legal lenders in the U.S. offer loans to international students, although this usually requires a creditworthy co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. There are also several international organizations, such as the Fulbright Commission, that grant aid to students worldwide.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | The majority of universities offering financial aid are located on the East Coast of the US |
| Type of institution | Private institutions tend to offer more financial aid to international students |
| Average financial aid amount | $23,800 for the 2023-2024 academic year |
| Highest average financial aid amount | Vassar College: $86,258 |
| Number of international students supported | Arizona State University: 2,985 international students |
| Types of financial aid | Scholarships, grants, federal loans, private loans, work-study programs |
| Scholarship types | Sports, academic, artistic, merit-based, need-based |
| Example scholarships | Wesleyan African Scholars Program, Lincoln Scholars Program, Belk Scholarship, Wells Scholars Program, Danforth Scholars Program, Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship |
| International scholarship providers | United World Colleges, Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships, Fulbright Commission |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international master's students
Scholarships for International Masters Students
International students are not eligible for U.S. federal aid such as Stafford Loans or Plus Loans. However, there are other funding sources available for international students pursuing a master's degree in the U.S.
Scholarships
Scholarships are the main way to fund your studies in the U.S. as an international student. There are private, institutional, and government-funded scholarships available. While they are highly competitive, your chances of securing one are good if you have impressive achievements and a strong application.
Many U.S. colleges and universities offer scholarships or grants to talented international students. Some scholarships are need-based, awarded to students who can demonstrate financial need, while others are merit-based, granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities.
- The Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University offers full or partial tuition scholarships to students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community.
- The AU Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship at American University in Washington, DC, is awarded to an international student who has shown academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement.
- The Belk Scholarship at Davidson College provides full funding plus special study stipends to outstanding students demonstrating academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and purposeful engagement in the classroom and beyond.
- The Wells Scholars Program at Indiana University - Bloomington.
- The Lincoln Scholars Program at Centre College offers 10 students a full scholarship, renewable for four years, along with individual mentoring and career-building opportunities.
- Wesleyan University's Wesleyan African Scholars Program provides full scholarships for four years of study toward a bachelor's degree to citizens and permanent residents of Africa's 54 countries.
University Work-Study Programs
Some colleges offer their own work-study programs for which international students may qualify. However, jobs available on campus typically do not pay enough to finance a university education, so careful planning is necessary to ensure a rewarding educational experience.
Private Loans
Several private legal lenders in the U.S. offer loans to international students, but there are not many lenders that do so. These lenders usually require a creditworthy co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Federal Loans
International students are eligible for private international student loans to study in the U.S., but they are not eligible for federal loans such as Stafford Loans or Plus Loans. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the most common form of financial aid for domestic U.S. students.
Other Opportunities
Several international organizations, such as the Fulbright Commission, grant aid to students worldwide. Additionally, many private organizations offer scholarships specifically for international students, such as the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships for students from developing countries pursuing a master's degree in a development-related subject.
It is important to carefully research and prepare when applying for scholarships and financial aid to maximize your chances of securing funding and achieving your academic goals.
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Grants and loans for international master's students
International master's students have several financial aid options available to them, including grants, scholarships, and private loans. However, funding opportunities for international students in the US are limited, and most international students cover their tuition fees and costs.
Scholarships
Scholarships are the main way to fund your studies in the US. There are private, institutional, and government-funded scholarships. While they are highly competitive, your chances of securing one are good if you have impressive achievements and know how to make a good application.
Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the Wesleyan African Scholars Program provides full scholarships for four years of study toward a bachelor's degree for citizens and permanent residents of Africa's 54 countries. The Davidson College Belk Scholarship provides full funding plus special study stipends. The Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University offers full or partial tuition scholarships. The AU Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship at American University in Washington DC is awarded to an international student who has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement.
Some scholarships are merit-based and are granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. Your university may have scholarships based on TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability.
Other scholarships are need-based and are awarded based on financial need. Academic departments within the university may have funds allocated to assist international students with exceptional need and/or talent.
There are also international organizations that grant scholarships to students all over the world, such as the Fulbright Commission. The Fulbright Program for Foreign Students offers around 4,000 scholarships every year to international students who want to study in the US. United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships include a group of 18 universities across the world, with over 10,000 students benefiting from the programme each year. The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships are open to students from developing countries who want to study a Master’s in a development-related subject in one of their 27 partner universities from the US, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan.
Loans
International students are not eligible for US federal aid such as Stafford Loans or Plus Loans. However, international students are eligible for private international student loans. Several private legal lenders in the US offer loans to international students, but there are not many lenders, and they usually require a creditworthy co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident.
Work-Study Programmes
Many colleges offer their own work-study programmes for which international students may qualify. However, international students are not eligible for federal work-study, and jobs available on campus typically do not pay enough to finance a university education. Additionally, immigration regulations are strict with respect to working while on a student visa.
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Private scholarships for international master's students
There are a variety of private scholarships available for international master's students. These scholarships can help alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses, making it possible for students to pursue their dream of studying abroad. Here are some examples of private scholarships:
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation offers scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial aid for their graduate studies. The scholarships are half grant and half loan.
American Association of University Women Fellowships
This scholarship is offered by the American Association of University Women and is open to non-American women seeking a master's or doctoral degree in the USA. Priority is given to women who demonstrate a commitment to advancing women and girls' empowerment.
Civil Society Leadership Awards
The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer full scholarships for master's students from certain countries who are dedicated to promoting social change.
Country-Specific Scholarships
Some countries offer scholarships specifically for their citizens who are pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. For example, Conacyt provides scholarships for Mexican students, while ColFuturo supports Colombian students.
University-Specific Scholarships
Some universities offer private scholarships specifically for international master's students. For example, the University of Melbourne in Australia offers the Melbourne Research Scholarships for research-based master's and PhD programs. These scholarships are evaluated based on academic performance, research proposals, and potential contributions to the field.
External Scholarships
In addition to university-provided financial aid, there are external scholarships provided by organizations and institutions. For example, the Fulbright Scholarships are offered for master's and PhD studies at American universities. These scholarships require academic excellence, leadership potential, and English proficiency.
To find private scholarships, international master's students should research opportunities specific to their desired country and field of study. Websites like Scholarship Roar, eduPASS, and MBA and Beyond offer comprehensive lists of scholarships for international students, making it easier to identify potential funding sources.
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Sports scholarships for international master's students
Sports scholarships are a great way to combine education with sports while getting your degree funded. Here is some information on sports scholarships for international master's students:
University of Nottingham, UK
The University of Nottingham offers the Foundation Sports Scholarship for national and international high-achieving athletes in any sport. The scholarship is worth £2,500 and is open to applicants from all countries.
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
The University of Strathclyde offers the Postgraduate Taught Performance Sport Scholarship to assist students in fulfilling both their academic and sports potentials. This programme provides participants with academic flexibility, world-class sports science and medical support, and financial assistance towards training and competition costs.
Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL), Malaysia
IUKL offers the Sports Excellence Scholarship to outstanding athletes, including both Malaysian and international students. To be eligible, applicants must have represented their state or country in any sports competition in the three years prior to joining IUKL.
University of Stirling, UK
The University of Stirling offers the Postgraduate Merit Scholarship for international master's students. While this scholarship is open to UK and Ireland nationals only, it is still a great option for those who are eligible.
Western Colorado University, USA
Western Colorado University offers International Merit Scholarships for international students, including those pursuing master's degrees. This scholarship is open to all nationals and can be a great opportunity for those looking to study in the United States.
Additional Resources
There are also organisations that specialise in placing student-athletes in universities with sports scholarships, such as U.S. Sports Scholarships and College Scholarships USA. These organisations can help you navigate the complex process of finding the right university and securing a financial package that works for you. It is important to start your research early, approximately 18 to 24 months before you plan to attend university, as the application process is competitive.
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Work-study programs for international master's students
International students in the US often face challenges in covering the costs of their education, as funding opportunities are limited. While some international students self-fund, others rely on scholarships, grants, federal loans, private loans, or work-study programs.
Work-study programs allow international students to work and study simultaneously, helping them gain money and work experience. These programs are becoming increasingly common, with some schools offering a specialised Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program.
At the University of Pennsylvania, institutional funds are used to allow eligible international undergraduate students to participate in the work-study program. International students receiving work-study have access to the same job opportunities and are paid on the same schedule as those receiving federal work-study. The only difference is the source of their funding, and it is only available during the academic year.
Additionally, some private legal lenders in the US offer loans to international students, but these lenders are scarce and usually require a creditworthy co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident.
It is important to note that international students are generally not eligible for federal funding, and the option of applying for federal loans (FAFSA) is limited by strict conditions. However, FAFSA is still the most common form of financial aid for domestic US students, partially covering their tuition fees, which they start repaying six months after graduation.
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Frequently asked questions
Some universities that offer financial aid to international master's students include The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Vassar College, Stanford University, Pomona College, and Vanderbilt University.
There are many scholarships that international master's students can apply for. Some popular ones include United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships, Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships, and the Fulbright Program for Foreign Students.
International master's students can also get financial aid through federal loans, private loans, or work-study programs. However, international students are not eligible for U.S. federal aid such as Stafford Loans or Plus Loans.
International master's students should consider the total cost of attendance, including tuition, room, and board when looking for financial aid. They should also be aware of any restrictions on their student visas, as there may be work restrictions that limit their ability to work and pay for their education.
