International Student Scholarships: Which Universities Offer Them?

which universities offer scholarships for international students

Scholarships for international students are available at many universities around the world, including in the US, the UK, Germany, Japan, China, and Australia. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or awarded based on a combination of academic achievement, test scores, and other talents. Some scholarships are also specifically designed to enhance intercultural understanding and exchange. While some scholarships offer full funding, others provide partial tuition waivers or stipends. The application processes vary, but many scholarships require applicants to demonstrate strong academic records, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. International applicants may also need to meet minimum requirements on standardised tests, such as the TOEFL or IELTS.

Characteristics Values
Number of scholarships More than 1000 fully funded scholarships are available at top universities for international students
Average stipend $1000 per month
Universities Yale University, Oxford University, Cambridge University, Harvard University, Monash University, CGS China, ETH Zurich, Ton Duc Thang University, Stanford University, KAIST University, Centre College, Davidson College, Indiana University, Amherst College, St. Lawrence University, Vassar College, Stanford University, Pomona College, Vanderbilt University, University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Colorado State University, George Mason University, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, University of Nevada Reno, Northern Arizona University, Wright State University, Wichita State University, University of North Texas, West Virginia University, Oregon State University, University of South Florida, Saint Louis University, University of Alabama, Washington State University, Drew University, University of Tulsa, American University, University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of New Hampshire, Adelphi University, University of Idaho, San Jose State University, Temple University
Scholarship types Full tuition fee waivers, partial tuition fee waivers, merit-based, need-based, academic achievement, test scores, other talents, competitive, leadership potential, extracurricular activities, intellectual curiosity, community activities, TOEFL score, IELTS score, athletic ability, art, departmental, regional availability, transfer students, first-time freshmen, graduate assistantships, FAFSA, grants, federal student loans, work-study funds, field of study, country of origin
Amounts $23,800, $81,939, $86,258, $77,000, $78,300, $83,000, $20,000, $10,000

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Scholarships for international students in the USA

The cost of living and studying in the USA is high, but there are many scholarships available to international students to help ease the financial burden. These scholarships are offered by US universities, the US government, and private organisations.

University scholarships

Many US universities offer scholarships to international students, either directly or through departmental awards. Some examples include:

  • Arizona State University: Offers the New American University (NAMU) Scholarship for undergraduate students with high academic excellence.
  • Northern Arizona University: Provides merit-based tuition waivers for undergraduate and graduate international students.
  • Oregon State University: Offers merit-based scholarships and regional availability-based scholarships for international students.
  • Harvard University: Provides a range of competitive international scholarships for students from all over the globe.
  • Illinois State University: Offers tuition waivers, merit awards, and graduate assistantships to incoming international students.

US Government scholarships

The US government also funds scholarships for international students. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is perhaps the most popular option, offering scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more. The Fulbright Program is also offered by the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, which facilitates academic and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Private organisation scholarships

There are also private organisations that provide scholarships for international students in the US. Some examples include:

  • The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme: Offers scholarships for postgraduate international students from developing countries in Africa.
  • The American Association of University Women: Provides fellowships for non-American women pursuing a Master's or doctorate in the USA.
  • The Civil Society Leadership Awards: Offers full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries dedicated to fostering social change.
  • The DAAD Scholarship: A fully-funded scholarship for master's or PhD studies at top German universities, covering monthly payments.

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Scholarships for international students in Germany

Germany is one of the most affordable Western European countries for international students in terms of living and education costs. Higher education at most public universities is almost free. However, there are many other expenses to consider besides tuition fees. Luckily, there are many scholarship offerings and ways to qualify for a scholarship to study in Germany.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest German funding organization for international academic cooperation and is the largest scholarship provider for international students looking to study in Germany. It finances approximately 150,000 fellows per year. The DAAD Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship that covers monthly payments of 934 euros for graduates or 1,300 euros for doctoral candidates. It is available for master's or PhD studies at the top German universities.

The Expatrio scholarship is another option for international students from all countries. Applicants must have applied for the Expatrio Value Package and plan to start studying in Germany in the Winter Semester of 2025. Expatrio will pick three main winners: the first prize is €15,000, the second-place recipient receives €12,000, and the third-place winner gets €9,000. Fourth to tenth-place winners’ awards include one of the following: rent payment for six months (up to a €3,000 value), a new laptop, German language lessons, or semester contribution fees.

Additionally, there are fully funded scholarships offered by the German government and organization-funded programs, which play a significant role in making higher education in Germany more accessible to students worldwide. These scholarships are available for master's, PhD, or research programs at German universities, lasting a minimum of four semesters. Graduate students receive €992 per month for two years, while PhD students receive €1,400 per month for three years.

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Scholarships for international students in Japan

Japan has a range of scholarship opportunities for international students. The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship is funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan. There are seven types of Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship programs, including:

  • Research students
  • Teacher training students
  • Undergraduate students
  • Japanese studies students
  • College of technology students
  • Specialized training college students
  • Young Leaders Program (YLP) students

The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students is another option for international students. This scholarship is provided by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). JASSO also offers the Student Exchange Support Program for those accepted under student exchange agreements with their home schools outside Japan. This scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 80,000 yen. Additionally, local governments and international associations in Japan provide scholarships to students living in their district or attending schools in the area.

Kyoto University, for example, offers a variety of scholarship programs for international students. The scholarships typically provide between 30,000 and 180,000 yen per month to one or two students. Applications for these scholarships are usually accepted following matriculation, although some programs accept applications from those who have been accepted but have not yet matriculated.

Other universities in Japan that offer scholarships for international students include Waseda University, Kochi University of Technology, and more. It is important to note that scholarships may not cover all the costs of studying abroad, so students should also consider their personal financial resources when planning their studies in Japan.

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Competitive applications

Competition for scholarships can be fierce, and applicants must often demonstrate strong leadership potential, intellectual curiosity, and marked participation in extracurricular, service, or community activities. For instance, Davidson College's Belk Scholarship is awarded to students with extraordinary potential, as demonstrated by academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and purposeful engagement in the classroom or in student, civic, athletic, or artistic organizations.

Additionally, international applicants may need to meet minimum score requirements on standardized tests, such as a minimum score of 90 on the TOEFL or 7.0 on the IELTS. Some scholarships, like the San Jose State University's Global Spartan Scholarship, require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Scholarships may also require applicants to submit an essay or multimedia project demonstrating their ideas and commitment to advancing intercultural learning and understanding. For example, the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship at Temple University asks applicants to submit an essay or video describing their vision for enhancing intercultural understanding.

Some scholarships are reserved for students with outstanding academic records, such as the Wells Scholars Program at Indiana University-Bloomington, which typically accepts students ranked in the top 5% of their class. Other scholarships may prioritize students who demonstrate a pattern of serious commitment to one or two extracurricular activities outside of class.

Furthermore, certain scholarships may be targeted towards specific groups, such as Temple University's #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship, which offers $10,000 per academic year for four years to first-year applicants from Philadelphia's sister cities.

Overall, applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements for each scholarship and ensure they submit a strong and comprehensive application that highlights their unique strengths and qualifications.

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Scholarship application processes

The scholarship application process can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and a systematic approach, international students can successfully navigate it. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Research and Identify Scholarships:

Start by conducting a comprehensive search for scholarships that align with your profile, level of study, and target universities. Utilize online resources such as scholarship websites (e.g., ScholarshipRoar, InternationalStudent.com, InternationalScholarships.com) and university financial aid pages. Create accounts on scholarship websites to access detailed information and application processes.

Understand Eligibility Criteria:

Carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship. Criteria may include academic merit (grades, test scores), country of origin, financial need, or specific achievements in extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service. Ensure you meet the essential requirements before proceeding with the application.

Prepare Required Documents:

Scholarship applications often require various documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and proof of extracurricular involvement. Gather and prepare these documents, ensuring they highlight your strengths and meet the scholarship's specific requirements.

Complete the Application:

Most scholarship applications are now submitted online. Follow the instructions provided by the scholarship provider or university carefully. Pay attention to deadlines, as they vary for each scholarship. You may be required to submit essays or participate in interviews as part of the application process.

Demonstrate a Strong Fit:

Scholarship committees often seek candidates who embody specific qualities and align with their institutional values. Showcase your unique strengths, experiences, and potential contributions to the university community. Highlight how the scholarship will empower your academic and personal growth, and how you can give back to the institution and its diverse campus experience.

Maintain Academic Standing:

If you are awarded a scholarship, remember that the work doesn't stop there. Many scholarships come with ongoing requirements, such as maintaining a certain grade point average, attending classes regularly, and participating in extracurricular activities. Ensure you understand and fulfil these obligations to continue receiving funding.

Applying for scholarships can be a competitive and time-consuming process, but it is worth the effort. Don't let the fear of rejection deter you from pursuing these opportunities. Start your search early, stay organized, and be diligent in submitting well-prepared applications. Good luck!

Frequently asked questions

Many US universities offer scholarships for international students, including:

- Temple University

- University of Arizona Tucson

- Arizona State University

- Virginia Commonwealth University

- Colorado State University

- George Mason University

- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

- University of Nevada, Reno

- Northern Arizona University

- Davidson College

- Indiana University Bloomington

- Yale University

- Stanford University

- Harvard University

- Monash University

Some universities outside the US that offer scholarships for international students include:

- ETH Zurich

- Ton Duc Thang University

- KAIST University

- German universities (through the DAAD Scholarship)

- Japanese universities (through the MEXT Scholarship)

Scholarships for international students can be need-based or merit-based. Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who can demonstrate financial need, while merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, test scores, or other talents. Some scholarships are also specifically designed to enhance intercultural understanding and exchange, such as the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship.

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