Scholarships in the USA for International Students
For international students aiming to study in the USA, scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of higher education. Whether you’re entering your first year, pursuing graduate studies, or returning for a new academic year, numerous scholarship opportunities are available.
How to Secure Scholarships in the USA for International Students
Securing a scholarship in the USA requires patience, commitment, and thorough preparation. Here are a few steps you should follow to improve your chances:
- Start Early: Begin your scholarship search well in advance and remain persistent in applying to multiple opportunities.
- Maintain Strong Academic Performance: Exceptional grades and test scores are essential in making your application stand out.
- Contact Your School’s Financial Aid Office: Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. Begin by researching your school’s financial aid website, and if needed, reach out directly for further guidance.
- Check Scholarship Eligibility: Ensure you meet all requirements such as TOEFL scores, GPA, or nationality. Some scholarships may be exclusive to students from particular countries or fields of study.
- Apply: Once you identify a scholarship for which you qualify, proceed with your application. Reach out to college admissions officers or financial aid experts for assistance if necessary.
There are several categories of scholarships for international students, including those funded by the US government, private organizations, or individual institutions.
Types of Scholarships Available for International Students
USA Government-Funded Scholarships
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Open to international students in almost every field (excluding medicine), this program supports postgraduate studies, including master’s and PhD courses. The scholarship covers airfare, tuition fees, health insurance, textbooks, and living stipends.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
- This non-degree program is aimed at experienced professionals who wish to undertake 10 months of academic study in the USA. The program is designed to promote mutual understanding and strengthen international relations.
Non-Governmental Scholarships for International Students
- Abbey Road Summer Scholarships
- Provides US$1,000 for international students pursuing language and art studies and US$500 for “summer enrichment” programs.
- You Are Welcome Here Scholarship
- Applicants must submit an essay or video detailing their efforts to bridge cultural divides. Each participating school may have additional specific requirements.
- Civil Society Leadership Awards
- A fully-funded scholarship for master’s level students from eligible countries, it covers tuition and living expenses for studies in the USA.
- David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship
- Valued at US$1,000, this scholarship is for students diagnosed with autism, who are currently enrolled or planning to attend a US university.
- Preply Scholarship
- A competitive scholarship offering US$2,000 to three winners. To qualify, applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 35 and submit a 500-word essay on topics related to online education, multilingualism, or professional development.
- Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
- Awarded twice a year, this US$1,000 scholarship is for students planning to study in the USA.
- Surf Shark Privacy and Security Scholarship
- A US$2,000 scholarship open to international students who are currently enrolled in a high school, undergraduate, or graduate program in the USA. An essay submission is required.
Scholarships for Students from Specific Regions
- East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships: Designed for students from the Asia-Pacific region, this program offers funding to study in the USA.
- Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships to 11 exceptional Asian students for undergraduate studies at Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
- Japan-United States Friendship Commission: Provides grants for Japanese students planning to study in the USA.
Scholarships for Australian Students
- Australian-American Fulbright Commission: Offers scholarships to Australian citizens at all career stages. This program promotes academic and cultural exchange, allowing scholars to pursue research or study in the USA and bring knowledge back to their home country.
Scholarships for Female Students
- Bat and Ball Game Women’s Sports Scholarship: A US$1,000 scholarship for women studying sports-related degrees in the USA.
- AAUW International Fellowships: This fellowship, offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), is for female international students pursuing higher education in the USA.
- MIT-Zaragoza Women in Logistics and SCM Scholarship: Specifically for female international students, this scholarship supports studies at the Zaragoza Logistics Center at MIT.
Graduate Scholarships in the USA
- Rotary Peace Fellowships: Available to master’s students pursuing studies at one of the Rotary Peace Centers, such as at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Duke University.
Scholarships for African Students
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme: Aimed at African students pursuing master’s degrees in the USA.
- MasterCard Foundation Scholarships: Scholarships for African students to study in the USA.
Universities Offering Scholarships in the USA
Several universities in the USA offer scholarships for international students. Here are a few:
- American University: Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- Clark University: Global Scholars Program
- Brandeis University: Wien International Scholarship Program
- Emory University: Needs-Based Scholarship Program
- Illinois State University: International Awards
- Harvard University: Scholarships
- Iowa State University: International Merit Scholarships
- New York University: Wagner International Scholarships
- Michigan State University: International Scholarships
- University of Arkansas: International Scholarships
- University of Iowa: Scholarships for International First-Year Students
- University of Minnesota: International Scholarships
- University of Oregon: International Scholarships
- University of Wisconsin Superior: Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program
Additional Resources
For more information on scholarships, you can also reach out to the public affairs department at the US embassy in your home country. Many embassies offer educational resources, including guidance on available scholarships and funding opportunities for international students pursuing education in the USA.
By researching your options and applying to multiple scholarships, you increase your chances of securing financial aid for your studies in the USA.