International Student Scholarship Opportunities Abound in the U.S.
There is no shortage of scholarship opportunities for international students interested in studying in the United States. A quick online search reveals a plethora of resources available to any student willing to put in the time and effort required to apply. Interested students should ask themselves the following questions to help narrow the scope of their search and find the best scholarships for them.
What college or university am I interested in attending?
Many universities have scholarships specifically for their international students. There are scholarships available to provide assistance with tuition, books, and housing. Other scholarship opportunities grant international students the ability to hold campus jobs during the summer.
What special skills or talents do you bring to your university?
Whether you’re an artist, a musician, a writer, or a scientist there are scholarships specifically for you at many American universities. Universities want the best and the brightest to study, create, and research on their campuses. Schools are willing to help students shoulder these financial burdens in order to provide a place for emerging professionals to hone their crafts.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility requirements vary widely. Since there are no set requirements for eligibility, you will need to read the eligibility requirements for each scholarship. Some scholarships require TOEFL scores; a specific country of origin; gender identity; or to maintain a certain grade point average.
How do I apply?
As Colleges and universities create their own scholarship eligibility requirements, schools also create various methods by which students can apply for scholarships. Many scholarships require students to complete a form detailing grade point average, standardized test scores like TOEFL or SAT, and extracurricular activities. Other scholarships may require students to write an essay describing an important event in their life or a goal to which they aspire. Finally, scholarships may require a reference letter from teachers, coaches, or clergy who know the student’s character.
Ready to start your search? Follow the links to more great scholarship opportunities:
International Scholarships Search | Financial Aid
Top Universities Scholarship Information
List of Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships in USA for International Students | 2021-2022 Scholarships
Here are a few of my top picks from the great resources listed above:
Amherst College currently runs a need-based financial aid program that provides assistance to financially needy international students. Once you have been admitted, your financial need is determined. A financial aid award that is equal to your need will then be offered. The award is sometimes called an “aid package” because it may include both self-help (employment) and gift aid (scholarships and grants).
Clark University offers the Clark Global Scholars Program which are open to first-year applicants (not a transfer student) who has attended school overseas for at least four years as well as international citizens attending school in the United States. A scholarship of $15,000 to $25,000 per year (for four years, contingent upon meeting academic standards for renewal) and a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship or research assistantship taken for academic credit during the summer following your sophomore or junior year is included with the award.
Illinois Wesleyan University International Students Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are offered to qualified international applicants with outstanding academic achievement and test scores on the required entrance exams. These awards range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years. In addition, two full-tuition President’s International Student Scholarships may be awarded each year to qualified international students for up to four years of study.
AAUW International Fellowship in USA for Women
AAUW (formerly known as the American Association of University Women) awards international fellowships for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not US citizens or permanent residents. The scholarships are worth $18,000 for Masters, 20,000 for PhD and $30,000 for Postdoctoral students.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students from around the world (as well as young professionals and artists) to study in the USA.
