Scholarships in the USA: Funding Your International Studies
Studying in the US is expensive for international students, but scholarships can help make it possible. This article outlines major scholarship sources and top programs for international students seeking funding for US degrees.
Coming to the United States for college or graduate school is an exciting opportunity. But it also comes with financial challenges, especially for international students who can't access federal student aid. Fortunately, many organizations offer scholarships specifically for international students who want to study in America. With some research, you can uncover funding to make your academic dreams a reality.
Why Scholarships Matter for International Students
International students face major financial hurdles when attending US colleges and universities. Non-resident tuition rates are usually two to three times higher than resident rates. And international students can't take out federal student loans or qualify for federal grants.
Scholarships help fill the gap between costs and available financial aid options. They provide gift aid that doesn't have to be repaid. This makes them an essential resource for international students seeking to offset the costs of studying in America.
Finding Relevant Scholarship Opportunities
Hundreds of scholarship opportunities are available specifically for international students. Here are some top places to search:
Your College's Financial Aid Office
Many colleges and universities offer institutional scholarships and grants for international students. Contact the financial aid office to learn about opportunities unique to that school. Often, the school website will list these scholarships by name and eligibility criteria.
Educational Associations
Professional groups and educational associations administer scholarship programs. For example, the American Association of University Women awards international fellowships for full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the US.
US Embassies & Consulates
American diplomatic outposts around the world offer student advising services. The local EducationUSA center can provide guidance on available funding. US State Department-sponsored scholarships like the Fulbright program also give grants to international students.
Private Foundations & Organizations
Hundreds of private US foundations and organizations fund scholarships for international students. Large providers include the Mastercard Foundation, Atlas Corps, and the Aga Khan Foundation. Use scholarship search platforms to find options by field of study, nationality, and other criteria.
Employers & Government Agencies
Some international students receive scholarship funding from employers or government agencies in their home countries. Contact the human resources department or ministry of education to learn about sponsored programs.
Top Scholarships for International Students
Here are some of the largest, most prestigious scholarships available:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Sponsored by the US State Department, this highly competitive program brings over 4,000 international students to the US annually for graduate degree study, research, and teaching assistantships.
- Schwarzman Scholarship: This scholarship modeled after the Rhodes Scholarship sends 200 students annually to study in Beijing with fully funded master's degrees at Tsinghua University. Applicants from all countries are eligible to apply.
- Gates Cambridge: Awards are given to outstanding international students outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars: Stanford University offers 100 high-achieving students full funding to complete graduate education at Stanford, including the MBA and master’s in engineering programs.
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: This need-based scholarship provides up to $55,000 for international students to complete bachelor’s degrees at American University in Washington, DC.
Tips for Scholarship Seekers
Follow these best practices when applying for international student scholarships:
- Start researching early. Give yourself at least a year to search out and apply for funding. Some programs only accept applications once annually.
- Get organized. Track application requirements, materials needed, deadlines, and more using a spreadsheet. Submit materials well in advance of deadlines.
- Follow instructions carefully. Provide all required documents and stick to word counts or formatting rules. Carelessness can lead to disqualification.
- Apply to multiple scholarships. Increase your chances of success by casting a wide net. Moderate awards from a few sources can add up.
- Highlight leadership skills. Many programs seek out changemakers. Emphasize extracurriculars, volunteer work, and other activities beyond academics.
- Request recommendation letters early. Give your references plenty of time to write compelling support letters that meet the guidelines.
- Tell your story. Use essays and short answers to share what makes you a strong candidate and your goals for how you’ll use the scholarship.
Conclusion: Scholarships Enable Dreams
The high cost of international tuition can feel insurmountable. But through determined searching and applying, scholarships make studying in America possible.
Md Zakir Hossen Shimul
Tap into the many public and private funding sources available for international students in the US. Take advantage of grants from your school as well as prestigious national programs. With focus and organization, you can get the aid you need to achieve your higher education goals.
The future is bright when you broaden your horizons through international education. Let scholarship programs lift financial barriers so you can realize your full potential on campus and beyond.