Scholarships for International Students in the USA

Securing a scholarship is a key issue for international students which wish to study in the U.S., a country that has the best education systems in the world. Although the U.S. provides excellent academic opportunities the issue of cost is a great barrier for students. But also we see a great range of scholarship and financial aid options which makes the study dreams of people from all over the world a reality. Whether given out by the U.S. government, universities, or private groups these scholarships cover from tuition fees to living costs thus opening up the door to academic success.

Types of Scholarships

International students which wish to study in the U.S. may apply for a wide range of scholarships which have different degrees of financial support. Awards which we will present in terms of their sources include public and private. Here are the primary forms of scholarships available to international students in the U.S.:.

Government-Funded Scholarships

These are Government of the US based awards which also are the best in terms of prestige they cover full tuition, living costs, and travel. Also they aim to promote international academic exchange and leadership growth.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright program which is very competitive among international students for which they apply to do graduate studies or research in the U.S. What it does is cover tuition, air fare, a living allowance and health insurance. Also open to over 155 countries’ students the Fulbright program which puts to practice cross cultural understanding through academic exchange.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

This program is for professional already in the field who want to improve their leadership skills through what we term as postgraduate study which is not for a degree. We cover tuition, living and health insurance for a term of one year.

University-Funded Scholarships

Many large number of U.S. universities present very generous scholarships for international students. We see that these scholarships are either for merit or need or a mix of both. Also, we see that they provide full or partial funding which is very much appreciated by the students and also there are some universities which are very well known for being need blind which means they accept students into their institutions without regard to financial situation and they will meet 100% of the demonstrated need.

Harvard University Scholarships

Harvard presents a wide range of scholarships which also include support for undergraduates based on need. For graduate students we have fellowships, teaching positions, and research grants which are also made available through programs like the Harvard International Office.

Stanford University – Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

This program awards complete support to graduate students from all over the world who wish to study at Stanford. The scholarship which we offer includes tuition, a stipend for living costs, and other academic expenses, which in turn we hope will foster leadership and cross disciplinary collaboration.

Yale University Scholarships

Yale has a very generous financial aid package for both undergraduates and graduates. All of our undergrad aid is need based, and we have a variety of fellowships and scholarships for grad students.

Private and Non-Profit Organization Scholarships
Non profit organizations, foundations, and private companies also award to international students. These scholarships may also put on which fields of study or demographic groups they will support and report very competitive application processes.

The Gates Scholarship
This elite scholarship is given to minority high school seniors that have excellent academic performance. It pays for the full price of attending a U.S. college or university which includes tuition, fees and living expenses.

AAUW International Fellowships

AAUW awards grants to women from all over the world that are pursuing graduate level studies in the U.S. which we put toward empowering women in fields such as STEM.

Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

Rotary provides scholarships for students that are pursuing graduate study in one of the Rotary Foundation’s key areas which include peacebuilding, disease prevention and education. We cover tuition, travel and living costs.

Field-Specific Scholarships

Some scholarships have been set aside for students that are pursuing studies in certain fields like STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), social sciences, or international development.

AAUW International Fellowships (STEM Focus)
AAUW has fellowships which go to women in pursuit of their graduate degrees, also we see to it that the majority go into the STEM fields. We also use these awards to promote gender equality and to better women’s educational outcomes which in turn we hope will change the balance in very masculine fields.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

This program is for students from developing countries enrolled in graduate study related to development at certain U.S. universities. We cover tuition, a monthly living allowance, and travel.

Top Scholarships at Leading U.S. Universities

Many top U.S. universities present extensive scholarship packages to attract international talent. What each package includes varies by school but typically they cover full or partial expense of tuition, living costs, and other academic fees. Here are some of the best scholarships at premier institutions:.

Harvard University – Financial Aid Program

Harvard’s financial aid is put in place to see that all accepted students, which may be from any country or from diverse financial backgrounds, are able to participate in a Harvard education. We provide full need based aid for under graduates which covers up to 100% of the demonstrated need which includes tuition, fees, room and board. Also we have fellowships, assistantships and departmental scholarships which we award to graduate students which in turn funds their study.

Coverage: Variable which includes full or partial based on financial need.

Eligibility: International postgraduate and exchange students.

How to Apply: Under grad students are to turn in a financial aid application upon admission, also grad students are to check with their department regarding fellowships.

Stanford University – Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford is a very elite group which they have for graduate students worldwide. We fully fund study in any of what Stanford has to offer for grad level including MBA, JD, MD, and PhD programs. Also we put an emphasis on developing leadership and cross disciplinary work.

Coverage: Full scholarship, housing allowance, academic fees, and travel.

Eligibility: Open to international students for graduate programs at Stanford.

How to Apply: Applicants put in to both the Knight-Hennessy program and their desired Stanford graduate program.

Yale University – Yale Scholarship

Yale also provides need based scholarships for international students which is a model like that of Harvard’s. We see at the undergraduate level aid given out based on need and at the graduate level students may apply for fellowships and assistantships which cover生活费用.

Coverage: Need based that covers full tuition, room and board.

Eligibility: International degree seeking students.

How to Apply: Submit your CSS Profile and related financial documents with your aid application.

Columbia University – Columbia International Scholarship

Columbia University presents a range of scholarships to international students which include merit based awards and need based financial aid. Also we have the Columbia College International Scholarship which is for very good international students that also prove financial need.

Coverage: Need based full or partial.

Eligibility: International and postgraduate students.

How to Apply: International students that apply to Columbia must present financial aid applications which also prove their need via tax returns or income statements.

MIT – MIT Scholarships

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) weaves a safety net for international undergraduates which is based on need. As for graduate students, MIT presents fellowships along with research and teaching assistantships which cover tuition and living costs. Also MIT is set out to meet full demonstrated financial need of undergraduate students.

Coverage: Full or partial based need.

Eligibility: Postgraduate and exchange students.

How to Apply: Submit your CSS Profile for financial aid as an undergraduate; graduate students should check with their specific department for funding info.

Scholarships for Graduate Studies

For international students enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program as well as research oriented studies in the U.S. we see a great many scholarship options. These scholarships which also include research grants cover tuition, living costs and in some cases health insurance which allows the students to put all their energy into their studies and professional growth.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is a very elite group for graduates which it has made out of a pool of international talent. At Stanford we find these students from around the world who are put through its’ various academic programs. Also the program is put in place to identify and mold what they hope will be the leaders of the world which they do through an intensive interdisciplinary approach to study and leadership development.

Coverage: Full fare for tuition, board and supplies.

Eligibility: Graduate programs at Stanford which international students apply to.

How to Apply: Apply to the Knight-Hennessy program as well as your selected graduate program at Stanford.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a very competitive grant for international students which is interested in obtaining a master’s or PhD in the U.S. It also is a platform for cultural exchange and understanding which provides full support for academic programs and research.

Coverage: Full support which includes tuition, living expenses, health insurance and travel.

Eligibility: From over 150 countries international students are admitted to the U.S. for graduate studies and research.

How to Apply: Applications are submitted to the Fulbright Commission or the U.S. embassy in the country of the applicant’s residence.

AAUW International Fellowships

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) awards fellowships to international women that are pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. We have as a goal through this to promote gender equality which we do by supporting women in fields such as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Coverage: Between 30,000 per year which varies by program level.

Eligibility: Women from abroad pursuing a full time graduate or postgraduate degree.

How to Apply: Submit your in depth application which should include your academic records and recommendations at the AAUW portal.

Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

The Rotary Foundation provides grants to students who are working on their postgraduate degree or research in what the Rotarians identify as key areas including peace and conflict resolution, disease control, or education. We see these grants as a way to get students to work on projects which in turn will aid in global development.

Coverage: As high as $30,000 which covers tuition, accommodation, and travel.

Eligibility: Rotary focused international students.

How to Apply: Apply via a local Rotary club which should include a project proposal related to one of Rotary’s global focus areas.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

This scholarship initiative is for students from developing countries which we are to support to pursue graduate studies related to development at chosen U.S. universities. The program’s goal is to build human resources in World Bank partner countries.

Coverage: Full scholarship for tuition, monthly living allowance, round trip airfare, and health insurance.

Eligibility: Students in which have professional experience and a commitment from the developed world to go back to their home countries after they finish their studies.

How to Apply: Apply at the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program site.

Scholarships for Undergraduate Studies
In the U.S. we see that which goes to international students for their undergraduate studies is in fact a great relief to the financial pressure of getting a degree. Many institutions put out merit based, need based, and mixed scholarships which in turn allows talented students from all over the world to access high quality education. Also here are some which stand out in the field of under grad scholarships.

Harvard University – Need-Based Financial Aid
Harvard has a great track record of dedication to financial aid which they extend to international undergraduates. Also they have a policy which includes full coverage of what is proven to be need based aid.

Coverage: Full ride for tuition, room, board and personal expenses based on financial need.

Eligibility: International degree seeking students.

How to Apply: Applicants may include the CSS Profile and other financial info as part of the application.

Yale University – Yale College Scholarships

Yale has a need based financial aid program for international students that which which allows us to report they fully benefit from our support. Yale we are to meet 100% of what is determined to be your need, we do not allow financial issues to play a role in access to our school.

Coverage: Inclusive financial support which covers tuition, room and board.

Eligibility: International students at Yale.

How to Apply: Upon completion of the CSS Profile and submission of required financial documentation.

Stanford University – Stanford Scholarships

Stanford provides scholarships for study related expenses to under graduates which also includes international students as we are dedicated to the cause of affordability. We give out a large amount of these scholarships which in turn cover a great deal of tuition and living costs which in turn makes us accessible to a very diverse group of students.

Coverage: Tuition full ride, also including room and board for students with financial need.

Eligibility: Foreign undergraduate students.

How to Apply: Applicants will include the CSS Profile and also other financial documents with their application for admission.

University of Southern California International Talent Scholarship.

The University of Southern California (USC) awards the International Merit Scholarship to very talented international students. We present this award to recognize achievement and also to help with tuition.

Coverage: Awards are given out in a range of 20,000 per year.

Eligibility: International academic standouts.

How to Apply: No separate application is required of students; they are put into consideration for the scholarship when they apply for admission.

The Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship which is very competitive for minority high school seniors that also are in great financial need. We also see it to include full payment of all attendance costs at any U.S. college or that which they choose as well as total support through the whole undergraduate experience.

Coverage: All tuition, fees, room, board, books and transport.

Eligibility: High school seniors of minority background who show financial need.

How to Apply: Students may apply via the Gates Scholarship portal and also must meet academic and personal criteria.

How to Apply for U.S. Scholarships

Applying for scholarships in the U.S. is a competitive game but with care and organization international students can improve their chances of success. Here’s a step by step guide on how to do it well:.

Research Available Scholarships

Before you apply, do your research to find out which scholarships are a match for your academic and personal background. Look at eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and application deadlines. Also check out:.

University financial aid websites

Scholarship search engines (e.g., Fastweb, Cappex)

Education USA that which puts together a great deal of info for international students.

Understand Eligibility Requirements
Each scholarship has it’s own set of eligibility criteria which you must meet. This may include things like academic performance, financial need, field of study, or demographic factors. Carefully read the requirements for each scholarship and make sure you qualify before applying.

Prepare Necessary Documents

Most scholarship apps require a set of support docs. Also which ones include:.

Academic transcripts

Standard results of standardized tests (if applicable, e.g. SAT, GRE).

Letters of recommendation

Personal statement or scholarship essay

Financial documentation (for need-based scholarships)

Write Compelling Scholarship Essays
A strong scholarship essay is a key part of the application. Here are some tips for writing an effective one.

Be Personal: Share your story, the challenges you have faced, and what you wish to achieve. Tell what drives you and which brings you to study in the U.S.

Follow Guidelines: Adhere to the word count and instructions given by the scholarship committee.

Proofread: Proofread your essay for grammar and spelling issues. Also think about getting a second opinion on the overall impact and clarity.

Gather Strong Letters of Recommendation
Letters which are of a recommendatory nature may greatly improve your application. Select people who know you well and can talk about your academic skills, character, and what you are made for. Give them plenty of time to put it together and report back on what they will include.

Submit Applications Before Deadlines
Timely application is of the essence in scholarship applications. Pay attention to each deadline and also see to it that you put in your applications well in advance. Many scholarships have early deadlines which is why organization is at a premium.

Prepare for Interviews (if applicable)
Some scholarships may require an interview which is a part of the application process. If you are called in for an interview do your research on typical questions asked, practice your responses out loud, and put forth your passion for your field of study and your future goals.

Follow Up
After you submit your applications we suggest that you follow up with the scholarship committees to verify that they have received your materials. Also it is a great idea to send out notes of gratitude to recommenders and any scholarship committee members which supported you through the process.

In the U.S. international students report that higher education is a transforming experience but at the same time they do face large financial challenges. That said we see a great range of scholarship options which put to ease these issues and in turn we see talented students from all over the world enrolling in our best academic programs.

From programs such as the Fulbright Scholarship to which many universities have their own special grants and also we see that which private groups hand out merit based awards there is a great deal that a student has at his or her disposal for securing financial support for study. The key to it all is doing in depth research, putting in detailed preparation, and being able to tell your story and present your academic goals very well.

As you begin your scholarship application process, we encourage you to research many different options, familiarize yourself with what is required, and take the time to write great essays and get strong support from your recommenders. By you and your team putting forth great effort in your applications you will see that your chances of winning financial aid increase, which in turn will make it possible for you to fulfill your dream of studying in the U.S.