Top 24 Scholarships for International Students Studying in the USA: How to Apply Successfully

There are various scholarships for international students studying in the USA. Read this post to the end to find out about available scholarships in the USA set aside for international students.

Studying in the United States is a dream come true for many students around the world. However, the responsibility of having to pay for college fees might be quite challenging, especially for international students who also have some other financial hurdles to overcome.

Fortunately, provisions for scholarships have been made for international students studying in the USA. Read on to the end of this post to discover different types of scholarships specifically available scholarships for international students studying in the USA.

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Types of Scholarships for International Students

Government-Sponsored Scholarship:

It is a known fact that many countries offer a government-sponsored scholarship for their citizens to study abroad, including the United States. Tuition, living expenses, and travel allowances are sometimes covered by this scholarship. If you are an international student and would like to find out if this type of scholarship is offered in your country, you can always reach out to the Ministry of Education in the country to find answers.

Private Scholarships:

Private settings, organizations, foundations, and other private corporations also offer scholarships as an act of charity to both local and international students. Although these scholarships may be offered on different conditions, applicants might have to meet either of the following conditions, private scholarships may be academic merit-based, specific field of study, the financial status of applicants, etc. Information on private scholarships for international students studying in the USA can be found by searching online through search engines, educational websites, news on social media, and sometimes via your college or university’s financial aid office.

University’s Specific Scholarships:

The majority of the universities in the United States annually offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships range from full tuition coverage to partial coverage of tuition. Basically, the university’s scholarships are mostly, merit-based, with financial needs and varying minor factors. Visit the financial aid office or the international student’s office to find out more about available international scholarships at your university.

Field-Specific Scholarships:

It might interest you to discover that professional scholarships are also offered to students who are majoring in a specific field. Students are offered scholarships in fields like engineering science and business. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics (IEEE) is an example of a professional scholarship offered to students studying electrical engineering. Field-specific scholarships can be found by checking the websites of any professional organizations related to your field of interest.

Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships for International Students Studying in the USA

Certain eligibility criteria are to be met by international students before they can be considered for a scholarship. It should be noted that before one can be considered for admission in the USA, one must first be admitted into a university in the United States. Additionally, other eligibility criteria that must be met are stated below;

• Proof of citizenship in a country other than the United States
• Proof of financial need as stated in your essay
• A statement of purpose or personal essay
• Evidence of academic achievements which includes transcripts and test scores
• Letters of recommendation from the appropriate bodies

How to Apply for International Scholarships

It is a known fact that the application process for international students can be quite challenging and competitive, in other to stand a chance of landing one, it is important to begin your search early, below this section. We have provided you with some interesting tips to help you apply for international scholarships;

1. Carefully Research Scholarships- Make use of online scholarship search engines and educational websites to search for scholarships that might be of interest to you, as stated earlier, you can also make use of your university’s financial aid office in search for information specifically about every available scholarship for students studying in the USA
2. Gather Required Materials- Theses involves making sure you have your transcripts, test scores, citizenship certificate, and personal essays readily available before proceeding with the application process
3. Complete the Application- Fill out the scholarship application completely and carefully. Make sure you follow the steps and instructions laid out for the registration, answer every question accurately and honestly
4. Save your application information and double-check for errors before proceeding to submit
5. Submit the application- Do not submit late, submit your application by the deadline alongside any required materials to complete your application process
6. Wait for Response- once you are done with the submission, the scholarship providers might reach out to successful applicants via mail, messages, or just on their website. This might take some weeks or even months sometimes, so it is advisable for students to wait but be optimistic to check for the shortlisted applicants.

USA Government Scholarships for International Students

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Master’s and PhD Excellence

The Foreign Fulbright Student Program stands as a testament to the commitment of the USA government to global education. Full scholarships are offered to international students pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. degrees, covering tuition fees, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. This program extends its support not only to degree pursuits but also to non-degree postgraduate studies.

How to Apply:

To apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, visit the official website of the Fulbright Program. The application process typically involves submitting academic records, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Ensure to check the specific requirements and deadlines on the official website.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be international students seeking Master’s or Ph.D. degrees.
• Strong academic background and achievements.
• Commitment to pursuing advanced studies and contributing to their home countries.

2. Humphrey Fellowship Program: Leadership Enrichment

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers a year of professional enrichment in the USA for experienced professionals worldwide. This fully funded fellowship is granted based on leadership potential and a commitment to public service, encompassing all related expenses for selected fellows.

How to Apply:

Application details for the Humphrey Fellowship Program can be found on the official website. The process typically involves submitting a detailed application form, letters of reference, and a personal statement. Specific requirements may vary by country.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Experienced professionals with a track record of leadership.
• Commitment to public service in the public or private sector.
• Meet country-specific eligibility criteria.

US Colleges and Universities: Scholarship Opportunities

3. AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program: Civic Dedication

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program at American University targets high-achieving international students dedicated to positive civic and social change. Covering full tuition, room, and board, this scholarship is a gateway for students aiming to make a positive impact in their home countries.

How to Apply:

Applicants for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program need to complete the scholarship application available on the university’s official website. The application typically includes academic records, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.

Eligibility Requirements:

• High-achieving international students seeking a Bachelor’s Degree at American University.
• Dedication to positive civic and social change in their home country.

4. Amherst College Scholarships: Need-Based Financial Aid

Amherst College operates a need-based financial aid program, providing assistance to financially needy international students. Once admitted, the financial need is determined, and an aid package, including self-help and gift aid, is offered.

How to Apply:

International students applying to Amherst College are automatically considered for need-based financial aid upon submitting their admission application. Additional documentation, such as financial statements, may be required.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Admitted international students with demonstrated financial need.
• Requirements may vary based on individual circumstances.

5. Berea College Scholarships: Full Support for the First Year

Berea College stands out by providing admitted international students with financial aid and scholarships covering 100% of tuition, room, board, and fees for the first year. Subsequent years expect students to contribute, with summer jobs available to meet the obligation.

How to Apply:

Prospective students applying to Berea College should complete the application for admission. Once admitted, international students are automatically considered for financial aid.

Eligibility Requirements:

• All admitted international students are eligible.
• Full financial support for the first year; subsequent years require student contributions.

6. Wien International Scholarship Program (WISP) at Brandeis University: Global Citizenship

The Wien International Scholarship Program (WISP) at Brandeis University encourages students from around the world to pursue an undergraduate program, fostering global citizenship. This scholarship meets the full demonstrated financial need of each recipient.

How to Apply:

Applicants for the Wien International Scholarship Program should follow the university’s regular admission process and complete the required financial aid forms. Detailed instructions can be found on the university’s financial aid website.

Eligibility Requirements:

• International students applying for undergraduate programs at Brandeis University.
• Demonstrated financial need.

7. Clark University Scholarships: Presidential Excellence

Clark University offers the prestigious Clark Presidential Scholarships, recognizing academic and leadership potential. Awarded to approximately five students yearly, it covers full tuition, and on-campus room and board for all four years.

How to Apply:

To be considered for the Clark Presidential Scholarships, applicants must submit the Common Application and the Supplemental Essay. No separate scholarship application is required.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Outstanding academic record and leadership potential.
• Applicants must complete the regular admission process.

8. Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships: Merit-Based Aid

International students at Colby-Sawyer College are eligible for merit-based financial aid, increasing based on academic ability. The scholarship values range up to $8,000 per year, though the college does not meet full financial need.

How to Apply:

Merit-based financial aid at Colby-Sawyer College is automatically awarded based on academic ability and achievements. No separate application is required.

Eligibility Requirements:

• International students with strong academic achievements.
• Merit-based aid is determined by GPA and other academic factors.

9. Columbia College Scholarships: Recognition of Excellence

Columbia College acknowledges outstanding international students with scholarships and awards, offering one-time cash grants or a 15%-100% tuition reduction.

How to Apply:

International students are automatically considered for scholarships upon submitting their application for admission to Columbia College. No separate scholarship application is needed.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Outstanding international students with exceptional academic achievements.
• Awards are based on the admission application.

10. Concordia College Scholarships: Academic and Merit-Based Support

Concordia College provides partial financial assistance to international students, offering the International Student Scholarship based on academic ability and family need, ranging up to $16,000 per year. The International Excellence Scholarships are competitive, merit-based awards for up to four years.

How to Apply:

To be considered for Concordia College scholarships, international students should complete the application for admission and the International Student Financial Aid Application.

Eligibility Requirements:

• International students demonstrating academic ability and financial need.
• Merit-based awards for exceptional applicants.

11. Dartmouth College Scholarships: Meeting Demonstrated Need

Dartmouth College commits to meeting the demonstrated need of all admitted undergraduates, including international students. Scholarships and loans are available, with allowances for travel to the U.S.

How to Apply:

International students applying to Dartmouth College should complete the financial aid application process, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for U.S. citizens. Detailed instructions are available on the college’s financial aid website.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Admitted international undergraduates.
• Financial needs are determined through the college’s aid application process.

12. East Tennessee State University: Academic Merit Support

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) offers the International Students Academic Merit Scholarship for new international students seeking a graduate or undergraduate degree. With values of $12,500 for undergraduates and $5,000-$9,000 for graduates per academic year, this scholarship recognizes academic merit.

How to Apply:

Applicants must complete the online scholarship application after being admitted to ETSU. The application deadline and requirements are available on the university’s scholarship page.

Eligibility Requirements:

• New international students pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree at ETSU.
• Strong academic merit demonstrated through GPA and test scores.

13. East-West Center: Graduate Degree Fellowship

The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship provides funding for up to 24 months for Master’s or Doctoral degree study for graduate students from Asia, the Pacific, and the U.S. This fellowship facilitates educational, residential, and leadership development programs at the East-West Center while pursuing graduate study at the University of Hawai’i.

How to Apply:

Details on applying for the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship can be found on the official website. The application process typically involves submitting academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Graduate students from Asia, the Pacific, and the U.S.
• Commitment to participating in educational and leadership development programs.

14. Emory College Scholarships: Need-Based and Merit Awards

Emory College offers need-based financial aid awards to select international students. Additionally, international applicants can apply for partial to full merit-based scholarships through the Emory University Scholars Program.

How to Apply:

1. Apply for admission to Emory College.
2. Follow the financial aid application process and apply for merit-based scholarships separately.

Eligibility Requirements:

• International students are eligible for need-based financial aid.
• Additional applications are required for merit-based scholarships.

15. Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships: Merit-Based Recognition

Illinois Wesleyan University grants merit-based scholarships to qualified international applicants with outstanding academic achievements. Awards range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year, renewable for up to four years. The President’s International Student Scholarships may cover full tuition for up to four years.

How to Apply:

1. Apply for admission to Illinois Wesleyan University.
2. Automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Qualified international applicants with outstanding academic achievements.
• Renewable for up to four years.

16. Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships: Competitive Recognition

Iowa State University acknowledges the excellence of international freshmen by considering them for a limited number of merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of SAT or ACT scores, high school marks/grades, and awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per year, renewable for continued excellence.

How to Apply:

1. Apply for admission to Iowa State University.
2. Be automatically considered for merit scholarships during the admission process.

Eligibility Requirements:

• International freshmen applying for undergraduate programs.
• Evaluation based on SAT or ACT scores, and high school marks/grades.

17. Michigan State University International Scholarships: Limited Financial Support

While Michigan State University provides a limited number of scholarships and grants to deserving international students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, these financial packages are not designed to cover the full academic program. Instead, they contribute to overall expenses.

How to Apply:

1. Explore the official Michigan State University scholarship opportunities.
2. Follow the application instructions for the specific scholarships available.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Deserving international students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Scholarships contribute to overall expenses, not the full academic program.

18. New York University Wagner Scholarships: Merit-Based Support

New York University offers merit scholarships to a limited number of admitted students each application cycle, including international students. The scholarships range from partial to full tuition, with amounts varying between $25,000 and $47,000.

How to Apply:

1. Apply for admission to New York University.
2. Follow the specific application process for merit scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Admitted students, including international applicants.
• Merit-based awards, with varying scholarship amounts.

19. Oregon University Scholarships: Diverse Financial Aid Opportunities

Each year, the University of Oregon awards over $2.5 million in financial aid and scholarships to international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Notable among these is the ICSP Scholarship, which provides tuition-waiver scholarships ranging from partial to full tuition for up to 15 credits per term each year. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic merit, and the ability to make presentations to diverse groups.

How to Apply:

1. Explore the University of Oregon scholarship programs.
2. Apply for the ICSP Scholarship by submitting the necessary documents.

Eligibility Requirements:

• International students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• ICSP Scholarship criteria include financial need, academic merit, and presentation skills.

20. Wesleyan University Scholarships: Limited Financial Aid for Exceptional Qualifications

Wesleyan University recognizes the exceptional qualifications of foreign students. While financial aid for foreign students is limited, the Freeman Asian Scholars Program offers full tuition scholarships for a four-year course of study at Wesleyan. Approximately 40-45 foreign students are expected to receive financial assistance out of around 2,800 international applicants applying for aid.

How to Apply:

1. Apply for admission to Wesleyan University.
2. Demonstrate exceptional qualifications and financial need.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Exceptionally qualified foreign students.
• Limited financial aid is awarded based on qualifications and needs.

21. University of the West Scholarships: Academic Excellence and Financial Need

The University of the West extends scholarships to new international students demonstrating high academic standards and financial need. For incoming students, the scholarship ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 per year, contributing to the pursuit of academic goals.

How to Apply:

1. Apply for admission to the University of the West.
2. Submit additional scholarship application materials demonstrating academic excellence and financial need.

Eligibility Requirements:

• New international students with high academic standards.
• Demonstrated financial need.

Institutions Offering International Scholarships for Study in the US

22. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships: Development-Related Studies

The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program stands as a global initiative, providing full scholarships to students from World Bank member countries. Students can pursue development-related studies at selected universities, including Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Chicago, Cornell University, and Columbia University.

How to Apply:

1. Visit the official Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program website.
2. Follow the application guidelines, including university-specific requirements.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Students from World Bank member countries.
• Pursuing development-related studies at selected universities.

23. AAUW International Fellowships: Empowering Women in the US

AAUW empowers women around the world through international fellowships. These fellowships support full-time study or research in the United States and are open to women who are not US citizens or permanent residents. The scholarship values are $18,000 for Master’s, $20,000 for Ph.D., and $30,000 for Postdoctoral students.

How to Apply:

1. Visit the AAUW official website for fellowship details.
2. Complete the application process, providing the necessary documents.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Women who are not US citizens or permanent residents.
• Full-time study or research in the United States.

24. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme: Postgraduate Studies Support

The Aga Khan Foundation offers a limited number of scholarships for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from selected developing countries. The scholarship program operates on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis, awarded through a competitive process once a year.

How to Apply:

1. Check the Aga Khan Foundation website for application details.
2. Prepare and submit the required documents for the competitive application process.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Outstanding students from selected developing countries.
• Postgraduate studies anywhere in the world, including the US.

FAQs About Scholarships for International Students Studying in the USA

Q1: How can I apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program?

• A: Visit the official Fulbright Program website and follow the application guidelines, including submitting academic records, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Q2: Are university-specific scholarships limited to certain nationalities?

• A: University-specific scholarships vary; some are open to all international students, while others may have specific nationality requirements. Check the details on the university’s official scholarship page.

Q3: Can I apply for multiple scholarships from different providers simultaneously?

• A: Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously to increase your chances of securing financial aid. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for each scholarship.

Q4: How competitive are university-specific merit-based scholarships?

• A: University-specific merit-based scholarships can be highly competitive, as they often attract applications from outstanding students. It’s crucial to showcase your academic achievements and leadership potential in your application.

Closing Remark on Scholarships for International Students Studying in the USA

Scholarships for international students in the USA can help cover the cost of tuition, as well as other expenses associated with studying in the United States. International scholarships can be competitive, but in other to increase your chance of landing one, start your search and begin your application early.

Embarking on an international education journey in the USA is a significant step, and scholarships play a pivotal role in making this dream a reality for many students. From government-funded programs to university-specific awards and global initiatives, the diverse array of scholarships caters to students with varying needs and aspirations. As you navigate the application process, remember to carefully review the eligibility criteria, prepare thorough documentation, and, most importantly, showcase your unique qualities that make you a deserving candidate for these prestigious scholarships.

In conclusion, Scholarships for International Students Studying in the USA Providers open doors to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and a transformative educational experience. Whether you aspire to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D., contribute to positive civic change, or engage in development-related studies, there’s a scholarship waiting to support your academic journey in the land of opportunities. Take the first step, explore the opportunities, and turn your dreams into reality.

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