We all know that going to school with scholarship opportunities as an international student can be overwhelming, but finding the right fit can make all the difference.
To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of scholarships tailored to international students like you. Our curated list features partners that offer support to undergraduate students pursuing higher education in the United States, as well as those seeking funding for their MBA studies.
Whether you’re seeking fully funded scholarships or partial tuition support, our comprehensive list has got you covered. Explore our collection of scholarships for international students and take the first step towards turning your academic dreams into reality.
However, there are various scholarships available to help international students achieve their academic goals. In this article, we will discuss the top scholarships for international students, eligibility criteria, and tips to improve your chances of securing a scholarship.
1. Top Scholarships for International Students 1. $25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship Eligibility: Open to all students, including international students Amount: $25,000 Deadline: July 1, 2024
2. MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship Eligibility: International and DACA female students pursuing a career in STEM, medical field, or education Amount: $6,000 Deadline: June 30, 2024
3. GeneTex Scholarship Eligibility: Declared STEM majors at accredited postsecondary institutions Amount: $2,000 Deadline: July 12, 2024
4. Global Citizen Scholarship Eligibility: International or DACA students attending college at a U.S. or Canada college that MPOWER supports Amount: $10,000 Deadline: July 31, 2024
5. GyanDhan Scholarship Eligibility: Indian residents with an undergraduate degree from an Indian university pursuing a 2-year postgraduate course in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, or Germany Amount: 100,000 INR (~1,200 USD)Deadline: August 31, 2024
6. Foreign Fulbright Student Program Eligibility: International students interested in studying and conducting research in the United States Amount: Varies Deadline: Varies by country
7. Georges Lurcy Fellowships Eligibility: French students enrolled in American universities pursuing doctoral degrees or conducting research Amount: $20,000 Deadline: Varies.
Other Sources of Private Scholarships
1. High School Teachers, Guidance Counselors, and Librarians Ask if there are any school-sponsored scholarships available
2. Parents/Guardians’ Employers Ask if there are any scholarship opportunities provided by their employer(s)
3. Your Employer Ask if your company offers any scholarships to graduating high schoolers
4. Your Place of Worship Ask the staff if any scholarship opportunities are available
College-Specific Merit Scholarships
1. American University (Washington, D.C.) The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship awards one international student who will require a visa to study in the U.S. Amount: Full tuition, room, and board (for up to four years)
2. Boston University (Boston, MA) BU automatically considers its international freshman applicants for the Presidential and Trustees scholarships
3. Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) The Wien International Scholarship Program (WISP) is available to international students who have made impressive contributions both inside and outside the classroom
4. Clark University (Worcester, MA) Clark University offers a variety of Clark merit scholarships to international students
5. Elon University (Elon, NC) The International Scholar Award is awarded to non-U.S. citizens students with outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements Amount: $3,000/year (renewable annually)
How To Improving Your Scholarship Chances
1. Create a Spreadsheet Keep track of the scholarships you are applying for, including deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required documents
2. Demonstrate Strong Writing Skills Showcase your writing skills in your scholarship applications, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed
3. Obtain High Standardized Test Scores Submit high scores on English Proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS, and other required tests like SAT/ACT or GRE
4. Gather References List former teachers, professors, or employers who can vouch for your work ethic and capabilities
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help Reach out to the scholarship providers or your university’s financial aid office if you need assistance with your application.
Scholarship Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Writing Your Own Essay Avoid plagiarism and submit original essays that showcase your thoughts and passions
2. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Apply Start your application process early to avoid submitting sub-par essays and materials
3. Applying to Few Scholarships Apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances of winning one
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are International Students Eligible for Federal Student Aid?
Most international students are not eligible for federal student aid, but they may be eligible for institutional aid
2. What is Work Study? Are International Students Eligible?
International students are not eligible for work study, but they can explore other options like institutional aid and private scholarships