Scholarships at Universities in USA: With your strong academic record and leadership potential, you have what it takes to study at a top university in the United States. Yet the costs can seem prohibitive for ambitious international students like yourself. Do not let money stand in the way of this life-changing opportunity. Many excellent universities offer generous scholarships specifically for high-achieving international applicants.
In this article, you will discover some of the best universities in the USA for international students offering full or partial scholarships. We will overview the scholarship criteria at each university and provide tips for putting together a competitive application. You have worked hard to be a top student in your home country. Now is the time to take the next step by applying for a fully-funded education at a leading American university. With focus and perseverance, you can make your academic dreams a reality.
Top 10 Universities in the USA Offering Scholarships for International Students
1. Harvard University
Harvard University offers generous scholarships and financial aid for international students. They award scholarships based on both merit and need. Harvard provides full tuition to students whose families earn less than $65,000 per year. For families earning between $65,000 and $150,000, students pay between 0 to 10% of their family’s annual income. Harvard also offers merit-based scholarships for outstanding students.
2. Yale University
Yale University has a need-blind admission policy for international students and meets 100% of demonstrated need. Yale offers generous need-based financial aid and merit scholarships, including the Yale Young Global Scholars program which covers full cost of attendance. Yale considers both merit and need when determining financial aid packages.
3. Stanford University
Stanford University provides generous financial assistance to international students, including both need-based aid and merit scholarships. The Stanford Global Studies scholarship covers full tuition, room and board for exceptionally talented international students. Stanford also provides full and partial tuition waivers for graduate students based on merit. Need-based aid is available for undergraduate and graduate international students.
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT provides generous need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate and graduate students. MIT offers full and partial tuition waivers, living stipends and research and teaching assistantships for graduate students. MIT considers both need and merit when determining aid. Undergraduate international students can receive MIT scholarships that cover full or partial tuition.
5. Princeton University
Princeton University offers generous need-based financial aid for international undergraduate students, meeting 100% of demonstrated need. Princeton also provides merit scholarships for outstanding international applicants. Princeton considers both merit and need when determining aid packages. Graduate students can receive teaching and research assistantships that provide tuition waivers, health insurance and monthly stipends.
Types of Scholarships Available at US Universities
As an international student, there are several types of scholarships offered by US universities to help fund your education. ###Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on your academic achievements and talents. These include scholarships for outstanding high school grades, high scores on college admission tests like the SAT or ACT, impressive extracurricular activities, athletic talent or artistic ability. Some merit scholarships are offered through private organizations and non-profits to support students in specific fields of study or with particular backgrounds.
Need-based scholarships are awarded based on your family’s financial need. They help make college affordable for students from low-income families. To determine need, universities will consider your family’s income, assets, number of dependents, and the overall cost of attendance including tuition, room and board, books, transportation, and living expenses.
Private scholarships are funded by private organizations, non-profits, corporations, religious groups, community organizations, and philanthropic foundations. They are open to students meeting certain criteria which can include merit, need, ethnicity, program of study, location, and more. Students will need to apply for most private scholarships, so you should search for programs you are eligible for and apply to as many as possible.
With numerous scholarships available for eager international students, the key is to apply for any and all you may qualify for. Do thorough research on the types of scholarships offered by the universities you are interested in as well as private programs. Meet all application deadlines and requirements, and be sure to follow up to increase your chances of receiving funding to support your ambitions of studying in the US.
Application Tips to Win Scholarships at US Universities as an International Student
To increase your chances of obtaining scholarships as an international student in the US, follow these recommendations:
Focus on Your Academics
US universities place a strong emphasis on applicants’ grades and test scores. Maintain excellent grades, especially in classes related to your intended major. Prepare thoroughly for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT or GRE. High scores will demonstrate your ability to handle a challenging academic curriculum.
Build a Compelling Application
In your personal statement, convey your passion for the field of study and how you will contribute to the campus community. Highlight relevant extracurricular activities, work or volunteer experience that have shaped your character and goals. Obtain strong recommendations from teachers who can speak to your abilities and potential for success.
Apply to Selective Schools
Competitive universities with generous endowments typically offer more substantial scholarships. While acceptance to these schools is not guaranteed, the rewards can be significant. Meet with your school counselor to identify target schools where your application will be competitive. Consider applying for lesser-known scholarships and fellowships at these schools in addition to general admissions scholarships.
Seek Outside Funding Sources
Don’t limit your search to scholarships offered through the universities you are applying to. Explore scholarships for international students from private organizations, non-profits, religious groups and community organizations. Websites like International Scholarships and Fast Web allow you to filter opportunities based on criteria including country of origin. With diligent research, you may find scholarships that match your unique background and interests.
Consider Work Opportunities
Some US schools offer work-study programs through which international students can gain valuable work experience in an area related to their major while earning money for college expenses. While you cannot rely entirely on work-study for funding, the additional income and experience can supplement your scholarships. Discuss work-study options with schools you are applying to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria as an international student.
With meticulous planning and persistence, international students can succeed in obtaining funding to study at world-class American universities. Keep your goals in sight, and do not become discouraged if challenges arise. With hard work, your efforts will pay off.
Financial Aid Options Beyond Scholarships for International Students in the USA
Federal Student Aid
As an international student, you are not eligible for federal grants and subsidized loans. However, you may be eligible for unsubsidized federal student loans. These loans accrue interest from the date of disbursement but you are not required to make payments until after you graduate or leave school. You will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA form to determine your eligibility.
Private Student Loans
Private student loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and other private lenders. These loans typically have higher interest rates than federal student loans. However, as an international student, you may need a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to qualify. Some lenders like Discover, Sallie Mae, and College Ave offer private student loans for international students without a cosigner. You will need to provide information like your student visa, proof of enrollment, academic records, etc. to determine your eligibility.
Part-Time Job
As an international student, you may work part-time on-campus for up to 20 hours a week during the school year and full-time during school breaks. Many students find jobs at their university libraries, cafeterias, recreation centers, and administrative offices. Having a part-time job is a great way to earn money to pay for essential expenses without accumulating high-interest debt. However, any off-campus employment will require proper authorization to avoid violating the terms of your student visa.
Payment Plans
Many universities offer payment plans that allow you to pay tuition and fees over the course of the semester without interest charges. This can make the cost of attendance more affordable by spreading payments over time. You will need to contact your school’s financial aid office to set up a payment plan and understand the specific terms and conditions. A payment plan may require an upfront payment followed by monthly installments.
In summary, while scholarships can greatly help international students afford a U.S. education, exploring other options like student loans, part-time work, and tuition payment plans can provide supplemental funding and minimize financial difficulties. With proper planning and diligent research into the aid available at different schools, an American degree can absolutely be within your reach.
FAQs on Scholarships at Universities in USA for International Students
What types of scholarships are available for international students?
There are several types of scholarships available for international students in the U.S. including:
- Merit-based: Awarded based on academic achievement and test scores. These include university-specific scholarships as well as external ones like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
- Need-based: Awarded based on the student’s financial need. Some universities offer need-based aid for international students. Private organizations also provide some need-based scholarships.
- Athletic: Awarded for excellence in sports. Some Division I universities offer athletic scholarships to top international student athletes.
- Specialty: Awarded based on areas of study (e.g. engineering, arts), extracurricular activities (e.g. community service), or personal backgrounds (e.g. country of origin, first-generation college students).
How competitive are scholarships for international students?
Scholarships for international students are highly competitive, especially for undergraduate study. There are limited scholarships available and many students applying from around the world. Merit-based scholarships in particular typically consider not just grades but also standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and other factors that make an applicant stand out.
While the competition is intense, international students should not be deterred. Some key steps to maximize your chances include: researching various scholarship opportunities in depth; preparing thoroughly for standardized tests; building a compelling application highlighting your strengths, goals, and achievements; and applying to multiple scholarships to increase your odds. With perseverance, securing a scholarship as an international student is possible.
How much funding do most scholarships provide?
The amount of funding provided by scholarships for international students varies significantly. Some may cover only a few hundred dollars, while others may cover full tuition and living expenses. In general:
- Merit-based scholarships from universities usually range from $5,000 to $30,000 per year. Some may be renewable for multiple years.
- External merit-based scholarships typically range from $500 to $50,000, and some are one-time awards while others may be renewable.
- Need-based scholarships provide varying levels of funding depending on financial need and the school’s aid budget. Some cover full demonstrated need while others may only provide partial funding.
- Athletic scholarships usually cover a substantial portion of costs, sometimes full tuition, room, board and books. However, they are tied to the student’s continued participation in the sport.
In summary, while full funding is possible, most international students cobble together funding from various sources to afford studying in the U.S. Doing thorough research on the amounts and terms of different scholarships is critical.
Conclusion
As you consider your options for pursuing higher education in the United States, remember that many excellent universities provide scholarships specifically for ambitious international students. Focus your applications on schools that align with your academic and professional goals, and reach out to their admissions and financial aid offices to learn more about scholarship availability. With diligent research and planning, you can find funding to turn your dream of studying at a top American university into a reality. The resources are out there – now go and seize this exciting educational opportunity!