Are you an international student looking to pursue higher education in the United States? The good news is that there are numerous scholarships available for international students offered by US colleges and universities, as well as scholarships granted by the US government and institutions. In this article, we will explore some of the most prestigious scholarships in the US and provide you with all the information you need to apply for them.
Government Scholarships for International Students
Fulbright Program
One of the most well-known scholarship programs for international students is the Fulbright Program. It offers full scholarships to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in the United States. These scholarships can also be awarded for non-degree postgraduate studies. The Fulbright Program covers tuition fees, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. It is a highly competitive program, and applicants are selected based on their academic excellence and leadership potential.
“The Fulbright Program provides international students with an opportunity to pursue their academic goals and contribute to the global community.” – Fulbright Program
Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is another prestigious scholarship offered by the US government. It provides a year of professional enrichment in the United States for experienced professionals from designated countries around the world. Fellows are selected based on their potential for leadership and their commitment to public service in either the public or private sector. The Humphrey Fellowship Program covers all related expenses for the fellows.
“The Humphrey Fellowship Program aims to develop a global network of leaders who can address the challenges facing their countries and contribute to the development of their societies.” – Humphrey Fellowship Program
Scholarships Offered by US Colleges and Universities
AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program
American University offers the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program for high-achieving international students who wish to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at the university. This scholarship is intended for students dedicated to positive civic and social change and plan to return home to improve under-resourced communities in their home country. The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship covers all billable expenses, including full tuition, room, and board for one international student who will need a visa to study in the United States.
“The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program aims to empower young leaders to make a difference in their communities and the world.” – AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program
Amherst College Scholarships
Amherst College offers a need-based financial aid program for financially needy international students. Once admitted, the college determines the financial needs of the students and offers a financial aid package that includes scholarships, grants, and employment opportunities. The aim of these scholarships is to make education accessible to all deserving students, regardless of their financial background.
“At Amherst College, we believe that financial need should not be a barrier to education. We are committed to providing assistance to all admitted international students.” – Amherst College Scholarships
Berea College Scholarships
Berea College is another institution that offers financial aid and scholarships to international students. All admitted international students receive financial aid and scholarships that cover 100% of tuition, room, board, and fees for the first year of enrollment. In subsequent years, international students are expected to contribute $1,000 towards their expenses. The college also provides summer jobs to international students to help them meet this obligation.
“Berea College is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to students from all backgrounds. Our scholarships aim to make education affordable and accessible to all.” – Berea College Scholarships
Clark University Scholarships
Clark University offers the Clark Presidential Scholarships, which are prestigious awards for students with outstanding academic records and leadership potential. Approximately five students are awarded these scholarships each year, covering full tuition, and on-campus room and board for all four years, regardless of the family’s financial need. The scholarships aim to attract exceptional students who can contribute to the university’s academic and social community.
“The Clark Presidential Scholarships recognize and reward students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.” – Clark University Scholarships
Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships
Colby-Sawyer College offers merit-based financial aid to international students scholarship value increases based on the students’ academic ability, measured by their GPA. The scholarships range from $8,000 to $16,000 per year. It is important to note that the college does not meet the full financial needs of international students, but the scholarships provided can significantly reduce the cost of education.
“Colby-Sawyer College recognizes and rewards the academic achievements of international students through our merit-based scholarship program.” – Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships
Columbia College Scholarships
Columbia College offers scholarships and awards to outstanding international students. These awards can be in the form of one-time cash grants or a tuition reduction ranging from 15% to 100%. The scholarships are awarded based on the student’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and potential to contribute to the college community.
“Columbia College is committed to attracting and supporting talented international students. Our scholarships aim to recognize and encourage excellence.” – Columbia College Scholarships
Concordia College Scholarships
Concordia College values the contributions of international students and provides partial financial assistance to them. The International Student Scholarship is based on academic ability and family needs, ranging from $8,000 to $16,000 annually. Concordia College also offers International Excellence Scholarships, which are competitive, merit-based scholarships awarded to international first-year students or transfer students. These scholarships range from $8,000 to $16,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years.
“Concordia College is proud to support international students through our scholarship programs. We believe in the power of education to transform lives.” – Concordia College Scholarships
Dartmouth College Scholarships
Dartmouth College is committed to meeting the demonstrated need of all admitted undergraduates, including international students. The college offers scholarships and loans to international students, which include an allowance for travel to the United States. Dartmouth College aims to provide a comprehensive financial aid package that reduces the financial burden for international students and allows them to focus on their education.
“Dartmouth College believes that financial need should not prevent talented students from pursuing their educational goals. We are dedicated to supporting international students through our financial aid programs.” – Dartmouth College Scholarships
East Tennessee State University Scholarships
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) offers the International Students Academic Merit Scholarship for new international students seeking a graduate or undergraduate degree. The scholarship value per academic year is $12,500 for undergraduate students and $5,000 to $9,000 for graduate students. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and is renewable for subsequent years.
“East Tennessee State University is committed to recognizing and rewarding the academic achievements of international students through our scholarship programs.” – ETSU Scholarships
East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship
The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship provides funding for up to 24 months of Master’s or Doctoral degree study for graduate students from Asia, the Pacific, and the U.S. The fellowship allows students to participate in educational, residential, and leadership development programs at the East-West Center while pursuing graduate study at the University of Hawai’i. The fellowship provides financial support to students who have no other means of financing their studies.
“The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and global cooperation through education and leadership development.” – East West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship
Emory College Scholarships
Emory College offers need-based financial aid awards to a select group of international students each year. The college is committed to providing access to education for all students, regardless of their financial background. Emory University also offers merit-based scholarships through the Emory University Scholars Program. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and are available to both domestic and international students.
“Emory College is dedicated to making education affordable for all students. Our scholarships and financial aid programs aim to support talented international students.” – Emory College Scholarships
Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
Illinois Wesleyan University offers merit-based scholarships to qualified international applicants with outstanding academic achievements and test scores. These awards range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years. In addition, the university may award two full-tuition President’s International Student Scholarships each year to exceptionally qualified international students.
“Illinois Wesleyan University recognizes and rewards the academic achievements of international students through our merit-based scholarship program.” – Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
Iowa State University offers a limited number of merit scholarships to international freshmen. These scholarships are awarded based on a holistic review of SAT or ACT scores and high school grades. The scholarships range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year and are renewable each year. Iowa State University aims to attract talented international students and provide them with financial support to pursue their academic goals.
“Iowa State University is proud to offer merit scholarships to international students. Our scholarships recognize and reward academic excellence.” – Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
Michigan State University International Scholarships
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 support the students’ full academic program at MSU but can significantly reduce the financial burden. The university offers various scholarships, each with its own eligibility criteria and award amount.
“Michigan State University is committed to supporting international students through our scholarship programs. We aim to make education accessible to all deserving students.” – Michigan State University International Scholarships
New York University Wagner Scholarships
New York University (NYU) offers merit scholarships to a limited number of admitted students each application cycle, including international students. These scholarships are partial to full-tuition scholarships, ranging from $25,000 to $47,000. NYU aims to attract and support exceptional students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential.
“New York University is proud to offer merit scholarships to outstanding international students. Our scholarships aim to recognize and reward exceptional academic achievements.” – NYU Wagner Scholarships
University of Oregon Scholarships
The University of Oregon awards more than $2.5 million in financial aid and scholarships to international students each year. One of their scholarship programs is the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) Scholarship, which awards tuition-waiver scholarships ranging from partial to full tuition for up to 15 credits per term. The scholarships are based on financial need, academic merit, and the ability to make presentations to diverse groups of people.
“The University of Oregon is committed to supporting international students through our scholarship programs. Our scholarships aim to foster cross-cultural understanding and global cooperation.” – University of Oregon Scholarships
Wesleyan University Scholarships
Wesleyan University offers limited financial aid for foreign students based on exceptional qualifications and demonstrated need. The university provides full-tuition scholarships through the Freeman Asian Scholars Program for exceptionally able Asian students. Additionally, Wesleyan University offers financial assistance to approximately 40-45 foreign students from a pool of approximately 2,800 international applicants applying for financial aid.
“Wesleyan University recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive community. Our scholarships aim to attract talented students from around the world.” – Wesleyan University Scholarships
University of the West Scholarships
The University of the West offers scholarships to new international students who achieve high academic standards and demonstrate financial need. For incoming students, the scholarship ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 per year. The dean’s and president’s scholarships are also available for continuing students, covering 7.5-15 undergraduate units per semester or 6-12 graduate units per semester.
“The University of the West is committed to providing access to education for all students. Our scholarships aim to support talented international students in their pursuit of academic excellence.” – University of the West Scholarships
Scholarships Funded by Institutions
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides full scholarships to students from World Bank member countries to pursue development-related studies at selected universities around the world, including Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Chicago, Cornell University, and Columbia University. The aim of the program is to cultivate leaders who can contribute to the development of their countries.
“The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program aims to empower students from developing countries to become agents of change in their communities.” – Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships
AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) awards international fellowships for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not US citizens or permanent residents. The scholarships are worth $18,000 for Master’s students, $20,000 for PhD students, and $30,000 for postdoctoral students. The AAUW International Fellowships support women’s education and promote gender equality in academia.
“The AAUW International Fellowships aim to empower women from around the world to pursue their academic and professional goals.” – AAUW International Fellowships
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from selected developing countries. The scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis through a competitive application process. Students can undertake their studies anywhere in the world, including the United States. The Aga Khan Foundation aims to support students who have no other means of financing their studies.
“The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme aims to empower talented students from developing countries to pursue their educational goals and contribute to the development of their communities.” – Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
In conclusion, studying in the United States can be a dream come true for international students, and scholarships play a vital role in making this dream a reality. Whether funded by the US government, colleges and universities, or institutions, these scholarships provide financial support to talented students from around the world. By applying for these scholarships, you can not only receive a top-notch education but also contribute to the global community and make a positive impact in your home country.
