In recent years, an increasing number of international students have been drawn to the United States for higher education. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be a significant barrier. Scholarships play a crucial role in making education accessible to students from around the world. This guide aims to provide international students with valuable insights on how to navigate scholarships in the United States.
Understanding the Types of Scholarships for International Students.
There are different types of scholarships depending on different needs and contexts. To increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship it is important you know what scholarship best suits your profile.
Merit-Based Scholarships.
Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, test scores, and extracurricular activities. Many universities in the U.S. offer these scholarships to attract top talent. It’s essential for students to showcase their academic prowess and involvement in various activities to increase their chances of receiving merit-based aid. More specifically, these scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students to a particular institution or program.
There are different merit-based scholarships, some public and others private.
University Scholarships: Many prestigious universities boast generous merit-based scholarships for international students. For example, Yale University offers the Yale Scholarship. This scholarship covers full tuition for exceptional students demonstrating academic strength and outstanding leadership potential. Similarly, MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel Scholarship provides full tuition and stipend to exceptional international STEM students.
National Scholarships: Programs like the Fulbright Scholarship, funded by the US Government, offer prestigious awards for graduate study and research. The Fulbright Program provides opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, and teaching. These scholarships often focus on cultural exchange and promoting cross-cultural relationships between the US and other countries.
Foundation Scholarships: Some scholarships are not offered by the schools themselves nor by the government. Organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation offer scholar programs. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program provides full scholarships for outstanding minority students.
Need-Based Scholarships
Financial need is another criterion for scholarships, and various government programs and private organizations provide assistance to students facing economic challenges. Understanding the process of assessing financial need and exploring options for need-based scholarships is crucial for international students seeking financial support. Need-Based Scholarships differ into different categories.
Federal Aid: Most of the US federal aid is reserved for US citizens and permanent residents, however, some need-based programs might be available to international students under specific circumstances. You must research constantly as qualifications may change, but it is likely that the best way for you to get need-based scholarships is something other than federal aid.
Institutional Aid: Your chosen school will probably have financial aid offices. They may offer need-based scholarships or grants for international students. Every college and university is different, so it is important you contact your school’s financial aid office for more detailed information on their offers and requirements. This is a good alternative to Federal Aid, as it is less limited to US citizens only and might even offer aid aimed solely at international students.
Foundation Scholarships: As we mentioned before, Foundations can also offer scholarships for international students. While some might be merit-based, others are need-based. Different foundations offer different options. For instance, the MAsterCard Foundation Scholars Program and the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award provide generous need-based scholarships for international students.
Specialized Scholarships
Certain scholarships are designed for students pursuing specific fields of study, such as STEM, arts, or humanities. Tailoring scholarship applications to align with one’s chosen major can significantly increase the likelihood of success. Researching and identifying specialized scholarships is an important step in this process.
Making a Compelling Application.
Once you have identified potential scholarships that better suit your profile and interests, you must focus on crafting your application package. This is very important, since it is what will make you stand out among all other applicants. There are five main things to keep in mind when preparing your application: Academic Excellence; Extracurricular Involvement; Letters of Recommendation; Effective Personal Statements; and Deadlines.
Academic Excellence.
If you are targeting a merit-based scholarship, maintaining stellar grades and test scores is extremely important. Excelling in tests like the SAT or ACT might even make some schools come to you, so be sure to do the best you can. However, some universities offer the possibility of applying without the need of disclosing standardized test scores and relying solely on your high school grades. In any case, good grades are important for your merit-based scholarship application.
Extracurricular Involvement.
Active community service and participation in extracurricular activities can also set applicants apart. Scholarships often prioritize well-rounded students who demonstrate commitment to their community and flexibility in their routine. When you craft your application, it’s important to highlight your involvement in various activities beyond school-work. Emphasize leadership roles, impactful contributions, volunteer work, and any awards that highlight your talents and dedication.
Letters of Recommendation.
Request letters from teachers, mentors, or employers who can attest to your academic abilities and personal qualities. Many scholarship applications will ask you to send some sort of reference of who you are. Letters of recommendation are an excellent way of standing out.
Effective Personal Statements.
Many scholarships also ask you to send an essay, so research each scholarship’s specific prompts and make sure to tailor your essays to better resonate with that scholarship’s selection committee. A compelling personal statement is crucial. It is your opportunity to share their personal stories, academic goals, professional aspirations, etc. Again, make sure you understand what the essay prompt asks of you and do not deviate from it.
Meet Deadlines.
This is self-explanatory. If you do not meet a deadline, you can lose your opportunity to apply altogether. Be organized!
Research, Organize, Prepare.
Securing scholarships for international students in the United States is strategic. It starts with you. By understanding the types of scholarships available, researching opportunities, preparing a strong application, and navigating the application process effectively, you can increase your chances of opening doors to academic opportunities in the US.
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Hey Ash, what do you mean?
How to go about it
Hi Kamaledeen! If you want to start your research into scholarships for international students, you can begin by narrowing down what type of scholarship applies to you specifically. If you already know which college or university you are interested in, you can go to their webpage for more information on scholarships and begin working on your application. And remember to always keep deadlines in mind!
Yeah I wannt education form US
Hi! Thank you for your comment. Do you know what career path you wish to pursue? By knowing what career you want to pursue, it might be easier to find the school you wish to attend. Once you have your options, it’s always a good idea to research scholarships specific to each school. We are always happy to help in any way we can, just reach out to us with any questions you have!
Hey hi, I want a university from Japan and am from Nigeria,how can I go about it??
Hi Adesola. Japan is a great selection and beautiful country! How exciting. We recommend you start by looking at which universities offer the career or courses you are interested in. This way the variety of choice will not feel as overwhelming and you can look at their specific programs to find which one you like better. Once you do, you can contact their admissions team and ask for instructions to apply!
How do I go about the scholarship award
Hi Apazi, thank you for reaching out. There are multiple ways in which you can work on earning a scholarship or financial aid. Our article mentions three types of scholarships: merit-based, need-based and specialized. You need to look at your specific profile and decide which of these awards better suits you. Perhaps you have excellent grades and participate in extracurricular activities. This would help you when applying for a merit-based scholarship. Or, maybe the degree you want to pursue offers special scholarships that you can apply to just for studying a certain field.
So, 1. decide which scholarship better suits you; 2. research the universities or colleges you are interested in and see if they offer that type of scholarship; 3. Begin your application process. Tip, if a school does not offer the scholarship you want, you can contact your local government and see if they have any international sponsorships to study abroad!