If you are an international student looking to study in the United States, you may already know that the cost of education can be high. However, there are many scholarships available to help offset the cost. In this guide, we will discuss the various types of scholarships available, their eligibility requirements, and the application process. We will also cover important deadlines and notifications, as well as other considerations such as visa requirements and tips for adjusting to life in the US. So, if you’re interested in learning about funding opportunities for your education in the USA, keep reading to find out more about USA international scholarships.
Importance of International Scholarships
Scholarships are an important part of funding the education of students around the world. International scholarships offer financial support, especially to students who wish to study abroad. These scholarships are offered by educational institutions, governments, private foundations, and other organizations. International scholarships are essential as they can provide opportunities for quality education for students who may not have the financial resources to pay for tuition and other expenses.
The importance of international scholarships cannot be overstated. For many students, especially from developing countries, scholarships offer an opportunity to obtain an education that would otherwise not be available. International scholarships allow students to study at prestigious institutions, gain a global perspective, and network with students and professionals from diverse backgrounds.
International scholarships are also important to promote cultural exchange and understanding. Students who receive scholarships to study abroad learn about different cultures, languages, and ways of life. You value diversity and a global perspective, which is invaluable in today’s connected world. Students who receive scholarships to study abroad also become ambassadors of their countries, sharing their experiences and promoting understanding between countries. https://youtu.be/bLAmBZkG1sE
To prepare for international scholarships, students should start researching scholarship opportunities as early as possible. It is important to understand the requirements and eligibility criteria for each scholarship and to ensure that all application materials are submitted promptly. Students should also strive to build a strong academic record and gain relevant experience to increase their chances of being selected for a scholarship.
Another important aspect of preparing for an international scholarship is developing strong language skills. Many scholarships require proficiency in a foreign language, and even for those who don’t, the ability to communicate effectively in a foreign language is critical to success abroad. Students should take language courses and look for opportunities to use their language skills in the real world.
Networking is another important part of preparing for an international scholarship. Students should attend education fairs, join online communities, and participate in other events that allow them to connect with scholarship providers and other scholarship recipients. Networking can help students learn about scholarship opportunities and gain valuable insight into the scholarship application process.
Applying for an international scholarship can be a long and challenging process, but perseverance and focus are important. Students should start early and invest the time and effort required to submit a meaningful application. This includes thoroughly researching the scholarship, submitting all required materials, and writing a compelling personal statement or essay.
1 – Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship programs for international students in the United States. The program has been in existence for more than 75 years and was established in 1946 by Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. Since then, the program has awarded more than 400,000 scholarships to students from more than 160 countries worldwide.
The Fulbright program aims to promote mutual understanding between the United States and other countries by providing select students with opportunities to study, research, and teach in the United States. The program is open to graduate and graduate students who wish to pursue their studies in any field of their choice, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and STEM subjects.
To qualify for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, students must meet several requirements. First, they must be citizens or permanent residents of the participating countries. Second, they must have completed an undergraduate degree and hold a degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree. Third, they must have excellent academic records and demonstrate leadership potential in their field of study. https://youtu.be/MUjJ2X4KPQk
The application process for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program is highly competitive and rigorous. Students must first apply through the Fulbright Commission or the US Embassy in their home country. Application requirements may vary from country to country, but in general, applicants must submit a completed application form, transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and research or study plan.
To be considered for the Fulbright program, you must compile several resources to assist USEFP in determining your eligibility. It is best to enclose all supporting documents with the application. Here’s what you need to do:
Prepare Certificates And Degrees: Applicants must provide all transcripts and degrees from a 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent, including a 3-year bachelor’s degree abroad or an Accreditation in Accounting (ACCA). Applicants for the Ph.D. must also submit their MPhil or MA degrees and transcripts. You can even apply in your final year of undergraduate studies, as long as you graduate and receive your degree by December of this year.
USEFP looks at your transcript as a whole, not just your GPA. They take into account where you were educated, what courses you studied, and how well you did in each course. They also took into account that different universities also have different grading systems. Although there is no minimum GPA requirement, most successful Fulbright candidates have strong undergraduate grades. Undergraduate academic performance is just one of the factors considered by the Fulbright selection committee when evaluating candidates.
Take the GRE General Test and TOEFL: If you already have official GRE scores at the time of application, you can report your unofficial and official GRE scores on test day. Any applicant must use code 9388 to request that ETS send official score reports directly to USEFP on their behalf. GRE General (International) test scores are required to apply. Good GRE scores of 315 or above in Engineering and Science and 310 or above in other areas. It is not necessary to take the GRE Subject Tests.
The minimum GRE scores to consider for the Fulbright exam are 138 in the verbal section and 136 in the quantitative section. However, the majority of admitted applicants have GRE scores in the top percentile, which is the norm. If you have taken the GRE more than once, you can only submit your highest score, and Fulbright will only consider that score in its decision. The TOEFL test is not required to apply. If you are invited to an interview, you must take the TOEFL test. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is not accepted.
Prepare Two Papers: Two essays are required for the Fulbright application. Candidates must write each essay of approximately 800 words in length in the space provided on the application form and submit it electronically. Don’t think too much about your essay, but write to the point so that a Fulbright team unfamiliar with your culture can better understand you. Before you start writing your essay, you need to develop a marketing strategy for your business. Successful applicants typically spend 4-6 weeks writing and refining their essays before they are accepted.
Three Letters Of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation must be submitted with your application by the application deadline. Three academic credentials are acceptable, two academic and one professional, or two professional and one academic. That is, at least one letter of recommendation from an educational institution is required. Your referrers must complete the referral form included in the application pack and sign, stamp, and seal the document inside the envelope as proof of their referral. After submitting your online application, you will receive an email with a link to the web-based form that will be sent to your referrers.
There’s no established formula for “who should write your letter of recommendation,” but there’s also no set formula. Also, sometimes it is not possible to ask your employer to write your letter of recommendation as USEFP does not want to jeopardize your current job during the application process. Find someone who knows you well and is willing to answer your questions. Any previous employer, lecturer, or researcher can be a source of information.
Prepare an Academic Resume: A current and up-to-date CV should be uploaded to the application form and placed in the appropriate section. It is not required to use it in a specific format. Please take the time to read this informative article on How to Write a Successful Academic Resume (CV) for Scholarships.
There is no application fee to apply for the Fulbright program. Applications must be submitted online.
Interview: After submitting and reviewing your written application, you may be invited to a panel interview. In most cases, interview decisions are made in September and interviews take place in October. If you haven’t heard from USEFP by the end of October, assuming you weren’t selected. The interview is a positive indicator of selection but does not guarantee admission to the program. The interviews usually last 15 to 30 minutes and are conducted in teams of four. Although you must bring your TOEFL application form to the interview, you do not need to have taken the TOEFL test at the time of the interview.
2 – University of Memphis International Scholarships
The University of Memphis is a public research university in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1912, the university has grown into one of the leading research universities in the United States. The University of Memphis is committed to an inclusive and diverse learning environment and offers international students several scholarships to support their academic and professional goals.
The University of Memphis International Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial support to international students who wish to study at the university. The program offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate scholarships in all fields of study, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and STEM subjects.
To qualify for the University of Memphis international scholarship program, students are not required to be US citizens and to have completed secondary education in a non-US country. Undergraduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, while graduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0. Students must also meet the English language proficiency requirements and academic standards of their chosen major.
The application process for the University of Memphis International Scholarship Program is simple. Students must first apply for admission to the university and then fill out the scholarship application form which can be found on the university website. Application deadlines for scholarships are usually March 1st for the fall semester and October 1st for the spring semester.
The University of Memphis offers several scholarships for international students, including the President’s Scholarship, Dean’s Scholarship, Memphis Advantage Scholarship, Memphis Global Scholarship, and Memphis Opportunity Scholarship. Scholarships offer varying levels of financial aid, including full scholarships, partial scholarships, and living expenses.
The President’s Scholarship, the University of Memphis’ most prestigious scholarship, offers a full tuition scholarship, a $500 per semester scholarship, and a one-time $1,500 travel stipend. The Deans’ Scholarship offers partial scholarships and a one-time $1,000 travel stipend, while the Memphis Advantage Scholarship offers partial scholarships for students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (down from 4.0).
The Memphis Global Scholarship is available to students from select countries and offers a living expense stipend and a one-time travel stipend of $1,500. The Memphis Opportunity Scholarship is for students who demonstrate financial need and provide financial assistance for tuition and living expenses.
The University of Memphis Scholarship candidates must meet all of the following requirements, including fluency in English, an SAT score of 1200 or the equivalent of 25 on the ACT (GRE 310 or equivalent on other graduate scholarship exams), and a 3.25 U.S. Graduated from a certification body for their bachelor’s degree Certain equivalent bachelor’s degree GPA.
To be considered for the University of Memphis Scholarship, you must apply for a bachelor’s degree through this link and attach copies of pre-qualified degrees, academic transcripts, awards, English language proficiency, personal statement/statement of purpose, and copy of passport, among other Requirements.
3 – Yale University International Scholarships
Yale University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world with a long history of academic excellence. Founded in 1701 in New Haven, Connecticut, it has grown into a premier research institution that attracts students from around the world. The university is committed to an inclusive learning environment and offers a range of scholarships to support international students wishing to study at Yale.
The Yale International Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial support to international students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. The program offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships in all fields of study, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and STEM subjects.
To qualify for the Yale International Scholarship Program, students do not have to be US citizens or permanent residents and demonstrate financial need. Applicants must have completed secondary education in a non-US country and be applying for admission to Yale University. The program is highly competitive and students are expected to achieve academic excellence and leadership potential.
The application process for the Yale International Scholarship Program is very simple. Students must first apply for admission to Yale and then complete the Financial Aid Application. Financial aid applications require students to submit financial documentation, including tax returns, income statements, and other financial documentation. The application deadline for the next academic year is usually the beginning of December. https://youtu.be/hvzsDuTtHME The Yale International Scholarship Program offers several scholarships to international students, including the Yale International Student Scholarship, the Yale Opportunity Program (YCOP), and the Yale Graduate and Professional Student Assistantship.
The Yale Scholarship for International Students provides a full tuition stipend and living allowance for international students with financial hardship. The Yale Opportunity Program (YCOP) is available to undergraduate students who are US citizens, permanent residents, or refugees and provides financial assistance for tuition, room and board, and other expenses. The Yale Graduate and Professional Student Assistantship is available to graduate students and provides financial assistance for tuition and living expenses.
In addition to these scholarships, the Yale International Scholarship Program offers international students a range of resources and support services. The program offers visa and immigration assistance, language support, and cultural adaptation. The university also offers several student organizations and clubs to help international students network with their fellow students and engage in extracurricular activities.
Availability of Fully Funded Scholarships for Ph.D. The candidates are pretty diverse. Each student receives at least one scholarship, which includes full scholarships, residency scholarships, and annual scholarships.
Each year, Yale offers scholarships that meet 100% of a family’s documented financial need. When awarding the scholarship, the university takes into account your parent’s income, assets, and assets. Yale awards range in value from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 a year; a typical need-based scholarship at Yale is $50,000.
Students whose parents earn less than $65,000 per year are exempt from paying any fees! If your parent’s annual income is less than $65,000, the Yale Scholarship pays for tuition, housing, and room and board.
Yale Scholarship applicants must be fluent in English, TOEFL iBT 100, paper TOEFL 600, TOEFL computer-based 250, IELTS 7 or above, and Pearson 70 or above to be considered.
Suppose you want to get a scholarship at Yale University. In this case, you will need two teacher references, standardized test scores, an advisor recommendation, a school report card (including a transcript), a final report card, and a half-year report card.
4 – Stanford University International Scholarships
Founded in 1885 in Stanford, California, Stanford University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The university is known for its excellent academic programs and cutting-edge research, which attracts students from all over the world. Stanford University strives to provide educational opportunities for all students and offers several scholarships to support international students wishing to study at Stanford.
The Stanford International Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities. The program offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships in all fields of study, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and STEM subjects.
To qualify for the Stanford International Scholarship Program, students do not have to be US citizens or permanent residents and demonstrate financial need. Applicants must have completed secondary education in a non-US country and be applying for admission to Stanford University. The program is highly competitive and students are expected to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to service. https://youtu.be/JMaafJC3OJg The application process for the Stanford International Scholarship Program is very simple. Students must first apply for admission to Stanford and then complete the Financial Aid Application. Financial aid applications require students to submit financial documentation, including tax returns, income statements, and other financial documentation. The application deadline is usually the beginning of February of the following academic year.
The Stanford International Scholarship Program offers several scholarships for international students, including the Stanford Africa MBA Scholarship, the Knight Hennessy Scholars Program, and the Stanford Graduate Scholarship.
The Stanford Africa MBA Scholarship is open to African citizens who have dedicated themselves to promoting economic development in Africa. This scholarship provides students pursuing an MBA degree from Stanford University with financial assistance for tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
The Knight Hennessy Scholars Program is open to graduate students from any country who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to service. The program provides full funding for graduate study at Stanford, including tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
Stanford Graduate Fellowships are available to graduate students of any discipline who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential. Scholarships provide financial support for tuition and living expenses for up to five years.
In addition to these scholarships, the Stanford International Scholarship Program offers international students a range of resources and support services. The program offers visa and immigration assistance, language support, and cultural adaptation. The university also offers several student organizations and clubs to help international students network with their fellow students and engage in extracurricular activities.
5 – American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
American University (AU) is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. The university was founded in 1893, and it has since grown to become one of the top universities in the United States. To promote global leadership and increase diversity, American University offers the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship to international students who have demonstrated leadership skills and academic excellence.
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is designed to provide financial support to international students who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree at American University. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and other expenses for four years of study. In addition, the scholarship provides funding for a variety of other academic and leadership opportunities, including internships and study abroad programs.
To be eligible for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, students must be international students who have completed their secondary education outside the United States. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be able to provide proof of their leadership skills and community involvement. https://youtu.be/VUtXM6NRWRE The application process for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is straightforward. Students must first apply for admission to American University and then complete the scholarship application. The scholarship application requires students to submit essays, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documentation. The application deadline is usually in early December for the following academic year.
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship program provides a range of benefits to international students. In addition to financial support, the program provides opportunities for students to engage in leadership and community service activities, participate in internships and research programs, and develop cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.
The scholarship program also offers a range of support services to help international students succeed at American University. The university provides assistance with visa and immigration issues, language support, and cultural adaptation. The university also offers a range of student organizations and clubs to help international students connect with their peers and participate in extracurricular activities.
6 – AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is one of the oldest women’s organizations in the United States, founded in 1881. The organization is committed to advancing gender equity and empowering women through education, advocacy, and research. The AAUW International Fellowships program is one of the organization’s flagship programs and is designed to support women from around the world who wish to pursue graduate studies in the United States.
The AAUW International Fellowships program was established in 1917 and has since provided financial support to thousands of women from around the world. The program offers fellowships to women who are pursuing full-time graduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions. The program is open to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to women’s empowerment. https://youtu.be/07VZoyJ5zqg
To be eligible for the AAUW International Fellowships program, applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree or equivalent before the application deadline and must be admitted to a full-time graduate program at an accredited U.S. institution. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English and must be committed to women’s empowerment in their home country. The program is highly competitive, and applicants are expected to have outstanding academic achievements and leadership potential.
The application process for the AAUW International Fellowships program is rigorous and requires applicants to submit a range of documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a detailed research proposal. Applicants must also submit a statement of purpose outlining their academic and professional goals and how they plan to use their education to empower women in their home country. The application deadline is usually in November for the following academic year.
The AAUW International Fellowships program offers several types of fellowships to support women from diverse backgrounds and fields of study. The program offers Master’s/First Professional Degree Fellowships, Doctoral Fellowships, and Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowships. The Master’s/First Professional Degree Fellowships provide financial support for the first year of study, while the Doctoral Fellowships provide funding for up to five years of graduate study. The Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowships provide financial support for women who have completed their doctoral studies and are seeking to conduct research and write scholarly publications.
In addition to financial support, the AAUW International Fellowships program offers a range of resources and support services to help fellows succeed. The program provides professional development opportunities, leadership training, and mentoring to help fellows achieve their academic and professional goals. The program also offers a strong network of alumnae and mentors to help fellows connect with other women in their field and build lasting relationships. https://youtu.be/PKc5h0szIfY
Conclusion
Applying for USA international scholarships can greatly alleviate the financial burden of pursuing an education in the United States. By taking advantage of the various types of scholarships available and carefully following the application process, international students can increase their chances of being awarded the funding they need. We encourage all prospective students to research and apply for scholarships to help finance their studies in the USA.
In addition, we would like to remind students to keep track of deadlines, make sure their applications are complete and put forth their best effort when writing their scholarship application essays. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the visa requirements and the cultural differences that come with studying in a foreign country. With these factors in mind, we are confident that students will be well on their way to achieving their academic and professional goals in the United States. Best of luck to all international students applying for USA international scholarships in 2023!
