Embarking on your journey to study in the United States is exciting, but it can come with financial challenges. Fortunately, there are many scholarships available to support international students like yourself. We’ll dive into the types of American scholarships you can apply for, tips for finding them, featured scholarships, as well as some scholarship application strategies.
Scholarship Types
When it comes to funding your education in the US, a variety of scholarship options are available. Understanding how they work can help you refine your search and maximize your chances of securing financial support.
Achievements and Specific Criteria: Recognition based on accomplishments like leadership roles or active participation in extracurricular activities.
National Merit Scholarships: Awarded to outstanding students who demonstrate both high academic performance and financial need.
Merit Aid: Financial support granted based on a student’s academic, artistic, or other achievements, rather than their financial situation.
Athletic and Extracurricular Scholarships: Financial awards for students who excel in sports or other non-academic activities, who have exceptional skills or achievements.
Local and Community Scholarships: Scholarships funded by local businesses, community groups, and nonprofits which promote educational opportunities within a specific area.
Searching for Scholarships
Start Early
To begin your scholarship search, start early—ideally two years before you plan to study at a post-secondary institution. This way, you get to know what the timelines for different scholarships are. Keep in mind that many scholarships have deadlines earlier in the year than college admissions deadlines. Start by conducting your own research, but don’t forget to consult with your student advisor for scholarship guidance.
Explore Local Opportunities
Research local scholarship opportunities before expanding to state and national options. Local organizations often provide scholarships to community members (check that the scholarship is open to domestic and international students), so it’s important not to overlook these potential sources of funding.
Understand Scholarship Criteria
Remember: merit scholarships can be based on a range of criteria, not just your GPA. Maintaining multi-year scholarships often requires meeting specific benchmarks, so make sure you understand and follow the requirements for each scholarship you apply for.
Note: Watch out for potential scams. Use reliable sources for accurate information on sponsorship and exchange programs.
Read our blog to learn more about common tactics used by scammers and how to identify and avoid them.
International Student Scholarships in the US
Below, we’ve highlighted a range of American scholarships for international students in the US. When you start your application, verify that the details are current; scholarship information can change frequently, and staying up-to-date is key to a successful application.
- Arizona State University Scholarships: Scholarships are available to incoming undergraduate students from Bermuda attending Arizona State University.
- East Tennessee State University International Scholarships: Scholarships are automatically considered for new international students applying for admission, with no separate application required.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Grants are awarded to foreign students for Master’s or Doctorate degrees and research at U.S. campuses.
- IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme: Scholarships and internship opportunities are available for students pursuing master’s degrees in nuclear-related subjects, facilitated by the IAEA.
- Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships: Scholarships for new international students are based on a holistic review of SAT or ACT scores and high school grades.
- MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship: Scholarships are awarded to female international and DACA students enrolled or accepted in full-time STEM degree programs at supported institutions in the U.S. or Canada.
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund: Scholarships are provided for international women pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. or Canada.
Maximizing Scholarship Opportunities
Once you find scholarships you can apply for, take your time when drafting your application. To improve your chances, it can be helpful to keep the following tips in mind:
- Keep up with Deadlines: Set up a calendar to track scholarship and program application deadlines. This will help ensure you don’t miss any important dates.
- Secure Strong References: Request reference letters from professional or academic connections at least a few months in advance of when you’d like to submit your application. A compelling reference can enhance your application significantly.
- Don’t Rush: Dedicate time to write thoughtful and engaging personal essays. These essays are often key to a successful scholarship application!
- Start Early: Begin your scholarship search and application process as early as possible. This approach helps you avoid last-minute issues and ensures you have enough time to explore all opportunities.
- Double-Check Applications: Always check that your applications are complete. Ensure all sections are filled out correctly, and that all necessary documents are submitted.
Copying other people’s work can seriously hurt your chances of admission to the college or university of your dreams. Find out ways to avoid plagiarism on our blog.
With the right scholarships, studying in the US can become more affordable. Start your search early, explore every opportunity, and make sure to meet all requirements to help the American scholarship application process run smoothly.
Find US-based study programs on the free-to-use ApplyBoard platform today!
