Scholarships for international students are vital in helping learners access the institutions that will help forward their educational and career aspirations. Gaining US scholarships, specifically, is a great endeavour, since having a US education is highly esteemed across the globe. The United States is home to world-renowned universities with top-notch academics and innovative research. Getting a scholarship in the US enables talented individuals to achieve their educational goals. It allows them to not only enhance their personal and professional growth, but also foster global perspectives and opportunities.
In this article, we’ll go over the different ways international students could look into if they’d like to apply for a scholarship in the US.
Where to get a scholarship in the US
International students seeking US scholarships have several avenues to explore. Here is a list of different sources and methods to secure scholarships in the US:
University scholarships
Many US universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These can be merit-based, needs-based or focused on specific talents or fields of study.
Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, standardised test scores and extracurricular involvement. Stanford University’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars, for example, receive funding for up to three years for any graduate degree, a stipend for living and academic expenses and a travel stipend for one annual trip to and from Stanford.
Need-based scholarships are given to students who demonstrate financial need. An example of this is the American University’s (AU) Emerging Global Leader (EGL) scholarship. It’s a prestigious scholarship that covers tuition, fees, housing and board for only one international student per year.
Departmental scholarships are specific to certain fields of study or departments within a university. An example of this would be the New York University (NYU) AnBryce Scholarship Program. It offers full-tuition funding and support to incoming NYU Law students who are among the first in their immediate family to pursue a graduate or professional degree.
Government-funded scholarships
One of the most well-known government-funded US scholarships is the Fulbright Program. This is the flagship international academic exchange program sponsored by the US government. It operates in more than 160 countries worldwide and provides approximately 4,000 foreign students with scholarships each year.
Another example is the EducationUSA Academy. This is a pre-college academic enrichment program for international high school students interested in studying in the US. This component of EducationUS, sponsored by the US Department of State with funding provided by the US Government, is a three-to-four week summer academic program that provides English language courses, college preparatory content, tours of diverse colleges and universities and cross-cultural activities.
Private and Non-Profit Organisations (NGOs)
Numerous private foundations and NGOs offer scholarships for international students:
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP): This program is open to citizens of certain developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts. This program offers scholarships for 53 participating master’s programs in 27 universities in the US, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan in key areas of development. This includes economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management. The scholarship covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance and travel allowance.
- The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships: This fellowship supports women by offering fully funded scholarships from $20,000 to $50,000 for full-time graduate or post-doctoral study in accredited US institutions. Recipients of this scholarship return to their home countries to become leaders in business, government, academia, community activism, the arts or scientific fields.
- The Rotary Peace Fellowship: This fellowship offers scholarships for college graduates and professionals to study peace and conflict resolution. It’s for candidates who want to participate in a master’s degree or professional development certificate program at one of the foundation’s partner universities.
Country-based scholarships
Many countries provide scholarships for their citizens to study abroad. One example of this is the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) which “provides students with the best possible educational opportunities at the best educational institutions in the US” by supporting students academically and financially to help them achieve their academic goals.
International organisations
Global organisations and multinational companies often offer scholarships for students to pursue international education. For instance, the UNESCO Fellowships offer more than 450 fellowships. They are designed to provide opportunities to receive additional funding to pursue a research topic or practical training or set up an innovative project. Another example is the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) which offers scholarships for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from selected developing countries.
There are a multitude of ways international students can apply for a scholarship in the US. By exploring these various avenues, they can increase their chances of securing financial assistance to pursue their educational goals in the US. Our business development experts are well-equipped to guide you through these promising US scholarships for international students – connect with them today!
