International students in the U.S. can access a wide range of scholarships and financial aid options to help cover tuition and living expenses. While the types of aid available to international students may vary depending on the university, here are some of the most common types of scholarships and financial aid:
1.Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, talents, or other achievements. They are the most common form of scholarships available to international students and can be offered by:
Universities/Colleges: Many U.S. universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students, which may cover full or partial tuition costs.
Departmental Scholarships: Some specific academic departments may offer merit-based awards to students who demonstrate exceptional skills or potential in their field of study.
Examples:
Harvard University: Offers merit-based financial aid to international students based on need and achievement.
University of Southern California (USC): Offers merit scholarships for international students through the USC Merit Scholarship Program.
2.Need-Based Scholarships
While many U.S. universities offer need-based financial aid to domestic students, only a few schools offer it to international students. This aid is generally awarded based on the financial need of the student.
Examples:
Harvard University: Offers need-based financial aid to international students, though the application process can be more complex for international students compared to U.S. citizens.
Princeton University: Offers financial aid that is entirely need-based and is available to international students.
3.Government Scholarships
Some governments provide scholarships to their citizens to study abroad in the United States. These programs often cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
Examples:
Fulbright Program: The U.S. government offers the Fulbright Program for international students from various countries to study in the U.S. This program provides full funding for tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program: Provides mid-career professionals from designated countries with an opportunity to study and work in the U.S.
Many countries also offer their own scholarships for students to study in the U.S., including:
Chevening Scholarships (UK): For students from the UK studying in the U.S.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany): For German students and professionals pursuing graduate studies in the U.S.
4.University-Specific Scholarships for International Students
Many U.S. universities offer specific scholarships for international students, often based on academic excellence, specific countries or regions, or the area of study. These can vary greatly by institution.
Examples:
University of New York (NYU): Offers the Global Pathways Scholarship, specifically for international students pursuing graduate studies.
University of Miami: Offers a variety of scholarships for international students, including merit-based and need-based awards.
5.Athletic Scholarships
International students who excel in sports may be eligible for athletic scholarships, which are often awarded by U.S. universities with competitive sports teams. These scholarships cover tuition and may also include room and board.
Examples:
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) scholarships: Many U.S. universities offer athletic scholarships to international student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent in their sport.
NAIA Scholarships: The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics also offers scholarships for international athletes.
6.Private and Nonprofit Scholarships
There are numerous private organizations and nonprofits that offer scholarships to international students studying in the U.S. These scholarships can be based on a variety of factors, including country of origin, field of study, or extracurricular involvement.
Examples:
The United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships: UWC provides scholarships for international students from various countries to study at U.S. institutions.
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme: Offers scholarships for students from developing countries to pursue graduate studies in the U.S.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: A program for students from developing countries, particularly those focusing on areas like economics, public policy, or development.
7.Research and Teaching Assistant-ships
Graduate students (Master’s and PhD) can often secure funding through research assistantships (RAs) or teaching assistantships (TAs). These positions are typically awarded by academic departments based on merit and research interests and come with stipends, tuition waivers, and sometimes health insurance coverage.
Examples:
Research Assistantships: Often involve working with faculty on specific research projects, with compensation in the form of a stipend and/or tuition remission.
Teaching Assistantships: Involve assisting professors with teaching, grading, and conducting lab sessions, and usually include a stipend plus tuition coverage.
8.Work-Study Programs
While work-study programs are typically available to U.S. students, some universities may offer international students the opportunity to work on campus to help cover living expenses. International students are usually restricted by U.S. visa regulations to work only a certain number of hours per week during the academic year.
Examples:
On-campus jobs such as working in the library, dining hall, or student center can provide supplemental income for international students.
9.International Student Loan Programs
Although U.S. federal student loans are not available to international students, there are private lenders and alternative loan programs available to those who have a U.S. co-signer or meet specific criteria.
Examples:
Prodigy Finance: Offers loans to international students pursuing postgraduate degrees at select U.S. institutions.
MPOWER Financing: Provides loans to international students without a U.S. co-signer, but with higher interest rates and specific requirements.
10.Specialized Scholarships Based on Field of Study
Some scholarships are offered specifically for students pursuing certain fields of study such as science, engineering, or the arts. These scholarships may be sponsored by universities, organizations, or professional associations.
Examples:
The AAUW International Fellowships: These fellowships are available to women from outside the U.S. who are pursuing graduate studies in the U.S.
The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: Offered to female students studying computer science or related fields.