C.JScholarships for International Student in the USA has been a dream for many international students to gain. The U.S. offers world-class education with exposure to diverse cultures and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
However, studying abroad can be very expensive, and not everyone has the financial resources that cover tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs. Fortunately, various scholarships help make this dream come true for international students.
Why Scholarships for International Student are Valued
But before we dive into the list, let me briefly explain why scholarships matter so much to international students. Tuition at various universities in the U.S. ranges from $20,000 to over $50,000 per year, depending on the university and the program. Add to that living expenses, transportation, and other costs, studying in the U.S. calls for a lot of financial investment.
More importantly, scholarships mean much-needed financial relief that allows the student to focus on their studies without the constant headache of finance. They may be partial or full-free tuition, accommodation, and at times even travel. Besides, earning a scholarship adds to your resume for future employers, as a mark of determination and academic excellence.
Types of Scholarships for International Student in the USA
Various sections, including universities, private organisations, and government sectors, bestow scholarships to international students in the USA. These scholarships fall into three main categories:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: It is provided to a student depending on his or her academic merits, leadership quality, or any other exceptional skill.
- Need-Based Scholarships: It is provided to those students who depict a particular financial need.
- Field-Specific Scholarships: Even the students of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields are awarded this type of scholarship.
Following is a few highly popular scholarships to which international applicants have applied and been sent to study in the United States of America:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most famous scholarships for international student to apply. Funded by the U.S. government, the program has already sent graduate students, young professionals, and artists from over 160 countries across the world. Tuition fees, flights, a living allowance, and health insurance for the entire period of study would be covered under this scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicant needs to have completed his or her undergraduate degree before applying.
- Applicants must have an exceptionally good academic record and show potential for leadership.
- The applicants should possess proficiency in the English Language.
How to Apply:
U.S. embassies or Fulbright commissions in the applicant’s home country process applications. Applicants typically submit academic records, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides non-degree fellowship grants for various professionals of the designated countries. It does not fund a degree program but offers its participants possibilities to enhance professional skill and knowledge by means of academic course work and professional development activities.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum experience: five years of professional experience.
- Strong leadership qualities.
- English Proficiency.
Application Procedure:
The applications are supposed to be routed through U.S. embassies or the Fulbright commission in the home country.
3. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship provides a golden opportunity for high-achieving international students with tremendous leadership potential. The AU EGL scholarship covers all billable expenses tuition, room and board of the American University but does not cover the non-billable expenses-books and travel.
Eligibility Criteria:
- International students who have completed secondary school.
- Commitment to leadership, community service, and social justice
- 8 minimum GPA, on a 4.0 scale
Application Procedure:
To apply for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, fill out the application to American University and indicate your interest in the scholarship. Do this by or before the priority review deadline.
4. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers financial aid to students from the member countries of the World Bank to attain graduate levels in development-related areas. The award will cover tuition, a monthly living allowance, round-trip economy class airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a citizen of a member country of the World Bank from a developing country.
- At least three years of development-related work experience.
- Have a bachelor’s degree.
How to Apply:
It requires students to be first admitted to a university program that is covered under this scheme. Once the applicant gets an admission offer, they can then apply online using a portal provided by the World Bank.
5. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars is a graduate-level scholarship at Stanford University in all disciplines, funding students pursuing any graduate degree, including international students. This scholarship covers full funding towards any graduate degree at Stanford University, tuitions, stipend, and travel.
Eligibility:
- International students who have applied to or been accepted into the Stanford graduate program.
- Demonstrated leadership and civic engagement.
- Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree within the last six years.
How to Apply:
You have to apply separately to the Knight-Hennessy program as well as to your favourite Stanford graduate program. This should be at least a month in advance of the deadline.
6. PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship Fund
Another opportunity that may come, specifically for Latino students, is the PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship Fund. This fund provides students of Latin American descent, as well as students born internationally from Latin America, the opportunity to finance their education in the U.S. The scholarship covers $5,000 for those who would be considered eligible in undergraduate study.
Eligibility:
- Student has to be of Latino descent
- Must demonstrate financial need
- You must enrol full-time or attend an accredited undergraduate college or university in the United States.
Application Procedure:
The application procedure will involve verification of the student’s enrolment, academic transcripts, and a personal essay.
Conclusion
There are also scholarships in the USA targeting international students to help them in achieving academic goals; these vary from government-sponsored programs, such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, to university-wide awards, including the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship.
It is very important that you research each scholarship’s eligibility and deadlines thoroughly and prepare your application materials well in advance.
FAQs on Scholarships for International Student
1. Are there scholarships available for international students studying in the USA?
Yes, there are several scholarships for international students in the USA that start from merit-based awards to need-based financial aid.
2. What is the eligibility criterion in order to apply for any scholarship to the U.S. as an international student?
It depends on each scholarship. For most scholarships, the common selection criteria are based on academic merit, potential for leadership, financial needs, and proficiency in the English language.
3. How competitive is the scholarship competition for international students in the USA?
Moreover, the competition for the few scholarships that actually admit international students is very high. Make a good application, with good academic records and a personal statement, which will help you be a potential candidate for scholarship opportunities.
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