Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, but you may want financial support to pursue your higher education.
However, international students aren't eligible for all the same types of aid as U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and green card holders. How can you know what you're eligible for? This guide has you covered.
Understanding scholarships and financial aid
First, let's define what a scholarship is. There are different types of financial assistance you can get to help pay for your international education.
Here are some of the words you might see thrown around when you start your research and what they mean:
- Financial aid:. There are various types of financial aid awarded by the U.S. government, including work-study jobs, loans, and grants. Some types, like Federal Pell Grants and work-study, don't need to be paid back - while others, like loans, usually do.
- Scholarship. Scholarships are financial awards designed to help students pay for their undergraduate or graduate degree. Unlike some types of financial aid, scholarships don't have to be paid back.
- Merit-based scholarship. Merit-based scholarships are awarded on the basis of skill. These scholarships may consider a student's grade point average (GPA) or class rank.
- Renewable scholarship. Some scholarships come as a one-time lump sum, while others are renewable. Renewable scholarships may award money every semester or every school year.
- Fellowship. Fellowships are short-term funding for studies, research, or similar academic pursuits. A fellowship is usually sponsored by a specific organization or educational institution. Some fellowships may be government sponsored.
Are international students eligible for FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form students complete to be considered for federal financial support in the U.S. To be eligible for FAFSA, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or green card holder.
So, what if you're an international student? There are a few exceptions.
You may still qualify for FAFSA if:
- You have "battered immigrant" status.
- You have a T-visa, or you have a parent with a T-1 visa.
- You have an arrival-departure record (Form I-94) indicating you're a Cuban-Haitian Entrant, that you're a parolee, or that you've otherwise been granted asylum or refugee status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A Form I-94 indicating you're a Conditional Entrant also qualifies you if the form was issued before April 1, 1980.
Our guide to FAFSA for international students has more details.
Scholarships for undergraduate students
Now let's get to what you came here for - the undergraduate scholarships you can apply to as an international applicant in the U.S. Here are our top picks if you're pursuing a bachelor's degree.
Fulbright Program for Foreign Students and Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTAs)
Former Fulbright alumni range from a prime minister of Belgium to a Nobel laureate. Needless to say, this program has a tough scholarship application process.
You'll need a personal statement, recommendations, and more. The exact application details and how to apply will depend on your country of origin.
MPOWER Monthly Scholarship Series
MPower Financing's monthly scholarship series awards nearly $50,000 per year to students from around the world. On the first day of every month, visit their website for the latest scholarship opportunity.
The scholarships vary, but the basic eligibility criteria requires you're admitted to or studying in a full-time degree program and have a valid study permit. These scholarships are also for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students!
MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
This scholarship's grand prize is $10,000, and there are two honorable mentions awarding $2,000 each. You must be accepted to a U.S. school or studying full time at one and have a valid study permit.
The application is pretty straightforward. You'll provide basic information about yourself, like your home country, study program, and post-graduate work programs. There's also an essay.
Study a Bachelor's in the USA Scholarship
Educations.com offers $5,000 to a lucky international student who wants to do their bachelor's degree in America.
To be eligible, you must have applied or plan to apply to a U.S. college or university, and you must meet the school's entry requirements. The degree program must be on campus or, if it's a remote program, you must be participating from an institute in the country.
#YouAreWelcome Here (YAWH) Scholarship
YAWH works with specific colleges and universities to provide two annual renewable scholarships covering at least half of tuition costs. They target first-year international applicants.
Check with your school to see if they participate. To be eligible, you must meet your school's admission criteria and demonstrate interest in intercultural exchange. The application includes a personal essay, although some schools accept a video.
Scholarships for graduate students
Are you coming to the U.S. for a master's or doctoral degree? Here are some international student scholarships you can apply to.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship
AAUW offers international fellowships totaling $20,000 to $50,000. This program has been around since 1917 and supports women completing graduate or postdoctoral studies in the U.S.
The extensive application includes a research proposal, recommendations, proof of English proficiency (like test scores), and proof of your current degrees.
Asian Cultural Council Fellowships and Grants
ACC's grants create exchange opportunities between the U.S. and Asia. Their grants target artists and creators in the cultural field.
To be eligible, you must be an arts professional or a scholar in the arts. There are four types of fellowships available, including a New York Fellowship, which funds six months in NYC.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (ISP)
The ISP is available to students from select countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Pakistan, and Tanzania. This is a need-based scholarship, so you must demonstrate financial need to be considered.
You must also have a strong academic record and be admitted to a reputable higher education institution or postgraduate program. Priority is given to master's degree students, although Ph.D. students can also apply.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
This scholarship is available to students from 26 countries. You can view the list of eligible countries online.
It's a 10-month program targeting mid-career professionals planning to conduct independent, nondegree study at a U.S. higher education institution. To be eligible, you must also have an undergraduate degree, at least five years of full-time professional experience, and a record of leadership in public service.
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS)
This is another need-based scholarship for graduate studies, so you'll need to provide details about your financial resources when you apply. A maximum of $12,500 is awarded.
To be eligible, you must have a full academic year of coursework remaining at an accredited U.S. college or university. If you're a doctoral student who's only working on a dissertation, you can't apply.
How to make the most of your scholarship
You got a scholarship - congratulations! Now, you want to make sure you make the most of it.
Here are some tips to help you stretch your cash and ensure it's appropriately spent on your studies:
- Make a budget. Know what your money needs to cover. Say you get an award for living expenses. Make a list of everything it needs to pay for, like rent, utilities, groceries, and textbooks. This will help you make smart spending choices, like knowing how much rent you can afford.
- Set up a savings fund. If your budget allows for it, set aside a little bit of money each month. Having an emergency fund on hand can be invaluable when you face unwelcome surprises, like a broken laptop.
- Cut costs where you can. Thankfully, there are a lot of discounts for students. Websites like Broke Scholar and StudentBeans can help you find deals.
- Know what you can spend the money on. Different scholarships have different rules on how their money can be spent. Most are designed to cover tuition or education-related expenses, but some also allow spending on living expenses. Read the fine print.
- Stay on top of your paperwork. Some scholarship programs require you to provide paperwork, like proof of enrollment or transcripts, to maintain your funding. Check your award's requirements to make sure.
Find the best scholarships for you with College Rover
Ready to get your scholarship search under way? The above list can get you started, but it's not exhaustive. Check with your four year institution's financial aid or scholarship office for additional resources. College Rover also has resources to help.
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