I'm an international student interested in studying in the U.S. Are there scholarships available for international students? What should I know before applying?
Absolutely! There are many scholarships available for international students as well.
Firstly, the aid policies of colleges can vary quite a bit. Some colleges are need-blind for international students, which means they don’t take financial need into account when admitting students. Other colleges specifically state that they are need-aware for international students, which means that they do consider an international student's ability to pay when deciding on admission. Although colleges like Harvard and MIT meet full need for every single admitted student, keep in mind that these schools are very competitive to get into in the first place.
Secondly, don't overlook private scholarships! There are many organizations that provide scholarships for international students. Some good places to start are Appily, which has a database of scholarships that you can search based on your unique circumstances, and the Institute of International Education, which maintains a Funding for U.S. Study database with hundreds of scholarships for international students.
Finally, consider applying for scholarships in your home country that can be used for study abroad as well. For instance, many countries' education departments/governments offer scholarships for students to study abroad.
Additionally, take note of the application process and deadlines for these scholarships. They may require supplemental materials such as essays, recommendation letters, or proof of community service. So, make sure you give yourself enough time to gather all necessary items.
It’s also important to be aware of the terms and conditions of these scholarships, that is, what responsibilities you have to fulfill in order to maintain eligibility for the scholarship. Some might require a certain GPA to be maintained or may require students to work in a specific sector after graduation.
Remember that a scholarship application is like your college application—put your best foot forward, showcasing how you are a good fit for the scholarship’s intent.
Good luck on your journey to find scholarships! You're embarking on an exciting path.
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