I'm an international student dreaming of studying in the US, but I'm worried about the costs. Does anyone know ways for international students to score scholarships at American colleges? Any tips or success stories would be really helpful!
Absolutely, there are several avenues that international students can take to pursue scholarships. I'll break down a few for you:
1. Institutional Scholarships: Some universities offer merit-based scholarships to academically impressive students, including internationals. Look at the financial aid section of the universities you're interested in, as some of these scholarships are automatic if you meet certain criteria (like a high GPA or impressive extra-curricular achievements), while others require a separate application.
2. International Organizations: Various international organizations provide scholarships to students from specific countries or fields of study. For example, the Rotary International offers scholarships for students across the globe.
3. Country-specific Scholarships: Some U.S. colleges offer scholarships specifically for students from certain countries. Additionally, your home country might also offer scholarships for studying abroad. You can search for these on the website of your home country's Department of Education or equivalent.
4. Need-based Scholarships: Some universities offer need-based financial aid to international students. Universities like Harvard and Yale pledge to meet 100% of all admitted students' demonstrated need, regardless of their nationality.
5. Fellowship and Grant Opportunities: Some universities and organizations offer fellowship programs for international students. For example, the Fulbright Program offers grants for international students coming to the U.S.
6. Private Scholarships: There are private organizations and donors that offer scholarships specifically for international students studying in the U.S. For example, the Margaret McNamara Education Grants provide support for women from developing countries.
As for success stories, I've heard of a student who received the Davis United World College Scholars Program scholarship, which granted him a full ride to one of the affiliated colleges after he graduated from a UWC school in his home country.
Remember to always stay proactive and do thorough research about your options. Good luck!
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