How to access scholarships and financial aid as an international student?

I'm an international student looking into US colleges. Financial aid is a major concern for me. What options do I have for scholarships and financial aid, and how do I apply for them?

International students seeking financial aid and scholarships for U.S. colleges have a variety of options to consider. Some U.S. universities offer need-based financial aid to international students, while others may offer merit-based scholarships. Applying for these types of aid usually involves filling out the school's financial aid forms.

For example, a handful of Ivy League schools, such as Harvard and Yale, have generous financial aid policies that extend to international students. These schools promise to meet 100% of demonstrated need, which could significantly reduce your cost of attendance.

Merit-based scholarships are another main avenue for aid. These are offered based on a student's academic, athletic, or other accomplishments. Numerous universities offer these types of scholarships to international students. Requirements differ, but usually, you'll need to fill out an application form along with your university application and submit any required documents.

Some websites also offer resources for finding scholarships specifically for international students. For instance, the new platform Appily provides a search engine where you can seek scholarships based on your demographics, academics, and intended major.

Regarding U.S. Government financial aid, unfortunately, Federal Student Aid (like Pell grants, federal work-study, and federal student loans) is largely unavailable to international students. However, a few U.S. states do offer aid to international students.

Always make sure to start your research and applications early. Some scholarships and financial aid applications may have deadlines that are earlier than college application deadlines, so pay close attention to ensure you don't miss out on potential opportunities.