As an international student planning to study in the USA, I'm curious about which scholarships are well-regarded and offer good financial support. Any suggestions or personal experiences would be really appreciated!
Absolutely, finding a scholarship as an international student can be a bit challenging but definitely not impossible. Your best bets are often scholarships provided directly by the colleges/universities you're applying to, as well as some external scholarships specifically for international students.
Several U.S. universities offer substantial financial aid packages for international students. For instance, Harvard University pledges to meet 100% demonstrated financial need of all students, regardless of nationality, which can include scholarships. Likewise, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has need-blind admissions for all students and is committed to meet their full demonstrated need. Also noteworthy is the University of Chicago, which extends its Odyssey Scholarship Program to international students, providing significant funding.
Within the University of Pennsylvania, international students are eligible for the Penn World Scholarship which helps to meet the financial needs of admitted international students. Vanderbilt University's Ingram Scholarship Program, which seeks students who plan to combine a professional career with dedicated community service, is open to all students, including internationals.
Another unique opportunity is the International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award offered by United World Colleges (UWC). Students who have studied at UWC schools for their high school years can apply this for their undergraduate studies in select US universities.
For external scholarships, the Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students who have limited educational opportunities across certain countries. Rotary International's global grants can be used for academic studies and their scholarships generally fund overseas study.
Another resource is the Fulbright Program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program operates in more than 155 countries, providing scholarships for talented individuals to study, research, or teach in the U.S.
Remember, when seeking scholarships, it's crucial to evaluate each opportunity carefully, as some might come with specific obligations or commitments. Additionally, keep in mind that the deadlines and requirements can vary, so keep your scholarship documents organized and submit your applications well in advance of the deadlines. Best of luck!
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