How to get scholarships to study in the USA for international students?

Exploring options to study in the USA as an international student, I'm keen on finding scholarships. How competitive are these scholarships, and are there specific states or universities known for offering more financial aid?

Getting scholarships as an international student can indeed be a competitive venture. This is because some scholarships are limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, which reduces the overall pool of scholarships available to international students. However, there are still numerous opportunities, and with a focused approach, finding financial aid becomes much more feasible.

First, seek out Financial Aid/Scholarship offices at the universities you're interested in. Some universities offer aid for international undergraduate students, such as Harvard, MIT, and Princeton, while others, like many state schools, may offer little to no aid for international students. It's always a good idea to directly reach out to these offices to inquire about institutional scholarships, deadlines, and requirements.

Second, if you're pursuing a specific major, investigate professional associations related to your field of study that offer scholarships, as some are open to international students.

Third, utilize scholarship search platforms. Websites like BigFuture by College Board, Scholarships.com, and Appily all allow you to tailor your search to your unique profile and they include scholarships for international students.

Lastly, consider applying to universities in states that are known for generous aid for international students. For example, colleges in states like Texas and North Carolina have a reputation for offering substantial aid, notably the University of Texas at Dallas and University of North Carolina.

Remember that you often have to submit separate applications for scholarships, so make sure to track all deadlines and requirements. Good luck as you navigate the scholarship search process!