Scholarships for mature international students?

As someone who took a gap year or two, I'm curious about scholarships available for mature international students. Are there specific awards for older students? Any advice on where to look or apply for these scholarships?

Absolutely, there are definitely some scholarships out there for mature students as well as for international students. For starters, you may want to check out both school-specific scholarships and external awards. Some colleges offer scholarships specifically tailored for non-traditional or mature students. You might want to start researching the financial aid opportunities of the school(s) you are applying to.

Next, you might want to explore well-known, credible scholarship websites. For instance, Fastweb and Scholarship.com both provide databases of scholarships that could meet your specific needs, and you can customize your search criteria based on factors such as your age, field of study, country of origin, or other attributes.

Moreover, many educational or professional organizations offer scholarships to international students or mature students returning to school. These might be tied to a specific field of study or career goals. As an example, the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education grants need-based scholarships to women whose education was interrupted and seek to return to school to support themselves or their families.

Keep in mind, however, that many of these scholarships can be competitive. Make sure to start your search early, meet all application deadlines, and craft compelling essays or personal statements if required. Your unique experiences after high school and as an international student can certainly add a rich perspective to your applications. Good luck!