University scholarships for international students in the USA?

I'm an international student planning to attend university in the USA. Are there scholarships provided by universities specifically for international students? If so, how competitive are they and where should I start looking for these opportunities?

Absolutely, many universities in the United States offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both, and the level of competition can range quite significantly depending on the school and the specific scholarship.

Here are a few examples:

1. Harvard University: Harvard commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students and this includes international students. The financial aid package doesn't involve loans, only grants and work-study.

2. Yale University: Like Harvard, Yale also provides need-based aid to all students, including international students.

3. University of Southern California (USC): USC offers the International Freshman Academic Scholarship, which includes a half-tuition waiver.

While these scholarships can be very competitive due to the prestige of the institutions involved and the high caliber of applicants, there are many other schools with less competitive opportunities as well.

To start looking for these opportunities, a good first step is to research the specific financial aid and scholarship pages of the universities you're interested in. Colleges generally have a lot of information about financial aid, including scholarships they offer, on their websites. When researching, note if you need a separate application for these scholarships or if you are considered upon admission.

In addition to university scholarships, there are also externally-funded scholarships for international students studying in the U.S. For instance, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program funds master's and Ph.D. programs for students in many fields.

Remember, scholarships can really help lower the cost of your education, so it's worth it to apply, even though it can be time-consuming and competitive! Consider applying for several, as it might increase your chances of receiving some sort of funding. Good luck!