As an international student interested in studying in the US, I'm looking for scholarships that can help with tuition. Anyone have recommendations or know where I can start my search for financial assistance?
Of course, I'd be happy to provide you with some guidelines on how to start your search for scholarships as an international student!
One of the first places to investigate potential scholarships is the financial aid office of the universities you are applying to. Each college and university can have its scholarships available, these tend to be merit-based and do not require a separate application. Also, some institutions have specific scholarships set aside for international students.
In terms of external scholarships, there are several that are available specifically for international students. Here are three examples:
1. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program: This is a widely respected scholarship that accepts applications from students in around 160 countries. The program provides funds for a year or more of study at U.S. universities.
2. The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship: This provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students who are from select developing countries.
3. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: This provides full scholarships to students from World Bank member countries to pursue development-related studies at selected Universities around the world.
You can also use scholarship search platforms to find more opportunities—just make sure to verify that the scholarships you find are available to international students. Some well-known platforms are Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and CollegeVine's Appily platform. These platforms compile information from scholarships in a database and recommend scholarships based on the profile you set up.
Keep in mind that the application processes for scholarships can be competitive, so focus on making your application stand out. This could mean crafting thoughtful essays, getting strong letters of recommendation, and showcasing your extracurricular activities or work experiences.
Remember also that scholarships aren't the only way to finance your education – you can also consider work-study opportunities, assistantship programs, and part-time jobs.
I hope that these suggestions provide a helpful starting point for your scholarship search. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.