Looking at Penn State University for further studies but worried about finances. Are there scholarships for international students? Would be great if someone could share experiences or tips on finding aid.
Penn State University does offer financial aid opportunities for international students, but they're relatively limited compared to what's available for domestic students. Typically, international students aren't eligible for federal or state government aid. This doesn't mean you're out of luck, though!
Different colleges within Penn State offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the College of Agricultural Sciences and the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences both offer scholarships for international students. It's also worth noting that some colleges may consider your academic merit for scholarships without a separate application. I'd recommend looking into the financial aid page of your desired college within Penn State for more information.
Since the amount of aid offered directly by Penn State may be limited, it's also worth exploring external scholarships. Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the Institute of International Education's Funding for U.S. Study Online database is a comprehensive resource for international students looking for scholarships, and Appily has a database of scholarships available too.
Finally, it's a good idea to prepare your finances as early as possible for studying in the U.S. Based on visa regulations, U.S. colleges ask international to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover at least the first year of their education, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Penn State will provide an estimation of these costs for you to use. All the best in your research and application process!
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.