What is an ESL scholarship for international students?

I'm a high school junior exploring scholarship options and heard about ESL scholarships for international students. Can anyone explain what these scholarships cover and who qualifies for them? Are they different from regular scholarships?

An ESL (English as a Second Language) scholarship is a type of financial aid specifically designed for international students who are non-native English speakers and are enrolled or planning to enroll in an English language program or degree course taught in English. A typical aim of these scholarships is to help remove financial barriers for international students and to promote linguistic and cultural diversity within educational institutions.

Eligibility for these scholarships can vary greatly and depend on the specific scholarship program. Typically, an applicant must be a non-native English speaker, have a strong academic record, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled or accepted into an English language program. Some ESL scholarships may also require you to come from a specific country or region.

As for what these scholarships cover, that too can vary by program. Some may cover tuition for an English language program, while others can also include fees, room and board, textbooks, and even travel expenses in some cases.

In contrast, regular scholarships usually cover a broader range of students and purposes. For instance, these may apply to any eligible student, irrespective of their nationality or language skills, pursuing any field of study.

It's crucial to thoroughly research and understand the terms and conditions of specific ESL scholarships before applying. You can typically find more information about various ESL scholarships from university websites, international student offices, or reliable college planning resources like CollegeVine or Appily.