How to Find a Scholarship Database for International Students?

I'm an international student looking to study abroad, and I've heard about databases for scholarships. Can anyone recommend a good scholarship database specifically for international students? Any advice on how to navigate these resources?

While it's true that there's a wealth of scholarship information available online, not all databases are created equal. College Board, for instance, hosts an International Student's section where you can find information not only about studying in the U.S., but also scholarships available to international students.

Another helpful resource is the International Scholarships website, which allows you to search for scholarships specifically meant for international students. The search function lets you refine your search by field of study, scholarship amount, and more. Also check out the International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search (IEFA) which has a comprehensive list of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other information to assist college and university students in their pursuit to study abroad.

When navigating these databases, use as many parameters as you can to refine your results. This could be your intended major, the specific countries you're interested in studying in, or any other relevant aspect of your profile. Starting with broad searches can lead to overwhelming results; using more specific terms can help streamline the process.

However, keep in mind that the process of applying for scholarships can be highly competitive. Scholarship applications often require the same level of attention and effort as your college application. It's also crucial to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria before investing time into an application.

In addition, be careful to avoid scholarship scams. Never pay a fee to access a scholarship database or to apply for a scholarship, and be cautious about sharing personal information with unverified platforms.

Lastly, while databases can greatly aid your scholarship search, don't forget to also look at individual college's scholarships. Many institutions offer international student scholarships and it might be a good strategy to apply to those too.

Remember, it's unlikely that a single scholarship will cover all your expenses, so consider applying for multiple scholarships and explore other types of financial aid too. Good luck!