As an international student aiming to study in the US, I'm keen to find out about scholarships or financial aid that I could possibly apply for. Are there any general programs or resources that would be beneficial to explore?
In terms of financial aid for international students, options can be somewhat more limited compared to those available for U.S domestic students. However, certain avenues are usually available for you to explore:
1. School-Specific Scholarships: Many American colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. Make sure to research each college's website thoroughly, contact their financial aid offices directly or use the net price calculator on their websites (if applicable to international students) to get an understanding of possible aid. School-specific scholarships often require merit or need-based criteria.
2. Private Scholarships: Organizations outside of universities also offer scholarships to international students. Some notable ones include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program, and United World College Scholar Program.
3. Work-Study Programs: While federal work-study is typically reserved for U.S. citizens, some universities may offer work-study programs for international students. Check with each university's financial aid office.
4. International Student Loans: Some U.S. banks offer private student loans to international students, but keep in mind that often, a U.S.-based cosigner is required.
5. International Financial Aid Programs: Some organizations also provide resource lists designed for international students. For instance, the International Student & Study Abroad Scholarship Search (from InternationalStudent.com) and International Scholarships database (on Appily).
6. Home country scholarships: Sometimes organizations or the government in your home country might offer scholarships for studying abroad or in the U.S specifically.
What's most important is to start your research early and keep track of the various application deadlines. Additionally, keep in mind the cost of living as you're planning your finances - tuition is a significant part of your costs, but not the only one.
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