International Scholarships for Ethiopian Students - Any Tips?

I'm an Ethiopian high school junior interested in studying in the U.S. and would like to know about any international scholarships available for Ethiopian students. What are your suggestions on where to find and apply for these scholarships?

There's an array of scholarships available for Ethiopian students who want to study in the U.S. From general scholarships available to all international students, to those specifically designed for students from Ethiopia or Africa, you have plenty of options to explore.

1. Regional scholarships: Look for scholarships that are specific to your area. Organisations such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offer scholarships for African students to study at select U.S. universities.

2. U.S. university-specific scholarships: Many U.S. universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, including students from Ethiopia. Check the financial aid pages of the universities you're interested in as they typically list available scholarships. Reach out to the college’s international student services or financial aid office for more accurate information.

3. National and international scholarships: Check out organizations that offer scholarships at the national or international level. A search on Appily will yield entities that give out scholarships to international students.

4. Government scholarships: Look into scholarships provided by the government both in the U.S. and in Ethiopia. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has programs like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which provides grants for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States.

5. Non-profits/organizational scholarships: These include Rotary International, which gives out a number of scholarships to international students each year.

Also, keep in mind that scholarship application processes can be competitive, and many require essays or other materials, so it’s important to start your search and application process early. Start preparing your application well before deadlines, as this gives you ample time to craft standout essays and gather all the necessary documents. Make sure to apply to a range of scholarships to maximize your chances of receiving financial aid.

Remember, scholarships can greatly reduce the financial pressure of studying abroad, but they’re not the only method of financing your studies. Also explore work-study opportunities, grants, and educational loans. Do ensure you research regularly as new opportunities may crop up. Good luck with your search!