I'm dreaming of attending Stanford University, but I'm not sure how to afford it. What are some international scholarships available for students applying to Stanford, and how competitive are they?
Stanford University is well-known for its generous financial aid, even for international students. While you may not find specific 'international scholarships,' financial aid at Stanford is comprehensive and includes various forms of aid including scholarships, grants, and loans. In fact, for students whose family income is less than $150,000, Stanford typically covers full tuition, and for those under $100,000, Stanford covers tuition, room, and board.
This financial assistance applies to all admitted students, with U.S. and international students evaluated in the same need-based manner. Stanford also guarantees to meet 100% of the demonstrated need of all admitted students, making it a realistic choice for students who can't afford the sticker price.
To apply for this financial aid, international students must submit the CSS Profile. This form allows the university to understand your family's financial circumstances, and determine aid eligibility.
However, it is essential to note that for international students, Stanford's admissions is need-aware, meaning that the student's ability to pay tuition can factor into the admissions decision. Therefore, the competition may be stiffer for those requesting financial aid, as Stanford limits the amount of aid available to international students.
Do bear in mind, though, that Stanford is highly competitive overall, with a single-digit acceptance rate. Therefore, receiving admission, with or without financial aid, requires a strong academic profile, engagement in extracurricular activities, and exceptional personal qualities.
While Stanford's financial aid can be substantial for those who qualify, it's always smart to look for external scholarships at local, national, or international levels, which can further help defray costs. Remember to explore options in your home country as well, as many organizations provide scholarships for students studying abroad.
To sum up, while the competition is high, Stanford offers substantial financial aid, and your dream of studying there could indeed be feasible with the right preparation and resources.
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