What kinds of scholarship aid exist for international students?

I'm currently exploring scholarship options as an international student. Can someone shed light on the different forms of aid available? Are there specific scholarships I should look into, or are there general tips for securing financial support?

International students have a couple of main sources for scholarship aid:

1. University Scholarships: Many U.S. colleges offer scholarships to international students. These can be need-based (where your financial situation is taken into account) or merit-based (where your academic or extracurricular achievements are considered). Every college has its own process for awarding these scholarships, so make sure to review their financial aid websites and get in touch with their international student services. For example, at Harvard, families earning less than $85,000 per year pay nothing.

2. Privately Funded Scholarships: These are offered by organizations, businesses, or benefactors unrelated to your college. Criteria and application processes vary greatly. You can research these online or check out a comprehensive scholarship guide like Appily.

3. Home Government Scholarships: Many countries offer scholarships for their students to study abroad – make sure to check with your local government's education department.

4. U.S. Government Scholarships: While less common, there are a few U.S. government scholarships that are open to non-U.S. citizens, such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Where possible, cast a wide net by applying to both large and small scholarships, as small ones can add up and are usually less competitive. Also, be mindful of deadlines and make sure your applications are tailored and well thought out to increase your chances of success. Always remember that legitimate scholarships do not require an application fee or the purchase of a product or service.