Tips for Seeking Scholarships as an International Student?

As an international student, how should I start my search for scholarships? What are some reliable sources or databases to check? If anyone could share their experiences or tips on securing scholarships, I'd be very grateful.

As an international student seeking scholarships, your first step should be identifying scholarships particularly designed for international students. You'll find many foundations, organizations, and colleges offer scholarships specifically for international students.

While searching, there are a few key resources to utilize:

1. College websites: Many colleges and universities offer scholarships for international students. These can range from merit-based awards, department-specific scholarships, to financial need-based scholarships. Check the websites of your prospective colleges under the "Financial Aid and Scholarships" section for any such opportunities.

2. Scholarship search platform: Appily is a well-known scholarship database which could be a great resource during your scholarship search. It can provide you with a list of scholarships based on factors such as your academic interests, extracurricular involvements, and more.

3. Non-profit organizations: There are numerous non-profit and governmental organizations that offer scholarships to international students. For example, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides scholarships for graduate students, researchers and professionals to study and conduct research in the U.S.

4. Your home country: Often, local businesses, foundations, government departments and organizations in your home country might offer scholarships for its residents to study abroad. Be sure to check for such opportunities.

5. Fellowship programs: These are usually designed for postgraduate students, but they offer substantial funding for research or study in specific fields.

When it comes to the application process, remember to start early. Scholarships usually have deadlines well before college application deadlines, and you'll need ample time to gather your materials, write essays or personal statements where needed, and perhaps apply for a visa. Finally, don't sell yourself short, apply to as many scholarships as you can, and remember that every little bit helps. Good luck on your journey!