I'm an international student looking into studying in the USA and I'm worried about how to afford it. Can anyone share what types of financial support are out there, specifically scholarships or other financial aid opportunities available for us?
Absolutely, there are indeed numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to international students in the United States.
1. Firstly, check whether the schools you’re interested in offer need-based financial aid to international students. Some schools that are need-aware for international students and offer financial aid include the University of Chicago, Harvard University, Yale University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Being need-aware means that the school will consider a student's ability to pay when they decide to admit or reject the student.
2. Merit-based scholarships are another option. These scholarships can be awarded by colleges or by independent organizations, and they are typically based on academic, athletic, or artistic performance. These scholarships are not dependent on financial need, so even if you do not qualify for need-based aid, you could still win a merit scholarship.
3. There are also country- or region-specific scholarships. Sometimes, scholarships are offered to students from certain countries, regions, or continents. For example, the Aga Khan Foundation offers scholarships to students from certain developing countries, while the PEER Global project provides scholarships for displaced and refugee students.
4. In addition, there are sector- or field-specific scholarships. These are awarded to students who plan to study in a certain field. For instance, Google’s Women Techmakers Scholars Program provides aid to women pursuing a computer science degree.
5. Lastly, US Government-funded programs like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provide scholarships to international students, usually for graduate studies.
Remember, every school is different so always check their Financial Aid page for international students to get specific information. Also, these scholarships can be very competitive, so it's crucial to submit a strong application with well-prepared essays. Good luck with your search!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.