Do US universities offer scholarships for international students?

I'm an international student exploring potential US universities that provide scholarships. I'm particularly interested in understanding what kinds of scholarships might be available and if they cover full tuition. Any advice or recommendations?

Absolutely, many U.S. universities offer scholarships to international students. The types and amount of scholarships can vary by institution, with some offering full-tuition scholarships while others may offer partial scholarships.

Generally, scholarships are of two types: merit-based and need-based.

1. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on the academic, athletic or artistic achievements of the students. For instance, certain institutions offer scholarships recognizing exceptional academic performance and other notable achievements. These are very competitive and students often need to have outstanding credentials to be considered.

2. Need-based scholarships are given to students who demonstrate financial need. Universities will typically require you to fill out a financial aid application, such as the CSS Profile, to assess your family's financial situation.

There are also certain scholarships aimed specifically at international students. For example, the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) at the University of Oregon covers a significant portion of tuition and is open to international students. Similarly, Clark University offers the Global Scholars Program which provides scholarships to first-year international students.

After identifying your universities of interest, be sure to visit each university's financial aid page or contact their financial aid office directly for the most accurate, up-to-date information. In addition to this, you can use resources like Appily to search and apply for various scholarships.

Remember to start early and apply as soon as applications open for the best chance of receiving these scholarships. Keep in mind that while obtaining a full ride through scholarships can be challenging, with the right mix of academic prowess, extracurricular achievements, and demonstrating financial need (if applicable) can certainly increase your chances.