Is it possible to get a free full scholarship to undergraduate programs in the USA as an international student? I'd like to explore any options that involve covering the entire cost of tuition and living expenses.
Yes, there are several U.S. colleges and universities that offer scholarships for international students, including ones that cover full tuition, room and board, and even additional expenses.
Some schools, like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have need-blind admissions policies and meet full demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international ones. Full scholarships are competitive at these institutions, but if you're admitted and demonstrate high financial need, you'll receive a generous financial aid package.
Schools like Amherst College, Dartmouth College, and Duke University, to name a few, also pledge to meet full demonstrated need of all admitted international students. This could cover full tuition, room, board, and other expenses depending on your family's financial circumstances.
There are also specific scholarships for international students. For instance, Harvard University’s undergraduate program rolls out the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI) for International students. If a student's family earns less than $85,000 a year, they pay nothing.
Many of these programs are need-based, so they'll require you to provide a detailed account of your financial situation. Depending on the school, you may need to fill out a CSS Profile or the school's own financial aid forms.
Please note that each university has distinct processes and policies, so it's crucial to thoroughly research each school's financial aid process and adhere to all deadlines.
Remember, these options are highly competitive, so it's important to excel academically and personally as much as possible to stand out during the application process. And, consider other sources of funding as well like country-specific scholarships, external scholarships, or even financial aid opportunities from your home country.
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