Is there a full scholarship available to study psychology in the US?

I'm passionate about studying psychology in college but worried about financing it as an international student. Are there any full scholarships specifically for foreign students pursuing psychology in US universities? What criteria do these scholarships usually require?

Yes, there are indeed scholarships available specifically for international students looking to pursue psychology in US universities. While full scholarships can be more challenging to find and obtain due to the high competition, they certainly exist, and you might find partial scholarships as well.

Criteria for these scholarships can vary greatly. Generally, they'll consider academic merit, leadership roles, community service, and financial need. For scholarships related to psychology, the committee members may also want to see evidence of your commitment to the field, such as coursework in psychology during high school, participation in related clubs or activities, or psychology-related volunteer work.

One example of a full scholarship is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. While this isn't specifically for psychology students, it is open to graduate students from all fields. The program provides grants for a study or research period in the United States, it is highly competitive and prestigious, and entails a very intensive application process.

Another scholarship is the Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) for international students. It provides fully-funded scholarships for master’s degree study to individuals who clearly demonstrate academic and professional excellence and a deep commitment to leading positive social change in their communities, which could include a focus on mental health. The scholarship covers all costs of attendance including tuition, stipends, insurance, and flight costs.

Keep in mind that university-specific scholarships can be a valuable resource. Some universities that are known for robust financial aid for international students include Amherst College, MIT, and Yale. These universities meet 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students, including international students.

It's important to look into financial aid policies at the institutions you're interested in. Some universities will require you to submit a CSS Profile for financial aid assessment, while others may have their own financial aid application forms.

Importantly, start researching and applying for scholarships as early as possible. Many scholarships have deadlines that fall before college application deadlines. Make sure you keep track of these dates and give yourself plenty of time to fully and accurately complete each application.

Remember, scholarships often require essays and letters of recommendation, so plan ahead to ensure you have time to create a thoughtful application that adequately displays your passion for psychology and your qualifications.

Best of luck in your hunt for scholarships, and your pursuit of psychology!