Can I study for free in the USA?

I'm trying to figure out if it's possible to study for free in the USA as an international student. Are there any scholarships or programs that could help cover tuition costs?

While studying for free isn't a guarantee as an international student, there are indeed scholarships and programs that could significantly reduce, if not fully cover, tuition costs.

For starters, there are colleges that offer full-tuition and even full-ride scholarships to international students, such as the University of Chicago, MIT, Yale, and Harvard. The amount and type of aid awarded can vary greatly from college to college, and it's entirely contingent on the college's own resources, policies, and the specifics of the student's application. Always do your research on each college's financial aid policy for international students.

In addition to institutional scholarships, you can also look into external scholarships that are open to international students. The Institute of International Education maintains a database of scholarships available for international students studying in the United States.

Furthermore, there are various global scholarship programs for international students, such as the Fulbright Scholarships, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme, and the Chevening Scholarships. Though these are primarily postgraduate scholarships, they're worth looking into as you plot your academic journey.

Remember to start your scholarship search early, as deadlines can be quite spread out, and it often takes time to gather all the necessary materials and craft strong applications. Stay optimistic, and remember that every bit of funding helps!