Navigating funding opportunities to study in the USA

I'm looking into studying in the USA but super stressed about how I'll fund it. What are some reliable ways to seek out funding for international students? Are any scholarships or grants specifically for non-US students?

Studying in the U.S. can be expensive, and not all schools offer equal financial aid opportunities for international students.

A reliable way to start your financing exploration is first to understand your ability to pay and then utilize the school's net price calculators. This should give you an idea of how much you should expect to pay as an international student.

Pay special attention to schools that are "need-blind," meaning college decisions don't take financial need into account, and "meet full demonstrated need," which promises to fill the funding gap after your family's expected contribution. While the list of these colleges is short, it includes some top-tier universities, such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and MIT. However, keep in mind these are among the most selective schools in the U.S., and you will need to be an outstanding applicant.

You might also consider schools known for offering generous financial assistance for international students, such as Amherst, Duke, and the University of Chicago. They offer need-based scholarships that can substantially reduce your costs.

There are also many external scholarships specifically for international students to study in the U.S. For instance, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides grants for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to conduct research and study in the U.S. Similarly, AAUW International Fellowships offers fellowships for women scholars who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, to conduct graduate or postgraduate study.

Appily, formerly known as Cappex, lists scholarships where international students are eligible to apply and could be an effective place to look for additional scholarship opportunities.

Finally, see if your home country offers scholarships for study abroad. Some governments or private institutions offer funding for citizens wishing to study overseas.

Remember to seek out and apply for multiple scholarships and funding options, as competition can be high. While loans are another option, it's usually best to explore all grant and scholarship options first to minimize debt. Good luck with your applications!