Scholarships in United States: As an international student planning to study in the United States, you likely have concerns about the costs and how to pay for your education. Finding scholarships to help fund your studies can make achieving your academic goals more feasible.
In this article, you will learn about some of the top scholarships available in 2024 specifically for international students attending US universities. The scholarships discussed provide awards ranging from $5,000 to full tuition coverage to outstanding students from countries around the world.
This article outlines eligibility requirements, award amounts, and deadlines to apply for five exceptional scholarship programs open to international applicants. Reading this can help you identify promising funding opportunities to alleviate the financial burden of an American education. With preparation and persistence, you may be able to secure scholarship aid to follow your dreams of studying in the US.
Top 10 Best Scholarships in United States for International Students
As an international student seeking higher education in the United States, securing financial aid can be a game-changer. With the ever-increasing costs of tuition and living expenses, scholarships provide a lifeline, enabling you to pursue your academic dreams without the burden of crippling debt.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The prestigious Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a merit-based scholarship that covers tuition, textbooks, fees, and living expenses for one academic year of graduate-level study. This highly competitive program fosters cultural exchange and leadership development.
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is a one-year, non-degree program that focuses on professional development, leadership, and mutual understanding. It provides tuition, fees, health insurance, and a monthly maintenance allowance.
AAUW International Fellowships
Awarded by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), these fellowships support women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study at accredited U.S. institutions. They provide tuition, living expenses, and other benefits.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This program aims to support the formation of an internationally competent workforce. It covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, and other costs for graduate study at a World Bank member country university.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
This need-based program provides tuition assistance and living stipends for outstanding students from select developing countries to pursue undergraduate studies at prestigious universities worldwide.
OAS Academic Scholarship Program
Offered by the Organization of American States (OAS), this program provides tuition and fees for graduate studies or research leading to a master’s or doctoral degree at an OAS member state university.
American Association for University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
These fellowships support women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study at accredited U.S. institutions, providing tuition, living expenses, and other benefits.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJWBGSP)
This program aims to build an internationally competent workforce by providing tuition, a monthly living stipend, and other costs for graduate study at a World Bank member country university.
OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) Scholarship Award
This award covers tuition, living expenses, and other allowances for students from developing countries to pursue graduate studies in development-related fields at universities worldwide.
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships in the United States
Research Scholarship Opportunities
The first step is researching the various scholarship opportunities available to international students in the U.S. You can start by checking with your university’s financial aid office or international student services. They often have lists of scholarships specifically for international students.
Additionally, use online scholarship search tools and databases like FastWeb, Scholly, and Going Merry. These allow you to filter by criteria like your country of origin, field of study, and more to find relevant options.
Understand Eligibility Requirements
Once you’ve identified potential scholarships, carefully review the eligibility criteria. Common requirements include:
- Minimum GPA
- Test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, etc.)
- Essays or personal statements
- Letters of recommendation
- Extracurricular activities
Make note of all requirements and deadlines. Missing any could make you ineligible.
Prepare a Strong Application
To make your application stand out, tailor it to each scholarship. Craft compelling essays highlighting your goals, experiences, and unique qualities. Obtain strong recommendation letters from professors or employers who can speak to your abilities.
Make sure your application is complete, organized, and submitted well before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications are often immediately disqualified.
Apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
While options are limited for international students, some merit-based aid may be available through FAFSA. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be considered for grants, loans, and some university scholarships requiring FAFSA completion.
Renew Annually
Many scholarships are renewable annually if you maintain eligibility requirements like GPA. Stay updated on renewal procedures and deadlines. Applying for new scholarships each year can also help fund your entire degree program.
Best Scholarships in United States By Field of Study
STEM Fields
For international students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), numerous scholarship opportunities are available. The prestigious Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides funding for graduate study and research. Likewise, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship supports outstanding students in STEM disciplines.
For undergraduate STEM majors, organizations like the Society of Women Engineers and the American Chemical Society offer merit-based awards. Many universities also provide STEM scholarships, such as the MIT Presidential Fellowship for graduate students.
Business and Economics
International students in business and economics programs can apply for scholarships from professional associations like the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). The Phi Beta Delta Honor Society also grants awards to high-achieving international scholars.
Several top universities, including the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and Harvard Business School, offer generous fellowships for their MBA programs. Many corporations sponsor scholarships for business majors as well, such as the PricewaterhouseCoopers Scholarship.
Arts and Humanities
While funding can be more limited, international students in the arts and humanities should explore discipline-specific opportunities. The Institute of International Education administers the prestigious Freeman-ASIA program for study abroad.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program supports research projects for American graduates, but international recipients can use the funds for U.S. study. University-based scholarships, like the Harvard Scholarship for the Arts and Humanities, are also available.
Health Professions
Aspiring doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals have access to specialized scholarships. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers selected healthcare awards annually. Organizations like the American Medical Association Foundation provide funding as well.
Many top medical schools, such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins, grant scholarships and assistantships to highly qualified international applicants in health fields. Students should check program-specific opportunities.
Conclusion
You have now been presented with information about some of the most prestigious and generous scholarships available to international students looking to study in the United States in 2024. With options from leading institutions like Harvard University and Stanford University, as well as substantial funding from organizations like Fulbright and the Gates Foundation, you have an exciting range of opportunities to consider as you make plans to pursue your academic goals abroad.
While the application processes will be rigorous for these competitive awards, the potential benefits make them well worth your time and effort. Do thorough research and put your best effort into every part of the process, from your essays and recommendations to your interview skills.
If you can demonstrate your strengths as a candidate, secure strong support, and submit exceptional applications, you may be rewarded with the chance to access a top-tier U.S. education fully funded. We wish you the very best in this journey and in your future academic pursuits.