According to the Institute of International Education, the United States is the top destination for international students around the world. A US education is one of the most expensive, considering that international students will need to pay for their tuition, room & board, transportation, books, and supplies at an undergraduate institution will cost from $15,000 to $40,000 a year, depending on the school. A graduate education can be even more expensive and students may not have all that money on hand.
Financial Aid from the US Government: The US government is limited in the financial support it gives international students. As the US Department of Education states, “Most foreign citizens are not eligible for federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education. If you are on an international student visa, you may be eligible for these US government-funded programs:
- Fulbright
- EducationUSA
Financial Aid from the US Universities & Colleges: Universities are generally more flexible when it comes to offering financial aid for international students in the USA. You can typically find information for financial aid on your school’s website either with your Admissions Office or International Student Services Office. Here you can find information on budgeting, the cost of your education, and financial aid that can help you navigate the ins and outs of affording your education.
- Financial Aid Through the Admissions Office: Most colleges have either need-based or merit-based financial aid packages, and this can come in many forms.
- Financial Aid Through Athletic Department: A number of international students get full scholarships through their university or college to participate in their school’s sports Whether you are an excellent rugby player, tear up the field at track and field, or have a talent for another sport, this might be your ticket to a US school.
- Financial Aid Through An Academic Department: Many schools are looking to build up a specific academic department, and have the funds to do so. You will need to contact the head of the Department to see if they would be willing to help support you.
- Tuition Waivers: A tuition waiver allows students to not pay a portion or all of their tuition. The school will specify what requirements need to be met in order to be granted a tuition waiver. It can be based on citizenship, academic performance, or part of a fellowship or grant. Do your researches, look on the school’s website, and talk to your admissions counselor or an international student advisor to get more information on eligibility.
International Financial Aid from World Organizations: If you are pursuing higher degrees, some international organizations may be able to help you study in the U.S. including the United Nations and the World Health Organization, to name a few. Again, these scholarships are extremely competitive but can be an amazing opportunity if you have the qualifications and skills to do so.
International Student Loans: If you still need money, there are international student loans that can cover up to the total cost of your US education, including your tuition, transportation, living and food expenses. As long as you have a US cosigner and attend an accredited school, there are a number of lenders that will work with international students. You can apply right online in most cases and get instant approval within days.
Private Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships: Many organizations around the world have created scholarships and grants to help students study abroad. While these awards can be competitive, they can offer free money to students without the obligation of having to pay back the money.
Other Sites to Explore: There are a number of resources and sites dedicated to helping non-US students study in the US. Here are just a few you might find helpful:
- Education USA
- International Student Scholarships
- org
Here our“Financial Aid for International Students” article gives you an overview and information about the different kinds of scholarships for International students.We have also compiled a short list to help you pay for your education in the US that is founded by many universities and organizations.
ETSU International Students Academic Merit Scholarship
East Tennessee State University has established an international scholarship program termed as “ETSU International Students Academic Merit Scholarship”. The program is open to new international students who are seeking a graduate or undergraduate degree. The scholarship covers 50 percent of tuition and maintenance fees.
Provided By: East Tennessee State University
Award: covers 50 percent of tuition and maintenance fees
Eligibility:International students
Deadline: July 15th for fall semester and October 15th for spring semester.
ApplyNow:http://usascholarships.com/etsu-international-students-academic-merit-scholarship/
Iowa State University International Merit Scholarship
Iowa State University is provided an amazing opportunity to receive its International Merit Scholarship. Incoming international freshmen applicants and international transfer applicants are eligible to apply for the scholarship. There is two renewable scholarship one gold scholarship up to $8,000/year and Cardinal Scholarship up to $4,000/year.
Provided By: Iowa State University
Award: Gold scholarship up to $8,000/year and Cardinal Scholarship up to $4,000/year.
Eligibility: Incoming international freshmen
Deadline: March 1, 2017, for fall and October 1, 2017, for spring.
Apply Now:http://usascholarships.com/iowa-state-university-international-merit-scholarship/
UHV International Student Merit Scholarship
The University of Houston-Victoria is glad to announce its international scholarship program named as “UHV International Student Merit Scholarship”. All undergraduate and graduate F-1 and J-1 international students are eligible to apply for the scholarship program. The scholarship covers tuition and fees cost and other costs such as housing, meals, transportation, personal expenses, books, supplies.
Provided By: University of Houston-Victoria
Award: Covers tuition and fees cost and other costs
Eligibility: All undergraduate and graduate F-1 and J-1 international students
Deadline: June 15th for fall semester and November 15th for spring semester.
Apply Now:http://usascholarships.com/uhv-international-student-merit-scholarship/
Griffith International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships
Griffith University makes available the “Griffith International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships” Program for outstanding international high school graduates who apply for undergraduate studies at Griffith University(Citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand). Two scholarship of $5000 will be given towards each recipient of the scholarship.
ProvidedBy:Griffith University
Award: $10,000 in total.
Eligibility:Outstanding international high school graduates
Deadline: September 8th, 2017.
ApplyNow:http://usascholarships.com/griffith-international-undergraduate-excellence-scholarships/
Self Score International Student Scholarship
The Self Score Organization is offering “Self Score International Student Scholarship” for International students who are studying in U.S during the academic year. Six undergraduate and six graduate students will get the scholarship of $5000 each.
Provided By: The Self Score Organization
Award: Total $60,000
Eligibility: International students
Deadline: September 28, 2017
Apply Now:http://usascholarships.com/self-score-international-student-scholarship/
The University of Maine International Presidential Scholarship
The University of Maine is offering a limited number of International Presidential Scholarships in recognition of outstanding academic performance. International first-year and transfer undergraduate students are eligible to be considered for this award. Applicants to the University of Maine do not need to submit a separate application to be considered for the award. Winners will get up to $15,000 per academic year.
Provided By: University of Maine
Award:$15,000
Eligibility: International first-year and transfer undergraduate students
Deadline: There is no application deadline.
Apply Now:http://usascholarships.com/university-maine-international-presidential-scholarship/
The Spotlight Awards Programs
The Music Center is pleased to announce the Spotlight Awards Programs to U.S. permanent residents and international students who are studying in the U.S. Spotlight is a nationally-acclaimed scholarship and arts training program for high school students in the performing arts.Southern California High School students of all talent levels are encouraged to apply. The Music Center’s Spotlight program will award over $100,000 in cash awards annually to grand prize finalists, semi-finalists, honorable mentions and selected preliminary participants.
Provided By: The Music Center
Award: Over $100,000 in cash
Eligibility: U.S. permanent residents and international students
Deadline: October 16, 2017.
Apply Now:http://usascholarships.com/the-music-center-spotlight-awards-programs/
Salisbury University International Ambassador Scholarship
The Salisbury University is offering “International Ambassador Scholarship” for individuals who have an interest in undergoing a degree program at the Institution. You must be enrolling as a full-time degree seeking student and completed high school program to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship is valued at the US $9,040 per academic year.
Provided By: Salisbury University
Award:$9,040
Eligibility: A full-time degree seeking student
Deadline: February 1, 2018.
Apply Now:http://usascholarships.com/salisbury-university-international-ambassador-scholarship/
PSU International Achievement Scholarship
The Portland State University is pleased to announce their International Achievement Scholarship Program for undergraduate freshmen and transfer applicants, who are new applicants at Portland State. Award amount of $4,500 per year will be awarded to the winning candidates.All admitted students automatically will be considered for the scholarship. You are not required to submit a scholarship application form.
Provided By: Portland State University (PSU)
Award:$4,500
Eligibility: Incoming international undergraduate students
Deadline: February 1 each year.
Apply Now:http://usascholarships.com/psu-international-achievement-scholarship/
Penn’s International Internship Program (IIP)
The University of Pennsylvania is thrilled to offer Penn’s International Internship Program (IIP) that provides opportunities for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students to intern abroad for eight to twelve weeks over the summer. Students selected for an IIP internship will receive an award to offset the cost of round-trip travel from Philadelphia to the internship site and living expenses.
Provided By: University of Pennsylvania
Award: Cost of round-trip travel and living expenses
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
Deadline: Varies
ApplyNow:http://usascholarships.com/penns-international-internship-program-iip/
