We don’t need to tell you that despite COVID-19 impacting in-person classes, exams and plans for just about everyone around the world, International Education doesn’t stand still for long. We’re excited about the start of the Fall Semester 2020.
Here’s our roundup of some of the news in International Education that caught our attention August:
PEO International Peace Scholarship Awarded
Paramita Choudhury, a second-year doctoral student at the University of Arkansas, has received the P.E.O International Peace Scholarship. P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization with the mission to help women support their educational goals through loans, grants and scholarships. One of the goals of the P.E.O International Peace Scholarship is to foster a better understanding among the peoples of the world. Paramita will receive $6,000 for tuition and expenses related to her research in dental anthropology.
Texas Student Recieves Department of State Scholarship to Study Hindi
Josh Mysore, a senior at the St. Mark’s School in Plano, Texas, has been awarded a National Security Language Initiative for Youth Virtual Summer Intensive full scholarship to study the Hindi language this summer.
Josh is one of 500 students selected from roughly 3000 applicants from across the United States who will study a foreign language this summer as part of a virtual exchange.
Nigerian ballet dancer inspires youth
Daniel Owoseni was told that as an African he was not eligible for an international scholarship. Despite this setback, he taught himself ballet through YouTube, and 3 years ago set up his very own dance academy.
This story should inspire you not to give up, even when things are hard!
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Read about How to find international or study abroad scholarships for 2021 or Studying in the United States vs. Canada
If you need additional funding for your international education, a loan may be the perfect solution:
Who Provides Study Abroad Scholarships?
Scholarships can come from many different sources and you’re typically eligible to receive more than one form of financial support. Review the guidelines for each scholarship or award to see what opportunities you qualify for.
There are various sources of funding for the financial aid, such as:
Sponsoring institutions may be run or influenced by people who have studied abroad themselves and because of that they truly understand the value of experiencing an international education.
The availability of scholarships for international students will vary from country to country. Whichever scholarships you apply for, remember to be patient and persistent – as the application process and decision-making can take time. That being said, scholarships are an excellent way to help you finance your study abroad dreams.
What Can a Study Abroad Scholarship Cover?
Depending on which of the many scholarships you decide to apply for and who is sponsoring it, the terms of the scholarship, and what it can be used to pay for (and what it can’t be used for) can vary greatly.
Most scholarships are supposed to cover your basic cost of studying. This might include the cost of tuition, registration fees, books, and other school-related costs. With some scholarships, a portion of living costs may also be covered, such as the cost of food and accommodation (sometimes referred to as “room and board”.
Some international scholarships are much less strict. They will award you a sum of money which you can put towards your studies however you feel is appropriate depending on your circumstances. Of course that doesn’t mean you can just spend the money on whatever you like, it should all be used to fund your education – not for social activities or any other purpose. The difference is that you’re more in control of your own budget and can use the financial aid as you see fit.
It’s important to think about when the study abroad scholarship money will be released to you. Funds are most commonly paid out in a lump sum before the start of the fall semester, but in some cases, may be paid out in instalments over the course of the year. In the case of a study abroad scholarship that is paid out in instalments, in order to keep receiving the payments you may be required to maintain a certain level of academic merit.
Scholarships can be either paid to finance office of the school or to the student directly. Your school or the sponsoring organization will have their own procedures for when scholarship funds will be awarded. You should ask in advance so that you’re able to work out your budget effectively.
Scholarships for Undergraduate Students and Graduate Students
Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, there may be different funding options for you, so remember to explore all the options.
How to Find Scholarships to Study Abroad in 2021
For huge numbers of students, the idea of studying abroad is incredibly exciting and interesting. They want to experience a different culture first-hand, work on their communication skills in a foreign language, or just explore the world as an international student.
Depending on the destination you choose and the type of program you enrol in, it can either be really expensive or could even save you money. But finding a study abroad scholarship to study abroad can reduce the overall cost, otherwise for some, the dream of studying at a school overseas may be out of reach.
To find scholarships to study abroad, first think about the destinations and courses that you are interested in. Contact the schools that you would like to attend to see what aid is available for international students, and use the IEFA.org scholarship search for the latest list of available scholarships.
Related Content
Studying in the United States vs. Canada
Financial Aid For International Students in the US: Explained
10 things you need to know about international student loans
Scholarships in medical fields
In this post we’re comparing studying as a foreign student in the USA with studying in Canada – if you’re interested in studying in either country then you’re in the right spot-as we will discuss some of the big advantages of studying in each.
Now let’s dive straight in!
A degree in Canada is just as good as a degree from the U.S., Australia, or the UK.
Canadian universities are doing well in international rankings and Canadian universities rate among the world’s top 50 universities.
There’s no question that a Canadian education is a world-class education, whether you’re attending a university, college, or technical school.
The most important obstacle for most students seeking to study abroad is the cost.
And while international students pay higher tuition fees at Canadian universities than domestic students, the average annual tuition for a Canadian undergraduate degree for a foreign student is considerably lower than in the United States , Australia, or the United Kingdom.
Foreign students must also find housing and support their everyday lives. The cost of living in Canada is quite affordable compared with many other top destinations for foreign students. And when you consider the average annual cost of living to be lower than other countries with also lower average annual tuition fees, Canada tends to be a really good opportunity, indeed.
It is possible to get an International Student Loan to study in Canada, too.
You can also search our database of scholarships for international students.
While Canada is a relatively affordable option globally, studying abroad is undeniably expensive.
International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during school term and full time (30 hours a week) during scheduled breaks, such as holidays. Most students don’t have to get a work permit to work when studying.
Another big reason many students choose to come to Canada is personal safety. Studying abroad can be frightening, because you are leaving your family and friends – your safety net – at home. The Institute for Economics & Peace ranked Canada 8th most peaceful nation in the world. The location and relative isolation of Canada geographically provides a bit of a shield against most international disputes.
Canada has a freely elected government, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms of Canada guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of those living in Canada. Canada’s worldwide reputation is as an inclusive and non-discriminatory society. Immigrants make up 20 percent of Canada’s entire population and Canadian regulations ensure that all citizens are protected from prejudice whatever their circumstances may be.
You typically get temporary status as a foreign student in the country where you are studying. You need to get back home when you graduate.
However, contrary to other countries, Canada has a variety of programmes that enable foreign students to be moved to permanent resident status after their studies. Options like the Post-Graduation Work Permit encourage students to live and work on an unrestricted work permit after graduation, which lets them gain some Canadian work experience. Most provinces in Canada have Provincial Nominee systems for applicants with studying or working experience in the province, and the point-based immigration scheme rewards Canadian job and education experience. Approximately half of all foreign students consider applying for permanent residency in Canada after completing their studies.
Canada is one of the world’s largest economies, and students are given plenty of opportunities to work. You have the chance to communicate with stakeholders of your chosen sector and network with them. And while you study, or after graduation, you could gain valuable experience working for industry-leading Canadian companies.
Your Canadian education and improved language skills in either English or French may provide global opportunities should you want to return to your home country or move abroad.
Canadian employers seem to prefer Canadian work experience over foreign work experience, so if you do chose to live in Canada your experience could make you stand out from other applicants!
It is estimated that 48 of the top 100 universities worldwide are in the USA. Flexibility in academic fields is one of the biggest factors which distinguishes US colleges from other universities around the world.
Usually, you are not required to specify your major until after your second year of study. Most students take advantage of these two years to explore different academic goals before deciding on a major. Students are expected in most other nations to determine their field of study before even applying.
Many U.S. colleges mandate that you take general or “core” education classes.
They provide you with the opportunity to learn about a wide range of academic topics – not just your major or concentrated research area. These classes, often entitled “liberal arts”, cover many subjects from writing to sciences and philosophy.
With an internship, you will get a head start on your career – opportunities are provided by most US colleges. You will gain hands-on experience and exposure to your profession in the real world, plus the possibility of better-paid jobs after graduation because you already have some experience in the job.
Read about working in the US
Colleges in the U.S. offer a wide array of sports , clubs, societies and events outside the classroom, so whatever you are interested in – you will find it right there on campus!
Students studying in the US come from all over the world. You’ll be able to meet new people from various backgrounds every day , learn new languages, make friends and learn about other cultures – and share your own!
Most schools have a dedicated office devoted solely to assisting their international students with any needs. They can help you develop your English, or deal with visa problems, financial support, and even help you adapt to cultural differences which can be quite a big deal in a new country.
When studying in the US one important thing to remember is that it can be very costly – far more costly than many other countries in the world. Through this article you will find out more about how to finance your education in the USA:::Link::
Then you can find out whether you qualify for a loan to study in the US:
You can also search our database of scholarships for international students.
And there you have it! Lots of great reasons why you would want to study in the United States or Canada! Let us know where you want to go in the comments below!
In this video we break down all the Financial Aid Opportunities for International Students in the US.
If you’re specifically looking for a loan, then you can use the tool on our site to see if you are eligible.
If you’re looking for a scholarship, then you can search through our database on our Scholarships Page.
It’s also the most expensive. International students have to pay for tuition, room & board, transportation, health insurance, books, and supplies – and international graduate students may not have all that money saved in advance.
So how can international students pay all these expenses? It’s not easy, but you can realise the dream of studying in the US with hard work and some financial aid.
The U.S. federal government gives international students limited financial support. But while most foreign citizens are not eligible for federal aid or government student support or federal loans, the U.S. Department of Education states that:
“Many non-U.S. Citizens qualify for federal student assistance. Don’t assume you can’t get help because you’re not a citizen.”
Under certain circumstances, non-citizens may be eligible for U.S. federal student aid funding. If you are applying for an international student visa, you may be eligible for the U.S. government-funded programmes:
However, as an international student, you are most likely not eligible for US government financial aid.
But there are other alternatives that can help fund your education.
Always start looking at home. If you’re an outstanding student with great potential, your own home country’s government may be willing to send you to an American college or university to learn at some of the best institutions, and then return home to apply your newly acquired skills.
To give you some examples of these programs:
You should talk to the education department of your home country for government aid and your US embassy or consulate to see if such aid or government-funded programs are available.
Universities are often flexible in offering financial aid options and support to international students. You can usually find plenty of international student financial aid information on the website of your school or by talking to your Admissions Office or International Student Services Office, or the Financial Aid Office.
You can find information on budgeting, the cost of your education, student financial aid application, resources and any financial support you can access.
For their students, most colleges have either need- or merit-based, financial assistance and aid packages, which can come in various forms.
Some schools have introduced a “need-blind” admissions policy, meaning you’re accepted based on your academic merits and don’t look at your financials.
It’s important to talk to your admissions office about what financial aid you ‘re eligible for. You may be aware of additional completion forms and deadlines.
Schools differ greatly in the international financial aid offered to students. If the school is well-funded, wants to diversify its student population, or has special interests in certain fields of graduate study, it may be willing to offer a generous financial aid package to attract international students.
International students can get up to a full scholarship to participate on their school’s sport teams. If you’re a talented athlete, this could be your ticket to a US school.
There are agencies travelling the world searching for students who have excelled in their sport and will match you with a coach recruiting for their school. The coach will have the final say as to whether you get selected — and whether there is a financial package to go along with that.
Many schools are looking and have the funds to build a specific academic department. Whether you excel in math, business, or physics, there may be a scholarship for you. You’ll need to contact the Department Head to see if they’re willing to help you. These scholarships are often available in STEM fields — science , technology , engineering, and mathematics. These departments are seeking new research and expertise, so you need to show your track record and make the investment worthwhile.
A tuition waiver allows students not to pay a portion of their tuition. While not all schools grant international students a tuition waiver, a handful to do. The school will specify the requirements to be met before international students qualify for a waiver of tuition. It can be based on citizenship, academic performance, or part of a fellowship or grant. Do your research, look at the school’s website, and talk to your admissions counsellor or an international student advisor to find out more about eligibility.
Many organisations worldwide have created scholarships and grants to offer aid to help students study abroad. But these awards can be competitive. There are thousands of scholarships and grants out there, but remember to put the time and effort into each application to increase the likelihood of winning the award. Have your application reviewed and submit as many as you can. You can search for international education scholarships on IEFA.org.
Working in the U.S. to supplement your financial support is difficult for international students. F-1 students may work part-time on campus if they are in good academic standing or have completed their academic programme. For OPT or CPT approval, your work must be directly related to your major. Check with your International Student Advisor if you can work during your studies.
If you pursue higher education degrees, some international organizations can help you study in the U.S., including the United Nations and the World Health Organization, to name a few. Again, these international scholarships are extremely competitive, but they can be amazing if you have the qualifications and skills to do so.
If you still need funds, there are international student loans that can cover your U.S. education’s total cost, including your tuition, transportation, some living expenses and food expenses. As long as you attend an accredited school, several lenders will work with international students. In most cases, you can apply online and get approval within days. Remember, international student loans allow you to borrow money, but you’ll need to pay back the money with additional borrowing costs. Check all the details and compare lenders to find the right international student loan.
The Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program supports future generations of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math in the United States and Israel and, over time, fosters greater collaboration between the world’s most advanced scientific research centers.
The program provides scholarships through the following initiatives:
The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program attracts high achieving postdoctoral scholars from premier universities in the United States to do research at one of seven Israeli universities. Once they complete their research, many Zuckerman postdocs are expected to accept faculty positions at top North American universities, weaving a network of academic collaboration and goodwill that will greatly benefit US Israeli scientific cooperation.
The Zuckerman Israeli Postdoctoral Scholars Program provides additional support to Israeli researchers who have been accepted to a postdoctoral program with a stipend at an American university. Zuckerman Scholars enjoy unique programming and activities specially organized for them by the host universities, such as touring, educational experiences, and social programs.
Candidates for the Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program are assessed based on their academic and research achievements, as well as on personal merit and leadership qualities, without regard to race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or age.
Scholars are expected to return to the home campuses from which they earned their doctorates, and to visit other universities, where they will give talks and be interviewed by faculty and PhD students. They should share insights about their research and about the experience of collaborating with scientists in the United States.
The postdoctoral scholars program will enable the highest achieving postdoctoral researchers from the US to collaborate with leading scientists at Israel’s top research institutions. Leading PhD graduates from these Israeli universities will have an opportunity to accept postdoctoral positions in top US academic institutions.
Find out more and apply for the Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program on IEFA.
Find other scholarships.
Read our blog.
We believe that everyone deserves the right to get a proper education as it creates a better world for all of us. What better way to turn that philosophy into reality by offering scholarships in the U.S. and Canada.
Knowing that these two countries are some of the best places to study and get a college degree because of their high educational standards, it’s best that deserving students get the chance to experience premium education.
This is why we, at International Education Financial Aid (IEFA), are proud to showcase two scholarships for international students in the U.S. and Canada. There are two scholarship types. These are the Global Citizen Scholarship and the Women in STEM Scholarship.
Although the deadlines have passed and the students have been carefully chosen, there’s still a chance that another round of free scholarships will be given soon.
Find out more about these scholarships and stay up to date with another possible round by reading on.
Provided by: MPOWER
Application Deadline: July 15th
About this scholarship:
The Global Citizen Scholarship is geared towards international students who are looking to study either in the U.S.A. or in Canada. The two countries are considered as the top places to get premium education because of its first-world and high-standard educational experience.
To qualify you must be enrolled full-time at a US or Canadian school that MPOWER supports, and you must be an international student allowed to legally study in the U.S. or Canada. U.S. citizens wishing to study in the U.S. and Canadian citizens wishing to study in Canada are not eligible for this scholarship.
This scholarship is not restricted to a field of study – students from all fields can apply.
And although the application deadline has passed, the chances of MPOWER offering another batch of scholarships for international students is very high.
This scholarship has been created and specifically designed to cater to international students who wanted to study in the U.S.A. and Canada. Its aim is to encourage a diverse community of students for the long-term goal of improving the productivity and prosperity of both the two countries and the individual lives of its scholars. In simpler terms, foreign students get the chance to experience American and Canadian college and university-level education at its finest.
Scholarship applicants, should, however, be qualified. Some of the qualifications needed are full-time students who are currently enrolled at a school located in the U.S. or in Canada. And that school should be directly supported by MPOWER.
Furthermore, applicants should be confirmed as official international students who are allowed to legally study either in the U.S. or Canada or in both the two countries.
Students who are U.S. citizens looking forward to studying in the U.S. are exempted and not eligible for the scholarship. The same goes for Canadian citizens who are looking to study in Canada. The aforementioned scenarios are not eligible to get the scholarship.
However, it’s worth noting that the scholarship isn’t restricted to a specific field of study or degree. This means that successful scholars from any field of degree can apply for the scholarship.
Provided by: MPOWER
Application Deadline: July 15th
About this scholarship:
The Women in STEM Scholarship is geared towards female international students who want to study college-level education in the U.S.A. or in Canada.
The last applications were also submitted last July 15. But the chances of having another batch of STEM scholars is very high because of MPOWER’s continuous support towards the cause.
It is a scholarship fund aimed at women who are geared towards using their STEM degree for the greater good and benefit of society. Those who have the potential to serve as inspirational role models and as advocates for women’s rights are the main target of this scholarship.
Students coming from different countries, except for the U.S. and Canada, are eligible for the scholarship. They should also be currently enrolled in a STEM degree program in any U.S. or Canadian school that is directly supported by MPOWER. Only females and those who are full-time students can apply for this scholarship.
Applicants must also submit a clear and detailed essay describing their academic and professional accomplishments in the STEM program. They should also share their thoughts about their future goals and how they intend to achieve those goals if ever they successfully qualify for the STEM scholarship.
STEM is a description of programs that feature subjects in any field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, hence STEM.
Further Resources:
International Student Loans without a Cosigner
International Student Loan Center
If you are already, or are going to be an international student in the US, it will usually be required of you to have a cosigner while applying for a loan.
If you do require a cosigner, the cosigner must be a US citizen or permanent resident, and they must have lived in the US for more than 2 years. They should likewise have good credit history. Non-US natives and non-US permanent residents are not allowed to be a cosigner for international student loans.
Despite of the fact that most international student loan applications require a cosigner, students attending a growing number of schools and colleges in the US and Canada can apply for a loan without one.
If you do not have a cosigner, there is guidance on how to find one in the International Student Loan Resources, but looking for a “no cosigner loan” could be the best choice for you.
Since most international students in the US don’t have any financial history there, a cosigner joins the loan application process. Approval for the loan and the interest rate applicable are then based upon the perceived reliability of the cosigner.
The cosigner is lawfully bound to repay the loan if the borrower does not make the payments.
Don’t have a cosigner? If research doesn’t help you find one, see if a loan that doesn’t require a cosigner is available for you.
With loans that do not require a cosigner, rather than using the applicant’s own credit score and history, lenders assess your education and career path, in addition to other factors when making a decision on approval for a loan. These might include your nation of origin, graduation date, and what school you are attending.
The majority of student loans available for international students are solely for non-US natives who will be in the United States. However, a new option helps students apply for loans at a number of colleges in Canada as well!
International Students in Canada may now apply for an international student loan without a cosigner!
International Student Loan has partnered with a lender that can offer student loans without them to students from over 190 countries, including the US, who are attending select schools in Canada. Up to this point it has been hard for international students to finance university education in Canada, but thanks to our partner lenders and International Student Loan, there are now various schools in Canada where no-cosigner loans are available.
International students at eligible schools can apply for a loan to fund the expense of your education including the cost of tuition, lodging, sustenance, insurance, and supplies. As referenced previously, with this sort of private loan though, rather than focusing on your or your cosigner’s financial record, the loan specialists take into account different factors.
For private student loans for example, your education and future career, your nation of origin, your expected graduation date and what school you will be studying at will be considered. Students who are not US natives or permanent residents, and who are going to schools outside the US/Canada are not presently qualified for international student loans.
Students who are not US natives or permanent residents, and who are going to schools outside the US/Canada are not presently qualified for international student loans.
International students should use the loan comparison tool to see whether they can apply for a loan without a cosigner and if their chosen school is available. Provided that this is the case, they should then be able to review the terms and conditions of the credit agreement and apply online.
While inquiring about a no-cosigner loan, here are a couple of things you should consider:
When your application has been assessed you will get further information about your loan and the terms and conditions. These will cover the financing cost and the total amount you can obtain. These will differ by loan specialist and depend on your circumstances.
No-cosigner advances through our partner have a fixed rate of interest and enable you to access up to $50,000 in a 2 year period. You should state the amount you might want to borrow on your application.
Once the student loan borrowers are approved for the loan, the funds are disbursed directly to your school or college.
The whole process takes around about a month and a half, so you should plan ahead and ensure that you make your application in time.
To check whether there are no-cosigner loans at the private lenders in your school, start with the loan comparison tool.
Find out more about International Student Loans.
The 2018 InternationalStudent.com Travel Video Contest winners have been announced! For all the ones who have been following the contest, you know that it wasn’t an easy decision for our judges since all the finalist videos were incredible, but they had to come with 3 winners. Today, the last day of International Education Week, we are pleased to announce the final winners of the 2018 contest:
The $4,000 grand prize winner: Mariana Barbosa with Remembering to Live
Mariana is from Brazil, an amazing country that unfortunately, due to all the budget cuts, had to cut off student scholarships at federal universities. For this reason, Mariana put her eyes on another country that will bring her more opportunities and new experiences, Canada! Mariana will walk away with the $4,000 grand prize to help her study in Canada!
The second place winner ($500): Prabhat Gurung with: Me and my Camera
Prabhat is from Nepal and he moved to New Jersey to began his undergraduate education. In the United States, Prabhat has made new friends and shared his culture with his fellow international peers. It’s there where he found out what his true passion was: a camera. He wants to go home and share with his people everything he has learned while being abroad. Prabhat will receive $500 to help him pursue his dream of sharing the beauty of Nepal with the world!
The third place winner ($250): Hoang Thuy Ha with Why Later?
Hoang is from Vietnam and found in dancing a therapy that made her a more confident person. She found this passion at the age of 30 and advises you not to wait any longer to follow your dreams. She will take home $250 to help her study dance therapy abroad.
Next year InternationalStudent.com will host their annual Travel Video Contest and you won’t want to miss out! Check back on September 2019 for your chance to enter the contest!
In late August InternationalStudent.com invited you to participate in their annual Travel Video Contest where students can create a 4 minute or less video describing their proposed study abroad, or any trip they would like to take if already studying abroad. After receiving numerous entries with emotional and inspiring videos, InternationalStudent.com has announced who the lucky finalists are, including the Viewers’ Choice Winner.
We encourage you to watch their amazing videos and listen to their unique stories- perhaps one of your favorites was nominated within the 12 finalists! To choose the three final winners, InternationalStudent.com has a Judging Panel comprised of leaders in international education.
As well as watching the 12 finalist videos, we encourage you to check out the Viewers’ Choice winning video: Leaving Routine Behind, created by Kaleema Lowery, who is actually participating for her second time in this contest! Winning the Viewers’ Choice Award means she not only will receive $1,000, but also gains automatic entry into the finalist round. Check out Kaleema’s video and let her tell you her story through her moving video, where she shares her desire to visit and live in South Korea in order to leave the routine behind.
Stay tuned as the 3 winners will be announced during the last day of the International Education Week: November 16th! If you’re interested in entering this Travel Video Contest next year make sure you sign up to receive the latest alerts from InternationalStudent.com.
University of Arizona
Deadline: April 1st
Looking to study at the University of Arizona (UA) but can’t afford the tuition? This is your chance! The UA is offering Tuition Awards to international students that go from $4,000 to $24,000 per academic year.
The University of Arizona is one of the United States’ most respected public research institutions. The UA provides more than a world-class education, they help students develop the necessary skills of discovery, research, and creativity and that’s why you can’t miss this opportunity to study there!
What’s the scholarship about?
In recognition for students who exhibit an outstanding academic performance, the University of Arizona offers the International Tuition Award which offers $4,000 – $24,000 per academic year for freshman, and $5,000 per academic year for transfer students.
Eligibility:
If you meet the criteria, be sure you submit your application on time for the next fall semester!
Get more details on the University of Arizona International Tuition Award and how to apply.
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