William E. Jackson Award

William E. Jackson Award
Scholarship Deadline: September 30

The William E. Jackson award is given to one graduate student annually that has proven academic excellence in the field of aviation electronics and telecommunications. RTCA grants the chosen recipient of this award $4000 and an honorary plaque during the RTCA Annual Symposium. Graduate students studying aviation electronics or telecommunication systems are eligible for this scholarship by submitting the following through both electronic submission and hard copy submission by September 30:

• The report in the form of a thesis, project report or technical paper
• A summary of the material submitted
• A biography of the candidate
• A letter of endorsement regarding the research/project from an instructor

The submitted documents must be based on the past three years of research and work within the aviation electronics and telecommunications field. This award is a memorial to William E. Jackson and judging will be based upon his life-long work to aviation systems. For more information on how to submit your documents for this scholarship please visit here.

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Brazil Science without Borders Scholarship

Brazil Science without Borders Scholarship
Scholarship Deadline: Varies by Host School

Undergraduate students from Brazil who want to study in the United States now have the opportunity to do so while receiving financial aid. The Brazilian government has started an initiative to give 100,000 scholarships to some of the best students in Brazil so they can study abroad for one year. The Brazil Science without Borders program is part of this initiative and allows students to study in the US. Students studying in one of the following fields will be given preference to receive this scholarship: science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

To participate in this program students must be currently attending a college or university in Brazil and be nominated by that school, then approved by CAPES or CNPq. Candidates that apply through both CAPES and CNPq will be disqualified. Students that participate in Brazil Science without Borders must return to Brazil to complete their degree after their year of study in the US.

For a full list of eligibility requirements or to apply, you can visit Brazil Science without Borders Undergraduate Program.

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Scholarships, Grants, Loans, oh my!

If you are planning to study overseas, you may find that going to school in a foreign country can be costly. While you will still have to cover your tuition, books, and living expenses, now you’ll need to factor in additional flight costs, exchange rates, health insurance, etc. While there is no doubt that studying overseas can help you become more competitive in the job market and advance your career, the immediate dent in your wallet could take a toll.

Whether you are an international, study abroad, or foreign enrolled student, you may – like many students – consider looking for external sources to help finance your education. But where should you look? Scholarships, grants, and loans are a great first step to get the funding you need:

Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education since you do not need to worry about paying back the money you receive. Some schools provide scholarships to their students based on financial need, or based on your academic merit. Contact your school to determine the availability along with any requirements and deadlines that you may need to meet.

Additionally, there are scholarships that are provided by independent organizations based on a wide range of criteria. Ever heard about the travel video contest by International Student? They awarded $4,000 to the winner for their video describing why they want to study abroad. Because these scholarships are offered by independent organization, there are a wide range of opportunities as they are looking for students with special qualifications, such as academic, athletic or artistic talent.

Check out International Scholarships to begin the scholarship search.

Grants

Grants are typically granted to students based on financial need by a non profit organization, educational institution, government division, business or individual. The higher your financial need, the more likely you are to be awarded a grant – however this can be quite difficult for an international student.

Unlike scholarships that consider other factors such as field of study, qualifications, etc., grants require students to show that they need the grant based on academic need. However, like scholarships, once the money is dispersed, you do not need to worry about paying it back to the organization.

Check out International Education Financial Aid to see what grants are available.

Loans

Unlike scholarships and grants, international student loans are dispersed to those students who apply for the loan. Once the money is dispersed, you will be responsible for paying back the money you borrowed PLUS interest. Loans are typically easier to receive than scholarships and loans, but international students in the US will need to have a US cosigner who has spent at least 2 years in the United States.

Keep in mind that there are only certain lenders that will loan to international students. Eligibility will be determined not only lender, but also by school. Before beginning the application process, you may want to check to see if you are eligible. Our partner International Student Loan has also done this process for you where they compare lenders based on your eligibility.

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Posted in International Scholarships, International Student Loans | 18 Comments »

McGhee Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies Scholarship

McGhee Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies Scholarship
Scholarship Deadline: March 2

Are you looking for a cultural academic experience in Turkey along with financial assistance? Georgetown University’s McGhee Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies is now offering scholarships in the amount of $5000. Non-Georgetown students who participate in the Fall 2012 Eastern Mediterranean studies program in Turkey are eligible for this scholarship to offset the program cost. There is not an application for this scholarship as all confirmed McGhee center participants are automatically considered for this award. The number of scholarships awarded is based on the application pool. Those who receive this scholarship will be determined based on financial need as well as their academic standing.

The McGhee Center program uses hands-on experiences and interactions to teach students about the history and culture of the Mediterranean civilization. The program includes a set curriculum of classes like Turkish Language, Eastern Mediterranean Cultures and Societies and East and West: Cultures of Popular Perceptions. Also included is optional community involvement through volunteer opportunities and trips to multiple locations including Bursa, Konya, Edirne and Antalya.

Students need to apply for this program by March 2, 2012 and can do so at the following: Apply Now.

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International Student Scholarships for Georgia College & State University

Georgia College & State University International Student Scholarship
Scholarship Deadline: April 1 and September 1

If you are interested in becoming an international student in Georgia and are in need of a scholarship, you have found the right place. Each year the International Education Center at Georgia College & University awards almost 40 scholarships to international students.

International Student Scholarship (ISS) is given to select students who have been accepted to Georgia College and is based upon extracurricular involvement, academic excellence and financial need. This award grants either a half waiver or full waiver for out-of-state tuition fees and ranges in the amount of amount $20,000 to $40,000 over the course of four years. Full time undergraduate students who will pursue their degree at Georgia College & State University are eligible to apply for this scholarship. All applications must be submitted by April 1 for the Fall semester or September 1 for the Spring semester.

Once the ISS is awarded it is renewable for up to eight semesters as long as the student maintains their eligibility as stated in the application guidelines.
For more information on this scholarship and how to apply, visit our International Scholarship database.

Posted in International Scholarships, Study in the USA | 22 Comments »

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Scholarship Deadline: March 1, 2012

Are you a US citizen interested in studying abroad? If you are currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year undergraduate degree then this may just be your opportunity to study abroad. Two undergraduate students are awarded this scholarships based on need twice a year to attend a non-traditional study abroad experience. If you have knocked off Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, this scholarship may just be for you!

“The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to support students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad, including but not limited to, students with high financial need, community college students, students in under-represented fields such as the sciences and engineering, students with diverse ethnic backgrounds, and students with disabilities.”

Those awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships will have program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance and international airfare covered by the scholarship. Scholarships will depend on the expense, need, and length of program however many awards are around $4,000.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is supported through the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000 and is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Applications will be available early January here.

Posted in International Scholarships, Study Abroad | 14 Comments »

Applying for International Scholarships

If you are an international student planning to come to the US, you may be interested in applying for international scholarships. While you’ll need to fill out the application and meet the requirements for your scholarship, if awarded you’ll receive a payment to support your education. Scholarships can be awarded for academic or other achievement – and there are many available so make the most of it!

We’ve put together a list of tips to help you when applying for international scholarships:

- Deadlines. When it comes to financial aid in general, timing is everything. Make sure that you know what is due, and more importantly when. Many scholarships have limited funding and are competitive with many applicants. Make sure to keep track of when you’ll need to submit the necessary documents to increase the chances of receiving a scholarships. If you use a calendar, make sure to note deadlines and set reminders to keep you on track.

- Essays. Many scholarships require applicants to write essays. You may find yourself writing, reading, and then re-reading your essay. Many students at the end of the process will end up reading what they thought they wrote – instead of what they actually wrote – and will miss small typos or key words. Have friends, teachers, and family members read over your essay and make any changes. Proofreading your essays can increase your odds of being awarded a scholarship.

- Don’t waste time. Many scholarships have eligibility requirements – before applying make sure you read all the fine print. There are many scholarships out there that you can apply for, but spending time applying to scholarships that you are not eligible for is a sure loss of time. We all know that international students are busy, between wrapping up school, working, and the many other day-to-day tasks. Spend your time wisely by reading the details carefully.

- Best foot forward. While content is #1, there is something to be said for presentation. Make sure that your documents are well organized and presented neatly. If you need to handwrite documents, be sure to spend the extra few minutes to make it clear and legible.

- Application. Not all fields on an application will apply to you. Don’t leave any ambiguity as to whether you forgot to fill it in. Make sure that you fill out every field, if it doesn’t apply to you just indicate “N/A” (or, not applicable).

- Create a timeline. Applying for international scholarships can require many steps, including essays, applications, references, transcripts, and much more! Don’t leave it to the last minute. Create a calendar that divides up the tasks to make sure there is enough time to get everything done.

- Make copies. Before submitting the information, make sure you keep copies on hand. It’s always a good idea to be able to refer back to it for other scholarships or to resubmit it in case it gets lost in transit. No need to do the same work twice if you’ve already done a good job the first time. Make it count, and make the most of your time!

- Last glance. Finally, before you submit your work to the organization make sure you go over all the requirements and dates. If you have additional time, have another trusted person take a look at it as well to make sure that you meet all of the requirements.

Good luck applying for international scholarships! Let us know if you have any additional scholarships tips that you’ve found.

Posted in International Education, International Scholarships | 33 Comments »

Study Abroad Scholarships for High School Students

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad Program
Scholarship Deadline: January 11, 2012

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program is offering 55 scholarships to US high school students interested in studying abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Thailand and Turkey.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Study (YES) Abroad program gives high school students (ages 15-17) the opportunity to study in selected countries. Bringing US citizens overseas, as well as non-US students to the US, this exchange was started back in 2002, “as a key component of renewed commitment to building bridges between citizens of the U.S. and countries around the world, particularly those with significant Muslim populations.”

These are full merit-based scholarships covering program costs, travel, tuition, room and board, food, and much more! These full scholarships will cover students planning to study overseas for a year, thanks to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants must be U.S. Citizens, high school students at the time of application, and 15-18 years of age. The deadline for applying is January 11, 2012.

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Funding for International Students

Funding for international students is a critical factor for any student looking to receive a degree or certification overseas. Think about it. Housing, food, tuition, and books are just a few of the necessary expenses students will need to consider when they budget for their education.

One way students reduce their costs is by applying for scholarships and grants. While many students hope for a full scholarship supported by their college or university, this can be a challenge. In fact, only 23% of international students in the US cover the majority of their expenses with assistance from their college or university. This is the largest external source of funding for international students (excluding self and family funding) – see the graph below that reflects funding for foreign students in the US.

The Institute of International Education publishes an annual report monitoring data on international students in the US called the Open Doors Report. This publication, released last month, confirmed that funding remained consistent over last year with relatively minor fluctuations. What does this means? In the 2010-2011 academic year 63% percent of international students primary funding for international students was by personal and family funds.

Here are some important tips for students looking to budget responsibly:

1. Know the cost of your education.

The initial budgeting stage for your education overseas is to know what expenses you can expect. You should be aware of costs that include your tuition, books, living expenses, etc. The Net Price Calculator can be a useful addition to develop an accurate budget.

Since October 29, 2011, in compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, those colleges and universities who participate in Title IV federal student aid programs are required to estimate the cost of attendance for current and prospective students seeking a degree and/or certificate. The idea of the Net Price Calculator is to provide students with transparency on the cost of their education as well as any grants/scholarship awards they typically distribute to students. This tool will outline tuition and associated fees, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, transportation, grant aid, etc. Keep in mind that the tool was developed for US students so results may vary for international students, however this can be a good start!

2. Apply for scholarships and grants.

It is important for international students to apply for scholarships and grants to reduce their personal expenses. Be aware of programs, dates, and eligibility requirements, and add them to your calendar to stay on top of those awards that are distributed by your school. Funding for international students can also be found through your home country as well as non-profit organizations or third parties. You can use resources like International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) and International Scholarships to begin researching your overseas funding.

3. For additional financial assistance, you may need to apply for an international student loan.

Once you have maximized your scholarships and grants, you may consider looking for a loan for international students. If you have a US co-signer, you may be eligible for a US-backed loan that can help you support your education overseas. Be sure to read through the terms and conditions before you apply.

Student loans can assist you in supporting the many costs that you may incur as an international student. Keep in mind, however, that this aid is expected to be paid back along with interest. While funding for international students can vary, this may be a helpful alternative for students looking for financial assistance from a US bank.

Data for graph was extracted from the Open Doors Report as noted above.

Posted in International Education, International Financial Aid News, International Scholarships, International Student Loans | 10 Comments »

Humboldt Foundation Provides Generous Grants for Study or Research in Germany

Are you a German scholar, or do you want to study or research in Germany for an extended period? The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation supports researchers and scholars that come to Germany from all around the world, and it supports German scholars and scientists that research and study around the world.  The Foundation has a variety of programs, and they have this to say about their selection criteria:

“If you would like to become a member of the Humboldt Family, only one thing counts: your own excellent performance. ”

Humboldt Research Fellowship Program: With this massive program, the Foundation provides 200 awards each year.  The awards support scholars of all nationalities and disciplines, enabling them to carry out long-term research projects (6 to 12 months) in Germany.  Fellowships are awarded on the basis of scholarly achievement alone. PhD required, under 40, proficient in German or English, from any country in the world. This fellowship comes with a monthly stipend, travel costs, language training, and family allowances.

German Chancellor Fellowship Program: Under this program, the Foundation provides ten awards to US citizens, each for a one year stay in Germany for research or study. Its a post-graduate or professional award, providing a monthly stipend of 2,000 to 3,000 euro.  Application deadline is 31 October, and a bachelors degree is required.

You can see more about the Humboldt Research Fellowship Program and the German Chancellor Fellowship Program on InternationalScholarships.com.

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Posted in International Education, International Scholarships, Study in Germany | No Comments »