Best Scholarships to study in the U.S. for international students

May 2nd, 2022 by Sagnik Santra

The U.S. is known for its high-quality education and many international students aspire to study in the U.S.. However, the cost of studying in the U.S. can be expensive, and not every student can afford it. If the student is from one of the developing countries, it will even be hard to finance their studies in the U.S. This is why many universities like the Harvard university offer their enrolled international students scholarships to study in U.S..

Whether you are looking for graduate or undergraduate scholarships, you will get the chance to apply for anything. However, getting a scholarship in the U.S. can be very competitive as thousands of brilliant minds apply for it.

In this article, we are going to talk about U.S. scholarships and will try to give a detailed guide on how you can get a scholarship to study in the U.S.. So if you are an international student looking to study in the U.S., this article is for you!

What are international scholarships?

A scholarship is a type of financial aid that helps students pay for their education. Scholarships are awarded based on different criteria, which can include

Financial need
Academic merit
Athletic ability
Musical talent
And more

There are many types of scholarships available to international students who wish to study in the USA. Some of these scholarships are provided by the US government while others are offered by universities, private organizations, and foundations.

Why study in the USA?

The USA is home to some of the world’s best universities, which offer a high-quality education to students from all over the world. In addition to this, the USA also offers several benefits to international students, which include:

1. A multicultural environment: The USA is a culturally diverse country, which provides international students with the opportunity to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

2. Academic excellence: The USA is home to some of the world’s best universities, which offer a high-quality education to students from all over the world.

3. Flexible education system: The USA has a flexible education system, which allows students to customize their course of study according to their interests and goals.

4. Professional opportunities: The USA offers several professional opportunities to international students, which can help them further their careers.

5. Better chance of getting a job: Graduating from a university in the USA can improve your chances of getting a job, especially if you want to work in an international organization. The colleges in the USA have a very good placement rate.

Scholarships for international students: Benefits

So now that we know one or two things about scholarships, let’s take a look at some of the benefits they offer

1. They provide an opportunity to study in the USA: One of the main benefits of scholarships is that they offer an opportunity to study in the USA. For many students, this is a dream come true.

2. They help you finance your studies: Scholarships can help you finance your studies, which is a huge benefit, especially if you are struggling to pay for your education.

3. They can help you get a job: Many scholarships come with the added benefit of helping you get a job after you graduate. This is because many companies are looking for talented and ambitious students who have been awarded scholarships.

4. They give you an edge over other students: When it comes to applying for jobs or getting into graduate school, having a scholarship on your resume can give you a big advantage over other students.

5. They can improve your career prospects: Finally, scholarships can improve your career prospects. This is because they show that you are a high-achieving student who is willing to work hard and achieve your goals.

Different types of scholarships

Here are some of the different types of scholarships you should know about

1. Awards scholarships

These types of scholarships are given for many reasons. It can be anything from your academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, or even your volunteering work. You should have leadership qualities and be able to demonstrate your dedication and commitment to achieving your goals.

2. Full tuition scholarships or fully funded scholarships

This type of grant covers tuition fee as well as living expenses. So, if you are lucky enough to get a fully funded scholarship, you don’t have to worry about how to finance your education and living costs. However, the competition is usually high for these scholarships since there are only a limited number of them.

3. Partial Scholarships

Partial scholarships usually cover a part of your tuition fee or living expenses. So, if you get this type of scholarship, you will still need to find other ways to finance your studies like student loans. However, it is still a great opportunity as it can help reduce the financial burden on you.

4. Merit-based scholarships

As the name suggests, these scholarships are based on your academic merit. So, if you have good grades, you are more likely to get this type of scholarship. Merit-based scholarships are one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships. Getting one will help your boost your portfolio and improve your chances of getting into a good college or graduate school.

5. Need-based scholarships

If you have a good academic record but your family is not able to finance your studies, you can apply for need-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on your financial need. So, if you can demonstrate that you have a genuine financial need, you are more likely to get this scholarship.

6. College-specific scholarships

Many colleges and universities offer scholarships. So, if you are planning to apply to a particular college, you should check if they have any scholarships that you can apply for. College-specific scholarships are usually merit-based or need-based.

So there are some different types of scholarships available to students who want to study in the USA. If you are planning to study in the USA, make sure you do your research and apply for the ones that you are eligible for.

How an international student can apply for U.S. scholarships

Let’s find out how you can apply for a scholarship in the USA as an international student

1. Do your research: The first step is to do your research and find out what scholarships are available. You can start by looking online or talking to your guidance counselor.

2. Meet the requirements: Once you have found a few scholarships that you are eligible for, make sure you meet all the requirements. This includes things like having a good academic record, being active in extracurricular activities, and demonstrating financial need.

3. Gather all the documents: Once you have met all the requirements, the next step is to gather all the required documents. This usually includes your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

4. Fill up the application form: The next step is to fill up the application form. Make sure you fill it out correctly and include all the required information. Double-check before you submit the form.

5. Apply for multiple scholarships: You are allowed to apply for multiple scholarships at once. So, if you are eligible for more than one, make sure you apply for all of them. This will increase your chances of getting a scholarship.

5. Be patient: After you have submitted the application form, all you can do is wait for a decision. The process can take several weeks or even months. So, be patient and don’t give up hope.

If you don’t get the scholarship the first time, don’t be discouraged. You can always try again next time. There are many scholarships out there and you will eventually find one that you are eligible for.

Top U.S. scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students

So now that we know a lot about scholarships, let’s take a look at some of the top scholarships that are available to students in the USA.

1. Fulbright Scholarship Program

The Fulbright Scholarship Program is a prestigious scholarship that is awarded to exceptional students from all over the world. The scholarship covers all expenses related to your studies, including tuition, room and board, travel, and books. However, it is one of the most competitive scholarships out there, with only a few hundred students being awarded the scholarship each year.

2. Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. It was established in 1902 and is awarded to international students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. Rhodes Scholars are selected based on their character, intellectual strength, commitment to others, and the common good.

3. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides a year of professional development in the United States for professionals from selected countries throughout the world. The program is designed to allow leaders to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their knowledge of U.S. society and culture, and network with other professionals.

4. Amherst College Scholarships

The Amherst college offers need-based scholarships to students from developing countries. The scholarships cover all expenses related to your studies, including tuition, room and board, travel, and books. You need to have good merit to be considered for this scholarship.

5. Harvard University scholarship

Harvard University offers fully-funded scholarships to graduate, undergraduate, and Ph.D. students from all over the world. The scholarships cover all expenses related to your studies, including tuition, room and board, travel, and books. It is a prestigious scholarship and is very competitive.

6. Yale University Scholarships

Yale University offers several scholarships to international students, including the Yale International Scholar Award, which covers the full cost of tuition for one year. Other scholarships include the Yale World Fellows Scholarship, which provides full funding for one year of study at Yale, and the Yale JacksonInstitute Fellowship, which provides full funding for one year of study at the Yale Jackson Institute for Global Affairs.

7. MIT Scholarships

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers several scholarships to international students. The most prestigious scholarship is the President’s Scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition for four years. Other scholarships include the International Scholarships, which cover the full cost of tuition for four years, and the Merit Scholarships, which provide partial funding for four years.

8. Stanford University Scholarships

Stanford University offers several scholarships to international students, including the prestigious Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, which provides full funding for up to three years of study at Stanford. Other scholarships include the Global Undergraduate Fellowship, which provides full funding for four years of study, and the Spectrum Scholars program, which provides full funding for four years of study for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Conclusion

So there you have it! These are just some of the scholarships that you can apply for if you want to study in the USA. Remember, competition for these scholarships is fierce, so be sure to put your best foot forward and put in a strong application. Good luck!

You may also be interested in reading about Engineering Scholarships.

Or perhaps you’re looking for an alternative, such as scholarships in Canada.

Find Universities that offer full scholarships.