How do I find scholarships as an international student in the US?

Are you an international student dreaming of studying in the United States? Are you feeling overwhelmed and burdened by the scholarship process?

If so, you've come to the right place!

While applying to college in the United States can be a stress-filled time for any international student, having the right tools and knowledge can make the process a bit easier.

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Your first step to a scholarship is knowing where to look!

Scholarship Search Engines

Scholarship search engines allow you to filter for specifics, such as major, location and GPA to narrow down relevant opportunities. Some of the top ones include:

• Bold.orgrecognizes international students' unique contributions.

• IEFA.org is a premier resource with comprehensive listings for international scholarships and grants.

• Scholars4Devis great for students from developing countries.

• Studyabroadis a database that compiles scholarships from various sources.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many US universities offer their own scholarships for international students, often based on academic merit (like GPA, academic/community involvement), financial need, institutionally funded work-study, or specific talents.

For example:

East Tennessee State University offers the International Student Academic Merit Scholarship for new international students seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Amherst College currently runs a need-based financial aid program that provides assistance to international students who demonstrate financial need.

Government and Organizational Programs

• Fullbright Foreign Student Program is a prestigious, government-funded program for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study and conduct research in the U.S.

• AAUW International Fellowships is available for women pursuing graduate or postdoctoral studies in the U.S.

• Aga Khan Foundationprovides scholarships for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries.

While data shows that only 19% of students receive scholarships, with most relying on personal or family funds, many institutions, such as Arizona State University, offer financial aid to international students, demonstrating that support is indeed accessible.

Focusing on the following areas will help give you the best chance at securing a scholarship:

• Academic excellence: Many scholarships are merit-based, so maintaining a strong academic record is important.

• Compelling essays and personal statements: Crafting a unique and persuasive essay that highlights your achievements, aspirations, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

• Extracurricular activities and leadership: Highlight leadership, community service, extracurricular activities, and unique skills or experiences.

• Multiple applications: While competition is high, applying to multiple scholarships significantly increases your chances.

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For more inspiration, see what this student did to get a fully-funded U.S. scholarship.

Applying for university and scholarships can be a stressful time! However, with the right knowledge and guidance, you can confidently navigate the system and reduce the stress involved.

Remember, persistence pays off. Start your scholarship search today and take a big step toward studying in the United States!

To make the process easier: