The 6 Types of Scholarships in America for International Students

Are you looking to pursue your education in a foreign country? If yes, the United States is frequently regarded as the top choice for international students. With its innovative teaching methods, exceptional educational standards, prestigious universities, and promising career prospects, countless students from around the world aspire to pursue their studies in the country.

Nonetheless, the high cost of living and tuition fees in the USA can discourage many international students from considering education in the U.S. Fortunately, there are avenues to secure funding for your higher education, and one valuable option is to seek out relevant scholarships.

Scholarships are not just for top students, and there are a variety of scholarship options available in the USA for international students. Let’s look into the types of scholarships in America for international students:

1. Merit scholarships

Merit scholarships are considered as popular type scholarshipavailable in the United States. A prevalent misperception is that they are only awarded to students who are good in academics. This assumption is false because merit scholarships recognize the success of students in a variety of different areas in universities. Here are the three types of merit scholarships that you can apply for:

• Academic scholarships: These scholarships are usually funded by private organizations, institutions, or universities and are awarded in honor of extraordinary academic achievements. These scholarships are available to students who perform exceptionally well academically in their chosen courses.
• Sports scholarships: Sports scholarships are managed by associations like the NAIA, NJCAA, and NCAA and are often subject to tough competition. Moreover, strict guidelines govern the eligibility criteria for these scholarships. However, sports scholarships provide worthwhile alternatives for abroad student-athletes who want to pursue a degree in the United States.
• Average academic scholarship: To receive an average academic scholarship, students need more than good grades and standardized test scores. Students are selected for these scholarships and grants based on their overall performance. Universities also consider things like extracurricular activity and community service.

2. Need-based Scholarships

Financial scholarships are usually referred to as need-based scholarships. It is designed for students who are from low-income families. These need-based scholarships are offered to deserving students by a number of well-known American universities. However, many such scholarships are typically designated for U.S. residents.

A few universities do provide financial scholarships to students from outside. You can check the official websites of your selected colleges for more information to find out if they provide similar scholarship opportunities.

3. Country-Based Scholarships

Numerous institutions and colleges in the United States have implemented nation-based scholarships designed especially for international students. The main objective of scholarship is to encourage and reward efforts to further one’s education in the nation of origin. Institutions aim to assist these regions’ academic expansion and development by providing scholarships to these students.

It is significant to highlight that numerous private schools and universities around the U.S. actively participate in this project, in addition to public institutions. Through these scholarships, abroad students can obtain high-quality education and, after completing their studies, contribute to the advancement of their home countries with less financial stress. This results from an organized effort to advance international education and cross-cultural conversation, enhancing the academic environment in the United States.

4. University scholarship

International students are eligible for scholarship possibilities from many American higher education institutions as long as they meet the requirements for eligibility. These requirements could cover a range of things, like academic proficiency, the selected field of study, or extracurricular accomplishments. Notably, a sizeable number of these scholarships are supported by kind donations from university alums, demonstrating a dedication to assisting future generations’ studies.

Many of these scholarships stand out due to their automatic distribution. In other words, potential students don’t need to apply separately for these grants. Eligibilityfor this scholarship is assessed during the university’s admissions procedure. As a result, acceptance to these institutions might automatically qualify applicants for these scholarships, lessening the financial burden on international students attending American universities.

5. Privately-Funded Scholarships

At times, scholarships for international students are generously sponsored by private organizations or individual donors. These scholarships are alternatively known as external or privately-funded scholarships. These scholarships typically come with stringent eligibility criteria, including but not limited to:

• Applicants Hailing from Developing Countries: Some scholarships are specifically earmarked for individuals from developing nations.
• Focus on Women: Certain scholarships prioritize female candidates, aiming to empower and support women in pursuing higher education.
• Emphasis on Minority Groups: Others are tailored to benefit underrepresented minority groups, fostering diversity and inclusivity in education.
• Targeted Fields of Study: Many scholarships are designed to provide financial aid to students pursuing specific areas of study, promoting excellence in those disciplines.

6. Government-Funded Scholarships

The United States government provides numerous scholarship programs, though only a limited selection is accessible to international students. Following are the two big scholarships available for the international students:

• Fulbright Foreign Scholarship: The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship application is open to citizens of about 155 different nations. With the help of this scholarship, qualified candidates can enroll in Master’s or Ph.D. programs at American colleges in a variety of fields. Each year, the application deadline for this award is between February and October. Graduate students, young professionals, and artists worldwide are welcome to participate in academic study and research in the United States under the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: Professionals from various nations across the world are given a year through the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program to advance their careers in the United States. This program will give executives the tools to strengthen their leadership skills, gain a deeper understanding of American society and culture, and develop relationships with other businesspeople.

Bottom line

If you want to study in the United State, it is essential to know the above mentioned scholarship types. Your hard work may be in vain if you fail to meet even one of the conditions for the scholarship since your application may not even be considered. Before submitting your application, you must carefully understand the qualifying requirements of scholarship to proceed in the right way.