Scholarships to Study in USA – 2024

Scholarships to study in USA come in two types – one based on your needs and the other on your achievements. Universities, groups outside the university, and even your home country might offer you these scholarships. If you qualify, you could get help with some costs or even a free ride for your bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Every year, more than a million students from all over the world come to the USA for higher studies. Most of them get some money help. But it’s tough to get the popular scholarships – only a 10-12% chance. If you miss out, don’t worry; you can still check out fellowships or student loans. There’s always another way.

Applying for Financial Assistance in the USA as an International Student:

1. Visit the official website of the school offering aid and apply for scholarships.
2. They can help you find and pay for a place to stay while you study in the USA.
3. First, sign up on the common application portal to start applying for scholarships.
4. If you’re applying for a loan, find someone to sign with you on the paperwork – this is your cosigner.
5. After you submit the needed papers, you can apply for a loan at any US bank.
6. Good news – most scholarships and loans are for students who do well on their tests!

Important Documents Required for Scholarships in the USA

1. A fully filled-out scholarship application
2. Photocopy of your passport/ID
3. Academic transcripts
4. A solid GPA
5. Competitive TOEFL score or its equivalent
6. A compelling letter of motivation
7. Statement of purpose for the USA (Approximately 500 words)
8. An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)
9. Letters of recommendation for the USA (1 to 3, depending on your chosen program)
10. Scores from relevant entrance exams like SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT
11. Financial details of your parents, including tax returns

Scholarships for International Students in the USA

When seeking admission to various programs and universities in the USA, international students must show evidence of financial resources. Scholarships in the USA are often accessible for students from middle-income families, with lower-income students also having good chances. Meritorious students and those facing financial challenges can explore a range of scholarships tailored for international students in the USA.

Securing a Student Loan for International Studies in the USA:

• International students can apply for a student loan in the USA throughout the year, provided they have completed all required exams for studying in the USA.
• These loans are designed to cover tuition expenses, excluding any additional financial aid received.
• Most U.S. lenders typically mandate a cosigner for international students.
• The cosigner must be a U.S. citizen with a positive credit history, residing in the USA for the past two years.
• Certain loans, based on specific qualifications, may not necessitate a cosigner.
• Meeting eligibility criteria such as attending an approved school, showcasing a promising career trajectory, and planning to graduate within the next two years opens the door to select loan opportunities.

USA Government Scholarships to Study in USA for International Students

1. Humphrey Fellowship Program: Elevate your professional journey with the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program. Open to experienced professionals globally, this year-long program in the United States focuses on professional enrichment. Fellowship recipients, chosen for their leadership potential and dedication to public service, receive full grants covering all associated expenses. The door to opportunity is wide open.
2. Foreign Fulbright Student Program: Pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in the USA with the prestigious Fulbright Program. This full scholarship extends to non-degree postgraduate studies as well. It encompasses tuition fees, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. 

Scholarship-Friendly US Colleges and Universities for International Students:

1. Amherst College Scholarships: Amherst College provides need-based financial aid to international students, determining financial need upon admission. The aid package includes both employment opportunities and gift aid, ensuring support for financially needy students.
2. Berea College Scholarships: Berea College offers financial aid and scholarships covering 100% of tuition, room, board, and fees for the first year. Subsequently, students contribute $1,000, with summer job opportunities provided to meet this obligation.
3. AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program: American University supports high-achieving international students pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree, emphasizing a commitment to positive civic and social change. The scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for one international student dedicated to enhancing under-resourced communities in their home country.
4. Wien International Scholarship Program (WISP) at Brandeis University: Established in 1958, WISP at Brandeis University offers global citizens the chance to pursue undergraduate programs. The scholarship meets the full demonstrated financial need of each recipient, fostering an environment for active global participation.
5. Concordia College Scholarships: Concordia College values the impact of international students and offers partial financial assistance. The International Student Scholarship, based on academic ability and family need, provides up to $16,000 per year. Additionally, competitive International Excellence Scholarships range from $8,000 to $16,000 annually for up to four years.
6. Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships: Colby-Sawyer College extends merit-based financial aid to international students, with scholarship values increasing based on academic ability, reaching up to $8,000 per year.
7. Columbia College Scholarships: Columbia College acknowledges outstanding international students through one-time cash grants or 15%-100% tuition reduction awards, supporting academic excellence.
8. Clark University Scholarships: Clark Presidential Scholarships, awarded to top applicants, cover full tuition, and on-campus room and board for all four years. This prestigious scholarship recognizes academic excellence and leadership potential.
9. Dartmouth College Scholarships: Dartmouth College meets the demonstrated financial need of all admitted undergraduates, including international students. Scholarships and loans are available, encompassing allowances for travel to the U.S.

1. Emory College Scholarships: Emory College extends need-based financial aid awards to a select group of international students. Additionally, international applicants are encouraged to apply for merit-based scholarships through the Emory University Scholars Program.
2. Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships at Illinois Wesleyan University range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year for qualified international applicants with exceptional academic achievements and test scores. Two full-tuition President’s International Student Scholarships may also be awarded each year for up to four years.
3. East Tennessee State University: ETSU provides the International Students Academic Merit Scholarship for new international students pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees. The scholarship amounts to $12,500 annually for undergraduates and $5,000-$9,000 for graduate students.
4. East-West Center: The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship supports graduate students from Asia, the Pacific, and the U.S. for up to 24 months, fostering educational, residential, and leadership development programs at the East-West Center, with graduate study at the University of Hawai’i.
5. Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships: International freshmen at Iowa State University can compete for merit scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per year. Selection is based on a comprehensive assessment of SAT or ACT scores and high school grades, with awards renewable based on performance.
6. Wesleyan University Scholarships: Financial aid for foreign students at Wesleyan University is limited but awarded based on outstanding qualifications and demonstrated need. The Freeman Asian Scholars Program provides full-tuition scholarships for four years for exceptionally able Asian students, with additional financial assistance for approximately 40-45 foreign students.
7. Michigan State University International Scholarships: Michigan State University offers a limited number of scholarships and grants for deserving international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. While not designed to cover the full academic program, these financial packages provide valuable support.
8. New York University Wagner Scholarships: NYU Wagner provides merit scholarships to a select number of admitted students, including international applicants. Ranging from $25,000 to $47,000, these partial to full-tuition scholarships contribute to the pursuit of academic excellence.
9. Oregon University Scholarships: The University of Oregon annually awards over $2.5 million in financial aid and scholarships to international students. The ICSP Scholarship, based on financial need, academic merit, and presentation abilities, offers tuition-waiver scholarships ranging from partial to full tuition.
10. University of the West Scholarships: The University of the West extends scholarships to new international students with high academic standards and financial need. For incoming students, the scholarship ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 per year. Continuing students can benefit from the dean’s and president’s scholarships covering undergraduate or graduate units per semester.

Institutions Offering International Scholarships for Study in the US:

1. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programmed: The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships annually for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from selected developing countries. These students, who lack other means of financing their studies, can undertake their studies anywhere in the world, including the United States. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year.

2. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships: The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers full scholarships to students from World Bank member countries pursuing development-related studies. Students can choose from 8 participating USA Universities, including Harvard University, John Hopkins University, University of Chicago, Cornell University, and Columbia University.

3. AAUW International Fellowships: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) awards international fellowships for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The scholarships are valued at $18,000 for Master’s, $20,000 for Ph.D., and $30,000 for Postdoctoral students.

When pursuing education in the USA, opting for public universities instead of private institutes can reduce overall expenses. Starting at community colleges in the USA initially and later transferring to a 4-year institution may also result in lower costs. Enhance your chances of receiving financial aid by choosing universities that actively provide scholarships to international students.