Getting an undergraduate scholarship to study abroad is no mean feat, especially if you’re contemplating the US, where education costs tend to be steeper than snow-laden Mount McKinley. However, what if there’s a way to pursue your college dreams in the US without needing Rockefeller’s fortune? The good news is that it’s possible! All thanks to thousands of undergraduate scholarships for international students. These scholarships range from merit-based to sports scholarships, from university-funded awards to philanthropically-supported funds – providing substantial support for international students to make their USA study dreams come true.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look into the top 20 undergraduate scholarships for international students in the US, to give you a well-rounded approach to planning your educational journey:
Related: University of Pennsylvania Undergraduate Research Grants for International Students
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program:
The Fulbright Program, led by the U.S. Department of State, offers scholarships to approximately 4,000 foreign students from over 155 countries each year. The scholarship extends to various fields excluding medical studies and covers tuition, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program:
This non-degree scholarship program is for experienced professionals interested in enhancing their managerial skills through a 10-month program at designated US universities. At the end of the program, Fellows are expected to apply their knowledge for the development of their home countries.
- Amherst College Scholarships:
Amherst offers need-based financial aid to international students. Once admitted, these students are eligible to receive financial aid throughout their study years.
- Berea College Scholarships:
An automatic 100% tuition scholarship is given to every student admitted to Berea College. This scholarship is a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study, and a relatively small amount of loan.
- Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships:
International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships, which range from $15,000-$28,000 per year.
- Columbia College Scholarships:
Columbia College offers scholarships and awards to international students. The awards are one-time cash grants or 15%- 100% tuition fee reductions.
- Concordia College Scholarships:
Concordia prizes the contributions international students make on campus and offers scholarships to students. Scholarships valued between $5,000 and $25,000 are distributed annually.
- Dartmouth College Scholarships:
Dartmouth College has scholarships and loans available to international students, which include an allowance for travel to the US.
- East Tennessee State University:
The International Students Academic Merit Scholarship covers 50% of tuition and maintenance fees.
- Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships:
Merit-based scholarships worth $16,000- $30,000 per year and two full-tuition Presidents International Study Scholarships are available each year.
- Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships:
A number of generous partial tuition waivers ($4,000-$10,000 per year) are open for international students.
- Michigan State University International Scholarships:
Many international scholarships are available at MSU. Global Spartan Leadership and Education Abroad are worth mentioning.
- New York University Wagner Scholarships:
Scholarships are available to a limited number of admitted students each application cycle.
- Oregon University Scholarships:
Each year, UO awards more than one million dollars in financial aid and scholarships to international students.
- University of Arkansas Scholarships:
Different scholarships are available for qualifying students. New Freshman Academic International Undergraduate offers scholarship ranges from $8,000- $15,000 per year.
- Western Michigan University Scholarships:
Multiple scholarships ranging from $2,500-$60,000 are available to new international students.
- Iowa Wesleyan University Scholarships:
A number of scholarships are provided to new entering international students with outstanding academic performance and test scores.
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship:
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship targets high-achieving international students who wish to create change in their communities.
- Brandeis University – Wien International Scholarship:
The Wien International Scholarship Program offers full and partial tuition awards for exceptionally qualified undergraduate students.
- Clark University Global Scholars Program:
The University gives scholarships of $15,000 to $25,000 per year and a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship or research assistantship.
FAQs
Do international students get scholarships in the USA undergraduate?
Yes, international students can indeed receive scholarships for undergraduate study in the USA, although the availability and criteria for these scholarships can vary depending on the institution and the specific scholarship program.
What is the easiest scholarship to get for international students in the US?
Identifying the “easiest” scholarship for international students in the US can be challenging because scholarship availability and eligibility criteria vary widely. However, some scholarships may have simpler application processes or broader eligibility requirements, making them more accessible to a larger pool of students. Here are a few types of scholarships that international students might find relatively easier to obtain:
Merit-Based Scholarships: Some universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students based solely on academic achievement, standardized test scores, or other objective criteria. If you have a strong academic record, you may qualify for these scholarships without the need for additional essays or interviews.
Automatic Consideration Scholarships: Certain scholarships are automatically awarded to international students who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being admitted to a university with a certain GPA or test score. These scholarships typically do not require a separate application process.
Diversity Scholarships: Many universities in the US prioritize diversity and may offer scholarships to international students based on factors such as nationality, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background. If you belong to an underrepresented group, you may have a better chance of receiving these scholarships.
Community College Scholarships: Community colleges in the US often offer scholarships to international students to attract diverse student populations. These scholarships may have less competition than those offered by larger universities.
External Scholarships: Some external organizations, including government agencies, foundations, and private companies, offer scholarships to international students studying in the US. These scholarships may have less stringent eligibility criteria than those offered by universities.
Conclusion:
Your dream of an American education can become a reality with the right information and planning. These twenty scholarships are only a fraction of the countless opportunities available to international students. So, strap on your academic cap, start preparing your applications, and go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Remember, your bright future is worth every ounce of effort you put into reaching for it. Whether it be the academic, cultural, or personal growth you’ll experience, studying in the US reaps rewards that last a lifetime.
