USA Scholarships for International Students

Did you know that in the 2022-2023 academic year, over $6 billion in scholarships were awarded to international students alone in the USA? That’s right, billions with a B! And yes, there’s a scholarship for everything from creating a prom outfit out of duct tape to having a last name like “Zolp”! But it’s not just about the quirks. Scholarships in the USA are designed to recognize talent, dedication, and potential across a wide spectrum of fields.

Open Scholarships in USA

Scholarships	Application link	Deadline
AAUW International Fellowships	Apply here	Nov 15th, 2024
MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarships	Apply here	Dec 31st, 2024
Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship  for Sports Journalism	Apply here	Jan 10th, 2025

Types of Scholarships in USA

From merit-based scholarships to need-based scholarships and many more, we have made a curated selection of scholarships to help you achieve your study abroad dreams without much stress.

Government- Funded Scholarships-

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program – For international graduate students, young professionals, and artists pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate and conducting research in the United States, the Fulbright Program offers J-1 visa sponsorship, funding support, a health benefit plan, and enrichment activities. Applicants must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record. Students can apply through the IIE Placement Model, where IIE secures degree and non-degree opportunities for Fulbright candidates. Alternatively, candidates can use the Self-Placement procedure, applying directly to universities and managing their applications. Application deadlines vary by country, generally falling between February and October each year. Click here to Apply now.

• AAUW International Fellowships – The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowship opportunities particularly for international women students in all fields of study at an accredited institution of higher education or, for postdoctoral fellows, research study in the USA. The applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree and wish to enroll in full-time postgraduate or research studies. The amount ranges from US$ 20,000 for a master’s degree to US$ 25,000 for a doctoral and US$ 50,000 for postdoctoral studies. Applications are currently open with a deadline of Nov 15th, 2024. Click here to Apply now.

• Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program –  Offered to mid-career professionals who have an undergraduate degree with at least 5 years of full-time professional experience. The Fellowship offers 10 months of professional enrichment and non-degree graduate-level study in the United States at selected universities like Boston University, Michigan State University, Syracuse University, and the University of Minnesota. Applications can be made through the U.S. Embassy (Public Affairs Section) or Binational Fulbright Commission in your country and deadlines vary by country. 

Private/Non-Profit Organization Scholarships:

• Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme – For exceptional students from certain countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda, who lack alternative funding options for their studies, the AKF ISP provides a limited number of new scholarships each year. Scholarships are offered for PG and PhD courses giving half grant and half loan opportunities. The application period for the 2024-2025 cycle has concluded and will commence in early January 2025 for the upcoming cycle. You can get & submit applications at the nearby units of the Aga Khan Foundation.

• YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship – For first-year international applicants in any field of study/major to a participating college or university.  Selected students are offered 2 annual, renewable scholarships that cover a minimum of 50% tuition. Applicants are required to either write a 500-1000 word essay or submit a two-to-five-minute video. After successful completion of the college application, you can submit your scholarship application directly to the university.

• MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarships – For international women candidates who are accepted at, or enrolled in, a full-time degree program at an MPOWER-eligible school in the U.S. The award is given in three categories- US$ 3,000, US$ 2,000, and US$ 1,000 for first, second, and third-rank candidates. There are not many prerequisites to this application given that you have a valid study permit or are protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Selections will be made based on the quality of your scholarship essay and your academic records throughout. You can start your applications here.

University Specific Scholarships

• The Penn World Scholars Programme – The Penn World Scholars are selected internationally based on the admissions and the student’s leadership potential, academic achievements, financial needs, career plans, and other criteria. The scholarship is available for undergraduate studies at any of the four Penn undergraduate schools for any stream of study. There are no separate applications for this scholarship and students will be selected based on the above-mentioned factors according to the admission application. 

• Stanford University Scholarships for International Students – Stanford University offers financial aid to international students who need financial assistance for institutional funds. The scholarships are limited but all international students who duly fill and submit the application form and request consideration for the scholarship along with it are eligible for this merit-based scholarship. 

• Yale University Scholarship – Not a merit-based scholarship, but Yale University offers scholarships to international students who are academically achieving and are admitted to full-time undergraduate courses at the university. The scholarship amount can vary from a few hundred dollars to an amount of over $70,000 per year. The average Yale need-based scholarship amount is around $ 50,000. There are no separate application forms for this and admitted students are selected based on their need only. 

Other Scholarships:

• Rotary Peace Fellowships – The Rotary Peace Center offers fully funded scholarships to international students to study for master’s degrees in the US at one of their dedicated peace centers. The fellowship amount covers tuition and fees, room and boarding expenses, round-trip transportation, as well as internship and field-study expenses. The applications for the 2025-26 Rotary Peace Fellowship are closed now and the 2026-27 application will be available online sometime in February 2025. 

• Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship – The Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship is awarded to outstanding graduate students pursuing careers in sports communication, media, or journalism. Named after the legendary sportscaster Jim McKay, the scholarship recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for sports storytelling and awards $10,000 one time in recognition.  Recipients are chosen based on their potential to contribute to the field and an academic score of 3.5 or above. Applications are now open with a deadline of Jan 10th, 2025. You can Apply here.

• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – For academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young people from Africa, the program offers fully funded scholarships for secondary and higher education, including undergraduate and master’s degrees, at partner universities in the USA. Scholars are encouraged to engage in community service and internships. The program targets young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate academic talent and leadership potential. Applications can be made along with the university application form and any amount collected as fee will be reimbursed if the student gets selected for the scholarship.

Application Process for Scholarships in USA

• Identify scholarships that match your qualifications and field of study.
• Review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship carefully.
• Carefully follow the application instructions. Fill out forms accurately and ensure all required documents are included
• Tailor your statement to highlight how you meet the scholarship criteria and your academic and career goals.
• Submit your application before the deadline. 
• Confirm receipt of your application. Keep track of any additional steps or documents needed. 
• Some scholarships may require an interview or further information.

Document Requirements

• Copy of highest degree earned to date.
• Copy of official transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation from advisors, professors, colleagues, or others 
• Copy of GPA conversion if your grades were not calculated on a 4.0 scale.
• Proof of current enrollment 
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Other scholarship-specific document requirement

Conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of scholarships in the USA and start your journey to academic success today. The faster you apply, the sooner you could be packing your bags for the adventure of a lifetime! 

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