The You Are Welcome Here Scholarship is an initiative by the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) and the US Government to support international students who wish to study in the United States. This scholarship aims to encourage students from all around the world to pursue higher education in the U.S., while fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming campus environment. Read along to find out more about this scholarship.
| Aspects | Details |
| Offered by | National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) |
| Type of Award | Merit Based |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate |
| Subjects/ Fields | All fields |
| Deadline | Varying |
| Website | https://www.youarewelcomehereusa.org/ |
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Eligible Countries for YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
Interested students from all parts of the world, except the US are eligible to apply for the YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship. Candidates who hold a United States Citizenship or are a permanent resident in the States are not eligible to apply.
You Are Welcome Here Scholarship Benefits
Selected international graduates from the participating colleges and universities will receive a scholarship covering a minimum of 50% of their tuition. These scholarships can be renewed annually.
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Eligibility Criteria for You Are Welcome Here Scholarships
- Be an international student holding a citizenship of country other than the US
- Enrolled in first year, undergraduate studies in any field/ major to a participating college or university.
- Should not hold US citizenship or even permanent residency in the US.
- desire to contribute to cultural exchange and to fostering understanding between cultures on campus.
Documents Required
- Completed Application Form
- Proof of Academic Qualifications
- Essay/ Personal Statement
- 1- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of Financial Need (if required)
Application Process
- Research and identify universities offering You are Welcome Here Scholarship
- Apply to your choice of university
- After successful completion of the college application, you can submit your scholarship application attached to it.
- Don’t forget to submit your essay or a video (depending on the university)
- Make sure you complete this process by the university’s deadline.
- If you are selected for the scholarship, claim it by submitting an enrollment deposit to the university.
This is a general outline of the application process and may change slightly depending on the university. Make sure you follow the instructions of the selected university for application.
Important Dates
The deadlines for You Are Welcome Here Scholarship can vary depending on the university you are applying for. However, for the fall semester 2025, colleges and universities will confirm their participation for the Scholarship campaign by January 1st, 2025. You can start your college selection after that and complete your applications adhering to the university deadline, typically in the spring or summer of 2025.
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Selection process and criteria
After submitting your scholarships to the university, your university sends these scholarships to the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) for determining the potential candidates. Selection for the scholarship is based on your academic performance, the quality and creativity of the scholarship application (essay or multimedia project), as well as your demonstrated commitment to promoting intercultural understanding. So, make sure you are highlighting these pointers carefully.
Tips for Applicants
- Understand the Scholarship’s Purpose: The scholarship aims to recognize students who demonstrate a commitment to global engagement and diversity. It’s important to reflect on how you can contribute to the university’s international community.
- Focus on Essay or Personal Statement: The personal statement is a key part of the application. Write a 500-1000 word essay or make a two-to-five minute video answering the prompt you’ll be suggested. Do not surpass this limit.
- Showcase Leadership and Initiative: Many successful applicants highlight their leadership roles in school clubs, community service, volunteer projects, or extracurricular activities. Showcase any initiatives you’ve taken to bring people together, promote diversity, or foster global understanding.
- Reach out for guidance: If you’re unsure about any part of the application, ask teachers, mentors, or school counselors for advice. They can provide valuable feedback and help you improve your application.
- Demonstrate Your Global Perspective: Since the scholarship focuses on cultural exchange and diversity, showcase how your background and experiences make you a valuable contributor to the university’s diverse environment.
FAQs
No, the scholarship is designed for first-year or incoming international undergraduate students only.
Yes, the You are Welcome Here Scholarship is offered by Michigan State University.
Policies on combining the scholarships can vary by institution. Some schools may allow stacking scholarships, while others may not. Make sure you check with the financial aid office of your institution.