Key Takeaway: Considering studying abroad in the US, but not sure if you’re able to pay for it? Fortunately, there are international scholarships for students looking study in the US that you may be eligible for! This free money* can help you pay for school so you can fully enjoy your college experience. Check out these scholarship opportunities and see if you qualify!
In most cases, international students are not eligible for FAFSA.
More than 1 million international students study in the US, making up about 6% of all university enrollment. International students bring unique perspectives, experiences, and cultures to the classroom, enriching the learning experience for everyone. However, if you are an international student wanting to study abroad in the US, it can be quite expensive without scholarships or grants to help you pay for school.
While US citizens can receive financial aid from the states, international students may have to pay the full price. But don’t worry, there are a few scholarship opportunities for international students to help reduce the financial burden of college so you can enjoy your US college experience without worrying about money.
Is It More Expensive To Attend a College in the States?
Typically, international students will pay more than domestic students in universities, sometimes paying anywhere between $10,000 and $55,000 per year. While tuition costs are often the first financial cost that people consider when going to a university in another country, it’s not the only cost that adds up quickly.
As an international student, you’ll also need to consider your cost of travel, including plane ticket, passport, luggage, and travel insurance. Don’t forget Visa costs, student housing, and day-to-day living expenses. It may seem like a lot at first glance, but there are many financing options available and strategies to manage being an international student.
Ways to Save Money When Studying in the US
Budgeting as a college student is already hard enough, but especially when you’re studying abroad. Here are a few strategies that can help you save money as an international student:
- Use the free resources on campus, such as the library, gyms, and clubs.
- Live off campus to save on dorm costs or find a host family.
- Get a part-time job on or off campus.
- Cook your own meals as often as you can.
- Attend free events or activities on campus where you can have fun without spending money.
- Use free communication apps like FaceTime, Zoom, or WhatsApp to talk to friends and family back home.
- Only travel back home during off-peak times and buy flights in advance.
- Earn strong grades to maintain your scholarship eligibility.
Searching for Scholarships
There are some scholarships available for international students, you just have to know how and where to look for them. Here are some specific strategies you can use when searching:
- Apply to Specific Scholarships. To maximize your chances of receiving a scholarship, focus on the ones that are specific to your home country, culture, field of study, or personal background. The more specific the scholarship criteria, the less competition you are likely to face.
- Use Free Resources. There are many free resources out there that can match you with scholarships (e.g. College Raptor) based on your academic and personal information and which colleges you are interested in attending. For specific international scholarships, websites like International Student and EducationUSA can help students find scholarships awarded by colleges and universities in the U.S.
- Reach Out to International Student Offices. These offices are dedicated to helping you and can provide information on scholarships and financial aid opportunities specific to your situation. They can also guide you through the application process and inform you about deadlines and required documents.
4 Scholarships to Apply For
1. AGA KHAN FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
Deadline: Applications open in early January 2025
Amount Awarded: Awards are provided according to need and are structured as half grant and half loan—where you need to repay 50 percent of the award amount. It covers tuition fees and living expenses.
Who it is for: It is available for anyone from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, Canada, France, and Portugal.
To Apply: Students must demonstrate financial need, have an excellent academic background, and have strong leadership potential, experience, and achievements.
2. #YOUAREWELCOMEHERE SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: Fall of 2024
Amount Awarded: 50% tuition
Who it is for: First-year international applicants in any field of study/major to a participating college or university.
To Apply: Students are required to either answer a 500-1,000 word essay question or present a multimedia project about their ideas for applying their leadership skills on their future campuses.
3. AAUW FELLOWSHIP FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN
Deadline: November 15
Amount Awarded: $20,000–$50,000
Who it is for: Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States. Applicants must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree and must demonstrate academic achievement and commitment to women and girls.
To Apply: Recipients must submit an online application, recommendations, and supporting documents. They are also expected to return to their home countries and become leaders in business, government, academia, community activism, or the arts and sciences.
4. MPOWER MONTHLY SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: Last day of each month
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Who it is for: Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in a full-time degree program at a US or Canadian school and meet any additional scholarship requirements.
To Apply: Recipients must submit an online application and essay. On the first day of each month, check out this page to find out the scholarship theme for the month.
Boosting Your Chances of Receiving Scholarships
Applying for scholarships can be competitive, but there are a few ways you can help your scholarship stand out among the rest:
- Start Early. It is never too early to start looking for scholarships. The sooner you start, the more time you have to gather needed documents, ask for recommendation letters, and write essays. If you wait until the last minute, you may end up rushing through your application.
- Stay Organized. If you’re applying for a lot of scholarships you should consider keeping track of the names, deadlines, organization, eligibility criteria, and required documents to submit. This will make everything easily accessible.
- Highlight Leadership Skills, Extracurriculars, and Academic Excellence. Scholarship organizations are often looking for a well-rounded candidate who shows leadership, is active outside of the classroom, and who excels academically. Highlight your leadership potential by detailing specific examples of your role in clubs, teams, organizations, or your community. Don’t forget to include your GPA, test scores, any honors or awards, as well as your involvement in sports, arts, internships, or any other extracurricular experience.
- Showcase Strong Writing Skills. Most scholarship applications will require you to submit an essay telling them about yourself or answering a specific prompt. Use these essays to write compelling stories that are authentic and illustrate why you desire to study abroad. Write about your strengths, the challenges you’ve overcome, and your future goals. Always proofread your essay and let a mentor or teacher review it for feedback and grammar, especially if there is a language barrier.
Studying abroad can be the adventure of a lifetime for many international students. Don’t let the price of attending college stop you from applying. There are international scholarships available to help students manage the costs. Remember to use free online resources, like College Raptor, to search for eligible scholarships. The more you apply to, the more likely you are to win. Good luck!
* While a scholarship does not have to be repaid, there may be other obligations associated with the scholarship.
