Even though it is common knowledge that higher education in the United States is one of the most expensive forms of education available anywhere in the world, you shouldn’t let this deter you from pursuing an education here because there are a plethora of ways to secure financial support for your studies.
As an international student, you will not be eligible for funding that is restricted to U.S. citizens. The number of international scholarships to study in the United States has increased as US universities have prioritized internationalization. There are also universities in the United States that admit international students regardless of financial need.
Below is a list of US scholarships for international students, some of which are funded by the US government, others by private organizations, and still others by particular institutions. Best wishes on your applications!
Government-funded scholarships for international students in the United States
– Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Possibly the most well-known government-funded US scholarship for international students, Fulbright provides funding for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for at least one year. Open to international students in all disciplines with the exception of medicine.
– The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree scholarship for international, experienced professionals who wish to pursue ten months of academic study in the United States. Despite the fact that the funding does not support degree programs, students can study and expand their knowledge at academic institutions across the country.
Non-governmental US scholarships for international students
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship – International scholarships aimed at all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US (of which there are 57). You should submit an essay or video demonstrating your interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange. (The deadline for Fall 2022 entry has passed, and applications will open for the 2023 round in September 2022.)
Civil Society Leadership Awards – Fully-funded scholarships are available for students from eligible countries to study in the US or another host country at the master’s level.
David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship – A scholarship worth US$1,000 open to current or prospective students in the US diagnosed with autism.
Preply Scholarship – Three winners will receive an award of up to $2,000. Open to all students (domestic and international, and at any study level) aged between 16 and 35. To enter, you’ll need to submit a 500-word essay related to online education, multilingualism, and professional development.
Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship – A $2,000 prize is available to a student currently enrolled in the US or another study destination as a high school, undergraduate or graduate student. You will need to submit an essay to apply and the scholarship is open to all nationalities.
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship – Awarded twice a year to passionate international students wishing to study in the US. Worth US$1,000.
