It’s no secret that the United States is one of the most costly countries in which to pursue higher education, but don’t let that deter you, as there are hundreds of ways to pay your studies here.
As an international student, you will be ineligible for funds designed exclusively for US citizens. However, as US colleges prioritise internationalisation, the number of international scholarships for study in the US has increased. Some US colleges also admit international students on a need-blind basis.
The following is a list of US scholarships for international students, some supported by the US government, some by private organisations, and some by individual universities. Good luck with your applications
Government-funded US scholarships for international students.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most popular government-funded US scholarships for overseas students. It provides scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the United States for one year or more. Open to overseas students in all fields except medicine.
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree scholarship program for international, experienced professionals who want to spend 10 months studying in the United States. Although the financing 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
You are welcome!Here Scholarship – International scholarships for all abroad students pursuing any topic at a participating institution or university in the United States (57 in total). You should submit an essay or video that demonstrates your enthusiasm and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange. (The time for Autumn 2019 entries has past; applications for the 2020 cycle will open in May 2019.) Civil Society Leadership Awards – Fully-funded scholarships are available for students from qualified nations to pursue master’s degrees in the United States or in another host country. The David P. Shapiro Autism grant is a $1,000 grant available to present or future students in the United States who are diagnosed with autism.
Preply Scholarship – Three winners will receive up to $2,000. Open to all students (local and international, at any study level) aged 16 to 35. To enter, write a 500-word essay about online education, multilingualism, and professional growth.
The Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship offers a $2,000 reward to a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student currently enrolled in the United States or another study destination. You must submit an essay to apply, and the scholarship is accessible to all nationalities.
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship – Awarded twice a year to enthusiastic overseas students desiring to study in the United States. Worth $1,000.
For Asian students:
East-West Centre Scholarships & Fellowships – Scholarships to study in the United States at chosen colleges for international students from Asia and the Pacific region.
Japan-United States Friendship Commission – This commission, a joint endeavour between Japan and the United States, provides financial programs to Japanese students interested in studying in the United States.
Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program – 11 extraordinary Asian students will receive scholarships to study in the United States at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Tuition and student fees are covered in full.
For Australian students:
Fulbright Program – The Australian-American Fulbright Commission provides scholarships to Australian citizens at all career levels. Awardees participate in an intellectual and cultural exchange by conducting research or studying at a US institution, living overseas, and returning with knowledge and experience to share with their Australian communities.
For female students:
AAUW overseas Fellowships – The American Association of University Women offers fellowships to female overseas students studying in the United States.
Bat and Ball Game Women’s Sports award – A $1,000 award for a woman presently pursuing a sports-related degree at any US university.
The MIT-Zaragoza Women in Logistics and SCM Scholarship provides US scholarships for female students of any age, ethnicity, or nationality to study at MIT’s Zaragoza Logistics Centre.
For graduate students:
Rotary Peace Fellowships are scholarships to study in the United States offered to master’s degree students studying at one of Rotary’s Peace Centres.
For students from developing countries:
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme awards scholarships to postgraduate international students from African countries.
MasterCard Foundation Scholarships: Scholarships for African students to study in the United States and Africa.
Check out this list of scholarships for students from underdeveloped countries.