Are you an international student who dreams of studying in the USA? Do you want to pursue a degree from one of the world’s best universities and colleges? If yes, then you might be wondering how to afford the high tuition fees and living expenses in the USA.
Fortunately, there are many scholarships available for international students who want to study in the USA. These scholarships can help you cover some or all of your costs and make your education more affordable and accessible. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the top 10 scholarships for international students planning to study in the USA.
Why apply for scholarships for international students planning to study in the USA?
Studying in the USA can be a life-changing experience for many international students. Not only can you get a high-quality education from renowned institutions, but you can also explore the diverse culture, history, and lifestyle of the USA. You can also network with people from different backgrounds and fields and enhance your career prospects and opportunities.
However, studying in the USA can also be very expensive. According to the College Board, the average tuition and fees for the 2020–2021 academic year were $10,560 for public four-year institutions (in-state), $27,020 for public four-year institutions (out-of-state), and $37,650 for private four-year institutions. These figures do not include other costs such as room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, which can add up to thousands of dollars more.
For international students, the costs can be even higher, as they may have to pay additional fees for visas, health insurance, travel, and currency exchange. Moreover, international students may have limited options for financial aid, as they are not eligible for federal or state grants and loans, and may face restrictions on working while studying.
That is why applying for scholarships for international students planning to study in the USA is a smart and necessary move. Scholarships can help you reduce your financial burden and make your education more affordable and attainable. Scholarships can also help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your academic excellence, leadership potential, and personal achievements. Scholarships can also open up more opportunities for you to pursue your academic and career goals and make a positive impact on the world.
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Top 10 Scholarships for International Students Planning to Study in the USA
There are many scholarships for international students planning to study in the USA, but some of them are more prestigious, competitive, and generous than others. Here are the top 10 scholarships that you should consider applying for if you want to study in the USA.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most well-known and respected scholarships for international students who want to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree, or a non-degree research program, in the USA. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and aims to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the USA and other countries. The program covers tuition, airfare, living expenses, health insurance, and other costs for the duration of the study or research. The program also provides academic and professional support, as well as opportunities for cultural and social activities. The program is highly competitive and selective, and the application process varies by country and field of study. The program is open to applicants from more than 160 countries.
- Cost: Full scholarship
- Deadline: Varies by country
- Application link: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
2. Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program that offers fully-funded scholarships for international students who want to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university. The program is aimed at developing future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world. The program covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and other costs for the duration of the study. The program also provides access to a wide range of academic, professional, and cultural opportunities and networks. The program is highly competitive and requires applicants to have at least two years of work experience and to apply to three different UK universities. The program is open to applicants from more than 160 countries and territories.
- Cost: Full scholarship
- Deadline: VARIES
- Application link: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees are part of the Erasmus+ program of the European Union that offers fully-funded scholarships for international students who want to pursue a two-year master’s degree in a consortium of European universities. The program is designed to foster excellence, innovation, and internationalization in higher education and to enhance the employability and mobility of graduates. The program covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and other costs for the duration of the study. The program also provides academic and administrative support, as well as opportunities for cultural and linguistic immersion. The program is highly competitive and requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and to meet the specific requirements of each joint master’s degree. The program is open to applicants from any country in the world.
- Cost: Full scholarship
- Deadline: Varies by joint master’s degree
- Application link: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-master-degrees_en
4. DAAD Scholarships
The DAAD Scholarships are the largest scholarship program of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) that offers various scholarships for international students who want to pursue a degree, a research project, or a short-term course in Germany. The program is aimed at supporting the internationalization and quality of German higher education and fostering academic cooperation and exchange between Germany and other countries. The program covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, health insurance, and other costs for the duration of the study or research. The program also provides academic and cultural support, as well as opportunities for language learning and networking. The program is highly competitive and requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and to meet the specific requirements of each scholarship. The program is open to applicants from all academic fields and all countries, except Germany.
- Cost: Full or partial scholarship
- Deadline: Varies by scholarship
- Application link: https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
5. Rotary Foundation Global Grants
The Rotary Foundation Global Grants are part of the Rotary Foundation’s grant program that offers scholarships for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree, a doctoral degree, or a research project in one of the Rotary’s six areas of focus: peace and conflict prevention and resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and economic and community development. The program is aimed at supporting Rotary’s mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. The program covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and other costs for the duration of the study or research. The program also provides access to the Rotary’s global network of professionals and leaders and opportunities for service and leadership development. The program is highly competitive and requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and to be sponsored by a Rotary club or district in their home country and in their host country. The program is open to applicants from any country where there is a Rotary Club.
- Cost: Full scholarship
- Deadline: Varies by Rotary club or district
- Application link: https://my.rotary.org/en/take-action/apply-grants/global-grants
6. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are one of the most prestigious and generous scholarships for international students who want to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree (master’s or doctoral) in any subject at the University of Cambridge. The program is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and aims to create a network of outstanding leaders who will address the world’s most pressing problems and improve the lives of others. The program covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, health insurance, and other costs for the duration of the study. The program also provides access to the Gates Cambridge community of scholars and alumni and opportunities for academic and personal development. The program is highly competitive and requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to improving the lives of others. The program is open to applicants from any country outside the UK.
- Cost: Full scholarship
- Deadline: VARIES
- Application link: https://www.gatescambridge.org/
7. Knight-Hennessy Scholars
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars are a new and innovative scholarship program that offers full funding for international students who want to pursue any graduate degree (master’s, doctoral, or professional) at Stanford University. The program is funded by the largest single gift to a university and aims to develop a diverse and multidisciplinary community of leaders who will address the world’s complex challenges and create positive change. The program covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, health insurance, and other costs for the duration of the study. The program also provides access to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars community of scholars and mentors, and opportunities for leadership training, personal growth, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program is highly competitive and requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and civic mindset. The program is open to applicants from any country and any discipline.
- Cost: Full scholarship
- Deadline: VARIES
- Application link: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/
8. Schwarzman Scholars
The Schwarzman Scholars are a prestigious and selective scholarship program that offers fully-funded scholarships for international students who want to pursue a one-year master’s degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. The program is inspired by the Rhodes Scholarship and aims to prepare the next generation of global leaders who will shape the future of politics, business, and society. The program covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, health insurance, and other costs for the duration of the study. The program also provides access to the Schwarzman Scholars community of scholars and alumni and opportunities for leadership development, cultural immersion, and global networking. The program is highly competitive and requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and interest in China and global issues. The program is open to applicants from any country and any field of study.
- Cost: Full scholarship
- Deadline: VARIES
- Application link: https://www.schwarzmanscholars.org/
9. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships are a range of scholarship schemes that offer various scholarships for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree, a doctoral degree, or a short-term course in the UK. The program is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and other UK government agencies and aims to support the development of Commonwealth countries and foster international cooperation and understanding. The program covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and other costs for the duration of the study or course. The program also provides academic and social support, as well as opportunities for professional development and networking. The program is highly competitive and requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and to meet the specific eligibility criteria of each scholarship scheme. The program is open to applicants from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
- Cost: Full or partial scholarship
- Deadline: Varies by scholarship scheme
- Application link: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
10. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a comprehensive and holistic scholarship program that offers full scholarships for international students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a short-term course in one of the partner universities in Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia. The program is funded by the Mastercard Foundation and aims to support the education and leadership development of young people from Africa and other regions who have demonstrated academic talent, social consciousness, and financial need. The program covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and other costs for the duration of the study or course. The program also provides access to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars community of scholars and alumni, and opportunities for mentoring, career guidance, and service learning. The program is highly competitive and requires applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent and to meet the specific requirements of each partner university. The program is open to applicants from sub-Saharan Africa and other regions.
- Cost: Full scholarship
- Deadline: Varies by partner university
- Application link: https://mastercardfdn.org/scholars/
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Conclusion
These are the top 10 scholarships for international students planning to study in the USA or other countries. These scholarships can help you achieve your academic and career aspirations and make a positive difference in the world. However, these scholarships are not the only ones available for international students. There are many other scholarships that you can find and apply for, depending on your country of origin, field of study, level of study, and personal preferences. You can use various online platforms and databases, such as Scholarship Portal, Scholarships.com, International Scholarships, and IEFA, to search and filter for scholarships that suit your needs and qualifications. You can also consult your academic advisors, professors, peers, and alumni for guidance and recommendations.
Applying for scholarships can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling one. You will need to prepare your academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, essays, and other documents that showcase your achievements, goals, and potential. You will also need to research the scholarship providers, the partner universities, and the programs that you are interested in and tailor your application accordingly. You will also need to meet the deadlines, follow the instructions, and submit your application through the appropriate channels. You may also need to attend interviews, webinars, or workshops as part of the selection process.
To increase your chances of winning a scholarship, you should start your search and preparation early, apply for multiple scholarships, and be persistent and optimistic. You should also proofread and revise your application materials, seek feedback and advice from others, and practice your interview skills. You should also showcase your personality, passion, and purpose and demonstrate how you can contribute to the scholarship community and society at large.
