- Assistance is available for international students in the U.S. through scholarships and grants.
- Popular grants for international students include the Open Society Foundation and the Humphrey Fellowship.
- Students can take advantage of databases to look for specific scholarships.
Scholarships for International Students
The number of international students studying in the U.S. hit an all-time high in 2019, but this decreased during the pandemic. However, this number will most likely rise again, according to Open Doors International Scholars Trends. Some colleges have more international students than others.
International students who are choosing to study in the U.S. may face financial hardships. Student visas have work restrictions, so international students cannot work or can only work limited hours on campus or in a field related to study, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This limits their financial resources.
Ready to start your journey?
There are many online resources for international students to help them to get to and through college in the U.S.. This page provides information about financial resources for international students, including scholarships and grants.
Is There Financial Assistance for International Students?
College loans are one option for financing your education. Loans must be paid back to the loan provider or bank over time.
International students can receive two government funding opportunities, which include Fulbright and the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship. Specific universities also offer a variety of scholarships that international students can apply to. There are general scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students available as listed below. There are many ways to find scholarships.
There are not many grants for study offered to international students. We have listed a few below.
Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
Who Is Eligible?: The Foundation accepts applications from nationals of the following countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique. The Foundation also accepts applications from applicants from France,
Portugal, the UK, the U.S., and Canada who are originally from one of the above countries, are interested in development-related studies, and who have no other means of financing their education.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2022
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Fulbright Program for Foreign Students Scholarship
Who Is Eligible?:
Requirements for the Fulbright Scholarship vary by country, but may include enrollment in a bachelor's degree program, English proficiency, and citizenship in the country you are applying from. There is a dropdown menu on the Fulbright website where you can choose your country of origin and get the specific information for your country. You can also find contact information for assistance with your application.
Application Deadline: Varies
Scholarship
Amount: Varies
MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
Who Is Eligible?: International students who are enrolled full-time in a degree program supported by MPOWER can apply for this scholarship.
Application Deadline: July 15, 2022
Scholarship Amount:
$2,000-$10,000
MPOWER Monthly Scholarship Series
Who Is Eligible?: Any international student with a valid visa who is currently enrolled or accepted to study full time at a school supported by MPOWER. Each month has a
special essay to include in the application.
Application Deadline: Third Friday of every month
Scholarship Amount: $1,000-$2,000
Philanthropic Education Organization International Peace Scholarship
Who Is Eligible?: This scholarship is awarded to international women students. In order to qualify for their first scholarship, applicants must have a full year of coursework remaining and be enrolled and in residence for the entire school year. Permanent residents of the U.S. and Canada are not eligible.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2022
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Global Undergraduate Exchange Program
Who Is Eligible?: Undergraduate students from participating countries may apply. The student must be enrolled in college with good standing.
Application Deadline: Opens in November
Scholarship Amount: Varies
#YouAreWelcomeHere
Who Is Eligible?: First-year international applicants in any field of study/major to a participating college or university are eligible. In their application, students must demonstrate their interest in promoting intercultural learning and exchange. An essay or video is also required.
Application Deadline: Summer 2022
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Study a Bachelor’s in the USA Scholarship
Who is Eligible?: The student must have applied to a U.S. university. The student must meet any language requirements for their chosen program of study. They cannot currently reside in the U.S., unless they are participating in a study abroad program.
Application Deadline: August 31, 2022
Scholarship Amount: $5,000
The NextGen Scholarship
Who Is Eligible?: International students or non-U.S. residents may apply. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Application Deadline: February 2023
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
American Concrete Institute Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
Who Is Eligible?: International students studying in the U.S. or Canada may apply. This program requires completion of a 10-12 week summer internship. Their studies must be related to the concrete industry.
Application Deadline: Opens July 1, 2022
Scholarship Amount:
Varies
Graduate Scholarships for International Students
The American Association of University Women International Fellowship
Who Is Eligible?: The program provides support for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the
U.S. to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career. A limited number of awards are available for study outside of the U.S.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2022
Scholarship Amount: $18,000-$30,000
American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation Endowment Scholarship
Who Is Eligible?: International graduate students who are enrolled in communication science and disorders are eligible.
Application Deadline: May 18, 2022
Scholarship Amount: $5,000
Philanthropic Educational Organization International Peace Scholarship
Who is Eligible?:
Women who are studying internationally at the graduate level are eligible to apply. The applicant must have a full year remaining or more and be residing in the U.S.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2022
Scholarships Amount: $12,500
American Concrete Institute Foundation Graduate Scholarship
Who Is Eligible?: International students looking to study in the U.S. or Canada may apply. The applicant's studies must be related to the concrete industry.
Application Deadline: Opens July 1, 2022
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
Who Is Eligible?: Immigrants or children of immigrants pursuing graduate studies are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: October 27, 2022
Scholarship Amount: $20,000
American-Scandinavian Foundation
Who Is Eligible?: Scandinavian graduate students looking to study in the U.S. can receive up to a year's worth of grants.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2022
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Asian Cultural Council Fellowships and Grants
Who Is Eligible?: Graduate students from eligible countries looking to do research in the U.S. can apply. Applicants must be studying or practicing the arts or humanities.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2022
Scholarship Amount: Varies
The Leakey Foundation Baldwin Fellowship
Who Is Eligible?: The fellowship is for international students looking to research human origins.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2022
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Kosciuszko Foundation's Program for Advanced Study, Research and/or Teaching
Who
Is Eligible?: Polish students seeking to do graduate studies in the U.S.
Application Deadline: Opens July 2022
Scholarship Amount: Varies
National Council on International Trade Development Scholarship Program
Who is Eligible?: Graduate students studying international trade can apply. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or B-grade
average.
Application Deadline: April 29, 2022
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Grants for International Students
Open Society Foundations
Who Is Eligible?: The Open Society network of organizations offers a variety of grants and fellowships to international students.
Application Deadline: Varies
Grant Amount: Varies
Humphrey Fellowship
Who Is Eligible?: Applicants must have little to no exposure to the U.S. The applicant must demonstrate leadership qualities and community service experience.
Application Deadline: Varies by country
Grant Amount: Varies
Margaret McNamara Education Grants
Who Is Eligible?: This grant is open to international students who are already enrolled in a full-time program in the U.S. or Canada.
Application Deadline: Opens September 1, 2022.
Grant Amount: Varies
Schlumberger Foundation: Faculty for the Future
Who Is
Eligible?: This grant is for international women conducting research in or studying STEM.
Application Deadline: Varies
Grant Amount: Varies
Additional Financial Resources for International Students
Celebrating Your Favorite Holiday Scholarship Photo Contest: The student must submit a photo or video showcasing their favorite holiday. They must follow International Student Voice (@internationalstudentvoice) on Instagram, post on the photo, and tag the organization. There will be 10-15 finalists based on the number of likes the photo receives.
International Student: This website offers information and a program navigator for international students. It also informs international students about possible scams targeting students.
International Scholarships: This website offers a scholarships database for international students.
On Planet, Many People Video Contest: Population Media Center awards this $1,000-$2,000 scholarship to a contest winner. Applicants must create a 60-second video on how a growing population impacts the planet. The deadline is July 15, 2022.
Kentonia Perseverance Scholarship: Applicants must submit an essay about personal perseverance, along with a resume. The student must also provide proof that they are enrolled in college and have a letter of recommendation. The scholarship award is $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for International Students
International students should look for scholarships that accept international applicants. Most scholarships require an application process. Some may require an essay, proof of community involvement or examples of leadership skills. Some also require proof of language proficiency or other test scores.
Counties that provide full scholarships to international students include Japan, Greece, China, Netherlands, Switzerland, Korea, and Germany. It is important to ensure that the scholarship is accepted at your desired school. Not all schools accept scholarship money.
Yes. Many universities in the U.S. offer scholarships to international students. It can depend on which college or university the student wants to attend. In addition, the Fulbright scholarship, which is funded by the government, gives full-tuition scholarships to its recipients. It is important to look for scholarships ahead of time and be prepared to study in the U.S.