If you are interested in attending school in the United States as an international student, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the logistics of it all. This is especially true if you are hoping to receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, as finding (and qualifying for) scholarships for international students are not always easy.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can follow to find scholarships for international students in the USA and take the next step in your educational journey.
What Are International Scholarships?
Specifically, international scholarships are a form of financial aid available to incoming students attending school from another country. Unlike loans, scholarship funds do not need to be paid back.
Purpose of International Scholarships
International scholarships are designed to help students studying from another country pay for their schooling. These funds from these scholarships may be used for tuition and fees, supplies, and other qualifying expenses.
Different Types of International Scholarships
There are many types of international scholarships. These include merit- and need-based scholarships, as well as on-campus and online scholarships.
Eligibility Criteria for International Scholarships
The exact eligibility criteria for a scholarship for international students varies depending on the exact scholarship being considered, but there are some basic things to know.
General Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for a scholarship for international students, the first step is typically to be accepted for enrollment at the school. After being accepted, some schools automatically consider all international students for scholarships. However, other schools may have additional eligibility criteria or require separate scholarship applications. It is important to check the specific requirements of each school.
How to Apply for International Scholarships
Not sure where to begin when it comes to applying for scholarships? There are some important steps to follow.
Steps to Apply
Start by deciding which scholarships you would like to apply for. Your school of choice may automatically consider you for any eligible aid when you apply for admission, but if you are applying for a third-party scholarship, you will need to follow the steps required to be considered.
This may include submitting a formal scholarship application by the posted deadline along with any other required documents.
Documents Required
Some scholarships may require you to write an essay or submit other documentation, such as financial information for a need-based scholarship. Be sure to get these documents in order and submit them in a timely manner.
Popular International Scholarships
There are scholarship options available to international students looking to study in the United States. These scholarships may be based on merit, need, or even a specific program of study.
Scholarships in the USA
You can find a great list of scholarships specifically available to international students here, along with deadlines and other eligibility details.
Tips to Secure an International Scholarship
Looking for ways to maximize your chances of getting scholarship funds to help pay for college? Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Be Early With Your Application
Make note of any application deadlines for programs or scholarships for which you are applying. Try to get your application materials submitted as early as possible, rather than waiting until the last minute and risking documents getting lost in the mail.
Keep Your Documents Ready
Some scholarships may require financial documents, proof of visa, and other documentation that could be time-consuming to procure. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to gather these documents and have them readily available.
Overcoming Challenges Applying for International Scholarships
Unfortunately, international students face some inherent obstacles when it comes to applying for scholarships. However, with a little preparation, you will be ready to overcome these challenges.
Language Barriers
If you speak a language other than English, then applying for scholarships in the United States could be challenging because most scholarship applications will be written in English. This is where using a free translator tool could be extremely helpful, especially if you need to write any application essays.
Is There Financial Assistance Beyond Scholarships?
Even with scholarships for international students in the USA, you may still find yourself still in need of additional funds for some of your schooling and related costs. The good news? There are other financial aid options available for international students, so be sure to take advantage. In addition to scholarships, be sure to explore grant options and work-study opportunities. Some schools even offer convenient payment plan options to take some of the burden out of paying for school.
Looking for More Assistance?
Navigating the world of financial aid and scholarships as an international student could be challenging. That said, with the right knowledge and a little support, you will be on your way to an incredible educational journey.
At Post University, we are always committed to helping our international students achieve their goals, which is why we offer resources for every step of the process. This includes a dedicated financial aid team that could help you explore your scholarship and other financial aid options. Learn more about our commitment to international students and get started with your application today.
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