How to Get a Scholarship in the USA for International Students?

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The United States of America is an expensive country and yet one of the biggest study destinations in the world. Students from all over the world want to study at the top universities in the world, most of which are in the US.

Pursuing higher education abroad is an expensive affair.

Without proper research and planning on a budget, you might lose a chance. So why take chances? Take the opportunity to apply for a scholarship in the US.

A scholarship can be a great help in funding your studies in the US.

We will not deny that it’s not as simple and easy as it seems.

As per the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) research, only one out of ten students secures a scholarship.

Another case is that most of the scholarships are issued based on nationality, location, etc.

Thus, we are going to help and guide you through the whole process.

It is advisable to plan early, as there are many scholarships applied by international students.

Academic Performance

There are a lot of universities that consider your academic achievements when awarding scholarships. Thus, you need to show that you have achieved a good GPA through tests such as the ACT or SAT.

Some universities look at your past studies to see if you are a good fit for the applied course.

Financial Proof

For this, you need to show financial proof that you have the financial backing to study abroad. In this regard, you have to show bank account details to prove that you are financially secure.

Citizenship

This is a bit of a tricky case. There are so many scholarships available for different citizens. For instance, if you are from the US, there is a different kind of scholarship for that. And if you are from different regions, there are different categories for that too. So, you will have to check and research the type of scholarship applicable to your country.

English Skill

If you are an international student, you will need to show your English language skills. This can be demonstrated through the IELTS or TOEFL exams.

[ Read Also: The Complete Guide to IELTS Preparation ]

Extracurricular Activities

Most universities look for more than just your academic scores. You need to prove that you are involved in other activities too. It can be sports, voluntary work, etc. This kind of role proves your leadership skills and contribution to the community.

Recommended Letter

This is a very important factor that reflects your character and academic achievements. You will have to submit a letter of proof from your professors, dean, etc. writing about you.

Essay Writing

The final submission to your application is a Statement of Purpose. It will be an essay written by you explaining why you should be granted the scholarship.

Types of USA Scholarships For International Students

Below are a few types of scholarships you can look into and apply for:

Scholarship based on merit

This type of scholarship is provided based on your skills. There are three types of scholarships under this:

Academic: This is funded based on your grades and ACT or SAT scores.

Sports: This scholarship is funded based on your athletic skills in sports.

Average Academic: This is funded based on your performance; it can be both academic and extracurricular activities.

Scholarship Based on Need

Some universities fund students from lower-income backgrounds. The two main universities that funds are Cornell University and Harvard University.

Scholarship Based on Country

This type of scholarship is reserved for students from developing countries. It is funded to encourage and support them in higher studies. Even some private universities too are funding many international students.

Scholarships by Private Entities

It is awarded and donated to students by individuals or private businesses. It is reserved for minorities, women, and students from poor countries.

Scholarship by Universities

This is funded by university alumni for students who meet the eligibility criteria. They are also entrance-based.

Scholarship by Governments

They are mostly reserved for US residents. There are a few initiatives such as Fulbright Foreign Student Program and Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program, etc.