International students looking to study in the U.S. can find many scholarships. These scholarships offer free money that you don’t have to pay back, as long as you meet certain requirements. They are designed for students from outside the U.S. who want to get a master’s, PhD, or postgraduate certificate in the United States.
There are also scholarships for students at different levels of education. This includes those pursuing master’s degrees or doctoral studies.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 1,056,165 international students are currently enrolled in U.S. schools, contributing $40.1 billion to the U.S. economy.
- Graduate school tuition in the U.S. averages around $12,394 at public institutions and $26,621 at private institutions.
- Numerous scholarship programs, such as Fulbright, Rotary, Paul and Daisy Soros, and Ford Foundation, provide substantial funding for international graduate students.
- Scholarships are available for students pursuing various graduate degrees, including master’s, doctoral, and professional certificate programs.
- International students should explore comprehensive scholarship databases and search engines to identify and apply for the best funding opportunities.
Introduction to Graduate Scholarships for International Students
Getting funding for graduate school is tough for international students. But, there are many graduate scholarships out there. These can help international students pay for their graduate degrees. Scholarships come from universities, governments, private groups, and more.
Types of Graduate Scholarships Available
Here are some common graduate scholarships for international students:
- University Scholarships: Many graduate schools give scholarships to international students. They look at academic achievement, leadership, or financial need.
- Government-Sponsored Scholarships: Some governments, like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, offer scholarships. They help international students get graduate degrees.
- Private Scholarships: Private groups, foundations, and companies also give out scholarships. They support international graduate students.
Eligibility Requirements for International Students
To get graduate scholarships, international students must meet certain criteria:
- They need a bachelor’s or master’s degree that’s like a U.S. one.
- They should show they’re smart, a leader, and involved in their community.
- They must pass English tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
- In some cases, they need to show they can’t afford it on their own.
The rules for each scholarship and graduate program can differ. It’s key for international students to check the rules for each scholarship they want.
University Scholarships for International Graduate Students
International graduate students can find many university scholarships to study in the United States. Top universities offer generous financial aid to attract global scholars.
Capella University gives Progress Rewards scholarships from $3,000 to $20,000. Walden University offers up to $25,000 for graduate studies in K-12 education or public policy. American University has merit-based scholarships for international students. The University of Southern California offers scholarships in many fields.
New York University has the Wagner Scholarships, which are for graduate students. These are just a few examples of scholarships for international graduate students in the U.S.
University | Scholarship | Award Amount |
---|---|---|
Capella University | Progress Rewards | $3,000 – $20,000 |
Walden University | Graduate Scholarships | Up to $25,000 |
American University | Merit-based Scholarships | Varies |
University of Southern California | Scholarships in Various Disciplines | Varies |
New York University | Wagner Scholarships | Varies |
These are just a few examples of university scholarships for international graduate students. By looking into the financial aid of their chosen universities, students can find many scholarships to fund their studies in the U.S.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Program Overview and Benefits
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a top opportunity for graduate students and young professionals worldwide. It allows them to study, research, and teach in the United States. Each year, about 4,000 grants are given out, offering up to $50,000 for a Master’s or Doctoral degree at U.S. schools.
This program is very competitive. It looks for students with great academic skills, leadership, and a desire to share cultures. Winners get money and a chance to make new friends and learn about American life.
Eligibility and Application Process
To apply, you must live in your home country and have a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. You also need to speak English well. This means scoring at least 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL, 79-80 on the Internet-Based TOEFL, or 6.5 on the IELTS.
The application for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program opens every year. It starts about fifteen months before the grant begins. If you’re interested, check the specific rules for your country because they can change.
- Applicants must be nominated by a U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in their home country.
- The selection process is highly competitive, with a focus on academic excellence, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute to cultural exchange.
- Dual U.S. citizens are not eligible to apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
Joining the Fulbright Foreign Student Program can be a life-changing experience. It lets you explore U.S. education and culture while helping to build bridges between the U.S. and your home country.
Rotary Peace Fellowships
The Rotary Peace Fellowships are a top choice for international students. Since 2002, they have helped over 1,700 leaders from more than 140 countries. Each year, the Rotary Foundation gives out up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and 80 for professional development certificates.
These fellowships cover all costs, including tuition, room, and travel. To apply for a master’s degree, you need three years of work or volunteer experience. For the certificate program, five years are required.
The program is for those who want to lead in peace and development. You must have an undergraduate degree and meet certain criteria. Rotary looks for people from all walks of life who are passionate about peace.
Rotary Peace Fellows study at top universities worldwide. These include Duke, UNC, and Uppsala University. The master’s programs last 15 to 24 months, and the certificate program is one year long.
“The Rotary Peace Fellowship has been a transformative experience, allowing me to deepen my understanding of conflict resolution and develop the skills to become a more effective peacebuilder. The program’s global network and support have been invaluable in my pursuit of a career in international development.”
The application for 2025-26 is closed, but 2026-27 will open in February 2025. Graduate students and professionals interested in this opportunity are encouraged to start preparing their application materials well in advance.
Graduate Scholarships
International students looking to earn graduate degrees have many scholarship options. The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans offer up to $90,000 over two years. The Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship provides a $25,000 stipend for one year.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is another great choice. It offers financial help for tuition, books, and more. It also provides social and academic support to its scholars.
“Pursuing a graduate degree can be a significant financial investment, but there are many scholarships available to help alleviate the burden for international students.”
Exploring Top Scholarships for Graduate Students
International students should look into these scholarships:
- The SREB Doctoral Scholars Program supports new doctoral students aiming for college teaching careers.
- Universities like The University of Alabama offer tuition scholarships for full-time faculty and staff.
- The Alumni Heritage Graduate Scholarship is a one-time award for Alabama residents and UA graduates’ children or grandchildren.
Many universities, including The University of Alabama, provide assistantships, fellowships, and more. These help support graduate students in their studies.
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans honors the contributions of immigrants and their kids in the US. Every year, they pick 30 New Americans who could make big impacts in society, culture, or their fields. These top graduate students get up to $90,000 for two years and join a community of New American Fellows.
Award Details and Eligibility
The fellowship supports one to two years of graduate study in any field at a US university. It’s for immigrants or their kids who are full-time in a graduate program for the 2025-26 year. There are no limits on degrees, universities, or countries of origin.
In 2021, the program got 2,445 applications and chose 30 fellows, a 1.2% rate. By 2022, 743 students had received the fellowship. Harvard University had the most fellows, with 309.
The 2025 application opens on April 17, 2024, at 09:00 AM (EDT). The deadline is October 31, 2024, at 02:00 PM (EDT). From the applicants, 77 finalists are interviewed, and 30 are chosen for the fellowship. Each Fellow gets up to $90,000 over two years.
Applicants must be under 31 by the application deadline. The fellowship supports New Americans in graduate school. It aims to help them make big impacts in US society, culture, or their fields.
Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship
The Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship is a top scholarship for doctoral students. It offers financial help for a year. It’s for U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, and DACA recipients who show great academic promise.
Program Requirements and Application Timeline
About 36 fellowships are given out each year. Winners get a $28,000 stipend. They also get to join the annual Conference of Ford Fellows and connect with mentors.
To qualify, you must be working on a Ph.D. or Sc.D. in an approved field. You need to show you’re committed to teaching at a college or university. Your dissertation must be finished in 9-12 months by Fall 2025.
Applicants must write a personal statement and describe their research and scholarly work. They also need to submit an abstract of their dissertation and a plan for finishing it. Plus, they need 3-5 letters of recommendation from professors. The deadline to apply is December 12, 2023.
The Ford Foundation wants to support students who can make a difference in underrepresented communities. They look for those who have the potential to lead in their fields.
Also Read : What Are The Common Requirements For College Scholarships?
Conclusion
The world of graduate scholarships for international students in the United States is vast and varied. There are many opportunities, from university-specific scholarships to prestigious programs like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. Rotary Peace Fellowships, the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships, and the Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship are just a few examples.
International students can boost their chances of getting scholarships by doing their homework. They should tailor their applications to each scholarship. This means addressing specific prompts and showing off their unique skills and plans for the future.
Tools like Scholarships360’s search feature can help students find the right scholarship for them. A well-written scholarship essay is key. It should be polished, error-free, and show a clear plan for the future. With the right approach, students can impress scholarship committees and get the financial help they need.