1. Merit-Based Scholarships Awarded for: Academic excellence, leadership, artistic talent, or other personal achievements. Offered by: Universities, private organizations, and government bodies. Example: Harvard University International Scholarships. 2. Need-Based Scholarships Awarded for: Students who demonstrate financial need. Offered by: Universities and some private institutions. Example: Yale University’s need-based aid for international students. 3. Government-Funded Scholarships
Awarded by: U.S. government to promote international education and diplomacy. Example: Fulbright Foreign Student Program Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 4. University-Specific Scholarships Awarded by: Individual colleges/universities. May be merit- or need-based and often tailored to attract international talent. Example: Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Columbia University International Student Scholarships 5. Country-Specific Scholarships Targeted to: Students from certain countries.
Funded by: U.S. institutions, NGOs, or home-country governments. Example: AAUW International Fellowships (for women) East-West Center Scholarships (Asia-Pacific students) 6. Subject-Specific Scholarships Awarded for: Study in specific fields like STEM, business, arts, etc. Often funded by: Institutions, corporations, or industry-related organizations. Example: The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (development-related fields) Microsoft Scholarships (STEM students) Would you like a list of top scholarships in each category or links to apply?
Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students in the USA Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, artistic talent, or other exceptional skills—regardless of financial need. Here are some top merit-based scholarships for international students: 1. Clark University Global Scholars Program Who it’s for: First-year international applicants with strong academic records and leadership potential. Award: $15,000–$25,000 per year (renewable). Bonus: Eligible for a $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship or
research assistantship. 2. Emory University Scholar Programs Includes: Emory Scholars, Oxford Scholars, Goizueta Scholars. Who it’s for: High-achieving international students. Award: Partial to full tuition; some programs cover full cost of attendance. 3. Illinois Wesleyan University International Merit Scholarships Who it’s for: Exceptional international students based on academic performance and test scores. Award: $16,000 to $30,000 annually (renewable for 4 years).
4. University of Oregon International Excellence Award Who it’s for: Incoming international students who demonstrate high academic achievement. Award: Up to $45,000 over 4 years. 5. NYU Wagner Merit Scholarships Who it’s for: International graduate students in public service-related fields. Award: Varies – partial to full tuition scholarships available. 6. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Who it’s for: High-performing international students dedicated to positive civic and social change. Award: Covers full tuition, room, and board. Want to dive into any of these scholarships in more detail or get help with applying?Need-Based Scholarships for International Students in the
USA Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, regardless of academic performance (though strong academics may still be considered). These scholarships aim to make education accessible to talented students who may not have the financial means to afford it. Here are some top need-based scholarships for international students: 1. Yale University Need-Based Aid Who it’s for: All undergraduate applicants, including international students. Award: Covers up to 100% of demonstrated need through grants and work-study—no loans. Note: The average Yale scholarship is over $60,000 per year. 2. Harvard University Financial Aid Who it’s for: All admitted s
tudents, including internationals, are considered for need-based aid. Award: 100% of demonstrated need met. Bonus: Families earning less than $85,000 typically pay nothing. 3. Amherst College Need-Based Aid Who it’s for: International students with demonstrated financial need. Award: Full financial aid package based on family income. Special Feature: Amherst meets 100% of demonstrated need through scholarships and work-study. 4. MIT Financial Aid for International Students Who it’s for: All admitted undergraduate international students are eligible. Award: Need-based aid that covers full demonstrated need. Note: More than 90% of MIT undergrads receive financial aid. 5. Columbia University Financial Aid Who it’s for: First-year international students with financial need. Award: Up to 100% of need met
without loans. Interesting Fact: Columbia commits over $17 million annually to support international undergrads. 6. Dartmouth College International Scholarships Who it’s for: International students who demonstrate financial need. Award: Full demonstrated need met. Bonus: Includes aid for expenses beyond tuition—like travel and books. These scholarships often require detailed financial documentation during the application process. Want help drafting a financial aid statement or planning your application
strategy?Government-Funded Scholarships for International Students in the USA Government-funded scholarships are sponsored by the U.S. government or through bilateral agreements to support international students in pursuing higher education in the United States. These programs often focus on academic excellence, leadership, and cultural exchange. Here are the top U.S. government-funded scholarships: 1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program Level: Master’s or PhD Who it’s for: International students in any field (except clinical medicine). Award: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, and health insurance. Offered in: 160+ countries. Duration: 1–2 years (depending on program). Website: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program Level: Mid-career professionals (non-degree program) Who it’s for: Professionals committed to public service and leadership. Award: Full funding including tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance. Duration: 10 months (non-degree academic study + professional experience). Fields: Public policy, education, technology, law, and more.
3. EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program Who it’s for: Academically strong students with financial need. Award: Covers costs associated with applying to U.S. universities—application fees, standardized testing, visa processing, etc. Run by: EducationUSA Advising Centers, under the U.S. Department of State. Note: Not a tuition scholarship, but helps students get into universities that offer financial aid.
4. USAID Scholarships (via Partner Programs) Who it’s for: Students from developing countries, especially in partnership programs. Award: Varies depending on the initiative or region. Example: U.S.-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor, USAID Egypt scholarships. 5. International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Level: Non-academic (professional exchange) Who it’s for: Emerging international leaders. Award: Fully funded short-term visits to the U.S. to meet professional counterparts. Duration: 3–4 weeks. Focus: Diplomacy, entrepreneurship, education, etc. Want help narrowing down the best fit based on your background or goals? I can help you map out where and how to apply.🇺🇸 Fulbright Foreign
Student Program One of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the world! 📌 Overview The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables international students to study, research, or teach in the United States at the graduate level (Master’s or PhD). It’s designed to foster mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries through cultural and academic exchange. 🎓 Who Can Apply? Citizens of over 160 participating countries. Must have completed undergraduate education (equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree). Strong academic background and leadership
potential. Proficiency in English. Often must return to your home country for a minimum of two years after the program ends (visa requirement). 💸 What Does It Cover? ✅ Full tuition and university fees ✅ Living stipend ✅ Round-trip airfare ✅ Health insurance ✅ Textbooks and enrichment activities ✅ Visa sponsorship and support 📆 Application Timeline Opens: Usually between February–April (varies by country) Closes: Between May–October Program Begins: The following Fall semester (Aug–Sep) 🌐
How to Apply Applications are processed by the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your country. Visit the official site: foreign.fulbrightonline.org Select your country from the dropdown to see country-specific eligibility, deadlines, and instructions. 📝 What You’ll Need Online application form Academic transcripts Standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, GRE – varies) Statement of purpose (study/research goals) Letters of recommendation Resume/CV Interview (if shortlisted) Let me know if you want help crafting a strong application—like writing a compelling statement of purpose or getting ready for the interview!University-Specific Scholarships for International Students in the
USA University-specific scholarships are offered directly by U.S. colleges and universities to attract talented international students. These can be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both—and often cover partial or full tuition. Here are some of the top university-specific scholarships for international students: 🎓 1. Stanford University – Knight-Hennessy Scholars Level: Graduate (Master’s or PhD) Award: Full funding for tuition, living, travel, and academic expenses. Focus: Leadership, global impact, and cross-disciplinary study. Website: knight-hennessy.stanford.edu 🎓
2. Columbia University – International Student Financial Aid Level: Undergraduate Award: Need-based aid covering up to 100% of demonstrated need. Note: No loans—100% in grants and work-study. Website: undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu 🎓 3. University of Chicago – International Financial Aid Level: Undergraduate Award: Need-based and merit-based scholarships available. Example: UChicago Empower Initiative for first-gen and low-income students. Website: collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu 🎓 4. Duke University – Karsh International Scholarship Level: Undergraduate Award: Full tuition, room and board, fees, and a stipend for research/internships.
Focus: Academic excellence and global leadership. Website: karshscholars.duke.edu 🎓 5. New York University (NYU) – Global Pathways Scholarships Level: Undergraduate Award: Merit-based; ranges from partial tuition to full coverage. Special Program: Abu Dhabi and Shanghai campuses also offer generous aid to international students. 🎓 6. Amherst College – International Financial Aid Level: Undergraduate Award: 100% of demonstrated need met with a combination of scholarship and work-study. Unique: “Need-blind” admission for international students (very rare). 🎓 7. Clark University – Global Scholars Program Level: Undergraduate Award: $15,000–$25,000 per year + $2,500 for internships. Bonus: Renewable based on academic performance. Each university has its own deadlines, documents, and criteria. Want a shortlist based on your field of study or academic background? I can help tailor it!