The 5 Main Scholarships in the USA for International Students

The United States is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education across a diverse range of institutions. To make studying in the USA more accessible, various organizations and universities offer scholarships to talented international students. This article explores five of the most prestigious and sought-after scholarships available for international students in the United States.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Overview

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most widely recognized and prestigious scholarship programs for international students in the USA.

Key Details

• Value: Varies, but typically covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel
• Level of Study: Graduate (Master’s or PhD)
• Eligibility: Open to students from over 160 countries
• Duration: Usually 1-2 years, depending on the program

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in the student’s home country. Deadlines vary by country but are typically 12-18 months before the intended start date.

2. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

Overview

This program brings accomplished professionals from designated countries to the United States for a year of non-degree graduate-level study, leadership development, and professional collaboration.

Key Details

• Value: Covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel
• Level of Study: Non-degree professional development
• Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from designated countries
• Duration: 10 months

Application Process

Candidates apply through the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in their home countries. The application period typically opens in the spring for programs starting the following year.

3. Foreign Fulbright Student Program

Overview

This program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States.

Key Details

• Value: Varies, but typically covers tuition, living stipend, health insurance, and travel
• Level of Study: Graduate (Master’s or PhD)
• Eligibility: Varies by country, but generally open to students with strong academic backgrounds
• Duration: Usually 1-2 years

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in the student’s home country. Deadlines vary by country.

4. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

Overview

This scholarship supports outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies.

Key Details

• Value: 50% grant, 50% loan
• Level of Study: Master’s and PhD
• Eligibility: Students from select developing countries
• Fields of Study: All fields of study, with preference for development-related disciplines

Application Process

Applications are typically accepted from January to March each year. Students apply directly through the Aga Khan Foundation in their home country.

5. American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships

Overview

AAUW International Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Key Details

• Value:
  • Master’s/First Professional Degree: $18,000
  • Doctoral: $20,000
  • Postdoctoral: $30,000
• Level of Study: Graduate and Postdoctoral
• Eligibility: Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Duration: One academic year

Application Process

Applications are typically due in November for programs starting the following academic year. Students apply directly through the AAUW website.

Conclusion

These five scholarships represent some of the most prestigious funding opportunities for international students in the United States. They cover various levels of study, from master’s to doctoral and postdoctoral research, and span a wide range of academic disciplines. While the application processes and eligibility criteria vary, all of these scholarships are highly competitive and seek to attract the brightest minds from around the world.

Prospective students should carefully review the specific requirements for each scholarship and prepare their applications well in advance. It’s also advisable to explore other scholarship opportunities offered by individual U.S. universities, as many institutions have their own funding programs for international students.

By securing one of these scholarships, international students can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in the United States while gaining access to world-class education and research opportunities. These programs not only provide financial support but also offer valuable networking opportunities and the chance to be part of prestigious alumni communities.