The United States hosts some of the world’s top universities and colleges, many of which provide scholarships to international students to help fund their studies. These scholarships are available to outstanding international students and may cover either part or the entirety of their tuition, depending on the criteria, course, and institution offering them. When applying for scholarships in the U.S., it’s important to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and be well-informed about the application process and deadlines.
What are the Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Scholarships in the USA?
The primary criterion for most scholarships is a strong academic record, but other factors like your chosen destination, subject, and level of study also play a role. In some cases, extracurricular activities and volunteer work can strengthen your application. It’s important to remember that each scholarship has its eligibility requirements. For some, simply applying may suffice, while others may require you to meet additional conditions, such as submitting written assignments. If you are considering research-focused programs, don’t hesitate to reach out to the university’s admissions office with any questions you may have.
APPLY NOW
- Qatar Airways National Scholarship Program 2024
- Best USA Scholarships for International Students in 2024
- How to Apply for an International Student Scholarship in the United States?
Scholarships Value – How Much Money is Available?
The amount of funding and type of scholarship differ from one institution to another. Since scholarships are competitive, it’s crucial to apply well in advance. It’s advisable to begin the process 8 to 12 months before your desired intake.
Important Documents Required to Apply for Scholarships in the USA?
-
Completed scholarship application form
-
Copy of your academic transcripts/diplomas
-
Copy of your passport/ID
-
Statement of purpose or letter of motivation
-
Recommendation letter
-
Test scores (like SAT, ACT, GRE, GPA)
-
Proof of your language proficiency, like an IELTS test
Some institutions may also require some additional documents, such as an essay and medical report.
Top Scholarships in the USA to Apply
Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top scholarships available to international students from leading American universities.
University |
Scholarship |
Scholarship value (US$) |
Eligibility |
---|---|---|---|
Tulsa University – Kaplan International |
University of Tulsa Undergraduate Scholarships |
Up to $22,000 |
Tulsa provides the International Leadership Scholarship to highly qualified international students. When you submit a complete application to the university, along with all the necessary supporting documents, you will automatically be considered for scholarships.
These scholarships are granted based on academic excellence in your previous studies, as well as your extracurricular and leadership experiences. The awards can be renewed for up to four years, provided you maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum 2.0 GPA at the University. |
Washington State University |
International Freshman Academic Award |
$8,000 to $16,000 |
This merit-based scholarship is divided into two tiers: up to $8,000 for students with a lower GPA and $16,000 for those with a higher GPA.
To be considered for the scholarship, students must submit a completed WSU application. No separate scholarship application is necessary. |
Florida Institute of Technology |
Panther Fund Merit Scholarship |
Up to $10,000 |
All international applicants will be considered for the Panther Fund Merit Scholarship.
The scholarship amount varies among students and is awarded regardless of financial need. |
California State University – Northridge |
Presidential Scholarship |
$10,000 |
This award is one of three programs under the Northridge Scholarship Program. It enables undergraduate students to collaborate with faculty mentors on significant projects. This prestigious honour is reserved for Cal State Northridge undergraduates who have completed at least 60 units with a 3.5 GPA, or for transfer students who have completed at least 24 units at Northridge by the end of the spring semester. Recipients must be continuing students at Northridge and will receive a scholarship along with a textbook discount at the Matador Bookstore. |
University of South Florida |
USF Green & Gold Awards |
Presidential Award: $48,000 Directors Award: $36,000 Scholars Award: $24,000 |
|
Valparaiso University |
Freshman Scholarships |
Board of Directors Scholarship: $30,000 per year. Presidential Scholarship: $24,000 – $27,000 per year. Honours Scholarship: $22,000 – $23,000 per year. |
All admitted freshmen students will have their files automatically reviewed for scholarship consideration. Students will be notified of the offer of admission if awarded any academic scholarship. All scholarships are renewable as long as Satisfactory Academic Progress is maintained. |
Related Articles