Scholarships for International Students

Many international students need financial assistance to study in the U.S. Learn how to take advantage of financial resources and find scholarships and grants.
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  • Assistance is available for international students in the U.S. through scholarships and grants.
  • Popular grants for international students include the Open Society Foundation and the Humphrey Fellowship.
  • Students can take advantage of databases to look for specific scholarships.

The number of international students studying in the U.S. hit an all-time high in 2019, then dropped off during the pandemic. However, this number will most likely rise again, according to Open Doors International Scholars Trends. Some colleges have more international students than others.

International students studying in the U.S. may face financial hardships. Student visas have work restrictions, so international students cannot work or can only work limited hours on campus or in a field related to study, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This limits their financial resources.

There are many online resources for international students to help them get to and through college in the U.S.. This page provides information about financial resources for international students, including scholarships and grants.

Is There Financial Assistance for International Students?

College loans are one option for financing your education. Loans must be paid back to the loan provider or bank over time.

International students can receive two government funding opportunities, which include Fulbright and the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship. Specific universities also offer a variety of scholarships that international students can apply to. There are general scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students available as listed below. There are many ways to find scholarships.

There are not many grants for study offered to international students. We have listed a few below.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students

Fulbright Program for Foreign Students Scholarship

Who Is Eligible?: Requirements for the Fulbright Scholarship vary by country, but may include enrollment in a bachelor's degree program, English proficiency, and citizenship in the country you are applying from. There is a dropdown menu on the Fulbright website where you can choose your country of origin and get the specific information for your country. You can also find contact information for assistance with your application.
Application Deadline: Varies
Scholarship Amount: Varies

MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship

Who Is Eligible?: International students who are enrolled full-time in a degree program supported by MPOWER can apply for this scholarship.
Application Deadline: July 15, 2023
Scholarship Amount: $2,000-$10,000

MPOWER Monthly Scholarship Series

Who Is Eligible?: Any international student with a valid visa who is currently enrolled or accepted to study full time at a school supported by MPOWER. Each month has a special essay to include in the application.
Application Deadline: Last Friday of every month
Scholarship Amount: $1,000-$2,000

#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

Who Is Eligible?: First-year international applicants in any field of study/major to a participating college or university are eligible. In their application, students must demonstrate their interest in promoting intercultural learning and exchange. An essay or video is also required.
Application Deadline: Spring or Summer 2023
Scholarship Amount: Varies

Study a Bachelor’s in the USA Scholarship

Who is Eligible?: The student must have applied to a U.S. university. The student must meet any language requirements for their chosen program of study. They cannot currently reside in the U.S., unless they are participating in a study abroad program.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2023
Scholarship Amount: $5,000


Learn more about the BestColleges Black Women in STEM scholarship.

Graduate Scholarships for International Students

The American Association of University Women International Fellowship

Who Is Eligible?: The program provides support for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the U.S. to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career. A limited number of awards are available for study outside of the U.S.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2023
Scholarship Amount: $20,000-$50,000

American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation Endowment Scholarship

Who Is Eligible?: International graduate students who are enrolled in communication science and disorders are eligible.
Application Deadline: May 17, 2023
Scholarship Amount: $5,000

Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans

Who Is Eligible?: Immigrants or children of immigrants pursuing graduate studies are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: Applications open in April
Scholarship Amount: Up to $90,000

American-Scandinavian Foundation

Who Is Eligible?: Scandinavian graduate students looking to study in the U.S. can receive up to a year's worth of grants.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2023
Scholarship Amount: Varies

Asian Cultural Council Fellowships and Grants

Who Is Eligible?: Graduate students from eligible countries looking to do research in the U.S. can apply. Applicants must be studying or practicing the arts or humanities.
Application Deadline: Applications open in fall 2023
Scholarship Amount: Varies

Kosciuszko Foundation's Program for Advanced Study, Research and/or Teaching

Who Is Eligible?: Polish students seeking to do graduate studies in the U.S.
Application Deadline: Opens July 2022
Scholarship Amount: Varies

National Council on International Trade Development Scholarship Program

Who is Eligible?: Graduate students studying international trade can apply. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or B-grade average.
Application Deadline: April 28, 2023
Scholarship Amount: Minimum $1,000

Grants for International Students

Open Society Foundations

Who Is Eligible?: The Open Society network of organizations offers a variety of grants and fellowships to international students.
Application Deadline: Varies
Grant Amount: Varies

Humphrey Fellowship

Who Is Eligible?: Applicants must have little to no exposure to the U.S. The applicant must demonstrate leadership qualities and community service experience.
Application Deadline: Varies by country
Grant Amount: Varies

Margaret McNamara Education Grants

Who Is Eligible?: This grant is open to international students who are already enrolled in a full-time program in the U.S. or Canada.
Application Deadline: Varies
Grant Amount: Varies

Schlumberger Foundation: Faculty for the Future

Who Is Eligible?: This grant is for international women conducting research in or studying STEM.
Application Deadline: Varies
Grant Amount: Varies

Additional Financial Resources for International Students

International Student: This website offers information and a program navigator for international students. It also informs international students about possible scams targeting students.

International Scholarships: This website offers a scholarships database for international students.

Studying in the U.S. as an international student can be a stressful process. Here’s everything you need to know to make your transition smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for International Students

How can international students get scholarships?

International students should look for scholarships that accept international applicants. Most scholarships require an application process. Some may require an essay, proof of community involvement or examples of leadership skills. Some also require proof of language proficiency or other test scores.

Which countries give full scholarships to international students?

Counties that provide full scholarships to international students include Japan, Greece, China, Netherlands, Switzerland, Korea, and Germany. It is important to ensure that the scholarship is accepted at your desired school. Not all schools accept scholarship money.

Can international students get full scholarships in the U.S.?

Yes. Many universities in the U.S. offer scholarships to international students. It can depend on which college or university the student wants to attend. In addition, the Fulbright scholarship, which is funded by the government, gives full-tuition scholarships to its recipients. It is important to look for scholarships ahead of time and be prepared to study in the U.S.

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