Complete Guide: Types of Scholarships Available to International Students in the USA

Studying in the United States can be life-changing. But let’s be honest—it’s also expensive. According to EducationData.org, the average cost of attending a U.S. college ranges from $26,000 to $55,000 per year for international students. And that doesn’t include housing, books, and other living expenses.

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That’s where scholarships come in. They can reduce or even eliminate your financial burden. And the best part? Unlike student loans, you don’t have to pay them back.

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In this guide, you’ll discover all the types of scholarships available to international students and how to increase your chances of getting one.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

The main types of scholarships for international students in the U.S.
Where to find them and how to apply
Common eligibility criteria and documents needed
Insider tips to make your application stand out

Main Types of Scholarships for International Students in the USA

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

These are awarded based on academic achievements, test scores, or exceptional talent.

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Examples:

A 3.8 GPA or higher
High SAT/ACT scores
Leadership roles in school clubs

Who offers them?

Universities (e.g., Harvard, Stanford, MIT)
Private organizations (e.g., Coca-Cola Scholars, Gates Scholarship)

Tip: Some universities automatically consider you for merit-based scholarships when you apply—no extra form needed.

2. Need-Based Scholarships

These are based on your financial situation. If your family can’t afford tuition, you may qualify for these.

Common Requirements:

Proof of income (translated and converted to USD)
Financial aid applications (like the CSS Profile)

Universities Offering Need-Based Aid:

Yale University
Amherst College
Harvard University

Some schools are need-blind, meaning they don’t consider your financial situation during the admission process but still offer full aid.

3. Athletic Scholarships

Are you great at soccer, basketball, or swimming? U.S. colleges might pay you to compete.

Sports Often Covered:

Football
Track and field
Tennis
Swimming

Offered By:

NCAA Division I & II colleges
NAIA schools

More than 150,000 scholarships are given to athletes every year in the U.S., according to NCAA.org.

4. Scholarships by Field of Study

Want to study STEM, business, or the arts? There are scholarships just for that.

Examples by Field:

STEM: Google Generation Scholarship, AAUW International Fellowships
Business: Forté Foundation, QS Leadership Scholarships
Arts: Fulbright Program, Artadia Awards

Pro tip: Niche scholarships often have less competition, so your chances are better.

5. Government-Funded Scholarships

These are sponsored by governments—either the U.S. or your home country.

Popular Programs:

Fulbright Foreign Student Program (full funding for master’s or PhD)
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
MESCyT (Dominican Republic), DAAD (Germany)

Note: These scholarships often require you to return to your home country after graduation.

6. University-Specific Scholarships

Many U.S. universities offer exclusive scholarships only for their admitted students.

Examples:

Clark University: Global Scholars Program
University of Oregon: ICSP Scholarship (includes community service)
New York University (NYU): Wagner Scholarships

These vary in amounts, requirements, and deadlines, so check each school’s financial aid page.

7. Private and Non-Profit Scholarships

These are offered by NGOs, religious groups, and companies.

Examples:

The Gates Scholarship (full cost of attendance for minority students)
Rotary Peace Fellowship
EducationUSA Scholarships

Many are open to all international students, but some prioritize certain regions or backgrounds.

What You’ll Need to Apply

Most scholarship applications require a similar set of documents. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:

Basic Requirements:

Completed application form
Passport copy
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
Academic transcripts (translated)
Resume or CV

Additional Materials:

Personal statement or essay
Letters of recommendation
Financial documents
Portfolio (for art/music scholarships)

Tip: Start gathering these at least 6–12 months before the deadline.

Where to Find Scholarships for International Students

Looking for where to begin? Start with these trusted platforms:

Also check:

Your local U.S. embassy or consulate
University websites under “financial aid for international students”

Tips to Boost Your Scholarship Chances

Start early—some deadlines are a year in advance.
Tailor your essay to each application.
Get strong letters of recommendation from people who truly know you.
Highlight leadership roles and community involvement.
Apply to multiple scholarships to improve your odds.

Stat: The average student applies to 8–10 scholarships, but some go for 20 or more.

Real-Life Example

Ana, a student from Brazil, applied to 12 scholarships for her Computer Science degree.

She received:

A $20,000/year merit scholarship from a university in Texas
A $5,000 private STEM award from a local NGO

By combining awards, Ana covered 90% of her college costs—and didn’t take out a single loan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships

Even strong candidates can lose scholarship opportunities due to small mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:

Missing deadlines: Set reminders and submit early whenever possible.
Using the same essay for every application: Tailor your essay to match each scholarship’s mission and criteria.
Incomplete applications: Double-check that you’ve uploaded all required documents.
Weak recommendations: Choose recommenders who can speak to your strengths and experiences.
Not following instructions: If the guidelines say 500 words, don’t write 800. Details matter.

Pro tip: Ask a teacher, mentor, or friend to review your application before you hit submit.

Can You Combine Multiple Scholarships?

Absolutely! Many international students fund their education through multiple scholarships and grants.

How it works:

Some universities allow “stacking” scholarships (e.g., merit + athletic + private aid).
Others may reduce one if you receive another. Always ask the financial aid office how they handle this.

Example: If you receive a $15,000 university scholarship and a $5,000 private one, your total aid could be $20,000—unless the school has a cap.

Tip: Keep a spreadsheet to track awards, deadlines, contact info, and whether they’re renewable each year.

Conclusion: Scholarships Are Your Gateway to the U.S.

Yes, studying in the U.S. can be expensive. But there are thousands of scholarships out there—and one of them could be yours.

Whether you’re a top student, athlete, or passionate about your field, there’s a funding opportunity waiting for you.