Top Scholarships for International Students

Studying in the United States is an exciting goal for many students around the world, but we know that navigating the financial side of it can be tough. That’s where international scholarships come in—they’re designed to help students from different countries reduce the cost of their tuition and make studying abroad more affordable.

International scholarships are awarded to students from any country to help them receive an international education in the U.S. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree or advancing with a graduate degree, these scholarships are designed to support international students at every stage of their academic journey.

We understand how challenging it can be to sift through endless information and narrow down the best options—so we did the hard work for you. After thorough research, we’ve identified some of the most promising scholarships for international students, particularly on Bold.org. These scholarships are specifically designed to support students from around the world who choose to study in the U.S.

But we’re not just here to list scholarships. We also provide helpful tips for scholarship applications and answers to frequently asked questions to support you in your scholarship search. Our goal is to empower you with the resources and insights you need to make studying in the U.S. a bit easier. So, let’s jump in!

To explore more opportunities, check out our full list of scholarships and find the right ones for you!

Types of Scholarships Available for International Students

With so many scholarships offered globally, international students can benefit from understanding the different types available to find those that best fit their backgrounds and needs. Scholarships often target specific groups of students based on academic performance, financial situation, or country of origin. Knowing the types of scholarships available can help international students apply strategically and increase their chances of winning. Here are some common types:

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are awarded to international students with exceptional academic achievements, regardless of financial need. These scholarships are often based on a student’s GPA, standardized test scores, or other measures of academic success.

University Scholarships

Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students to help fund their studies. These can include entrance scholarships, which are automatically awarded based on admission applications, meaning students do not need to apply separately. University scholarships can range from partial to full tuition coverage and are typically competitive.

Country-Specific Scholarships

Country-specific scholarships are aimed at international students from particular regions, often to promote education for students from developing countries. Some private institutions, as well as government programs, offer these scholarships to encourage students to pursue higher education abroad and contribute to global development.

Government Scholarships

Government scholarships are provided by government agencies to support international students studying in specific countries. These scholarships are sometimes part of larger initiatives to attract international talent. For example, state-sponsored global scholarships allow students to study abroad or invite international students to study in a particular country.

Private Scholarships

Private scholarships are funded by individuals, foundations, or privately owned businesses. These scholarships are usually categorized as “external” or “outside” scholarships.

Financial Need-Based Scholarships or Bursaries

Also known as bursaries, financial scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Providers may assess financial need based on family income, tax statements, or employment status. For students who are financially independent, their own income and assets may be evaluated. Some programs also allow students to qualify for both need-based and merit-based awards, depending on the university or scholarship provider.

Find more scholarships for undergraduate students!

Tips For Winning Scholarships As an International Student

Start Early and Research Thoroughly

Begin your scholarship search as early as possible. This allows you time to gather information, understand requirements, and plan your application strategy. Be inquisitive and proactive—search for scholarships through universities, government programs, private organizations, and international student platforms. Early research can reveal less-known opportunities that might be a perfect fit for your profile.

Identify the Best-Fit Scholarships

Look for scholarships that align with your strengths, field of study, or personal background. Take time to understand each program’s unique attributes, whether it’s a fully funded award, a government-sponsored program, or a research fellowship, and assess which options best suit your academic and financial needs.

Organize and Prepare Essential Documents

Scholarships for international students often require specific documentation, so organization is key. Create a checklist of required documents, including letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, standardized test scores, and language proficiency certificates (like TOEFL or IELTS). Having everything ready in advance prevents last-minute issues and ensures a smooth application process.

Craft a Strong Personal Statement and Essays

Your personal statement or essays are an opportunity to showcase your story, goals, and motivation. Highlight your academic achievements, including whether you’ve won an award or joined the honor society due to academic excellence, community involvement, leadership skills, and how this scholarship would help you achieve your dreams. Be genuine and thoughtful, and tailor your essays to reflect the specific mission of each scholarship.

Put in 100% Effort and Stay Persistent

Applying for scholarships can be competitive, but your hard work and dedication will pay off. Approach each application with commitment, ensuring every section is completed carefully and thoughtfully. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed on your first try—keep applying and refining your approach.

Leverage Resources and Seek Guidance

Many universities offer support services for international students, including guidance on scholarship opportunities and financial aid. Reach out to counselors, professors, or advisors who may know of additional scholarship options or be able to provide guidance on your applications. Community organizations or online platforms dedicated to international students can also be valuable resources.

Check out our review of the best scholarship websites to help you identify places to find funding, apply with confidence, and make your study abroad dreams a reality!

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for International Students

1. What Types of Scholarships Are Available for International Students?

For international graduate students and undergraduate students alike, finding the right international student scholarship can make all the difference. There are plenty of undergraduate scholarships available, as well as options specifically tailored for graduate students coming from abroad.

These scholarships include merit-based, need-based, field-specific, and nationality-based awards. Some scholarships are offered by universities, while others are provided by private organizations or government programs.

Are you a graduate student? Check out our graduate scholarship recommendations.

2. Are There Scholarships Specifically for First-Year International Students?

Yes, many scholarships are available specifically for first-year international students. These scholarships often recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, or unique personal experiences. Many universities also offer entrance scholarships to new international students.

3. Can International Students Apply for Scholarships While Enrolled in Their Program?

Yes, many scholarships are open to current international students. These can be academic scholarships based on performance in the first year, departmental awards, or scholarships offered by external organizations for students in specific fields.

4. Do International Students Need to Demonstrate Financial Need to Apply for Scholarships?

Some scholarships for international students are need-based, while others are purely merit-based. For need-based scholarships, students may be asked to provide financial documentation to demonstrate their family’s financial situation.

5. Can International Students Apply for Government Scholarships?

In some cases, international undergraduate students may qualify for scholarships funded by their home country’s government or certain U.S. government-funded programs, such as the Fulbright Program. However, federal aid programs in the U.S. (like FAFSA) are typically not available to international students.

Prospective undergraduate students, as well as international and DACA students, will find helpful resources on our blog. Browse our blog today to help you learn about scholarships, tutoring, and student finances.