With the Fall 2022 semester quickly approaching, many international students are looking for scholarships to help with their tuition for the upcoming college semester. We have compiled a list of the 20 best scholarships for international students to apply for in 2022.
About International Scholarships
Scholarships for international students are intended for international students. Foreign or international students are students enrolled in high school, a trades school, undergraduate or graduate program who choose to undertake all or part of their education in a country other than their own and move to that country to study. Immigrants, students studying abroad, or students with different ethnic backgrounds are considered international students who could qualify for undergraduate scholarships and any academic program.
Like most minority groups (such as Black students, Mexican students, or Asian students), international students are underrepresented in higher education institutions. This means that international students don’t receive as much financial aid as white students. Therefore, many external scholarships exist to help international students pay for their education or travel to study in another country.
What Are International Scholarships?
International scholarships are scholarships awarded to international students from any country to help reduce their tuition. They are designed to assist students who wish to study in another country to receive an international education, so no matter who you are or what you’re learning, there is an award for you.
What Qualifies as International Scholarships?
According to the University of La Verne, American students and permanent residents living abroad are eligible for merit scholarships, ranging from $3,000 to $30,000 per year, and need-based financial aid. Students will be notified of merit scholarships in their admission letters. International students that are not U.S. citizens may qualify for an International Student monetary award opportunity. There are competitive merit scholarships open to all first-year international applicants. In addition, there are scholarships available specifically for international transfer students.
Essentially, they are typically awarded to international students who are not U.S. citizens or who are studying abroad in the United States. There are also scholarships available for U.S. students studying abroad in another foreign country.
Type of International Scholarships Available
Since there are so many scholarships out there for all kinds of students, a lot of people may not be aware of the different types of scholarships that are out there. Scholarships are broken down into categories to appeal to specific demographics of students more likely to win the reward. Other scholarships require particular criteria such as financial situation or academic performance. It’s important to know which type you’re applying for to know which ones you have a higher chance of winning. They are available in 6 different styles, and those are as follows.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are scholarships for international students awarded to those with exceptional academic performance. It’s based on a student’s level of success and does not consider financial status. This can be measured through test scores or GPA.
University Scholarships
University scholarships are from universities or colleges to help students fund their studies. Many of these are entrance scholarships, meaning students don’t need to apply to be considered for the award. By default, your admission into the university or college makes you eligible.
Country-Specific Scholarships
Country-specific scholarships are awarded to students to encourage students to pursue higher education in developing countries. Many private institutions give scholarships to students from these countries.
Government Scholarships
With government scholarships, different agencies register with the government and offer scholarships for students. State governments may offer global scholarships for international students to study in their country.
Private Scholarships
Private scholarships are scholarships funded by individual donors or privately owned businesses. Many companies and community organizations sponsor studying abroad scholarships. Scholarships from these organizations are called outside/external/private scholarships.
Financial Scholarships/Bursaries
Also known as bursaries or need-based scholarships, financial scholarships are a form of aid to enable students to attend graduate schools who require financial assistance. If their parents still support them, the provider will analyze the parents’ income and ability to pay for the tuition fees.
They may also look at factors such as citizenship and residence status, tax statements, or employment. If they support themselves, their income will be assessed. Students may sometimes qualify for merit-based and need-based scholarships depending on the program or university.
How to Find Scholarships for International Students to Apply For
If you have already applied to the provided international scholarships above, or if you are looking for more to apply to, then there are plenty of ways to find them. You can conduct a quick Google search or check out reputable websites such as Scholarship Institute, IIE Funding for U.S. Study, Scholarships.com, or InsternationalScholarships.com.
Tips For Winning Scholarships for International Students
Throughout the year, educational institutions offer various scholarships for international students. Unfortunately, no one can guarantee that you will be able to secure it. Luckily, some best practices exist that can enhance the chances of international students to secure the win.
Firstly, it’s important to be inquisitive and start early. Do plenty of research before applying to any.
Then, find the best-suited options. Many educational institutions offer opportunities with diverse attributes, such as grants, fellowships, athleticism, government-funded, etc. One must contemplate one’s requirements before applying to any fully-funded program.
You want to ensure you have the proper documents to apply for any international scholarship. To avoid any mishap, make a checklist of required documents. This can include letters of recommendation, transcripts, and even language certifications.
When applying, it’s essential to give 100% effort. Hard work pays off, and to fulfill your dreams. You need to be willing to go the extra mile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships
International scholarships can be a complicated subject to cover since many rules and regulations come with being considered eligible. Here are some frequently asked questions that international or international students tend to ask and become curious about.
Are Scholarships Legit?
Yes, they are legit. However, the catch is looking out for scholarship scams when applying to external opportunities.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Winning Scholarships?
As mentioned previously, the best way to improve your chances of winning is to be prepared and confident. Also, ensure the opportunity is valid and matches all the qualifications needed.
How Many Scholarships Can You Get?
You can receive as many as you’re rewarded! It is possible to get a full ride (which means their full tuition is paid off) into any university.
Are Scholarships Taxable Income?
In short, no, they are not taxable income.
What’s the Best Way to Apply For Scholarships for International Students?
The best way to apply is to be vigilant online or by contacting the school you currently attend or the school, you plan on attending.
Bethany Keene
Alongside her English degree, Bethany Keene’s passion for community engagement and civic responsibility serves as the foundation for her articles at Scholarship Institute, where she writes about scholarships and other funding opportunities for students with a focus on social issues in education.
