- Scholarships may cover different types of expenses ranging from tuition fees to accommodation
- Students can hold more than one scholarship at a time
- Scholarships are available for all levels of study.
Are you planning to study in the USA and worried about the expenses? Worry not. There many scholarships for international students studying in the USA. Let us find out more about the top 7 scholarships for international students in the USA.

We all know that studying USA isn’t a cheap affair. Most colleges and universities charge international students a higher tuition fee as compared to what domestic students pay.
In addition to tuition fees, international students also have to budget for accommodation, food, transport, stationery and a host of other small costs that can add up to a lot.
Thus, scholarships for international students that can take care of part of the costs can be a big help. If you’re considering colleges in the USA, here are the top seven scholarships you may be eligible for.
1. Fullbright Scholarships
Website: www.foreign.fulbrightonline.org
Each year about 4000 students from across 155 countries are awarded the Fullbright scholarship. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have achieved a high level of academic excellence, must demonstrate leadership potential, must have a compelling project and statement of purpose and must be willing to adapt to the foreign community.
The scholarship is awarded in almost all academic streams other than clinical medical research that involves contact with patients. The selection procedure varies from country to country.
Students may apply for the scholarship through the US Embassy in their country or through the Fulbright Commission/Foundation.
2. Rotary Club Scholarships
Website: www.rotary.org
The Rotary Clun offers scholarships not only for universities in the USA but in other countries as well. Scholarships are typically awarded to students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate course.
This grant may cover tuition, accommodation, transportation and household supplies but does not include personal expenses. Anyone other than the Rotary Club Members and their families is eligible for these scholarships.
3. Uniplaces Scholarship
Website: www.esn.org
Uniplaces is the fastest growing platform for student accommodation. They offer a scholarship that does not cover tuition but covers the student’s rent for a semester. Each year, 10 students from around the world are awarded this scholarship of €20.000.
To be eligible for this scholarship, the student should be able to prove how he/she has helped one or more peers through an act of kindness. This may be showcased in the application in the form of photographs or videos.
4. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
Website: www.akdn.org
The Aga Khan Foundation offers students from certain countries a limited number of scholarships for postgraduate studies. The scholarship is given for two years, in two parts; half as a grant and half as a loan. Priority is given to students pursuing Master’s level courses.
The scholarship may be used to fund tuition fees and living expenses. Cost of travel is not included. O be eligible, students must be younger than 30 years of age and must plan to study in a country where there is an Aga Khan Education Board office, a local Aga Khan Foundation or Aga Khan Education Services.
5. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
Website: www.american.edu
One student is awarded the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship each year. This scholarship covers the student’s tuition and accommodation but does not cover airline tickets, mandatory health insurance or other miscellaneous expenses.
The scholarship is given to students on an F1 or J1 visa for a period of 4 years based on the student’s academic performance. Other than the one full scholarship, partial merit-based scholarships are also awarded to international students.
6. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Website: www.worldbank.org
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program helps international students with tuition, airfare, health insurance, travel allowance, and a monthly living stipend. The scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a Master’s degree in any key area of development.
To be eligible the student must have a Bachelor’s degree and work experience of three or more years. The scholarship is awarded for a period of two years or the duration of the graduate program, whichever is less.
7. Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
Website: http://web.worldbank.org/
The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program provides a scholarship of up to $25,000 to Ph.D. candidates from developing countries. The student’s research must focus on development in a World Bank member country other than his/her country of residence.
To be eligible for the scholarship, the student must be below the age of 35 years and be enrolled in a Ph.D. program in a World Bank member country.
Apart from these scholarships, there are a number of other scholarships for international students in the USA. Most colleges also have certain scholarships programs for international students enrolled in that particular school.
Students may hold more than one scholarship at a time. Each little bit of funding received can help make the experience more comfortable. Hence, the effort that goes into finding and applying for these scholarships is well-worth it.
Also See
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