Do you want to study postgraduate studies in America as an international student?
International postgraduate students in the United States are in a unique position because numerous postgraduate scholarships are available to apply for from various organizations.
So, how do you access this invaluable resource?
In the United States, public institutions will consider any student not already a resident of the state where the university is located to be an 'out-of-state' student, regardless of whether they are from outside the United States.
Private universities frequently charge the exact tuition costs to all students, and they frequently have policies that state that they will not turn away any academically capable student due to financial concerns.
This means that international students may notice a slight difference in the amount of support they seek in scholarships when attending a public or private institution.
Scholarships are frequently available at universities, regardless of where the student travels.
Some institutions in the United States frequently check every student for scholarships to help with tuition payments upon acceptance of a spot on the course.
Universities and departments post lists of scholarships that students can apply for online. This is frequently where most students begin their scholarship hunt.
Some countries will sponsor individuals to study specific subjects and prepare for certain professions in the United States. These scholarships are typically contingent on returning home when the course is completed.
Many organizations also provide financial assistance to students who wish to attend university in another country.
For example, Indian students can apply for the Inlaks Study Abroad Scholarships to study in the United States in Engineering, Medicine, Public Health, Computer Science, Business Studies, and Fashion.
Many scholarships are available for African students to study overseas, so if you are eligible, explore this on the internet.
Let's look at the various types of scholarships available
Government Scholarships: The United States government provides scholarships to students from underdeveloped countries.
University Scholarships are awards made directly by the institution to all students, including overseas students.
Merit Scholarships: These are available to all students and are awarded to those who have excelled in some aspect of their study.
Part Scholarships: A one-time payment given for academic achievement or financial necessity.
Financial Scholarships: Most colleges provide financial aid to students in need. Domestic students are frequently, but only sometimes, offered these.
Country-based Scholarships: These are typically scholarships for students from impoverished nations.
Private Scholarships are awards made by private people or businesses to minority groups or overseas students from developing nations.
Fulbright Commission: This is for UK citizens with at least a 2:1 in their undergraduate degree, and rewards include tuition fees and sickness and accident insurance.
They also assist with visa applications and assist students studying in the United States.
PEO Overseas Peace Scholarship: This American women's organization headquartered in Des Moines provides need-based scholarships to female international students.
The American Association of University Women is a non-profit organization that supports education and training for women in the United States.
They provide up to $30,000 to female overseas students for postgraduate studies.
Civil Leadership Awards: A fully financed scholarship is given to successful overseas students from a limited group of developing nations who come to the United States to undertake a master's level course in various academic areas.
International students from a group of developing nations can apply for a 50% scholarship and a 50% loan to pay the cost of their postgraduate study in the United States through the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship.
Let's take a look at what countries the international students in the United States come from.
Country of Origin |
Number of Students |
China |
373,000 |
India |
193,000 |
South Korea |
50,000 |
Saudi Arabia |
31,000 |
Canada |
26,000 |
Vietnam |
24,000 |
Taiwan |
24,000 |
Japan |
18,000 |
Mexico |
17,000 |
Brazil |
14,000 |
Other Countries |
307,000 |