Scholarships are financial awards that help cover a student’s educational costs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based in nature.
Students with exceptional academic or extracurricular backgrounds often win these awards, which can amount to significant financial compensation. Unfortunately, they are highly competitive and it takes a great deal of hard work and dedication to be successful.
Foreign Fulbright Student Scholarships
If you’re considering studying abroad, the Fulbright program may provide financial assistance. These scholarships allow foreign students to pursue their academic or creative interests while immersing themselves in a new culture.
Fulbright scholarships are available for students across all academic disciplines. These programs usually cover tuition, airfare, textbooks, health insurance and visa fees as well as providing a stipend for living expenses.
Fulbright grants typically last one year; however, some awards have a flexible duration which can range from six months to one year depending on the grant type.
These grants offer opportunities for study/research in host countries, where you can propose a project of your own design and collaborate with an advisor based there. Such endeavors could range from university coursework and independent library research to field research or field experiments in social sciences, life sciences or creative and performing arts disciplines.
In order to apply for a Fulbright scholarship, you must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree. As such, it is recommended that you begin planning your Fulbright application process early in college so that you have enough time to finish and secure recommendations.
When applying for a Fulbright scholarship, you’ll be required to submit a proposal that outlines your research or study project and why it is pertinent to both your host country and the United States. The selection committee of the Fulbright program will consider its feasibility, alignment with personal academic or creative interests, as well as whether or not it contributes to their mission of cultural exchange between nations.
No matter your academic level, the Fulbright application process can be lengthy and daunting. But with careful planning, hard work to design your project carefully and quality writing for application essays, you can make yourself a strong contender in this competitive pool of applicants.
International Student Scholarships
Scholarships can be a great way for international students to finance their education in the USA. Scholarships typically focus on need-based criteria and are awarded to those who demonstrate financial need or academic merit. Many scholarships are administered through various organizations, governments and universities alike.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides scholarships for graduate students, young professionals and artists to study in the United States for one or more years. There are three awards available: the Fulbright Science & Technology Award; General Studies Program; and English Teaching Assistant Award.
These scholarships are typically available to international students studying fields such as aeronautics, biomedical engineering, computer sciences and physics. In addition to funding, Fulbright provides round-trip transportation and monthly stipends during the scholarship period.
In addition to government-funded scholarships, the United States offers a selection of private and nonprofit scholarships for international students. These awards are merit based and can help cover tuition, living expenses, health insurance premiums and travel costs while studying in America.
Another popular government-funded scholarship program is the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program, which provides full financial aid to international professionals looking to study at non-degree courses in America. Each year, approximately 200 fellows receive this fully funded scholarship that covers their study costs for 10 months.
International students should apply for as many scholarships as possible in order to maximize their chances of winning one. It’s wise to stay abreast of scholarship deadlines and adhere strictly to any instructions provided. Oftentimes, you can find scholarships by searching online or reaching out directly to the financial aid office at the schools you’re considering attending.
National Science Foundation Scholarships
The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers several scholarships in the USA for those pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These grants offer domestic low-income students financial assistance until they graduate or transfer to a 4-year university.
Scholarships provide students with financial aid to reach their educational objectives and build leadership qualities. Furthermore, they offer them the chance to travel, explore industry jobs and 4-year universities.
Scholarships are awarded to US citizens, permanent residents, US nationals or admitted refugees pursuing a STEM-related degree at an institution participating in the S-STEM program that has been identified as low income by their institutional Office of Financial Aid or equivalent. In addition to meeting financial criteria, scholars must have demonstrated academic ability, talent or potential and be pursuing a degree within an S-STEM eligible discipline.
NSF awards these scholarships through a competitive merit review process. Project proposals are assessed on both technical aspects and how it contributes to wider impacts, such as increasing understanding, improving health and well-being for Americans or strengthening our defense capabilities.
Scholars have access to resources such as mentorship from faculty and researchers, career counseling and job placement services, plus they get invited to seminars and conferences.
Researching abroad as part of a fellowship or research study can offer students an immersive experience into the science and scientific infrastructure in another country, as well as its culture and language.
NSF not only awards scholarships to students, but they also support a range of initiatives designed to improve STEM education and workforce development in the USA. One such program is the Graduate Research Fellowship Program which encourages advanced study at both master’s and doctoral levels.
American Association of University Women Scholarships
Scholarships are an excellent way to finance college tuition and other educational expenses. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) provides numerous scholarships for women in the USA, such as grants and fellowships.
Scholarships may be awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and have been accepted into a four-year university. To apply, students must submit a resume, volunteer history, transcripts, the FAFSA results, as well as letters of recommendation.
The American Association of University Women offers the Selected Professions Fellowships program as another means to support female students pursuing degrees in fields where women’s participation has traditionally been low. These scholarships aim to promote gender parity in these fields.
Selected Professions Fellowships are awards to women who plan to spend one year studying one of these selected degree programs at accredited universities or colleges in America. Usually, this scholarship covers all costs associated with study for one academic year.
In addition to AAUW scholarships, women in the USA have access to a wealth of other funding and fellowship options. These include awards for international research, internships, and graduate school studies.
AAUW also provides scholarships through local AAUW branches and state organizations. Since these amounts and eligibility criteria vary between each branch and state organization, it’s essential to check with your AAUW branch or state organization to see if you are eligible for these awards.
Finally, AAUW provides scholarships for women who have experienced partner abuse. These awards are given to single mothers or those who have been separated from their partners for at least a year. The application process is similar to the Selected Professions Scholarships; you need your resume, volunteer history and transcripts as well as a letter from a mentor expressing your leadership qualities and dedication to your community.