For international students, studying in the USA is the American Dream. With its famous higher education institutions, wide choice of programs and unique cultural lifestyle, the country is a top choice for overseas students. But tuition fees and cost of living can be prohibitive. Fortunately, many scholarships can help international students cover all or the majority of these costs and fees to study in the USA. In this article, we’ll look at some of the top fully-funded scholarships and how to get started on finding one that may be right for you.
Top Fully-Funded Scholarships:
- Fulbright Scholarships: The Fulbright Program, funded by the US Department of State, is the US government’s flagship international educational exchange program. The scholarship offers full funding for graduate studies (Masters, PhD). Tuition, travel, living stipend, and health insurance are all covered by the Fulbright grant. Fulbrights are highly competitive and are aimed at increasing mutual understanding between the United States and other countries.
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program: Offers one year of non-degree graduate study for qualified professionals with at least five years of experience in their field. The scholarship is for students from designated countries* and grants full assistance for tuition, fees, travel, and living expenses. Humphrey Fellowships are aimed at leadership development and public service. This scholarship is ideally suited to mid-career professionals who wish to acquire new skills and knowledge to tackle the many challenges in their respective fields.
- Fully-Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships: The Rotary Foundation offers fully-funded fellowships for students pursuing a master’s degree program with a focus on peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, economic and community development, and basic education and literacy. Rotary Peace Fellowships are for individuals who are committed to advancing peace and international understanding throughout the world.
- Berea College: A private liberal arts college in Kentucky, Berea College has granted full-tuition scholarships to all enrolled students who are accepted into the college, including international students, to cover the cost of tuition which approximates USD 43,000.00. With a history of activist commitments to social justice, Berea College is an excellent choice for students seeking a service-oriented scholarship.
Other Ways to Find Scholarship Money
The above scholarships are among the most prestigious and well-known, but there are many other great options for full-ride and partial scholarships. Here are some ways to expand your search:
- Follow your demographic: Many scholarships cater to specific groups of people, areas of study, or career paths. Follow the scholarships offered by organizations that align with your major, national identity, or religious preference.
- Follow the sponsors: You can find scholarships not only from universities, but also from independent scholarship foundations, government entities, and private organizations. Any of them could offer scholarship grants for international students.
- Get creative: Some scholarships reward students for skills like music or sports, or value community service or starting your own business.
Make Your Application Stand Out
Of course, academic performance is important when applying for scholarships, but if you look at the profiles of the above-mentioned scholars, you’ll see that strong academics are just one part of the formula for success. Here are some other ways to make your application stand out.
- Standardized tests: If applicable, achieve a high score on standardized tests like the SAT or TOEFL.
- Showcase your activities: Grades are important, but so are your achievements in extracurricular activities, research projects, or volunteer work.
- Write a standout essay: This is your opportunity to share your personal story and to persuade the scholarship committee to choose you as a recipient. Talk about your academic interests, unique background, and future goals.
- Showcase your leadership abilities: Many scholarships target students who show potential to become leaders of tomorrow. Share with the scholarship committee your past leadership experiences and your ambitions for the future.
The Takeaway:
A full scholarship to study in the USA is a gateway to remarkable academic and personal opportunities. By researching and identifying the right programs early on, recognizing your profile, and developing competitive applications, you can work toward making your American dream a reality. Remember that hard work, persistence, and a well-developed application will help you stand out among other strong candidates.