SCHOLARSHIPS IN THE USA
The US has the highest number of international students in the world, and it also has a variety of scholarships that are available through its universities, organizations, private groups, governments, and grants. With thousands of institutions, the choices can be mind boggling but with an outstanding academic record, proficiency in English, sports or talents, and a strong motivation, there is a high chance of receiving some form of scholarship or financial aid. Most universities have a page dedicated to assisting international students with their applications and contacting an enrolment advisor or international student office is the first step. For those interested in postgraduate studies, almost all universities provide some form of support in the form of studentships, fellowships, and research grants.
CollegeBoard
CollegeBoard has many of the resources that you may need when considering studying in the US. One of the first steps to consider when applying to US universities is completing your College Scholarship Service profile. US universities are expensive, but it need not be inaccessible. The purpose of the CSS profile is to allow colleges and universities an opportunity to determine the level of aid you are eligible for based on your financial resources. Once you have completed your account and submitted the required documents, you will be able to send copies to universities where you have applied. There are some costs associated with this, but it is much lower than application fees charged by some US universities. Check this page for international students that will help you complete your CSS application. You may also begin your scholarship search here for participating universities. (Note: Some US universities will ask you to fill out their form for financial aid, so make sure to check the financial aid page to determine whether they require a CSS report)
FULLBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP is one of the most coveted scholarships for US and non-US students and scholars, professionals and artists. It is one of several cultural exchange programs funded by the US government, and hundreds of applicants are supported each year. Recipients are provided with an opportunity to collaborate, train, lecture and study in many different locations. For more information, visit the Fulbright website or the US embassy website in your country.
ROTARY PEACE FELLOWSHIPS enable 50 Master students and 80 certificate students in the fields of Leadership, Peace, International Development from the US, Japan, Sweden, Australia, England, Uganda, & Thailand. APPLY HERE.
Arab Alumni of Harvard University Scholarship is intended for students from Arab countries who have been accepted at Harvard University. For more information visit their website.
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship is awarded to applicants with an excellent academic record wishing to pursue an MBA at Harvard University. For more information visit their website.
Jefferson Scholars Fellowship is intended for those in the field of political science, history, policy studies, communications and media, sociology, and law. But it is not limited to these fields. Candidates should be PhD candidates. Visit their website for more information.
The American Association of University Women provides fellowships to women from all over the globe who are seeking a masters, doctorate, or postdoc degrees in US institutions but some universities outside the US may also be considered. For more information, visit their website here.
The EAA Flight Training Scholarship(US/Canada) provides several opportunities for those seeking to become pilots or are pursuing fields related to aeronautics. If you are interested, check their website for available scholarships and application method.
The Future Global Leaders Fellowship is for those who have the potential to become leaders in their fields especially those with demonstrated academic excellence, experience, and overcoming some form of social adversity. Visit their website for more information.
The Three Dot Dash Scholarship is for teenagers between 13-19 years old who strive to become leaders and use innovation to make change in their communities. Visit their website for more information.
US UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID come in varying packages and are usually available to both US and international students and applicants. Each university will have a particular system of application and guidelines, and this information as well as application guide is available on each university’s website. Potential applicants are advised to check the section on admissions and financial aid/admissions of their faculty.
In many cases, universities will ask on their application forms whether financial aid is needed and in many cases all applicants are considered for scholarships. This explains why most university students in the US have received some form of financial aid. In many cases a CSS profile report is very useful. Graduate students should carefully consider the opportunity for studentship, fellowship or research grant.
Check specific opportunities for aid and scholarships at the following universities:
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT University of Southern California Xavier University of Louisiana |
California Institute of Technology |
University of Southern California |
CANADA
Canada is home to hundreds of thousands of foreign students from many parts of the world. The scholarships and award system is similiar to the US, though in Canada the university makes recommendations for scholarships according to the received application upon which the government may provide funding. But like the US, the Canadian government provides specific scholarships to international students of different nationalities through collaborations with institutions, governments, and organizations. Visit the links below for more information.
UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO MASTER’S AWARDS
UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN GRADUATE AWARDS
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LESTER B. PEARSON INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
CANADIAN FRANCOPHONE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY HARMONIZED SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
McCALL MacBAIN SCHOLARSHIP (McGILL UNIVERSITY)
VANIER CANADA GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
CANADIAN SCHOLARSHIPS, AWARDS, & BURSARIES
ACADIA UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS, AWARDS, & BURSARIES
MOUNT SAINT VINCENT UNIVERSITY