• Plan early/Apply early

Once you have decided that you want to pursue higher education in the US, you should start making plans early on. Its very important that you start researching colleges and scholarships early on so you have a clear idea of the type of college that you want to attend. Its best to narrow down your selection to 5 or 6 colleges that you are going to apply to. You should be ready to apply to these colleges as soon as they begin to accept application. Some colleges make their admission and scholarship decision on a rolling basis, meaning they will process your application as soon as it is received. So applying early will definitely give you an advantage.

• Consider less competitive schools

I am sure most international students dream of attending Ivy League colleges. But so do thousands of other college bound American kids. As such, competition for admission and scholarship at the top tier US colleges is extremely fierce. You might think that you are an excellent candidate with your 10 GCSE O’Level A grades and 4 A grades at the A’Levels but when placed in an Ivy League applicant pool, your credentials would ordinary. This is because the world’s best and the brightest are also vying for a seat at those colleges. I don’t mean to discourage anyone and if your dream is to attend an Ivy League college, by all means, go for it.
At the same time, you should also keep in mind that there are tons of other great colleges in the US that do not have top ramkings but are excellent institutions for higher education. Apply to these colleges. The competition there is much less and your bag of A grades would stand out much more in their applicant pool. This will of course increase your chances for a scholarship.

• Extracurricular activities

Get involved in extracurricular activities. I can’t stress this enough. Most scholarship applicants are usually good students with excellent grades. So you need to show something more that will make you stand out. You need to show that you are involved in activities outside of the classroom. Leadership ability is highly valued in the US. Take on a leadership role that you can report on your application. Become the captain of a sports team. Don’t play sports? That’s fine, join the debate team, learn to play a musical instrument or volunteer at your local soup kitchen. The point is that you need to prove that you are a well rounded individual.
This is again where planning early comes in handy. If you haven’t been involved in extracurricular activities early on, planning early will give you time to build on these things.

So these are my three tips for international students to obtain a college scholarship in the US. Please feel free to add your two cents in the comments below.

Further reading: 5 Reasons Why Taking the TOEFL is Still a Good Idea

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Whats great about this scholarship apart from the free tuition is that scholarship winners are considered for a summer internship with Microsoft in Redmond, Washington. The internship is for at least 12 weeks and is paid.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is February 01, 2009. You can go to Microsoft’s website here to find the necessary forms and the official rules for the scholarship. Good luck.

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Why Subscribe?
Subscribing will help you to keep abreast of all the latest scholarships available to international students. You will also be the first to get news of events concerning international students in the United States.

Also, I will be giving out free rubber wrist bands for a limited time to subscribers of Scholarship For USA. This is absolutely free and you don’t even have to pay shipping. Free wrist bands will be sent by postal mail to subscribers that provide a valid US address. Once you have subscribed, please leave your mailing address in the comments section below, or you can send me your address through the Contact Us form. Please indicate your preference of wristband. I currently have the following wristbands: Hope, Faith, Friendship, Courage and Love.

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This year ULS is offering three scholarships to international students that are currently enrolled in US colleges or will be enrolled as of October 1, 2009. This means that students that are not currently in the US but will begin studies in the Fall are also eligible to apply. Applicants must have studied outside the US for at least two years, they must fill out an entry form and submit an essay no longer than 1000 words on the following topic:

“When you arrived in the US after studying for two or more years in another country, what did you expect from your US college, university or high school? Have your expectations been met?”

The winner will receive $500 and three runners up will receive $100 each. The deadline to submit your essay and entry form is February 28, 2009. Click here to visit the website of ULS for more information and do let us know if you are selected as one of the winners. Good luck.

Iowa State University has two international student scholarships available. These are the International Diversity Scholarship and the Award for Competitive Excellence. Iowa State is a large public university located in Ames, Iowa. They have 26,000 enrolled students. U.S. News & World Report ranks Iowa State among the top 50 public national universities.

International Diversity Scholarship

Iowa State awards the International Diversity Scholarship to 15 incoming freshmen and transfer students each year. This scholarship is meant to increase the diversity of Iowa State’s student body. Scholarship recipients receive up to $3000 per year for four years. This award is renewed for students who full-time enrollment and maintain a 2.25 cumulative grade point average at Iowa State University. The total award value is $12,000. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is May 1 for Summer and Fall entry and December 1 for Spring entry.

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Award for Competitive Excellence

This scholarship is awarded to 20 international undergraduate students every year that are entering freshmen. To qualify for this scholarship, students must fulfill certain academic criteria outlined in the table below. The total value of the award is $24,000 with $6000 being awarded per year for four years. The award is renewed for students that maintain continuous full-time enrollment at Iowa State and maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

Admission to highly ranked colleges in the USA is very competitive. This can get even more competitive for international students when they are seeking scholarships from the college to fund their studies. International students can do a few things while they are in high school to increase their chances of admission to a US college with scholarship.

Do Well in Academics

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Students must do well in academics to have a shot at getting into the top ranked schools. Grades in high school are very important and are looked at very closely during the admission process.

Take Challenging Classes

Admission counsellors like to see that you took challenging classes in high school. Sign up for advanced classes even if they are optional for you in high school. If you are taking General Math, also take Advanced Math. This will give the impression that you are an above average student and like to go above and beyond what is required. It is not enough to just take advanced classes but one must also do well in those classes.

Take the SAT and TOEFL

Take the SAT and TOEFL and score high on these tests. High scores on these tests can set you apart from other students seeking admission. Many colleges use the SAT score as a criteria for both admission and scholarship decisions. A high score on the TOEFL can also be used to waive some English as a Second Language (ESL) classes that many colleges make mandatory for their international students to take in their first semester.

Participate in Extracurricular Activities

Almost every admission application to a US college will ask you to list your extracurricular activities. A lot of weight is given to an application that shows student involvement in extracurricular activities. Colleges want to admit students that do well in school but who are also active in their communities. So get out there and do something. Get involved in clubs, organizations, do voluntary work, play sports, help in your local soup kitchen. Take on responsibility and leadership roles whenever you can. Showing that you have leadership experience can give a tremendous boost to your admission and scholarship application.

Take the SAT II Subject Tests

Although many colleges do not require the SAT subject tests anymore, it does not hurt to take these tests as it will set you apart from the other applicants. Good scores on these tests will help in getting scholarships.

In-state scholarships are great for international students who are not able to qualify for the limited competitive scholarships available for international students. Click here to read my article on in-state scholarships.

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This does not mean that the average international student has no chance for a scholarship at an US university. There are many universities and colleges in the United States that offer international students scholarships as long as they have decent academic performance in high school.

In-state Tuition
At most state universities, out of state students and international students
are assessed a higher tuition rate than students that live in that state. Often, this tuition is almost twice that of what local students pay. Many universities will offer their international students an opportunity to pay in-state tuition as long as they fulfill certain criteria. These can include maintaining a certain GPA while on the in-state tuition scholarship and/or doing volunteer activities. One such school that has an excellent in-state tuition scholarship for all its’ international students is Saint Cloud State University in Minnesota. The in-state tuition scholarship can make affording a. U.S. university very affordable for international students, especially for those that do not have outstanding results and achievements.

Eppright Outstanding International Student Award
One $2,000 cash award is presented annually to an international student who has excelled in academics, leadership, service, and participation in extracurricular activities. This is the highest honor bestowed on an international student at Texas A&M.

Eligibility: Graduate students with a 3.50 GPR or undergraduates with a 3.00 GPR, who have participated extensively in campus and community extracurricular activities in leadership positions, and who have been enrolled at Texas A&M for at least two full semesters, not counting the current semester. This award is announced as a highlight of International Week.

Duration of Award: A one-time cash award given annually.

Bill and Rita Stout Academic Excellence Award
A one-time award of up to $600 will be given each year along with an appropriate plaque to recognize international undergraduate students for outstanding achievement in academics and leadership at Texas A&M.

Eligibility: Applicants must be undergraduate students holding a non-immigrant visa, enrolled at Texas A&M, and who have not previously received this award. Students must have a minimum of 30 academic credits and a minimum GPR of 3.0. The student must demonstrate that they possess a strong interest in promoting international relations between people of all cultures. First preference for the award is given to those students enrolled full-time at TAMU/Koriyama.

Duration of Award: One Semester.

Shibata International Memorial Scholarship
An award of approximately $500 will be given to an international student who is currently enrolled in Texas A & M University.

Eligibility: The applicant must be an international student who is currently enrolled at Texas A & M University, has demonstrated high academic standards, and has a curiosity and openness to people and traditions of other countries. In addition, the student must be actively involved in organizations other than international ones.

Duration of Award: One semester.

Texas/Mexico Education Scholarship
This is a State of Texas award available to international students who are citizens of Mexico. It provides in-state tuition for recipients. Approximately 40 awards are available.

Eligibility: Financially needy undergraduates and graduates are eligible. Only a restricted number are available to Mexican students transferring from border institutions.

Duration of Award: Variable, depending on the award made, but never longer than a year duration. Students must reapply at the end of each award period if they want to be considered for additional awards.

Good Neighbor Scholarship
This state of Texas scholarship provides a complete waiver of tuition to eligible international students from countries in the Caribbean and North, Central, and South America. Scholarship winners must still pay all applicable university fees. Applicants compete with other international students from their home countries throughout the state of Texas for a limited number of awards that are given to a certain number of students from each country. Awards are based on academic merit. Competition is intense, and final award decisions are made by The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, not Texas A&M.
Important Notice:
This scholarship program is constantly under review and could be discontinued at any time. You are strongly urged not to rely on this award as a means to finance your studies.

Eligibility:

• Student must be enrolled in the semester in which the scholarship is awarded.

• Citizenship from any country in the Caribbean and North, Central, or South America, except the United States and Cuba, also must have been a resident of one of these nations for at least five years.

• Hold a non-immigrant visa (ex. F-1, J-1). and must plan to return to your home country upon the completion of your academic program.

• Must be in good academic standing in the program in which you are currently enrolled. Undergraduates must have a minimum GPR of 2.0. Graduate students must have a minimum GPR of 3.0.

• Must have completed at least one full academic semester at Texas A&M University, not including the current semester, in your current degree program.

• May not be a member of the communist party.

Duration of Award: Awards last one semester. There is the possibility of receiving awards for all three semesters of the year.

Tina Watkins Scholarship
The Tina Watkins Scholarship was established by friends and colleagues in honor of Tina Watkins, who devoted her life to improving relationships and meeting the needs of International Students. One award of $500.00 will be made to an international student each Spring and Fall semester. Awards are based on academic merit, financial need, and the length of time a student has been enrolled at Texas A&M University.  Scholarships will be directly applied to a student’s tuition and fee bill at Texas A&M University for their next semester’s enrollment.

Eligibility: Only self supported international students currently enrolled at Texas A&M University are eligible for the Tina Watkins Scholarship. Full-time ELI students are not eligible. Prospective students are not eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in their first, second, or third semester as degree seeking students at Texas A&M University at the time of their application. Students must be in good academic standing to apply: minimum cumulative GPR for Undergraduates — 2.0, and Graduates — 3.0. Students cannot be the recipient of a Tina Watkins Scholarship more than once.

Duration of Award: One Semester

Iranian American Women’s Society for Education Scholarship
The Society of Iranian American Women for Education has provided $10,000 in scholarships for Texas A&M students of Iranian descent.  The SIAWE is a non-profit charitable organization with no religious preferences or political affiliations. The SIAWE has made the growth and advancement of Iranian students as one of its major goals.  Scholarship recipients will receive credit toward tuition and fees at Texas A&M University. Scholarship awards will vary in amounts but will not exceed $2,000. Awards will be distributed in equal amounts over two semesters.

Eligibility
To be eligible to receive a SIAWE Scholarship a student must:

• Be of Iranian descent, in legal F-1 status.

• Be currently attending or have accepted admission at Texas A&M University.

• Must have a current GPA of at least 2.5 and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA during the fall semester to receive funding for the spring.

• Demonstrate financial need.

• Be enrolled as full time Texas A&M student in fall and spring semester of the award year.

• If the applicant is a new student, coming from a high school, submit a copy of the high school transcript with a GPA of 3.0 or greater. (This pertains to new students coming from high school.)

• Have a signed degree plan on file if applicable.  Students coming from high school must have evidence of having discussed their academic plans with a Texas A&M academic advisor.

• Submit an essay in English of about 300 words to convey to the Scholarship Selection Committee personal information that they want to be considered in evaluating their needs and qualifications for receiving financial assistance.  Also, they must indicate their intended major and career goals.

• The scholarship recipients MUST attend the scholarship gala on March 25, 2006 in Houston, Texas.

• The recipient must EXPRESSLY grant SIAWE access to his/her academic records and allow the confidential release of information to respective donors/contributors to his/her Scholarship Awards recipients.

Duration of Award: Two Semesters

Florence Terry Griswold Scholarship I
The FLorence Terry Griswold Scholarship I is awarded annually by the Pan American Round Tables of Texas. This Scholarship, named in honor of the founder of the Pan American Round Tables, assists a female student from one of the Pan American countries (other than the United States) in pursuing her studies in the state of Texas.

Eligibility: An applicant must be a female student who is a native citizen of one of the Pan American countries (other than the United States) defined as those countries which comprise the Organization of American States/Pan American Union. She must hold a bachelor’s or equivalent degree, and be furthering her work on a master’s or equivalent degree at a state-supported college or university in Texas. Preference will be given to an applicant who will return to her native country and put her U.S. study and training to user there after completion of her graduate degree.

Duration of Award: A grant of at least $2,500 for one year (1/2 per semester or 1/3 per trimester). The grant is usually $2,500, but in some years it might be greater if funds are available.

Begum Akhtar Akram International Scholarship
This scholarship is funded in honor of the grandmother of a student from Pakistan who made his education and the education of several others possible during her life and continues to make a difference in the lives of all those around her. The recipient will receive an award of $1000.

Eligibility: An applicant must be an undergraduate international student (F-1 visa holder) from Pakistan, who is currently enrolled at Texas A&M University. He/She must have demonstrated financial need or hardship. He/She must also have demonstrated high academic standards, and a love and appreciation for the Aggie Traditions. The applicant must be in good academic standing with the University and have a current TAMU GPR of 3.0. He/She must be actively involved in and taken a leadership role in organizations other than international ones.

Duration of Award: A one-time cash award given annually.

Additional Info:
Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT required
TOEFL required
Application fee: $75 non refundable application fee

Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas 77843

Request more information

The University of South Florida is one of the nation’s top 63 public research universities and one of 39 community-engaged, four-year public universities as designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university offers 219 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine. The university has a $1.8 billion annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and serves more than 46,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and Lakeland.

International Undergraduate Scholars Award (I-USA)
The International Undergraduate Scholars Award (I-USA) awards scholarships to outstanding international students who meet competitive selection criteria and provide evidence of scholarly and leadership excellence. Applicants must be international students whose permanent residence is outside the United States (US citizens, dual citizens and permanent residents or pending permanent residents are not eligible to apply). This scholarship provides $60,000 ($15,000 annually for four years) for undergraduate coursework at USF. USF I-USA Scholars are eligible for an additional award of $500 annually as USF Honors College students. Scholarship applications must be submitted by April 15, 2008 for priority consideration.
Scholarship Requirements:

• Must be an international student whose permanent residence is outside the United States (US citizens, dual citizens and permanent residents or pending permanent residents are not eligible to apply)
• Must be an admitted freshman enrolling for the Summer or Fall semester (Transfer students and students seeking Spring admission are not eligible to apply)
• Demonstrate leadership, community involvement and academic honors
• Achieve a minimum secondary/high school Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or equivalent
• Achieve a score of 1350+ SAT (critical reading & quantitative sections only) or 30+ ACT composite

USF International Student Scholarship
The USF International Student Scholarship provides $2,000 ($500 per year for up to four years). This scholarship is designed for international students. To be considered for this award you must meet the minimum requirements:

• A high school GPA of 3.3 (as calculated by USF)
• An 1130+ SAT or 25+ ACT

There are numerous other scholarships for foreign students available at USF. However, for these other scholarships, international students will have to compete directly with U.S. students.

Additional info:
Application fee – Non refundable $30 application fee is required
Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT required
TOEFL required

University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Avenue SVC1036,
Tampa, FL 33620-6900
Tel: (813) 974-3350