Studying abroad may be a life-changing experience for many foreign students, but the cost of tuition and living expenses can be a formidable barrier. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available to assist college and university students in defraying these costs, such as foreign graduate fellowships and study abroad scholarships.
According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), during the 2021-2022 academic year, there were over 950,000 international students from over 200 countries studying at US colleges and universities. These students contributed around US$35 billion to the US economy, and according to NAFSA, one U.S. employment is created/supported for every three international students.
Finding scholarships for graduate students may appear to be a daunting endeavor, but there are various resources available to overseas students. Here are some suggestions for finding international graduate scholarships and study abroad scholarships in the United States.
1. Use Scholarship Websites
IEFA.org and legaruem are highly rated scholarship websites for international students seeking study abroad scholarships. These websites provide comprehensive search engines that enable students to filter scholarships based on eligibility requirements, field of study, and location, making it easier for study abroad students to find scholarships that meet their individual needs.
2. Check with Embassies
U.S. embassies may have specific information or offer assistance to students who wish to study in the United States. The United States Embassy in Pakistan, for example, provides a list of opportunities. Students that are interested should look for their nearest embassy.
3. Research Individual Colleges and Universities
Many colleges provide scholarships and financial assistance to international students. Finding extra scholarship opportunities can be as simple as researching scholarship programs at various colleges and institutions and contacting their financial aid offices.
4. Find Private Scholarship Providers
Scholarships are available from several commercial companies for international students. MPOWER Financing is one such example, and they provide a variety of scholarships to assist students in many fields of study.