Scholarships For International Students With Exceptional Academic Records In The US
Pursuing higher education in the United States is a dream for many international students, but the high cost of tuition can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available for students with exceptional academic records. These scholarships help to alleviate the financial burden and provide opportunities for talented individuals to study at prestigious American institutions. Here, we outline some of the most notable scholarships available to international students in the US.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for international students. It offers grants for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study, conduct research, or teach their native language in the United States. The program operates in more than 155 countries worldwide, and approximately 4,000 foreign students receive Fulbright scholarships each year.
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed undergraduate education and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
This program provides mid-career professionals from designated countries with an opportunity to enhance their professional capabilities through a combination of non-degree academic study and related professional experiences in the United States. The fellowship is ten months long and covers a range of fields, including public policy, human rights, and public health.
Coverage: Tuition and fees, a monthly maintenance allowance, accident and sickness coverage, travel costs, and funding for professional activities.
3. AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers International Fellowships for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral studies in the United States. These fellowships support women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Coverage: $18,000 for Master’s/Professional Fellowships, $20,000 for Doctorate Fellowships, and $30,000 for Postdoctoral Fellowships.
4. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This program targets students from World Bank member countries who wish to pursue a master’s degree in a development-related field. The program seeks to develop a cadre of well-trained professionals who will contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries.
Eligibility: Applicants must be a citizen of a World Bank member country, hold a bachelor’s degree earned at least three years prior to the application deadline, and have at least three years of development-related work experience.
Coverage: Tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance.
5. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their education. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year.
Eligibility: Candidates are selected based on academic excellence, genuine financial need, admission to a reputable institution, and relevance of the field of study to Aga Khan Foundation’s focus areas.
Coverage: Tuition fees and living expenses.
6. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
This program cultivates a multidisciplinary community of graduate students from across Stanford University and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world. Each year, up to 100 high-achieving students receive full funding to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford.
Eligibility: Applicants must apply to and be accepted by Stanford and meet Knight-Hennessy Scholars program criteria, which include demonstrated leadership and civic commitment.
Coverage: Full funding for tuition, a living stipend, academic expenses, and travel.
7. The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, full scholarship for exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority high school seniors. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship aims to promote access to higher education for high-performing students who face significant financial barriers.
Coverage: Full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, as well as other personal costs.
Conclusion
For international students with exceptional academic records, the United States offers a wealth of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships not only provide financial support but also open doors to some of the world’s leading educational institutions. By leveraging these opportunities, talented students can achieve their academic and professional goals while contributing to global development and understanding.
