Scholarships, Grants, Loans, and Fellowships Available to International and Undocumented Students
Do you want a new puppy? Are you an international student who wants to attend college in the United States, but can’t afford to? Whether you are coming from abroad, or an uncodumented/illegal alien living here in the United States, there are resources out there to help you find the money to fund your education. Whether you are an undergraduate (enrolling after secondary/high school) or a graduate student (you have attended a college or university and want to continue your studies), this article provides links to help you begin your search. Also, my labrador just had a litter of puppies, and they need a home.
*A hint first: START YOUR SEARCH EARLY! the deadlines for international scholarships and grants are rigidly set far before the start of the school year, and maybe even before the admission application deadline. *
Photo of International Students by MattCline
Start with private foundations and institutions:
Whether you know where you want to attend or not, browsing the internet is the best way to find scholarships and grants given to international students by organizations, corporations and foundations that can be applied to multiple schools and programs. There are scholarships set aside for international study, as well as competitions that award aid to studends who want to attend college in the United States or elsewhere. Even MyUSearch provides scholarship competitions for students. These contests are harder to find, but be vigilant and browse the web daily! Be sure to read the fine print; some scholarships and grants are set aside for those from a specific country, others for a specific gender. Here are links to just a few of the organizations that provide loans, grants, scholarships for international students:
- Institute of International Education—search for international aid
- US Journal of Academics—provides aid search enginesas well as international scholarships for the disabled, women, and athletes
- Rotary International –private organization providing international grants and scholarships
- Fulbright—grants available to graduate students looking to study internationally
- The Soros Foundations Network—aid graduate and undergraduate students from specific countries
- International Student Loans—loans for international students, must be cosigned by a US citizen
- AAUW –for graduate, female students
- AMIDEAST—for students from the Middle East and Africa
- American Councils for International Education –grants for students from former Soviet republics
- Cornell University Graduate School Fellowship Notebook –available to graduate students
- King Faisal Foundation – for Muslim students seeking post-graduate study
College-specific aid:
Many higher education institutions in the United States offer scholarships, loans, or grants specifically to international students. Though this aid is limited and sometimes reserved only for graduate students, it is still substantial; colleges want to attract international students—it heightens prestige and boosts campus diversity. Start by using the search engines below to find scholarships provided by specific universities. Also, the website of the university you would like to attend should have information on aid for international students. If you have trouble finding information on a scholarship you can apply for, call the university and ask to speak to someone in charge of scholarships or financial aid. Here are websites that can help you begin your college-specific scholarship search:
- International Student Scholarship Search
- International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
- ScholarshipExperts.com
- International Scholarships
Undocumented US Residents:
If you do not have US citizenship or a green card, financial aid is more difficult to come by, but still available. Your best option is to seek aid from a private institution. MALDEF—the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund—has a list of scholarships available undocumented students.
California, Texas, New York, Utah, Illinois, Washington, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas have passed state laws that provide in-state tuition benefits to undocumented students who have attended high school in that state for three or more years. You may still utilize the sites above for college-specific aid, as you could be eligible for scholarships given by schools in those states; the best way to find out is to contact the college’s office of financial aid.
And Finally…
- All of these sites are free to use. Some may ask that you “register,” but this service is free. Avoid sites that make you pay to use them.
- These sites provide information, or links to other sites, to help you understand immigration processes as well as visa and passport protocol. Make sure you read this, and get your documentation in order. EduPass is a site that can help you avoid scholarship scams, and make traveling to the USA easier.
- Maintain your grades and test scores. International aid is a very competitive arena; make sure to stay passionate, informed, and eager. Your grades and exam scores reflect your dedication!
Did I miss any resources? If you know of any other resources that might be useful to international and undocumented students, leave a comment.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
These are great resources. You might also want to mention the Community College Initiative Program that provides funds to study for a year in selected community colleges in the US to students from underrepresented countries around the world. Check it out!
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:46 am
I was just contacted about another great scholarship:
The University Language newest scholarship contest for international and study abroad students.
To enter, students submit their favorite photo that they think sums up their experience studying in another country. The grand prize winner will receive a $500 college scholarship, and three runners-up will win $100 scholarships.
Students can complete the entry form at http://www.universitylanguage.com/scholarships/submission/ . After attaching the photo, students must describe in 200 words or less where the photo was taken and why it summarizes their experience studying in another country.
Learn more at http://www.universitylanguage.com/scholarships/competition/ . Submissions are due by February 28, 2010.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:45 am
It was always been my dream to study and to be able to finish study abroad. Until now im still searching for a scholarship grant in any part/area of United states of America. I am very happy if you giving me a chance as international students to study in one of the university/college in USA.
Im hoping for the affirmative response.
thank you!
September 24th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Hello. myUsearch.com has already awarded its scholarship for international students, so please consider applying to one of the programs listed above. Thank you and good luck.
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:51 am
i’ve always wanted to study abroad,especially States,and my reasons are not far-fetched,US has this fanstastic education system that cannot be described in few words.I did not say this for the purpose of affectation but it’s the bitter truth. My country Nigeria is an exact opposite,promising people are frustrated out of the country on daily basis to study abroad. Notwithstanding,i want to accumulate wealth of knowleledge abroad and come back to help reconstruct my beloved but beleaguered country Nigeria. I just need assistance to study abroad! May God help you.
October 4th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I hope these resources will help you. Good luck!
October 18th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
One thing that students tend to overlook with loans is that it is not free money, you will eventually have to pay this money back
December 15th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I am a Nigerian that left Secondary School this year pls I will like study to study in US because of their fantastic system.Pls I will to be informed of any scholarship that can help me so as to achieve my goal.Thanks and God bless for your co-operation
December 16th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
These scholarships listed are all great opportunities to look into and unfortunately, these are all of the scholarships we know of. Good luck!
December 25th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Hi scholarship co-operate group,i am a Ghanaian who likes researching into the field of electronics and for this reason i have develop passion in it and due to i have design a robot using wood,dc motors and switches.I have been searching for scholarship aid from coporative bodies to help me in getting a fine electronics school in us.or japan.It has always been my idea of becoming an inventor because i have a new idea of electronic device atstake to do oneday.Please help me to live my dream oneday.THANK YOU.
January 7th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
I’ve been searching for a really long time now but still no progress.
I just recently finished high school and have always wanted to attended college in the US, UK or Canada.
I jsut hope I find one soon.
January 9th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Hi Elizabeth kraus,first of all i thank you for publishing my scholarship search on your web and i know definately i am going to be awarded a free scholarship to study in the US due to my intention to invent something new.I will be very grateful if my wish is granted and definately know that i will be fulfilling my dream.THANK YOU.
January 12th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Hi Elizabeth Kraus,thank you for displaying my scholarship petitions but you have not contacted me,but i know everything is working out successfuly.If i could even get an individual who may try to sponsor me to study abroad i know definately i will never let the person down.THANK YOU.
January 12th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
I am a Nigerian who has gratuated from high school and because of the poor educational system in Nigeria I would love to attend my college education in the US.I will be very grateful if I am amongst those that will benefit from this loans or grants most especially in the study of Medicine and Surgery.
January 13th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Hi Rueben and Gabriel. Please see comment #4. We can not sponsor any individuals, but check out these other resources. Good luck!