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Last updated on November 18, 2024

Top Scholarships for International Students with Upcoming Deadlines in 2024

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SCHOLARSHIPS FEATURED BY:
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princeton universityvanderbilt universityuniversity of michiganberkeley university of californiageorgetown universitysyracuse university
30 SCHOLARSHIPS
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  1. Across Cultures "Expand Your Horizons" Scholarship

    Funded by
    Ben Schneider
    This scholarship exists to help students broaden their experience of the world and other cultures.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$1,113
    Deadline:Mar 28, 2025
    One Click Apply
    1
  2. Global Girls In STEM Scholarship

    Funded by
    Global STEM Academy
    This scholarship aims to support deserving girls who are dedicated to pursuing STEM careers so they can achieve their dreams and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in the field.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: STEM
    • Background: Non-profit or volunteering experience
    • Education Level: High school senior or first-year undergraduate student
    • Identity: Underrepresented minority student
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    Amount:$1,500
    Deadline:Feb 08, 2025
    One Click Apply
    2
  3. MexiDreams Scholarship

    Funded by
    Salgado-Rojas
    This scholarship aims to support students of Mexican descent who are committed to improving their future through higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Identity: Mexican heritage
    • Financial Status: Lower-income bracket
    • Education Level: High school junior or senior
    Amount:$5,100
    Deadline:Feb 13, 2025
    One Click Apply
    3
  4. Mohamed Magdi Taha Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Taha Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Mohamed Magdi Taha by supporting students who possess similar qualities and are also ‘up-standers’ in their communities.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • Race: Black/African
    • Major of Interest: STEM or the arts
    Amount:$3,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 2 days left
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. Sara Molina Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Lisandra Richardson
    This scholarship will support a female student of any education level in Puerto Rico.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Any
    • Location: Puerto Rico
    • Gender: Female
    Amount:$1,500
    Deadline is Approaching! 11 days left
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. Maggie's Way- International Woman’s Scholarship

    Funded by
    David Gaskill
    This scholarship aims to honor Maggie’s life by supporting female students who have moved to the U.S. for their education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Gender: Female
    • Background: International student in the U.S.
    Amount:$5,000
    Deadline:Dec 31, 2024
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. Arnetha V. Bishop Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Austin/Bishop Family
    This scholarship will support BIPOC students pursuing a career in the mental health field.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • Race/Ethnicity: BIPOC
    • Major/Field: Mental health related
    • GPA: 2.5 or higher
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Jan 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. Posh PA Underrepresented Minority Grant

    Funded by
    The Posh PA
    This scholarship aims to support an underrepresented minority looking to attend PA school.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student or post-graduate
    • Education Plans: Applying for PA school
    • Identity: Underrepresented minority
    • Background: Volunteer experience
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Feb 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. Hampton Roads Unity "Be a Pillar" Scholarship

    Funded by
    Hampton Roads Unity
    This scholarship aims to support LGBTQIA+ students as they pursue higher education so they can achieve their goals of making the world a better place.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Identity: LGBTQIA+
    • Background: Volunteering or community service experience
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Feb 02, 2025
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. Ismat Tariq Muslim Women Empowerment Scholarship

    Funded by
    Tariq Aslam and Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Ismat by keeping her dreams alive and empowering Muslim women to not give up on their educational journeys and to do their part to make this world a better place!

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    • Religion: Muslim
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Background: Financial need
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Feb 09, 2025
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. Sikora Drake Women in STEM Scholarship

    Funded by
    Sikora Drake
    This scholarship supports female-identifying students from North Carolina who are the first-generation college students and pursuing a degree in STEM.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$3,000
    Deadline:Feb 17, 2025
    One Click Apply
    11
  12. Kendall Ross Culinary Scholarship

    Funded by
    Nick Osterfoss and Corey Siegel
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Kendall Ross by supporting the next generation of talented chefs.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: Culinary arts
    Amount:$6,500
    Deadline:Feb 18, 2025
    One Click Apply
    12
  13. Cyrilla Olapeju Sanni Scholarship Fund

    Funded by
    Cyrilla Olapeju Sanni Scholarship Fund
    This scholarship seeks to support African students who are struggling financially so they can fund their education and achieve their dreams.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Race: African
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Background: Migrant from Africa or the child of African migrants
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Feb 18, 2025
    One Click Apply
    13
  14. Ilya Flantsbaum Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Steve Flantsbaum
    This scholarship seeks to support Jewish-Ukrainian students so they can complete their graduate degrees.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Religion: Jewish
    • Background: Born in another country
    • Education level: Graduate student
    Amount:$2,500
    Deadline:Feb 28, 2025
    One Click Apply
    14
  15. A Security Insurance Agency Scholarship

    Funded by
    A Security Insurance Corp.
    This scholarship aims to support the next generation of students so they can be equipped with the knowledge and problem-solving skills they need to tackle the pressing insurance crises affecting our nation.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or four-year undergraduate student
    • Ethnicity: Latin American background - Hispanic, Latino, or Brazilian
    • Field of Study: Business, finance, or economics degree
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Feb 28, 2025
    One Click Apply
    15
  16. Earl Pascua Filipino-American Heritage Scholarship

    Funded by
    John Vincent Deniega
    This scholarship will support Filipino-American graduate students pursuing a degree in STEM or history.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or Graduate
    • Major: STEM or History
    • Race/Ethnicity: Filipino-American
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Feb 28, 2025
    One Click Apply
    16
  17. Li Family Scholarship

    Funded by
    Li Family
    This scholarship aims to make higher education more accessible by supporting Asian American students who are pursuing their college degrees.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • Race: Asian American
    • Background: First-generation college student
    Amount:$50,000
    Deadline:Mar 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    17
  18. Gerianne Pfeiffer Native American Scholarship

    Funded by
    Pfeiffer Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Gerianne Pfeiffer by supporting students with Native American heritage as they pursue their educational goals.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • Ethnicity: Native American
    Amount:$5,000
    Deadline:Mar 10, 2025
    One Click Apply
    18
  19. Keri Sohlman Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Matthew Mingle
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Keri Sohlman by supporting students in New Jersey who are passionate about mental health and/or education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • State: New Jersey
    • Field of Study: Mental health or education
    Amount:$1,500
    Deadline:Mar 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    19
  20. Generational Impact Award

    Funded by
    Urban Legacy Builders
    This scholarship seeks to open educational doors by supporting students who are preparing to pursue their collegiate dreams so they can make the world a better place.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • School: Dillard High School (Florida)
    • Education Level: High school senior
    Amount:$3,000
    Deadline:Mar 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    20
  21. Team Crosby Forever Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

    Funded by
    Dennis Narlock
    This scholarship will support a college student studying veterinary medicine.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • Major: Veterinary Medicine
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Mar 17, 2025
    One Click Apply
    21
  22. Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarship

    Funded by
    Calvin Rosser
    This scholarship will be awarded twice a year to a Black undergraduate or graduate school entrepreneur who is currently building or who aspires to build a new business.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Mar 30, 2025
    One Click Apply
    22
  23. Cueto Technologies Community Impact Scholarship

    Funded by
    Cueto Technologies
    This scholarship aims to support students from military families so they have all of the resources necessary to thrive in their higher education journeys.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • Field of Study: STEM
    • Background: Veteran, servicemember, or dependent
    Amount:$3,000
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    23
  24. American Dream Scholarship

    Funded by
    Charleen Cabay
    This scholarship seeks to support undocumented students so they have the resources necessary to thrive in college.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Citizenship Status: Non-citizen
    • Background: Community service or volunteering experience
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    24
  25. Christal Carter Creative Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    Carter Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory and creativity of Christal Carter by supporting students who share her calling to the arts.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • Desired Career Field: Arts
    Amount:$1,500
    Deadline:Apr 14, 2025
    One Click Apply
    25
  26. Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship

    Funded by
    Lyndsey Scott
    This scholarship will support students who want to pursue futures in both computer science and their other passions outside of class work.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Major: Computer science
    • Education Level: High school senior & Undergraduate
    • Identification: LGBTQIA+, Women, and/or BIPOC
    Amount:$12,000
    Deadline:Apr 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    26
  27. RAD Scholarship for Arizona Undergrads

    Funded by
    Rob Dollar Foundation
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Rob Dollar by supporting students who hope to make a difference in the overall road safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • School: Four-year college in Arizona
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Apr 19, 2025
    One Click Apply
    27
  28. Scholarship for US/Algerian and US/Palestinian Community Members

    Funded by
    Sid Ahmed Boukabara
    This scholarship aims to support students who plan to spend their lives changing the world for the better and working towards peace and justice.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • Field of Study: Journalism, communication, media, international law, government and international relations, policy and political science, global leadership, teaching and civil society, etc.
    • Background: Track record of working of working toward justice, peace, prosperity, and dignity for all around the world, such as in volunteering or publication
    • Identity: First or second-generation Algerian or Palestinian immigrant
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Apr 30, 2025
    One Click Apply
    28
  29. Jean Ramirez Scholarship

    Funded by
    JR98 Inc
    This scholarship will support students who are immediate family members of a suicide victim.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education: High school, undergraduate, or graduate
    • Background: Immediate family of suicide victim
    Amount:$5,000
    Deadline:Apr 30, 2025
    One Click Apply
    29
  30. Julie Holloway Bryant Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Holloway Family
    This scholarship aims to recognize the skill and strength of multilingual individuals as they pursue their higher education goals.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Background: English is a second language
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:May 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    30

About scholarships for international students in the US

About 1.1 million international students were enrolled in U.S. institutions in 2019, which is 5.5% of the total U.S. student population. Of these students, most came from China (35 percent), followed by India (18 percent), South Korea (5 percent), and Saudi Arabia (3 percent).

International students are vital to the US economy. During the 2018-2019 school year, they contributed $41 billion to the economy. Furthermore, in 2015, international students contributed $9 billion to public universities, which was 28% of their total revenue.

Beyond the economy, international students also contribute greatly to science and technology; approximately half are enrolled in STEM programs.

International students boost the US economy as well as bring diverse cultures and traditions to their universities. Unfortunately, many of them don't get the support they need in order to attend school in the US. But scholarships can help! While most colleges do not offer federal aid to international students, there are other places to find them, including right here on bold.org!

The importance of scholarships for international students

Higher tuition fees lead to additional financial stress, especially for international students. Federal student debt makes up about 92% of all student loans. Unfortunately, federal loans aren’t available for most of them.

As a result, 72% of international students pay out of pocket. Other forms of financial aid, like home country government or university financial assistance, are offered to these students as well. Nonetheless, that’s a heavy burden for international families, especially those who came to the United States from developing countries, to have to undertake.

Private scholarships, like those offered on Bold.org, are vital for foreign students looking to fund their education in the US.

Spending your family’s life savings on college is simply not sustainable. Luckily, 75% of students who are awarded merit-based scholarships receive them from private or community organizations. You won’t have to go far, as there are plenty of great international scholarship opportunities right here at Bold.org! Remember, every little bit helps, so be sure to apply to as many scholarships as you are eligible for.

Why are international scholarships advantageous for students from developing countries?

There are distinct educational advantages to studying in the US. The Covid-19 pandemic and the switch to online learning have highlighted America’s outstanding infrastructure and exceptional learning environments. The switch to online learning has had its challenges, but students have largely been able to continue their education unimpeded. For developing countries like Zimbabwe, the learning curve has been much more difficult. In fact, only 23% of people in Zimbabwe have access to the internet.

Bold.org understands the importance of education. Going to college or university in the US provides incredible opportunities for students originating from developing countries such as Zimbabwe, while also offering them the chance for substantial upward mobility. As part of our efforts to lessen student debt, we are now offering scholarships exclusively for international students. Let's take a look at the demographic of students who could benefit from scholarships for international students.

International student enrollment facts

Origin Countries with the Largest Enrollment of International Students:

  1. China: 373,000 students
  2. India: 193,000 students
  3. South Korea: 50,000 students
  4. Saudi Arabia: 31,000 students
  5. Canada: 26,000 students

Universities with the Largest Enrollment of International Students:

  1. NYU: 19,605 students
  2. USC: 16,340 students
  3. Northeastern: 16,075 students
  4. Columbia: 15,897 students
  5. University of Illinois: 13,497 students

In addition to adding diversity and different perspectives to the classroom, international students studying at US colleges and universities contribute significantly to the US economy. During the 2019-2020 academic year, these individuals supported 415,996 jobs in the U.S. economy as blossoming young professionals.

In the 2018-2019 academic year, 51% of international students in the United States pursued a STEM-related degree. Engineering is still the most popular major among international students, followed by business management and computer science.

Because of the increasing value of science and technology in the workforce, the US provides international students who study STEM with the opportunity to work in this country for up to three years after their graduation, with no additional requirements. There are plenty of opportunities for international students to find work in the US, many employers valuing the diverse perspectives that they provide.

Overall enrollment for international students in the U.S. slipped 1.8% in 2019-2020, the third year in a row that enrollment for international students has declined. The resulting impact on the US economy between 2016 and 2019 was a loss of $11.8 billion, affecting nearly 65,000 jobs.

Reasons for Enrollment Decline:

  1. The visa application process is more arduous
  2. International competition, from countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia
  3. US social/political climate under the Trump Administration
  4. High tuition costs
  5. Difficulty in securing jobs in the US post-graduation

Despite evidence of decline these past few years, international student enrollment is expected to surge post-pandemic, starting in the fall of 2022. Our scholarships for international students will help you be a part of the new era of progressive and influential international students.

How to qualify for scholarships for international students

When applying for tuition scholarships to support your international education, you want to be sure you're not wasting your time on opportunities you don't qualify for. Before applying for a scholarship, check out our qualification recommendations below.

Must be an international student attending school in the US

In order to apply for the scholarships below, you must be an international student. International student refers to those coming to the US for the specific purpose of studying. Some scholarships also cater to foreign students. These are non-citizens enrolled at an institution of education outside their home country, but who have not necessarily crossed a border to study.

Double-check the eligibility requirements of each scholarship

Some scholarships will have additional requirements besides just being open to International students. Some scholarships are specifically for those from a certain other countries, such as for Indian students, while some are for female students and others are only available for US citizens.

Other scholarships require backgrounds in community service, demonstrated financial need, or enrollment in a certain academic program. By checking the requirements again, you can make sure that the scholarships you're applying for are right for you.

What types of scholarships available for international students

There are many types of scholarships that international students are eligible for, including broader scholarships open to many students like the Expand Your Horizons Scholarship. Scholarships that are specifically created for specific demographics are great opportunities since they have such limited eligibility, reducing the number of applicants and increasing your chances of winning. Whatever types of college scholarships you’re searching for, you can find them on Bold.org.

How to find scholarships international students

You can start your scholarship search on Bold.org, where you can find hundreds of different scholarships to help you attend college.

You can filter the scholarships by category to find specific scholarships that you're eligible for. In order to find scholarships for international students, you can look in the "General" or "Diversity and Inclusion" category or search specifically for scholarships for immigrant or international students.

When to start applying for international scholarships and financial aid

High school is a great time to start scouting and applying for college scholarships. Many scholarships are available for high school students or exclusively for high school seniors. You can look at Bold.org's list of scholarships for high school seniors to find scholarships specifically for high school students.

But don’t worry if you haven’t started your search yet! Many college students are just starting their search, and there are plenty of scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. For more information on finding scholarships in college, take a look at this guide on Bold.org's website.

What to Consider When Applying for Scholarships 

When applying for scholarships for international students, make sure that you check the eligibility requirements. Some scholarships may require students to live in the US to apply. Additionally, some scholarships may be for specific demographics and identities while othe international scholarships seek out applicants who display academic merit or financial need.

You should also consider whether the scholarship you're applying to has an essay or not. If you are a strong writer or have a unique story, the essay can be a great way to make your application stand out.

How to Apply for International Students Scholarships

To start applying for scholarships for international students, create your free Bold.org profile. Then, click on any of the scholarships above and apply. Some scholarships may require you to write an essay before you apply, in which case you may need to spend more time on your application.

Tips for Winning Scholarships for International Students

In order to maximize your chances of winning financial aid through international scholarships, it's imperative that you try to stand out from other applicants. Follow the tips below to boost your chances of winning a financial aid award.

Apply as early as possible

By applying for scholarships earlier, you can guarantee that you are able to apply for a wide range of scholarships. If you are in high school, there may be specific scholarships that are only available for high school students, so start searching and applying as soon as possible.

Apply for as many scholarships as you can

Applying for more than one scholarship often helps your chances of winning. Apply to any scholarships you are eligible for to give yourself the greatest chances of winning financial aid. No-essay scholarships are a great option due to the quick application process.

Apply for scholarships with specific requirements

Finding scholarships that are looking for specific demographics might change your chances of winning due to the limited eligibility pool. Additionally, some scholarships look for people from a certain country or city. Try to find scholarships that are specific to your identity, because these will have fewer people applying.

Make sure your essay is clear, concise, and exciting

If the scholarships you are applying to require an essay, make sure that you check your essay for spelling and grammar mistakes in addition to ensuring that your message is concise. Beyond that, don't forget to make your essay unique. If your essay stands out, you may be more likely to win.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for International Students

What is an international student scholarship?

An international student scholarship is a scholarship for an immigrant who is studying in the US. International students are usually admitted on student visas such as the F visa and M visa; these allow them to study and work briefly in the US before returning home.

How can an international student get a full scholarship?

To get a full scholarship, international students can apply for larger scholarships and financial aid that will cover more of their tuition. You can also apply for many different, smaller scholarships. By applying to as many scholarships as possible, it is more likely that you can get a full scholarship.

Can international students get need-based scholarships?

Though many colleges do not offer need-based scholarships to international students, Bold.org has plenty of scholarships for students in need. By applying for the many scholarships on Bold.org that are inclusive of international students, you can make the most of your funding opportunities so you can finance your education.

In addition to need-based opportunities, you can also find merit-based scholarships that seek to reward high-achieving international students who demonstrate impressive GPAs or another form of outstanding academic achievement.

Can international students apply for scholarships?

Some scholarships require applicants to be US citizens, but there are many scholarships that allow international students who are attending US schools but aren't US citizens to apply, including those in the list above.

Is it possible for international students to get scholarships?

Some scholarships may require that students are US citizens or that they already live in the US, but there are plenty of other scholarships that include students with citizenship outside of the US. As long as you are attending a college in the United States, Bold.org has plenty of scholarships for you!

Frequently Asked Questions