Top Scholarships for International Students with Upcoming Deadlines in 2025

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!