What are the easiest scholarships for international students to get

Okay, so I’m an international student (planning on studying in the US, specifically) and I’m really stressing about funding my education. I know there are tons of scholarships out there, but a lot of them seem super competitive, like you need perfect grades and a cure for cancer to even be considered.

I’m not exactly at the top of my class (decent grades, but not stellar), and I don’t have a ton of extracurriculars, mostly because I’ve been working part-time to save money for application fees. So, I’m wondering… what are some of the easiest scholarships for international students to get? Like, maybe scholarships with less stringent requirements or a wider applicant pool that isn’t quite as overwhelming. Are there any for specific fields of study that are generally less popular, or perhaps smaller, lesser-known scholarships that I might have a better shot at? I’m open to anything, even if the award amount is small. Every little bit helps!

Answer

While "easy" is subjective and scholarship competitiveness varies greatly, some scholarships may be considered easier to obtain for international students due to factors like broader eligibility criteria, less stringent academic requirements (relative to highly prestigious scholarships), or a focus on specific demographics or fields of study. Here are several categories and examples of scholarships that international students might find comparatively easier to obtain, along with details:

I. Scholarships Based on Nationality or Region

• Government Scholarships: Many governments offer scholarships to students from specific countries or regions to study in their universities. These are often easier to obtain because the competition is limited to students from particular nations.

  • Examples:
    • Australian Awards Scholarships: Offered by the Australian government to students from developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, and the Middle East. They cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.
    • Chevening Scholarships (UK): The UK government’s global scholarship program, offering awards to outstanding scholars with leadership potential from around the world to study for master’s degrees at UK universities. These are competitive but target a broad range of countries.
    • Swedish Institute Scholarships: For students from specific developing countries to study in Sweden.
    • Fulbright Foreign Student Program (US): For graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States. These are country-specific, making the competition pool smaller.
  • Details: Each government scholarship has specific eligibility criteria based on nationality, academic background, and field of study. The application process typically involves submitting academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
• Bilateral Agreements: Some countries have bilateral agreements with others, offering scholarships to students from those countries to study in specific fields.
  • Example: Scholarships between countries with strong diplomatic or economic ties, focusing on promoting educational exchange.
  • Details: These scholarships often target specific fields relevant to the agreement, such as engineering, technology, or agriculture.

II. Scholarships from Universities Themselves

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships based on academic achievement. While competitive, these are often easier to access than external scholarships with a global reach because the applicant pool is limited to those applying to that specific university.

  • Examples:
    • Many US universities offer merit scholarships to international students based on GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, GRE/GMAT), and class rank.
    • Universities in Canada, the UK, and Australia also provide merit-based awards.
  • Details: The eligibility criteria usually include a high GPA, strong performance on standardized tests, and a compelling personal essay. The scholarship amount varies depending on the university and the student’s academic profile.

• Need-Based Scholarships: Some universities offer scholarships based on demonstrated financial need. These can be easier to obtain if the student can clearly demonstrate their financial situation.

  • Examples: Some US universities (primarily private institutions) offer need-based financial aid to international students.
  • Details: Applicants need to submit financial documents, such as bank statements and income tax returns, to demonstrate their inability to afford tuition and living expenses.
• Departmental Scholarships: Individual departments within universities often offer scholarships specifically for students pursuing degrees in that department.
  • Examples: A university’s engineering department might offer scholarships to international students pursuing engineering degrees.
  • Details: These scholarships often have specific requirements related to the student’s academic background and research interests.

III. Scholarships Focused on Specific Fields of Study

• STEM Scholarships: Scholarships for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

  • Examples:
    • The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships: For female students pursuing engineering degrees.
    • Various scholarships offered by professional organizations in specific STEM fields.
  • Details: These scholarships aim to encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields. The eligibility criteria usually include a strong academic record in science and mathematics courses.
• Arts and Humanities Scholarships: Scholarships for students pursuing degrees in the arts and humanities.
  • Examples:
    • Scholarships for music students, art students, and students studying literature or history.
  • Details: These scholarships often require students to submit a portfolio of their work or demonstrate their talent through auditions or writing samples.

IV. Scholarships for Specific Demographics

• Scholarships for Women: Numerous organizations offer scholarships specifically for women pursuing higher education.

  • Examples:
    • AAUW (American Association of University Women) International Fellowships: For women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States.
    • Various scholarships offered by women’s organizations in different countries.
  • Details: These scholarships aim to promote gender equality in education and empower women to achieve their academic goals.
• Scholarships for Students from Underrepresented Groups: Some scholarships are specifically designed to support students from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds, or students with disabilities.
  • Examples:
    • Scholarships for students of African descent, Hispanic descent, or Native American descent.
    • Scholarships for students with disabilities.
  • Details: These scholarships aim to promote diversity and inclusion in higher education.

V. Smaller, Less Competitive Scholarships:

• Local Scholarships: Small scholarships offered by local organizations, community groups, or businesses. These are often less competitive because they have a limited geographic scope.
• Micro-Scholarships: Platforms like RaiseMe allow students to earn micro-scholarships from colleges for their achievements throughout high school.
• Scholarships with Specific Requirements: Scholarships that require a specific skill, interest, or background (e.g., being left-handed, having a specific hobby) may have fewer applicants.

General Tips for Finding and Obtaining Scholarships:

• Start Early: Begin researching and applying for scholarships well in advance of the application deadlines.
• Research Thoroughly: Use online scholarship databases, university websites, and government resources to find scholarships that match your profile.
• Tailor Your Applications: Customize each application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
• Proofread Carefully: Ensure that your application is free of grammatical errors and typos.
• Seek Recommendations: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, and employers.
• Be Persistent: Don’t be discouraged by rejections. Keep applying for scholarships until you find the funding you need.
• Focus on Niche Scholarships: Search for scholarships that are specific to your field of study, nationality, gender, or other unique characteristics.
• Network: Talk to current international students and alumni to learn about scholarship opportunities and application strategies.

It’s important to remember that even scholarships considered "easier" require effort and a well-prepared application. By focusing on scholarships that align with your specific background and academic profile, you can increase your chances of success.