How International Graduate Students Can Find Funding Opportunities in the US
Explore various funding options available for international graduate students in the US, including online tools, scholarships from organizations, and university-specific grants. Discover how to access financial aid to support your academic journey and reduce costs effectively.
How International Graduate Students Can Secure Funding in the US
Discovering Funding Options for International Graduate Students in the US
Securing financial aid as a graduate student in the United States is now more accessible thanks to innovative online resources. A new platform named Graduate Scholarship Finder aggregates over 850,000 grants totaling more than $1 billion, making it easier for students to identify available funding. Beyond this tool, there are multiple strategies to explore grants, including utilizing specialized scholarship websites, connecting with professional associations, and consulting with alumni and faculty. These approaches can significantly ease the financial burden of graduate studies.
Utilize Scholarship Search Engines
Platforms like Sallie Mae’s Scholarship Finder, Unigo, Scholarship America, and Fastweb offer extensive databases of grants suitable for graduate students. GoGrad is another resource that lists grants up to $1,000, aiding students in covering living expenses and tuition costs. These tools streamline the process of finding financial aid options tailored to students’ needs.
Explore Professional Organization Grants
Many professional associations provide funding opportunities for members. For instance, students affiliated with the National Black MBA Association can apply for scholarships up to $10,000 from the Lloyd Trotter Scholarship Fund. Similarly, the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation awards grants up to $5,000 for dental students. Joining relevant organizations can open doors to additional funding sources.
Ask About Scholarships and Grants Directly
Communicating with alumni, current students, and faculty members can reveal hidden funding options. Understanding the specific grants available for certain programs or universities can make pursuing graduate studies more affordable. Sometimes, university offices or department advisors can also provide guidance on scholarship opportunities.
International Student Grants in the US
A few notable grants include:
- American University Funding: Offers grants ranging from $6,000 to $25,000 for first-year graduate students, covering major expenses.
- Amherst College Support: Provides need-based grants tailored to international students based on demonstrated financial need. Often combines scholarships and grants into aid packages.
- Clark University Grants: Grants between $15,000 and $25,000 annually, plus stipends for research assistants during summer semesters.
- Colby Sawyer College Funding: Merit-based scholarships ranging from $20,000 to $26,000, awarded based on academic performance and GPA.
- Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships: Merit and need-based grants from $10,000 to $25,000 to support international students in their academic pursuits.
