If you are dreaming about studying in the U.S., UK, or Canada but worried about the cost, you’re not alone.
The good news? There are some fantastic scholarships out there that can help make your academic dreams a reality. From full-tuition awards to generous financial aid packages, these scholarships can take a huge weight off your shoulders. Let’s dive into some of the best opportunities available to help you get started on your journey!
United States
1. Boston University Trustee Scholarship
- What’s it all about? BU’s most prestigious scholarships is aimed at students who are not just academically strong but also leaders in their communities.
- Who can apply? High-achieving students, both international and domestic starting their first year at BU.
- What does it cover? This scholarship covers full tuition for all four years, plus the undergraduate mandatory fees.
- Apply by December 1st
- Learn more: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships-financial-aid/first-year-merit/trustee/
2. Clark University Global Scholars Program
- What’s it all about? This one’s for international students with exceptional academic performance and personal qualities and want to make a difference. International Traina Scholarship, the International Achievement Scholarship, the International Jonas Clark Scholarship, the Presidential LEEP Scholarship and the Global Scholars Scholarship.
- Who can apply? High-achieving students from around the world.
- What does it cover? Between $15,000 and $25,000 per year to help with tuition
- Deadline: Along with application round- both early and regular decision cycle (mid January)
- Learn more https://www.clarku.edu/offices/financial-aid/prospective-students/international-students/first-year-scholarships/
3. Amherst College, Harvard University, Stanford University, Yale University Financial Aid
- What’s it all about? These schools are known for their generous need-based financial aid programs that ensure cost doesn’t stand in the way of a great education.
- Who can apply? International students who demonstrate financial need and have been admitted.
- What does it cover? Full financial aid based on demonstrated need, covering tuition, room, and board.
- Deadline: Typically around January 1.
- Learn more https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/apply-financial-aid
- https://finaid.yale.edu/applying-aid/prospective-new-students#Intl
- https://www.amherst.edu/admission/financial_aid
- https://financialaid.stanford.edu/undergrad/apply/index.html
4. Illinois Wesleyan University International Student Scholarships
- What’s it all about? This is a merit-based scholarship, so if you’ve got good grades and a solid resume, you’re in a good spot.
- Who can apply? International students with strong academic records and extracurriculars.
- What does it cover? Between $16,000 and $30,000 per year.
- Deadline: Typically November 15 (Early Action), March 15 (Regular Decision).
- Learn more https://www.iwu.edu/international/scholarships.html
5. University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
- What’s it all about? This is a big one for top students who also have leadership potential. It’s one of the most generous scholarships out there.
- Who can apply? High-achieving international students who show leadership.
- What does it cover? Full tuition, room, board, textbooks, and even a $12,000 fund for enrichment activities.
- Deadline: Typically November 1 (Early Decision & Early Action)
- Learn more https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/stamps/index.html
6. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- What’s it all about? This scholarship is for accomplished students who want to inspire social change
- Who can apply? High-achieving students who show leadership and a commitment to civic engagement.
- What does it cover? Full tuition, room, and board.
- Deadline: December 1st
- Learn more https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-10-years.cfm
7. Colby-Sawyer College Merit-Based Scholarships
- What’s it all about? Another great merit-based option, this one adjusts the amount based on how well you did in school.
- Who can apply? Students with strong academic performance.
- What does it cover? Up to $8,000 per year.
- Deadline: Typically February 1
- Where to learn more? https://www.colby-sawyer.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships-awards#:~:text=Submit%20your%20FAFSA-,Academic%20Scholarships%20%26%20Merit%20Awards,up%20to%20%248%2C000%20per%20year
8. UMass Amherst International Scholarships
- What’s it all about? UMass Amherst offers a few different scholarships and tuition waivers for international students. These can be merit-based or need-based, helping to reduce the cost of attendance.
- Who can apply? International students with strong academic performance or financial need.
- What does it cover? Coverage varies but can include partial tuition waivers and merit scholarships.
- Deadline: November 1
- Learn more? https://www.umass.edu/financialaid/undergraduate/undergraduate-scholarships/umass-admissions-scholarships-and-awards
9. Syracuse University Merit Scholarships
- What’s it all about? Syracuse University offers merit-based scholarships for international students who have shown exceptional academic performance.
- Who can apply? High-achieving international students applying to Syracuse.
- What does it cover? Scholarships vary in amount but can significantly reduce tuition costs.
- Deadline: January 5
- Learn More https://financialaid.syr.edu/scholarships/su/merit-based-scholarships-for-international-students/
10. University of Southern California (USC) Merit Scholarships
- What’s it all about? USC offers a variety of merit-based scholarships for international students, including the Trustee Scholarship, which covers full tuition.
- Who can apply? High-achieving international students applying to USC.
- What does it cover? Scholarships range from partial to full tuition.
- Deadline: November 1st or December 1st (for courses requiring portfolio)
- Learn more https://admission.usc.edu/cost-and-financial-aid/scholarships/
United Kingdom
University of St Andrews International Undergraduate Scholarships
- What’s it all about? St Andrews offers several scholarships for international students based on academic merit and financial need.
- Who can apply? International undergraduate students with strong academic records.
- What does it cover? Scholarships can cover partial tuition fees and, in some cases, living expenses.
- Deadline: Typically March 31.
- Learn morehttps://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships/
Canada
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto
- What’s it all about? This is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students in Canada, aimed at those who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity.
- Who can apply? International students entering the first year of an undergraduate program. To be nominated by the school
- What does it cover? Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
- Deadline: November 8
- Learn more https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/about/
2. International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia (UBC)
- What’s it all about? This award recognizes international students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, and involvement in student affairs or community service.
- Who can apply? High-achieving international students.
- What does it cover? Needs cum merit based awards that cover tuition
- Deadline: November 15
- Learn More https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/
The writer is Founder and CEO, Inomi Learning, a Gurugram-based career and college guidance firm. info@inomi.in
The original article was first published in ‘The Hindu’, on September 15th, 2024.
With inputs from Anjana Anand, Principal Counsellor at Inomi Learning.
Richa Dwivedi Saklani is a certified coach from UCLA and is an accredited MBTI trainer who has worked with over 10,000 people across career planning and as a behavioral trainer in companies. She is the CEO & Founder of Inomi Learning and author of “The Ultimate Guide to 21st Century Careers”.