Tag: graduate scholarships

Graduate Scholarships for International Students

Posted on by venessa Regali

Are there Graduate Scholarships for International Students?

International students interested in attending graduate school in the U.S. have the opportunity to apply for scholarships, which provide free funding that doesn’t require repayment if the terms are met. 

Numerous scholarships cater to non-U.S. students seeking master’s, PhD, or postgraduate certificate programs in the U.S. Additionally, there are specific scholarships available for international students pursuing different levels of education, such as master’s degrees or doctoral studies.

On the other hand, there are scholarships designed for U.S. students aspiring to pursue graduate degrees abroad, like the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships for studying at Oxford University. In this context, a U.S. student becomes an international student when they pursue their education outside the country. 

An international student (for admissions and financial aids purposes) into the U.S. is

  • Not a U.S. citizen
  • Not a permanent resident of the U.S.
  • Does not have a refugee visa
  • DACA recipient (in some cases)

Types of Graduate Scholarships for International Students

There are different kinds of scholarships that international grad students might look for.

University scholarships. Some schools offer scholarships to grad students from other countries. Financial scholarships. Usually, these awards go to people with a high financial need. But they may also check out your GPA. Merit scholarships. These may look at financial facts but want students with strong minds and high GPA or GRE scores. Country based scholarships. These awards may only be available for people in certain countries Privately funded scholarships. Often from businesses or foundations with funds set aside for certain groups (E.g. minority groups, by major) Part scholarships. These may take the form of a contest, sweeps or give away (E.g. Scholarship Points)

How can I apply for an international scholarship for graduate students?

To apply for one of these scholarship, you need to meet certain criteria. And apply on time!

That said, eligibility varies from one scholarship to the next. If you apply for a university scholarship, you may need to have:

  • The U.S. equivalent of a bachelor’s degree (for acceptance into a master’s program)
  • The U.S. equivalent of a master’s degree (for acceptance into a PhD program)
  • Passing scores on an English proficiency exam (TOEFL / IELTS)

To decide who gets a scholarship, many providers also look at a student from all sides. Academic achievement, leadership, and financial need are common things that are considered. You may also need to be studying in a certain field with a track record of making a difference.

Why Consider Graduate Scholarships for International Students?

Around 1,056,165 international students are currently enrolled in U.S. schools, making a significant contribution of $40.1 billion to the U.S. economy, while also enriching campuses and workplaces with diverse cultural perspectives. 

Graduate students aspiring to study in the U.S. encounter various challenges, including dealing with unfavorable exchange rates to U.S. dollars, facing out-of-state costs, obtaining visas, and ensuring secure housing and other essential details. 

In the U.S., the tuition fees students pay for graduate school often vary based on their residency status. If you are a resident of the state where you study, you qualify for in-state tuition, which averages around $12,394 at public institutions. 

On the other hand, if you are not a resident, you are required to pay out-of-state costs, which can be higher. Currently, the average cost of graduate school at a private institution is approximately $26,621. 

Which U.S. Schools Give Graduate Scholarships to International Students?

Many U.S. schools give scholarships to int’l grad students. Here are 5 of them:

Capella U, online. Capella Progress Rewards are scholarships for eligible new students and are not need based. Value: $3,000 to $20,000. Walden U, online. Walden awards up to $25,000. They fund grad study in K through 12 or public policy. American U, Washington DC. AU offers merit based awards which int’l students may apply for. U of Southern California. USC offers a wide range of scholarships in many disciplines of grad study. NYU, NY. NYU offers Wagner Scholarships which are merit based awards.

11 Graduate Scholarships for International Students for 2025

1 Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Every year, the Fulbright Program grants up to $50,000 per year to approximately 4,000 foreign students. The selection process is based on merit, but eligibility criteria and the selection process differ from country to country. 

Fulbright follows an annual application cycle, typically opening about fifteen months before the start of the grant, although there may be some exceptions.

Amount: Varies

Deadline: The deadline is about 11 or 12 months before the grant’s start date.

Requirements: Preferred students may need to meet a wide range of criteria. Some relate to academic merit. While others speak to project feasibility, and available grant funds. Non U.S. citizens with legal residency status in the U.S. are not eligible for Fulbright grants.

2 Rotary Peace Fellowships

Every year, Rotary offers up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and an additional 50 fellowships for professional development certificate programs. 

These prestigious awards provide global leaders with the opportunity to study peace, conflict, and security issues at one of the Rotary Peace centers 

The grants offer comprehensive financial support of up to $50,000 per year, covering tuition, fees, room and board, round trip transportation, as well as all internship and field study expenses. 

Amount: up to $50,000 per year

Deadline: The 2025-26 Rotary Peace Fellowship application will be available online in February 2025

Requirements:  Master’s degree applicants need at least three years of full time work in a related field. Or volunteer experience and a bachelor’s degree. Their program lasts 15 to 24 months and includes a 2 to 3 month self designed field study. Certificate applicants need at least five years of full time work in a related field. Or volunteer work. You’ll also need to furnish a CV. This program is for the seasoned leader who wants to gain hands on tools to promote peace.

3 Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans program celebrates the valuable contributions of immigrants and their children to the United States. Each year, they choose 30 New Americans who demonstrate the potential to make substantial contributions to US society, culture, or their academic disciplines. These outstanding graduate students receive financial support of up to $90,000 over two years, and they also become part of a supportive and enduring community of New American Fellows. 

Amount: up to $90,000

Deadline: Oct 26

Requirements:  Recipients are immigrants or their children. The Fellowship supports one to two years of grad study in any field. It can be in any advanced degree granting program in the U.S.

4 Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship

The Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship offers approximately 36 fellowships each year, open to all U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, and DACA recipients. The program aims to provide one year of financial support to doctoral candidates working on their dissertations, with a focus on those who demonstrate great potential as future scholars and educators. 

Recipients of this fellowship will receive a one-year stipend of $25,000, along with an invitation to the Conference of Ford Fellows and access to Ford Fellow Regional Liaisons. 

Amount: $25,000

Deadline: January 7

Requirements: Open to all U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents and DACA recipients.

5 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to cultivate Africa’s future leaders, with a preference for students who possess excellent academic records and a strong commitment to creating positive impacts in their communities. 

The award’s total value is approximately $50,000, although the number of available awards may vary. The program offers comprehensive support, encompassing financial assistance for tuition fees, books, and other educational materials, as well as social and academic support to the selected scholars. 

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Depends on the institution

Requirements: Each partner has its own criteria. But, for a grad (master’s) degree, students must be 35 years old or under at the time they apply.

6 Global Citizen Scholarship

MPower Financing is a mission-driven fintech company and a leading provider of global educational loans, with a dedicated focus on supporting international students in achieving their career aspirations. 

Annually, they offer several scholarship programs, and their flagship initiative is the Global Citizen Scholarship, featuring three prestigious awards: a $5,000 scholarship, along with $3,000 and $2,000 scholarships. 

These esteemed scholarships will be granted to one outstanding student from each of the following regions: India, Asia (excluding India), Latin America/Caribbean, and Africa, with the condition that the recipients must be enrolled at a school supported by MPOWER. 

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Depends on the institution

Requirements: Each partner has its own criteria. But, for a grad (master’s) degree, students must be 35 years old or under at the time they apply.

7 Women in STEM Scholarship

In addition to its mission of empowering international students, MPower Financing also strives to foster innovation. As part of this commitment, they proudly present the Women in STEM Scholarships each year, offering three esteemed awards: a $6,000 scholarship, a $2,000 scholarship, and a $1,000 scholarship. 

Amount: Varies

Deadline: January 15, 2025

Requirements: You do not need to be a borrower to apply. Awards go to female int’l/DACA students who are enrolled or accepted to study full time in a STEM degree program at a school MPOWER supports. The program can be in any field of STEM that leads to a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD.

8 Korean American Scholarship Fund

Each year the Korean American Scholarship Fund offers awards. KASF scholarships range from $500 to $5,000. They are open to qualifying Korean American students. This includes foreign students from Korea. 

Amount: $500 – $5,000

Deadline: April-June Recurs Annually

Requirements: Enrollment in a full time program in the U.S. during the scholarship application year is a criteria. Other criteria are financial need, grades, school activities and volunteer service. If extra funds are available, non Koreans may qualify for these scholarships. This includes offspring of American vets who served during the Korean War.

9 Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Humphrey Fellowship Program caters to young and mid-career professionals from select foreign countries, offering them a unique opportunity to spend a year in the U.S. 

Although it is not a degree program, Fellows can enhance their leadership skills through various activities, including taking courses at their host institution, participating in conferences, networking, and exchanging insights. 

The program’s ultimate goal is to cultivate a global mindset through international study, providing an enriching experience distinct from a typical graduate school journey.  

To support participants during their fellowship, a stipend of approximately $50,000 is provided, covering tuition, fees, living expenses, books, insurance, air travel, and even a one-time computer subsidy. Additionally, a professional development allowance is included to support field trips, visits, and conference attendance. 

Amount: $50,000

Deadline: Application deadlines vary by country

Requirements: Check site for eligibility requirements.

10 American Association of University Women Educational Foundation

AAUW is a national grassroots organization. It has been helping to empower women as individuals and as a community since 1881.The International Fellowship Program is one of AAUW’s award programs. 

The program is for women who are going for grad or post doctoral study in the U.S. on a full time basis. It supports women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. 

There are also a few awards for study outside of the U.S. (excluding the applicant’s home country). These go to women who are members of Graduate Women International

Up to 5 International Fellowships for master’s/first professional degrees are available. They are renewable for a second year and award $18,000. Doctoral awards are $20,000 and Post doctoral $30,000.

Amount: Varies

Deadline: November 15

Requirements: Preferred applicants are women with a history of working to advance women and girls in some way. For instance, through civic, community, or professional work.

11 PEO International Peace Scholarship

The PEO Sisterhood is a charitable organization. Its mission is to advance, educate and motivate women. Members of P.E.O. believe that education is a key to world peace.

One of the awards the PEO offers since 1949 is the International Peace Scholarship Fund. This program awards up to $12,500. Scholarships go to international female students wanting to study at a grad level in the U.S.

Amount: up to $12,500

Deadline: December 15 every year

Requirements: Preferred applicants show financial need. There are also lesser amounts awarded according to individual needs.

12 Graduate Scholarships for DACA Students in 2025

Posted on by venessa Regali

Can DACA Students Get Scholarships?

If you are a DACA grad student, there are potential scholarships available with varying eligibility requirements. Some Graduate Scholarships for DACA Students may not have citizenship prerequisites and could be open to Undocumented or Eligible Non-Citizens (as defined by FAFSA). 

Scholarships for DACA grad students vary in dollar amounts. Some may offset the cost of tuition and fees. While others may cover expenses like food, insurance, books and travel. 

Unlike a loan, scholarships usually don’t require repayment if you fulfill their terms, and a substantial scholarship could help you cover the expenses of pursuing a master’s degree or PhD. 

To be able to apply for a scholarship as a DACA grad student, you need to meet the criteria. These vary from each college and grad schools as well as from each state and local source.

9 Common Criteria for Scholarships that DACA Graduate Students May Need

As a DACA student, your status may not be the only thing you need to show. When you apply for a scholarship, you may need some (or all) of the these to qualify. 

  • Grades – GPA range
  • Leadership skills
  • Volunteer service 
  • Goal to pursue a master’s degree or PhD in a certain field 
  • Membership in an association
  • Strong writing skills 
  • Work history related to your major 
  • Being a resident of a certain state 
  • Financial need  

3 Types of Scholarships for DACA Graduate Students

There are three main kinds of grad scholarships for DACA students. Need based, merit based and contest scholarships. 

Need based scholarships assess financial need. They may still look at a student from all sides. But preferred students will show a desire to go to grad school but also a lack of money.  

Merit scholarships may place more weight on your academic achievement or talent. They may also look at your volunteer service background.  

Contests are another way for DACA students to fund grad school. These often ask you to sign up by making an account. You might enter a few at once to improve your odds. 

One example is ScholarshipPoints. Applicants complete a student profile which asks for name, email, birthday and grade level. This is all you have to do to enter for the $2,500 prize.     

Winning a scholarship contest may help with costs related to getting your grad degree. But, they may not be enough to pay the entire tuition bill.  

As an example, the Get Schooled No Essay Scholarship is a $2,000 award.  

If this is the case, you may need to also get a small loan. Luckily, as a DACA grad student there are borrowers to turn to. MPower Financing is one such option. 

Why Consider Graduate Scholarships for DACA Students? 

About 690,000 people have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status. The average age of “Dreamers” enrolled in DACA is 24 year. About a quarter (24%) are ages 26 to 30, while one in ten (11%) are ages 31 to 36.  

Almost half (45%) of current DACA recipients live in two states: California (29%) and Texas (16%). Illinois (5%), New York (5%), Florida (4%) and Arizona (4%) also have pretty big DACA populations. 

Without scholarships, DACA students may have a hard time being able to pay for grad school. These students do not qualify for federal aid or loans. But scholarships may be easier to find in some states than others. 

There are at least 19 states where DACA students may receive in state tuition. Of these, only some states offer state grants to these students. Those states are California, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington 

Other states make these students pay the same tuition as an international student. These are Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia. Dreamers in these locations cannot access in state tuition. 

12 Scholarships for DACA Graduate Students for 2025-2026

Are you a DACA student who wants to go to grad school? You may be eligible for state or school financial aid and private scholarships. To get started, check out these 12 scholarships for DACA grad students for 2025.

Dream.US National Scholarship

Undocumented immigrant students under 16 can apply for the Dream.US National Scholarship. It offers up to $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree and is open to those with or without DACA or TPS status. Don’t miss this chance to pursue higher education!

Amount: awards worth up to $8,250
Deadline: Feb 28, 2025.
Requirements: High school seniors and college underclassmen with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Other categories include low-income and immigrant students.  

Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship

Undocumented immigrant students, arrived before 16, may be eligible for the Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship! Open to high school seniors/graduates in locked-out states, offering up to $80,000 for a bachelor’s degree at Opportunity Partner Colleges. Apply now!

Amount: awards worth up to $20,000
Deadline: January 31, 2025
Requirements: High school seniors & college freshmen in specific states with DACA status, minimum GPA of 2.8, low income, and immigrants. States: AL, AK, AR, GA, ID, IN, IA, LA, ME, MA, MS, MO, NH, NC, ND, OH, SC, SD, WV, WI. 

National Association of Hispanic Journalist Scholarships

The NAHJ supports professional growth of Hispanics in the news industry. NAHJ scholarship opportunities range from $1,500 to $10,000. They are open to both undergrad and grad students.   

Amount: $1,500 – $10,000
Deadline: February
Requirements: To be eligible, one must be going to school in the United States and Puerto Rico. Preferred applicants also have at least a 3.0 GPA. Preferred career paths are English or Spanish language print, broadcast, digital or photo journalism. 

Maria Elina Salinas Scholarship – $2,500   

Students applying for this scholarship must submit their essay in Spanish. Preferred applicants must show a strong intent to become a Spanish language journalist. 

eQuality Nursing Scholarships 

Each year, eQuality Scholarship Collaborative awards scholarships. In the year 2025, scholarships are being offered to four categories of students, each with unique eligibility criteria. If you have any doubts about your eligibility, feel free to reach out to them via email before proceeding with the application process or deciding against applying. 

Amount: $6,000
Deadline: Scholarship will resume in the fall
Requirements: Applicants must be a resident of northern or central CA. But may study in other places (there’s a list of approved sites). They must also be enrolled by the interview date and in good standing. Master’s programs with a BA/BS in a field other than nursing are eligible. RN re entry and RN to BSN or MSN programs are not eligible. 

Simplr AI and Technology Scholarship

Simplr is a Silicon Valley start-up involved in machine learning and AI. They offer a $7,500 scholarship award as a way to give back to the community.  

Amount: $7,500
Deadline: December 31
Requirements: Applicants can be pursuing an undergrad or grad degree in an accepted major. Computer Science (CS), Math, IT. Or is attending or will attend law school. Criteria include merit and financial need. Applicants must submit a winning essay showing their passion for one of a few topics. AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), Block chain tech and Intellectual Property (IP) law.    

MPower Global Citizen Scholarship 

The MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarships are available through MPower Financing. These scholarships support DACA and international students at partner schools.  

The scholarship is open to all international and DACA students, regardless of whether they are MPOWER borrowers, and aims to support the diverse experiences of international students. 

Amount: $10,000
Deadline: July 31, 2025
Requirements: You do not need to be a borrower to apply. The form asks prompted questions about goals and education history and includes a longer essay. 

MPower Women in STEM Scholarship 

The Women in STEM Scholarship is available to those planning to study STEM in the U.S. or Canada with legal permission to do so. This scholarship, offered by MPOWER Financing, aims to support women in STEM by providing up to $6,000 annually to help reduce financial barriers to international education. 

Amount: $6,000
Deadline: June 30, 2025
Requirements: College and graduate students with DACA status, particularly women, pursuing degrees in computer science, education, engineering, electrical engineering, biology, math, or healthcare are eligible for the scholarship.  

Prospanica Foundation Scholarships  

If you are a Hispanic/Latino student enrolled in a U.S. undergraduate or graduate business program, consider applying for the Prospanica Foundation Scholarships! Each year, eligible applicants who are Prospanica members can receive awards of up to $5,000. The scholarships have different criteria and award amounts, so check the FAQ for more details. Prospanica is a business-oriented organization dedicated to empowering and enabling Hispanic professionals to reach their educational and career goals. If you support their mission and need financial assistance for your education, we encourage you to apply! 

Amount: awards worth up to $5,000
Deadline: April 2025
Requirements: College students of Hispanic/Latino heritage, who are US Citizens, Permanent Residents, or DACA recipients, with a minimum GPA of 2.8, and pursuing an academic interest in Business are eligible for the Prospanica Foundation Scholarships. 

Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship

The Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship is available for academically outstanding students pursuing a research-based Ph.D. or Sc.D. program in the U.S., with a career goal in teaching and research at the university level. The fellowship, offered by The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, grants $9,000 awards to support graduate studies for aspiring educators passionate about teaching. 

Amount: $9,000
Deadline: Resume Next School Year 
Requirements: Graduate students with an academic interest in Education or Social Science and holding US citizenship, Permanent Resident status, or DACA are eligible for this scholarship.

Davis Putter Scholarship 

The Davis Putter Scholarship Fund aids those who work to advance social and economic justice. The largest grant is $15,000 per year.   

A complete application includes a 1000 word essay that details progressive social activity. You must also provide two letters of recommendation, transcripts and show financial need.  

Amount: up to $15,000
Deadline: April 1
Requirements: Preferred applicants to these need based scholarships are student activists. Recent awards went to students active in efforts against racism, sexism, and homophobia. To apply, you need to be a current grad student or enrolled in a trade or technical program.  
 

American Hotel and Lodging Educational Foundation Scholarships 

AHLEF presents a range of scholarship opportunities annually, with a total of nine programs. These scholarships offer generous values, some up to $7,500. The recipients are students who are currently pursuing bachelor’s or graduate degrees in hospitality-related fields. For the upcoming year, AHLEF has allocated $1.3 million in scholarships, benefiting over 100 deserving recipients. 

Amount: Varies
Deadline: The deadline to apply for scholarships covering the 2025-2026 academic year are now closed, and applications are undergoing review. Stay tuned as applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will open later this fall.  
Requirements: Preferred applicants have strong grades, financial need, and relevant work history.  

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*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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