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May 23

Scholarships in the US for Non-American Students: Why Research Matters

Pursuing higher education in the United States is a dream for many international students, but it is a significant financial investment. While scholarships can help offset the cost, eligibility criteria for scholarships for non-American students vary so widely that thorough research is required. Starting early and tackling scholarship applications alongside the general college application can improve a student’s chances of securing the aid they need.

Types of Scholarships

Before researching, it is important to understand the types of scholarships available. Most scholarships fall into two main categories:

  • Need-based scholarships: Based on a family’s financial situation, these scholarships often require detailed documentation of income and expenses. If the financial records aren’t in English, families will need to have the financial records formally translated and sometimes, even notarized. 
    • The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CSS Profile are examples of need-based funding. Students can fill out the FAFSA or a CSS Profile application, both of which require extensive documentation of income, assets, and expenses. Based on a family’s financial situation and the Student Aid Index (SAI), colleges determine a student’s financial need and eligibility for aid such as scholarships, grants, and federal loans. Please note that only American students are eligible for FAFSA, however, it is still important for international students to file the form so that universities can determine their need eligibility. 
  • Merit-based scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic, artistic, athletic, or service excellence. While some colleges and universities automatically consider applicants once they’ve submitted their application, others require applicants to complete and submit a separate application.

It’s also worth noting that the definition of “need” can vary between institutions. Some schools are need-aware for non-American students. This means students’ financial need may affect their admission decision. Others are need-blind and will assess students’ applications without considering their financial circumstances. Knowing the difference can help students apply more strategically.

Now that we understand the primary types of scholarships available, let’s understand the different sources of funding:

  • University-sponsored scholarships: This funding is provided by colleges and universities.
  • External scholarships: This funding can be offered by governments, non-profit organizations, or private foundations. These can be highly competitive and have very specific eligibility criteria (e.g., country of origin, intended major, and/or service commitments).

Tips & Advice for Families

Being awarded scholarships is not impossible. It can, however, be challenging and complex. To strategically navigate the scholarship research and application process:

  • Start early: If you want to apply for scholarships sponsored by non-profit organizations or private foundations, you will want to be clear on the deadlines, eligibility requirements, and/or other variables. 
  • Use credible sources: Rely on official university websites and verified scholarship databases, as universities and private organizations reserve the right to change their requirements and criteria at any time. 
  • Track details: Monitor eligibility, required documents, deadlines, and application steps. If you document what’s done and what needs to be done, you’ll be able to track your progress towards application submission and not miss deadlines. 
  • Don’t assume eligibility: Always verify if a scholarship is open to non-American citizens. You can fulfil all of the requirements, but if the scholarship is only available to American citizens, your application will not be considered at all. 

What should international school students do next?

At Tokyo Academics, our admissions consultants help students navigate the scholarship application process as part of the US university admissions process. This includes guiding students to develop competitive applications that enhance their chances for scholarship consideration and providing support with separate scholarship application essays when required.

Tokyo Academics has over 10 years of experience helping students get the grades, test scores, essays, and other factors needed to gain admission to top schools around the world. Connect with us today to see how we can help you get into the boarding schools and colleges of your dreams!

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