How to Get Scholarship from USA?

How to Get Scholarship from USA?

here are many resources available to students to search for scholarships, and there are also many services that charge students for either access to their scholarship database or to conduct a scholarship search on a student’s behalf. If you have the time and available resources, most of the scholarship searches can be found online for free. USA is one that offers a free scholarship search, and with a little research you can find many more out there. Take your time, do your homework and you will be able to find all the information you need.

For international students hoping to study in the US, scholarships can be an invaluable help toward financing your goals. Whether you are an incoming first year, a student going on to graduate school, or simply returning to college for a new year, there is financial assistance out there for you.

Ask Your School

No matter where you live or attend school, your first step when searching for scholarships should be your school’s financial aid office. Most colleges offer scholarship programs specifically for international students attending the institution. Check out your school’s financial aid website, or call or email the office if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Am I eligible for a scholarship?

Eligibility for a scholarship depends entirely on the scholarship; there is no general rule of thumb on whether you are eligible for a financial award. Some scholarships require students to have a certain TOEFL score; some ask that you are from a certain country; some ask for you to have a certain grade point average. You will need to do your own research to see if you are eligible for a scholarship. It can be confusing, but remember that college admissions officers and financial aid experts are there to help you find as much money as you qualify for.

How do I apply?

As with eligibility, there is no set rule on how to apply for scholarships. While some just require you to complete an application form, others may require a specially written piece of work, or for you to be pursuing studies in a certain field. If you find a scholarship for which you think that you may be eligible, contact the award administrator of that award. All the scholarships found in the InternationalStudent.com Scholarship search contain contact details of the award administration...

Scholarships are gifts. They don't need to be repaid. There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations.

Types of Scholarships
There are many types of scholarships. Some scholarships for college are merit-based. You earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by the scholarship-giver. Merit scholarships might be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, or interest. Other scholarships are based on financial need.

There are also scholarships geared toward particular groups of people; for instance, there are scholarships for women or graduate students. And some are available because of where you or your parent work, or because you come from a certain background (for instance, there are scholarships for military families).

A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, it’s worth applying for, because it’ll help reduce the cost of your education.

How to Find Scholarships
You can learn about scholarships in several ways, including contacting the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend and checking information in a public library or online. But be careful. Make sure scholarship information and offers you receive are legitimate; and remember that you don't have to pay to find scholarships or other financial aid. Check out our information on how to avoid scams.

When to Apply

That depends on each scholarship’s deadline. Some deadlines are as early as a year before college starts, so if you’re in high school now, you should be researching and applying for scholarships during the summer between your junior and senior years. But if you’ve missed that window, don’t give up! Look at scholarship information to see which ones you can still apply for now.

How to Apply

Each scholarship has its own application requirements. The scholarship’s website should give you an idea of who qualifies for the scholarship and how to apply. Make sure you read the application carefully, fill it out completely, and meet the application deadline.

How Scholarship Funds Are Disbursed

Scholarship funds can be disbursed in a variety of ways—the method depends on the scholarship. The money might go directly to your college, where it will be applied to any tuition, fees, or other amounts you owe, and then any leftover funds given to you. Or it might be sent directly to you in a check. The scholarship provider should tell you what to expect when it informs you that you’ve been awarded the scholarship. If not, make sure to ask.

How Scholarships Affect Other Student Aid

A scholarship will affect your other student aid because all your student aid added together can’t be more than your cost of attendance at your college or career school. So, you’ll need to let your school know if you’ve been awarded a scholarship so that the financial aid office can subtract that amount from your cost of attendance (and from certain other aid, such as loans, that you might have been offered). Then, any amount left can be covered by other financial aid for which you’re eligible. Questions? Ask your financial aid office.

Full scholarships (also called full-ride scholarships) are the holy grail of funding opportunities, covering almost everything for the full three or four years of university. Your tuition and living costs will be covered by the provider, leaving you free to focus on your studies and social life without worrying about money. Sounds great, right?

Sadly, there just aren’t too many of these dream scholarships going around. Full scholarships are rare, and those that are available are very competitive. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply for them – read on to discover how to increase your chances of being awarded one of these prestigious scholarships.

Know where to look - university websites
First things first, where do you actually go to find full scholarships? Your first port of call should be your chosen university’s official website, as they may offer their own funding opportunities for students from your location or in your subject, or possibly list external scholarships you could apply to.

As well as your university, you could check sites like InternationalScholarships.com or FastWeb.com, plus our own Scholarships to Study Abroad page, which lists funding opportunities in different study destinations, scholarships focused on

particular subjects and scholarships aimed at particular student groups (e.g. African students).If you know you’ll need a full scholarship to help you to attend university, it’s important to start preparing as far in advance as possible. This is especially important if you find you need to attend an interview - some universities conduct special ‘scholarship weekends’ in which 50-100 students will be invited on campus to interview with a faculty member, answering questions on their goals and motivations and how this fits in with that university and course.

If you need to attend a scholarship interview, you should treat this as you would any other formal interview, dressing smartly and coming well-prepared with good answers for their possible questions, as well as having a few questions ready to ask them when invited to at the end of the interview. Find out how to answer common admission interview questions here.

Although some full scholarships will be based on financial need rather than academic excellence, some will take both into account, or only be awarded to exceptional students. It goes without saying that you should be working hard in your studies, but you’ll need to really put in the effort if you want to get that full scholarship, as the majority are awarded to the highest-achieving students.

In some cases, universities may automatically consider applicants for full scholarships using your regular university application, making high grades crucial. While pushing yourself academically can be mentally exhausting, try to stay motivated by keeping your goals in mind, and give yourself a break every now and then to relax (especially during and after exam season!).

With so much competition to get a full scholarship, it’s crucial to stand out from the pool of applicants by demonstrating real commitment to bettering yourself as an individual. This means having a few extracurricular activities to show off to scholarship providers, demonstrating your passions and interests outside the classroom, as well as examples of times you’ve got involved with the local community, perhaps by taking part in volunteer work for a good cause.

Leadership skills are also hugely valued by scholarship providers, and you can demonstrate this by volunteering to lead projects in your extracurricular activities or community work.

Another thing that could really make you stand out from the rest when it comes to scholarship applications is a glowing report on your academic and personal qualities through your letters of recommendation, so it’s important to build strong relationships with your academic mentors – if a mentor knows you well, they’ll be able to provide a more personal and accurate reflection of you in their letter.

This may seem extremely obvious, but you don’t want to drop your chances by accidentally missing out a document or piece of information that was stipulated in the scholarship’s application instructions. Be sure to read the application guidance carefully and repeatedly, so you’re less likely to miss anything, and email the provider if you need clarification on anything.

Submit an exceptional scholarship essay or cover letter
Another one that goes without saying, but your application essay/cover letter needs to absolutely be the best quality it can possibly be. This means making sure it’s clear and concise, is formatted correctly, grabs the reader with a strong introduction, stays focused on its key theme or topic, and has flawless spelling and grammar. Don’t just rely on proofreading it hundreds of times to make sure it’s perfect – ask a friend to go over it and check for typos and any sentences that don’t read as well as they could do.

One of the winners of our QS scholarships wrote a very helpful article on submitting a winning scholarship essay, which you can read here.

Be realistic
And finally, as we touched on earlier, the unfortunate truth is that there aren’t many full scholarships to go around, and they’re extremely competitive, meaning that many candidates who meet and exceed the requirements for a full scholarship end up missing out.

Don’t let this hold you back from applying, but be realistic about your expectations. And remember, there’s no limit on how many scholarship applications you can send out, and normally no limit to how many scholarships you can be awarded, so you may be able to build your own full scholarship using two or more smaller scholarships. (Of course, be sure to check with the providers that you’re able to apply for and receive funding from other sources).

If you do get rejections, try not to let them get you down – pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and don’t stop trying in life until you get what you want.Studying in the United States can be an incredibly rewarding experience, providing access to top-tier academic institutions and exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives.However, the cost of tuition and living expenses in the US can be a barrier for many students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Fortunately, scholarships can help mitigate these costs and provide financial support to students pursuing their academic goals.

In this guide, we will explore how to get a scholarship to study in USA and tips and resources to get a scholarship.

Types of scholarships to study in the USA

Before you start applying, it helps to understand the main types of scholarships available for international students in the USA. Knowing which category you fit into will save you time and help you target the right funding options.

Merit-based scholarships: Awarded for strong academic performance, test scores, leadership, or achievements in areas like sports, arts, or community service.
Need-based scholarships: Based on your financial situation. You’ll usually need to show proof of family income and demonstrate that you cannot afford the full cost of study.
Country-specific scholarships: Some US universities and organisations offer scholarships specifically for students from certain countries or regions.
Program-specific scholarships: These are linked to a particular course or department, such as engineering, business, computer science, or public health.
University-funded scholarships: Many US universities offer automatic or competitive scholarships for international students based on your application.
External / private scholarships: Offered by foundations, NGOs, corporations, or government bodies outside the university.

Most students use a combination of these options for example, a partial university scholarship plus support from external organisations or an education loan to cover their total cost of study.

Eligibility criteria for scholarships in the USA

Each scholarship has its own rules, but most providers look for a similar set of eligibility factors. Use the checklist below to quickly see where you stand.

Academic performance: A strong GPA in school or university, along with consistent grades over the last 2–3 years.
Standardised test scores: Depending on the level of study and university, this may include exams like SAT/ACT (for undergraduate), GRE/GMAT (for postgraduate), or other subject-specific tests.
English language proficiency: Valid IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or equivalent scores, meeting or exceeding the minimum requirement for the scholarship or university.
Financial need (for need based scholarships): Proof of family income, bank statements, or financial affidavits to show you genuinely require funding support.
Course and university admission: Many scholarships require you to have an offer (conditional or unconditional) from a US institution before they issue the award.
Extracurricular profile: Participation in sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, or community projects that show initiative and leadership.
Citizenship / residency criteria: Some scholarships are only open to students from certain countries or studying specific subjects.

How to get a scholarship to study in USA

Studying in the United States can be a life-changing experience, but it can also be expensive. However, there are various scholarships available for international students to study in the US. Here are some steps to help you secure a scholarship to study in the US:

1. Start early
Start searching for scholarships as early as possible. It is recommended that you should start searching for scholarships at least one year before you plan to commence your studies in America. By starting early, you will have enough time to research about various scholarships, understand their requirements and prepare your application. Keep track of each scholarship's deadline and plan accordingly.

2. Research scholarships
There are numerous numbers of scholarships available for international students who wish to pursue their higher studies in USA. Various scholarship programs are offered by US government such as Fulbright Scholarship Program, Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program etc.. You can also look out for university based or organization based scholarships. Researching multiple options increases your chances of finding a suitable scholarship.

3. Check eligibility criteria
Before applying for any scholarship ensure that you meet all its eligibility criteria specified by the provider. Every scholarship has its own set of requirements like academic excellence, English language proficiency level required, financial need etc.. Read through them carefully and make sure that you fulfill all those conditions before proceeding with application process.

4. Prepare for standardised tests
Most of the scholarship programs require applicants to take certain standardized test like TOEFL , GRE or SAT etc.. Check whether these tests are mandatory or not according to particular program's policies and start preparing accordingly by registering well before time so that there should be enough gap between registration date and actual test day.

Most scholarship programs have early application deadlines. Apply as early as possible to avoid missing out on opportunities. Submitting your application early will give you enough time to follow up on your application and provide any additional information if required.

After applying for scholarships, follow up with the scholarship provider to ensure that your application has been received and is being reviewed. You can also ask if there are any additional steps you need to take or if there is any other information they require. Following up shows your interest in the scholarship and demonstrates that you are serious about studying in the USA.

Tips to get a scholarship to study in the USA

Scholarships can be a great way to finance your education in the United States. Here are some tips to help you increase your chances of getting a scholarship:

1. Maintain a high academic performance

Most scholarship programs require applicants to have an excellent academic record. Maintaining high grades and strong academic performance throughout your academic career is crucial to qualify for scholarships. So, focus on your studies and try to get good grades.

2. Improve your English proficiency

English proficiency is crucial when applying for scholarships in the USA. Most scholarship providers require applicants to have a certain level of proficiency in English. Improve your English proficiency by taking courses, practising speaking and writing in English, and taking standardised tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS.

3. Research scholarships

Research multiple scholarships available for international students in the USA. The US government offers several scholarship programs, including the Fulbright Scholarship, the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, and the Rotary Peace Fellowship. Check the eligibility criteria and requirements of each scholarship and apply for the ones that best suit your profile.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for scholarships in the USA

Even strong candidates sometimes miss out on scholarships because of avoidable mistakes. Make sure you don’t fall into these common traps:

Applying without meeting the criteria: Submitting applications when you clearly don’t meet the GPA, test score, or eligibility requirements wastes time and lowers your confidence.
Using the same essay for every scholarship: Scholarship providers can easily spot generic essays. Always tailor your answers to match the goals and values of each scholarship.
Ignoring smaller or lesser-known scholarships: Big, famous scholarships are extremely competitive. Smaller or local scholarships often have fewer applicants and higher chances of success.
Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documents: Missing transcripts, unsigned recommendation letters, or conflicting information about grades or finances can lead to instant rejection.
Waiting until the last minute: Rushing close to the deadline increases the chance of errors, technical issues, or missed requirements.
Not following up: If the scholarship provider allows it, a polite follow-up email can confirm that your application is complete and show your genuine interest.

How competitive are scholarships in the USA, and which ones are easiest to get?

US scholarships are competitive because thousands of international students apply each year. However, the level of competitiveness depends on the type of scholarship and the university offering it.

Most competitive scholarships

Fully funded government scholarships (e.g., Fulbright, Humphrey Fellowship)
Elite university scholarships (e.g., Ivy League institutions)
Large international awards open to all countries

Easiest scholarships to get (higher acceptance chances)

University-level merit scholarships that automatically consider your application
Departmental scholarships in less competitive subjects
Smaller private or local foundation scholarships with fewer applicants
Country-specific scholarships targeting students from specific regions
Program-specific scholarships for fields experiencing talent shortages (e.g., STEM, public health, data science)

Many students focus only on major global scholarships, but your chance of success is much higher with university, departmental, and small foundation scholarships.

How to get a scholarship in USA to study abroad?

The best way to find scholarships is to research multiple scholarship opportunities available for international students in the USA. Check with the universities or colleges you plan to attend, government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private foundations. Also, consider scholarships that are specific to your field of study, as they may have fewer applicants and more funding available.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?

Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships at once, but ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and requirements for each scholarship. It is important to tailor your application documents to the scholarship you are applying for and not submit the same materials to different scholarships.

How do I improve my chances of getting a scholarship?

You can improve your chances of getting a scholarship by maintaining high academic performance, improving your English proficiency, networking with professors and scholars, researching scholarship opportunities, and preparing strong application documents. Applying early and following up on your application is also crucial to increase your chances of success.

Can I get a scholarship to study in the USA for undergraduate studies?

Yes, there are scholarships available for undergraduate studies in the USA. You can research scholarship opportunities through the universities or colleges you plan to attend, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations.

Can I get a fully funded scholarship in the USA?

Fully funded scholarships for international students are highly competitive but not impossible. Programmes like government-funded awards, some university scholarships, and research assistantships can cover a large portion of tuition and sometimes living costs. However, you should still plan for personal expenses, travel, and insurance.

What GPA is required for scholarships in the USA?

The required GPA varies by scholarship and university, but many competitive scholarships prefer the equivalent of a 3.0–3.5 GPA (or higher) on a 4.0 scale. Some merit-based awards may expect top grades. Always check how your local grading system converts to the US scale.

Do I need SAT, ACT or GRE scores to get a scholarship?

Not all scholarships require standardised tests, but many undergraduate scholarships still consider SAT or ACT scores, and postgraduate scholarships may look at GRE or GMAT. If tests are optional, strong scores can still strengthen your overall profile.

Can I keep my scholarship for all years of study?

Many scholarships are renewable each year as long as you maintain a minimum GPA, complete a required number of credits, and meet any other conditions such as conduct or participation requirements. Check the renewal rules carefully before accepting an offer.

Can I combine scholarships with education loans?

Yes, many students combine partial scholarships with education loans or family savings. Scholarships help reduce your tuition burden, while loans can cover remaining tuition fees and part of your living expenses, depending on eligibility and lender policies.

How long do scholarship decisions take in the USA?

How to get a scholarship in USA to study abroad?

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?

How do I improve my chances of getting a scholarship?

Can I get a scholarship to study in the USA for undergraduate studies?

Can I get a fully funded scholarship in the USA?

What GPA is required for scholarships in the USA?

Do I need SAT, ACT or GRE scores to get a scholarship?

Can I keep my scholarship for all years of study?

Can I combine scholarships with education loans?

How long do scholarship decisions take in the USA?

Scholarship decisions typically take 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the university or organisation. Competitive programmes like Fulbright may take several months and include interviews, document checks, and multiple review rounds. University merit scholarships are usually released around the same time as admission decisions.Numerous university-based scholarships are open to international undergraduate applicants. The Wien International Scholarship Program, for example, was established in 1958 at Brandeis University in Massachusetts and has brought more than 890 scholars from 115 countries to the school, says Julie Jette, a Brandeis spokeswoman. She says Wien Scholars "are committed leaders with a proven record of academic excellence and desire to effect positive change in their communities."Evelyn Levinson, director of international admissions at American University in Washington, D.C., says the school has two endowed partial scholarships – one for an international student from Turkey and one for an international student from anywhere in Cyprus – that are available every few years rather than annually.The school also offers partial merit scholarships based on academic excellence and rigor to first-year applicants, including international students, that range from $8,000 to $20,000 a year, she says.

The Presidential Scholarship offered by Clark University in Massachusetts is offered to domestic and international students and covers full tuition and on-campus room and board for all four years, regardless of financial need."Not all scholarships are listed on Common Application as many require a separate application, so do your research," says Presidential Scholarship recipient Maha Akbar, a Pakistani national who graduated in May 2020 from Clark with a B.A. in political science and minors in economics and business management.Lynn A. Mosesso, retired former director of graduate and international recruitment and admissions at the University of Arkansas, says the school offers several scholarships to undergraduate international students. These include the New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award Scholarship, which provides an annual award of $9,500 to $17,000 per year based on 30 hours of enrollment.The school also offers several college and departmental scholarships, as well as scholarships to currently enrolled students who have excelled in their academic program or demonstrate financial need, Mosesso says.

Scholarships in the USA for Sri Lankan Students

Every student dreams of studying in renowned institutions, and the USA houses many of them. With its diverse range of opportunities, "Scholarships in the USA" offer a bridge for international students to achieve their academic aspirations. Especially for Sri Lankan students, this journey can become affordable and accessible.Types of scholarships in the USAScholarships significantly reduce the financial burden and the hassles of managing living expenses abroad. Scholarships in the USA, in the form of financial aid awarded to students based on their academic achievements, talents, skills, or specific characteristics. Here are some of the popular scholarship types in the USA.

Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and outstanding achievements

Need-Based Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are offered to students demonstrating significant financial need.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are designed to support students studying specific subjects or disciplines.
University Scholarships: Universities in the USA sponsor their own scholarships to attract and retain talented students

Government-Funded Scholarships: The United States government provides various scholarship opportunities for both domestic and international students.

Research Scholarships: Research scholarships are targeted towards students pursuing research-based degrees, such as Ph.D. or MPhil programs.

Private Organization Scholarships: Numerous private organisations, foundations, and companies provide scholarships for international students based on various criteria, including academic performance, leadership skills, community involvement, and more.

Which Are the Popular Scholarships to Study in the USA for Sri Lankan Students?

For Sri Lankan students eager to explore "USA Scholarships", a plethora of opportunities awaits. Some renowned scholarships include:

1. Fulbright Scholarship

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious and well-known scholarship programs in the United States, with the goal of promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the United States and other countries. Fulbright scholarships offer awards and funding to students, scholars, teachers, and professionals to study, teach and explore research opportunities in the USA.

2. Humphrey Fellowship Program:

The Humphrey Fellowship Program is targeted towards international professionals with the potential to become global leaders enabling socioeconomic development across multiple facets, including human rights and freedom, sustainable environmental practices and collective good.

The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and aims to provide a non-degree, ten-month academic and professional experience in the United States.

3. AAUW International Fellowship

The fellowship is designed for international women professionals pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the USA with the intention to return to their home countries post completing the course.

Scholarship amount: $20,000–$50,000

4. ACI Foundation Scholarship

The scholarship is awarded to students worldwide enrolled in full-time undergraduate or graduate courses in structural design, materials, and construction in any host university in the USA/Canada.
The fellowship is for a period of 10 to 12 weeks to be taken as an internship during the summer of 2024

5. Rotary Peace Fellowship

The fellowship is offered to early-career candidates with a commitment towards peace and conflict resolution who have the ability to undertake extensive reading and research and can participate actively within a diverse group of students.

6. American University Emerging Global Leader Award

The American University EGL award is offered to high-achieving international students enrolling in full-time undergraduate courses in the US with the intention to return to their home country to apply their learnings to bring about peace and positive social change. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and accommodation expenses.

Posted on 2025/12/01 09:09 AM