Finding Undergraduate Scholarships to Study Abroad at Universities in the USA

If you want to study abroad after you graduate, there are scholarships for international students that can help fund your study abroad education at universities in the USA. However, while opportunities do exist, it is a competitive process and requires hard work on your part to see what scholarships are available. The University of Missouri offers a few scholarships to undergraduate international students who wish to study abroad, but you are encouraged to look at other external scholarships and aid as well. Below are some tips to help you get started on your scholarship search- the earlier you start looking the better!

Look within your home country for financial aid and scholarships

This should be the first place you look. Many times international students may be sponsored by other third party sources such as governments, foundations, non-profit organizations, employers, universities or businesses. Mizzou’s International Sponsored Student Program works with around 30 sponsoring agencies that serve roughly 250 sponsored students each year. These students represent different academic levels, fields or study, and close to 50 different countries. In addition to checking with your country’s Department or Ministry of Education, the Institute of International Education (IIE) has a list of current sponsors and partners that may be able to provide you with assistance.

Third party scholarships from international organizations

Many organizations around the world provided funding to international students who  want to study at universities in the USA through private scholarships, grants, and fellowships. They are competitive, but the most important thing to remember are the due dates. The International Education Financial Aid website is designed specifically for students who wish to study in another country. Internationalstudent.com is another great resource to use. It’s also a good idea to meet with the nearest Education USA Advising Center so they can help you identify sources of aid.

Be an outstanding student and member of your community

Merit scholarships are based on students’ academic achievements, athletic skills, and/or community service. At Mizzou, for example, the International Merit Scholarship is a renewable award where each international student is considered and awarded if they meet certain academic qualifications. The Curator’s Grant-in-Aid scholarship is another option for international students who are already enrolled at Mizzou and demonstrate good academic standing and financial need.

Check with the university or college’s Alumni Association

Mizzou’s Alumni Association is committed to supporting the diversity of a global campus, which is why they provide scholarship opportunities for returning international students through the Global Tiger Scholarship. In exchange for the scholarship, students help out in the alumni association office during the year in which the award is received. The Global Heritage Scholarship is a renewable 100% out-of-state tuition waiver to eligible undergraduate students who meet academic qualifications and are the child of a Mizzou alum. 

Look for scholarships through the academic department you want to study in

Institutional scholarships available to international students are often limited. However, it is important to check with your program of study’s department. Often, these departments offer their own scholarships for international students. For example, the Trulaske College of Business offers a number of scholarships international students may be eligible for.

⇒Remember

• The BEST place to start looking for scholarships to study at universities in the USA is your home country (government agencies, companies, relatives).
• Scholarships for international students may cover a portion or all of your tuition. However, depending on the scholarship, you will still be responsible for rent/housing, books/technology fees, recreation, health insurance, and other personal expenses. This is why you will need to create a budget to see what your expenditures will be while studying in the US.
• Location matters! Costs for food and housing vary widely across the US. The Midwest, where Mizzou is located, generally has the lowest cost of living.
• Never pay money to a company for their services in finding or “guaranteeing” you a scholarship
• Start your scholarship search EARLY and pay attention to submission deadlines- the more you submit the better chance you have of getting a scholarship(s)

Mizzou’s Office of International Admissions manages missouriglobal.org. To keep up to date with the latest information about studying in the USA, look us up on Facebook and Twitter. And if you have any questions please email us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Feature photo courtesy of MU International Center via Flickr