You must have wondered what it is like to apply for a fully funded academic scholarship in the United States. Or maybe you just desire to obtain a degree in a prestigious U.S. university but cannot afford the entire cost. This post will give a step by step guide on getting a Scholarhip as an international student in the US.
First, applying for a scholarship to foreign institutions has to do with knowledge, preparation and access to the right information.
Thus, this article serves as a help to find the best choice and get your scholarship to any institution in the U.S.
Also read; Which is better UK or the US?
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Benefits of studying in the United States of America
Studying abroad comes with a lot of advantages and perks, especially in the United States, where almost all the institutions are amongst the best in the world.
Whatever your reason is for choosing the United States as a study destination, you can always hope to get the following;
World-class educational system
The standard of education in the United States is fully promising. As such, institutions in the U.S. are recognised as one of the best places you can get top-rated education.
With your needs and focus on creativity in the plan, your selection of an institution in the U.S. opens you to high-quality learning. Also, there is a large opportunity for development with the latest trends and methods applied.
Education as one of the priorities of the United States government is also directed at ensuring career advancement as well.
Diverse courses of study
Most schools in the U.S. offer different courses you can choose from. You are allowed to select a major course of study from a list of the available options.
Also, with a focus on the need for reshaping the educational system, there is an avenue to modify your preferences. As well, you can also be sure that these courses can be practically applied.
Avenue to explore the cultural heritage of the United States
Studying outside your country is a different type of tourism. First, you have the chance to travel and experience a new sight. Plus, the United States which has over 40 states, has historical settings in almost all regions.
Therefore, since you will be in the U.S. throughout the study, you can take a tour. Visiting attractions in the U.S. also adds to your memorable adventures aside from studying.
Furthermore, you get to try new meals, speak American English, dress differently, adapt to weather conditions and so on.
Opportunities to meet people from different races
Meeting new people is a form of building stronger networks for the future. Now you have the chance to meet other people in the United States who are not even from your country- amazing!
Also, you learn about their experiences, and culture, share ideas and establish secure connections for collaborations in years to come.
For instance, as a Nigerian, you can meet people from China, India, Australia, Kenya and many more countries. All these individuals like you have a common goal to attain which is studying in the United States.
Learning from the best intellectuals
Universities in the United States can boast of professors who have had a positive influence on the world in times past. Major innovations, scientific discoveries, literary works and so on evolved from the U.S.
Therefore studying in the United States is a great way to start your journey to academic excellence and accomplishments. You have access to academic mentors who are world recognised and ready to help you discover your potential.
Adaptable schedules
Not like your regular class schedules, most universities in the U.S. offer students flexibility. Thus, there is room for extracurricular activities and side jobs even as a student.
Sure, if you have a permit to work in the United States you can adjust your learning times to fit into your learning agendas. Then, you are sometimes exposed to practical and on-the-field sections of your choice of study.
Access to opportunities directed at foreign students
There are a lot of resources, programs, innovations, developments and side bonuses for international students in the U.S. Asides from your scholarship grants, you also have access to seminars, volunteering schemes, workshops, training and events where you can learn more.
Career prospects
Indeed, you will find that the U.S. is a place to build your career prospects as a student. There are lots of opportunities to explore your academics while you create the resume of your dreams.
Adding that you are a graduate of any prestigious university in the U.S. is a plus for employers to look into. Also, it gives you a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment as well.
This means that upon graduation from any institution in the U.S. with a good grade point average(GPA), you can start a career path immediately.
Also Read: Apply For US student Visa in Nigeria
How to Apply for scholarships to study in the U.S.
You need a great deal of curiosity to apply for U.S. scholarships. Here’s what you should know on how to apply for scholarships to the United States;
Identify the kind of scholarship you need
The first step to applying for a scholarship to the U.S. is to know what type you need. The scholarship exists for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various disciplines. Also, in some cases, private funded scholarships do not offer as many perks as government scholarship grants.
In addition, the number of people applying for government scholarships can be so many that you need to put in extra effort to get one. Therefore, you just have to weigh your options carefully.
Visit websites of institutions offering scholarships in the United States
Although different websites give a list of scholarship opportunities available at the moment, you can check university platforms directly. In addition, make research the history of the scholarships and what you stand to gain by applying.
Read the instructions and apply accordingly
Instructions on what you need to do to obtain U.S. scholarships are made available along with the offers. Therefore, all you need to do is read and follow the prompts.
Apply for different scholarships, do not restrict yourself
There is room to apply for different scholarships with the view that you will eventually get the one you desire. So, it is not wrong to apply for more than one U.S. scholarship except otherwise stated.
Also, application for a U.S. scholarship should be with the knowledge that you will select your preferred choice should you get both offers eventually.
Get all your documents
Documents needed to apply for U.S. scholarships have been listed above. It also applies to specifications stated by the institution and you need to get every paper and letter available.
Meet up with the deadline
Closing dates for scholarships are always made known. Thus you should endeavour to apply for scholarships before the application ends.
When accepted, get ready for online meetings and interviews
Meetings are sometimes scheduled by representing officials of institutions just to review your application further and watch you express your intentions carefully.
Also Read: US Interview Questions and Answers
Documents needed to apply for U.S. scholarships
You need the following documents to apply for a U.S. scholarship;
- English language mastery results such as IELTS
- Previous academic year result, that is your grade point average
- Results of entry examinations like SAT, TOEFL, ACT, GRE and so on
- A volunteer certificate
- A proposal letter to approve your application
- Recent passport photographs
- Documented essays stating your intentions
Top Universities in the United States Offering Scholarships
There are over 1700 institutions in the U.S. most of which are top on the list of world universities ratings. In strong pursuit of educational delivery both on-site and off-site, these institutions also have alliances.
A few of the outstanding institutions in the United States are;
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Michigan State University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Cornell University
- John Hopkins University
- University of Southern California
- University of Washington
- the University of Texas at Austin
- Princeton University
- University of Chicago
- University of Wisconsin
- Colombia University
- Pennsylvania State University
Popular scholarship opportunities in the U.S.
Scholarship Programs have been in existence for international students who aspire to study in the U.S. Besides, the opportunities vary as follows;
- Scholarship opportunities from the government
- University or College sponsored scholarships
- Skilled set scholarships
- Scholarship from distinguished individuals and privately owned firms
- Scholarship for certain countries and regions
- Scholarship for underprivileged International students
An overview of some U.S. scholarships: what it entails
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
This is one of the popular annual institution( American University) scholarships in the U.S. that provides educational support to foreign undergraduate students for four years. Note that the scholarship stands at a proposed bonus and does not cover flight expenses but is strictly academics.
To qualify for this scholarship, you must meet the specified requirements as provided. Also, commitment to peace and progress of your country is crucial and is evidenced by your involvement in volunteering roles.
In addition, the scholarship is open every year between December and January as you will be expected to resume in August.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program in the USA
This is also a major annual scholarship provided by the U.S. government for international students to earn a Master’s or PhD. It is usually accessible yearly to 4,000 students who are citizens of any of the listed 155 countries in the world.
Also, one great news is that the scholarship is full and covers all your travel and academic needs. Plus, the application usually starts from February to October yearly.
Other common scholarships for international students;
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowships in the USA for International Students
- Global Undergraduate Exchange Program
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
- Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
-American Association of University Women International Fellowships
-Clark Global Scholars Program
There are lots of opportunities for scholarships available to international students to study abroad. Beyond this, you can browse the list on the website of most universities in the United States.
Best time to apply for a scholarship to the United States
The best times to apply for the U.S. scholarship are:
- Before the semester begins in the United States
Application for a scholarship to the U.S. can be done at any time between March and August or September. At this time, it is usually the start of another semester or the conclusion of a previous one.
- When all your documents are ready
Also, given that you are ready, you can apply for the U.S. scholarship anytime and have all documents available.
- Before the application closing date
Application for a U.S. scholarship before the closing date is very important. This qualifies your entry submission for review.
- When you are sure of the course duration
First-degree courses in the U.S. run for four to five years while an MSc is about a year or two. Therefore, certain institutions specify available courses and requirements to qualify for scholarships.
Who is eligible for U.S. scholarships
Eligibility for U.S. scholarships is attached to the following reasons;
- Merit
- Opportunities available for international students
- Plea for financial assistance
- Decision of the government or individuals to provide academic support to students.
Of all the reasons listed above, we can find out that eligibility is not tied to just a particular option. For example, you can be well deserving of a scholarship if have passed the required entrance examinations.
Also, an applicant who recently concluded a high school education is eligible. Therefore, looking forward to universities in the United States must be done on time. This should start from the time you are making plans to progress from one institution to another.
Applying through the instructions provided before the application will help you determine if you are qualified for certain scholarships.
Conclusion
To end, readiness is an important attitude to display towards applying for a scholarship to the United States. This means that you always have your ears and eyes ready to get information and run with it swiftly.
Furthermore, do not lose hope but apply right. Scholarships you might have to apply for more than one scholarship before you eventually get the right one.
Then, always ensure that you get your documents handy before you apply. Basic U.S. entry requirements such as an IELTS, SAT, GRE, TOEFL and so on too are important.
Lastly, travel agencies are ready to help you with U.S. scholarship applications. Thus, you can contact us for further details.
Wish you the best on your application.
If you Need Help With Processing Study Visa in Nigeria
Need a Trusted and Experienced Travel Consultant
Need A Trusted Travel Agency to help With US or UK Visa in Nigeria? Kindly contact Travelwaka
Website: www.travelwaka.com/contact_us
Instagram: www.instagram.com/travelwaka_tours
Facebook: facebook.com/travelwakatours
Twitter: www.twitter.com/travelwakatours
