Eligibility for Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are designed for students who demonstrate financial need rather than academic excellence alone. These scholarships help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other education-related costs.
General Eligibility Criteria
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Proof of Financial Need : Family income must fall within the university-defined threshold.
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Academic Performance : While merit is not the primary factor, universities may require a minimum GPA.
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FAFSA or CSS Profile : Required for financial aid assessment.
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Personal Statement : A compelling essay explaining financial difficulties and educational goals.
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Supporting Documents : Income tax returns, bank statements, or official proof of low income.
How to Apply for Need-Based Scholarships?
Applying for need-based scholarships requires careful planning. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Research Available Scholarships
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Explore university financial aid programs, government grants, and private scholarships.
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Some universities automatically consider students for need-based aid upon admission.
Step 2: Gather Financial Documents
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Prepare evidence of income, tax returns, and other financial statements.
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Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CSS Profile, if required.
Step 3: Write a Strong Personal Statement
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A good personal statement speaks volumes and makes you closer to your scholarship confirmation.
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Highlight your goals and how this scholarship will help you achieve them.
Step 4: Submit Your Application Before the Deadline
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Many need-based scholarships have early deadlines, so apply on time.
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All the documents submitted must be complete and accurate. This will avoid disqualification of the application.
Top Need-Based Scholarships for International Students
Here are some of the best scholarships available for financially underprivileged students:
1. The Gates Scholarship (TGS)
Note: This scholarship is not available to international students unless they hold U.S. citizenship.
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly competitive, fully funded scholarship established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It is designed to support outstanding low-income minority students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership skills, and financial need.
Each year, 300 students are awarded this prestigious scholarship, covering the full cost of attendance for their chosen college or university in the United States.
Scholarship Benefits
The Gates Scholarship provides full financial support, including:
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Tuition and fees
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Room and board
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Books and study materials
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Transportation costs
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Personal expenses
This ensures that recipients can focus entirely on their studies without financial burdens.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for The Gates Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Be a high school senior at the time of application.
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Belong to one of the following minority groups:
- African American
- American Indian/Alaska Native (must be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe)
- Asian & Pacific Islander American
- Hispanic American
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Be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant (demonstrating financial need).
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Have a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
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Exhibit leadership qualities through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or school organizations.
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Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.
Eligible Courses & Fields of Study
TGS does not restrict applicants to specific fields. Recipients can pursue any undergraduate major at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university.
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded scholarship that provides access to quality education for talented students from sub-Saharan Africa with strong academic potential but limited financial resources.
The program focuses on developing future leaders who will contribute to social and economic progress in their home countries. Scholars receive not only full financial support but also mentorship, leadership training, and career development opportunities.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program covers:
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Full tuition fees
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Accommodation and living expenses
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Books and academic materials
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Travel costs (flights to and from the university)
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Health insurance
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Career development, internships, and mentorship programs
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must:
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Be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country.
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Demonstrate financial need.
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Have an excellent academic record (top-performing students are prioritized).
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Show leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in their home country.
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Have been admitted or be seeking admission to a partner university in the U.S., Canada, or Africa.
Eligible Courses & Fields of Study
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program does not limit students to specific courses. However, priority is often given to fields that contribute to socioeconomic development such as:
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Economics
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Education
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Agriculture
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Social enterprise
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Environmental protection
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Human capital formation
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Demography
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Geography
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Sustainable development
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Tourism
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Anthropology
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Cooperatives
Partner Universities
The program collaborates with prestigious universities worldwide. Some U.S. institutions include:
3. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is a graduate fellowship program that provides financial support to immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States. The fellowship is awarded to 30 exceptional students each year who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to society.
Scholarship Benefits
The fellowship provides up to $90,000 in funding, which includes:
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Up to $25,000 per year in stipend support for living expenses
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Up to $20,000 per year in tuition assistance for two years
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Networking opportunities with a diverse community of past and current fellows
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, applicants must:
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Be immigrants or children of immigrants in the U.S.
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Be 30 years old or younger at the time of the application deadline.
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Be in their first or second year of a graduate program at an accredited U.S. institution.
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Demonstrate outstanding academic performance and leadership skills.
Eligible applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
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Be a naturalized U.S. citizen.
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Be a green card holder (lawful permanent resident).
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Be a child of two immigrant parents (at least one must be naturalized).
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Be an individual granted refugee or asylum status in the U.S.
Eligible Courses & Fields of Study
The fellowship supports graduate study in any field at any accredited U.S. university.
4. United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships
The United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships provide financial aid to talented students from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to attend UWC schools and colleges worldwide. These scholarships support students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to global peace and sustainability.
UWC aims to create a multicultural learning environment where students engage in rigorous academics, community service, and leadership development. Many UWC graduates continue their education at top universities, often with additional scholarships such as the Davis UWC Scholars Program in the U.S.
Scholarship Benefits
The UWC Scholarships may cover:
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Full or partial tuition fees
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Accommodation and meals
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Travel expenses (in some cases)
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Books and learning materials
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Health insurance
The exact coverage depends on the student’s financial need and the funding available at the respective UWC college.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a UWC Scholarship, applicants must:
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Be between 16 and 19 years old.
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Have outstanding academic records.
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Demonstrate leadership potential, community engagement, and a commitment to UWC values.
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Be willing to participate in cross-cultural experiences and global initiatives.
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Show financial need (for need-based scholarships).
Eligible Programs & Fields of Study
UWC offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, which prepares students for higher education in fields such as
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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
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Social Sciences and Humanities
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Business and Economics
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Arts and Performing Arts
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Sustainability and Environmental Studies
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International Relations and Public Policy
5. Open Society Foundations (OSF) Scholarships
The Open Society Foundations (OSF) Scholarships, founded by George Soros, provide financial assistance to outstanding students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to social justice. These scholarships support individuals pursuing higher education, human rights, and public service careers, empowering them to drive change in their communities and beyond.
Scholarship Benefits
The OSF Scholarships offer:
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Full or partial tuition coverage
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Living stipends
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Health insurance
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Travel allowances
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Funding for research and academic projects
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Mentorship, networking, and leadership development programs
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Open Society Foundations Scholarships, applicants must:
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Be from a marginalized or disadvantaged background.
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Demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to human rights, democracy, and social change.
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Show significant financial need.
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Plan to pursue studies in law, public policy, social sciences, journalism, or related fields.
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Be applying to or enrolled in an eligible university or program.
Eligible Programs & Fields of Study
OSF scholarships typically support studies in:
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Law and Human Rights
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Public Policy and Governance
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Social Sciences and International Relations
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Journalism and Media Studies
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Education and Social Work
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Development Studies and Economics
Here is a quick overview of the various need-based scholarships.
| Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| The Gates Scholarship (TGS) | Fully funded (tuition, living, books) | Low-income, high-achieving students |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Full tuition, living expenses, travel | Students from sub-Saharan Africa with financial need |
| Soros Fellowships for New Americans | Up to $90,000 for tuition & living | Immigrants or children of immigrants in the U.S. |
| United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships | Partial to full tuition | Academically strong students with financial need |
| Open Society Foundations Grants | Full tuition, living, travel costs | Students from developing countries committed to social change |
This chart showcases the average need-based financial aid awarded to international students by top U.S. universities. These institutions are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education.
Benefits of Need-Based Scholarships
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Financial Support : Covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
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Equal Educational Opportunities : Allows talented students to study without financial burden.
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No Repayment Required : Unlike student loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid.
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Access to Top Universities : Need-based aid helps students get into elite institutions.
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Focus on Studies : Reduces financial stress, allowing students to perform better academically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students miss out on scholarships due to simple mistakes. Avoid these errors!
Mistakes That Reduce Your Chances
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Not Providing Complete Financial Documents : Ensure all required proofs are submitted.
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Ignoring University-Specific Requirements : Each university has different criteria.
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Submitting Late Applications : Some scholarships close months before admission deadlines!
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Weak Personal Statement : Clearly explain why you need aid and your future goals.
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Not Exploring Multiple Scholarships : Applying to more scholarships increases your chances.
Conclusion
Need-based scholarships can remove financial barriers and help you study in the US without worrying about tuition fees.
So, start your application today and secure your future.
Need to explore other scholarships too? Click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Need-Based Scholarships
Are need-based scholarships available for international students?
Yes, some need-based scholarships are available for international students, though eligibility criteria can vary by university and scholarship provider.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Many U.S. universities offer need-based financial aid to international students, often in the form of grants or partial tuition assistance. Refer here.s
- Private Scholarships: Some private organizations and foundations offer need-based scholarships for international students based on financial need and academic merit.Refer here.
- Country-Specific Aid: Some countries have bilateral agreements or government-sponsored scholarships that support international students from specific regions.
What is the maximum financial aid available for international students through need-based scholarships?
The amount of financial aid available through need-based scholarships varies by university and scholarship provider, with some covering full tuition and living expenses.
- Full-Tuition Scholarships: Some universities and programs offer full-tuition need-based scholarships, which also cover other expenses like room, board, and books.
- Partial Scholarships: Many need-based scholarships provide partial funding, which may only cover part of the tuition or living costs.
- Additional Funding: Some need-based scholarships can be combined with other forms of financial aid, such as work-study programs or private loans, to cover all costs.
How do universities determine the financial need for international students applying for need-based scholarships?
Universities assess the financial need of international students applying for need-based scholarships based on a variety of factors, including
- Income and Family Assets: Universities may require students to submit financial documents like tax returns or bank statements to determine the family’s financial situation.
- Cost of Attendance: The total cost of attending the university, including tuition, fees, room, board, and other living expenses, is taken into account.
- Financial Aid Forms: International students may be required to complete forms such as the CSS Profile or university-specific financial aid applications to demonstrate need.
- Country of Origin: Some universities consider the economic situation of the students home country when determining the level of financial need.
Can I receive both need-based and merit-based scholarships at the same time?
Yes, in many cases, you can receive both need-based and merit-based scholarships simultaneously, which can provide more financial support for your education.
- University-Specific Policies: Some universities allow students to apply for both types of scholarships and combine them, while others may limit the amount of financial aid you can receive.
- Scholarship Stacking: “Stacking” is when students combine multiple scholarships to cover their total cost of attendance. However, make sure to check university policies before applying.
- Maximizing Aid: If you qualify for both, make sure to use the opportunity to reduce your out-of-pocket costs as much as possible.
Can international students apply for U.S. need-based scholarships without a U.S. visa?
International students must typically hold a valid U.S. visa to be eligible for U.S. need-based scholarships. However, there are some exceptions:
- Visa Requirements: Most scholarships require students to be in the U.S. on a student visa (such as an F-1 visa).
- Special Cases: Some scholarships may allow applications from international students who are in the U.S. under different visa types or those who plan to study remotely.
- Non-U.S. Based Scholarships: There are also scholarships offered by international organizations that do not require a U.S. visa for eligibility.