What Are Private-Funded Scholarships?
Private-funded scholarships provide financial assistance to international students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in the U.S.
These scholarships are offered by private organizations, foundations, and corporations to support students in various fields like STEM, business, arts, and humanities.
These scholarships may cover:
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Full or partial tuition
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Living expenses
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Travel and study-related costs
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Research and academic resources
Eligibility for Private-Funded Scholarships
Each scholarship has its own requirements, but common eligibility criteria include
For Undergraduate Students:
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Strong academic record : Minimum GPA requirements vary.
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Extracurricular activities : Leadership, volunteering, or community involvement.
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Personal statement : An essay explaining academic goals and aspirations.
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Financial need or merit-based criteria : Some scholarships focus on academic excellence, while others consider financial need.
For Graduate and PhD Students:
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Research proposal or statement of purpose : Clear study plan or project idea.
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Strong academic background : Proven excellence in previous studies.
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Letters of recommendation : From professors or industry professionals.
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Field of study alignment : Some scholarships are specific to STEM, business, or social sciences.
How to Apply for Private-Funded Scholarships
Step 1: Find Suitable Scholarships
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Research corporate-sponsored and foundation-funded scholarships.
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Check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
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Personal Statement : Clearly outline academic and career goals.
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Academic and Professional CV : Highlight key achievements.
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Recommendation Letters : From professors or professionals.
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Proof of Enrollment or Admission : Required for most scholarships.
Step 3: Apply Before Deadlines
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Some scholarships have annual deadlines, while others have rolling applications.
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Apply at least 3-6 months before your intended study period.
Top Private-Funded Scholarships for International Students
1. MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
The MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship is designed to empower international and DACA students by offering financial support to help them pursue their academic dreams in the U.S. or Canada. This scholarship provides an opportunity for students to overcome financial barriers and achieve academic success.
Coverage
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Up to $10,000
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This amount can be used to cover tuition and other related academic expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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International students and DACA recipients who are enrolled at a U.S. or Canadian university
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Students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in any field
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Must demonstrate strong academic achievement and leadership potential
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Applicants must show financial need and commitment to improving the world through their work and studies.
Eligible Courses/Programs
This scholarship is available for a wide range of academic fields, including
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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
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Social Sciences
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Business and Management
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Arts and Humanities
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Health Sciences
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Engineering
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Environmental Sciences
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Education
2. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program that aims to support women from international backgrounds who are pursuing graduate studies in the United States and Canada. This scholarship is designed to promote global peace by empowering women with higher education opportunities.
Coverage
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Partial tuition coverage
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The scholarship amount varies based on the applicant’s financial need and the cost of their education. The maximum award is typically up to $12,500 for students from outside the U.S. and Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Female students who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
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Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a graduate program at an accredited university in the U.S. or Canada.
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Must demonstrate financial need and have a strong academic record.
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Must intend to return to their home country after completing their studies.
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Applicants should be pursuing a full-time course of study for their graduate degree (master’s or doctoral)
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Preference is given to students who have not previously studied in the U.S. or Canada.
Eligible Courses/Programs
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship is available for graduate-level programs in a variety of fields, including
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Arts and Humanities
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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
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Business Administration and Management
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Social Sciences
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Education
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Health Sciences
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Environmental Studies
3. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for graduate students from developing countries to pursue higher education in the fields of social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. This scholarship aims to promote educational opportunities for talented individuals who will contribute to the development of their home countries.
Coverage
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50% grant, 50% loan
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The scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition, living expenses, and other academic-related costs.
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The loan component is interest-free and must be repaid after completing the studies.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship:
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Graduate students who are citizens of a developing country.
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Applicants must demonstrate financial need and must be able to provide proof of their financial situation.
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The scholarship is open to students pursuing master’s or Ph.D. programs in recognized universities.
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An excellent academic record and a strong commitment to improving the community in their home country are key considerations for eligibility.
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Priority is given to students who have not had previous study opportunities abroad and to those who plan to return to their home countries after their studies.
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The scholarship is not available to applicants planning to study in their home country.
Eligible Courses/Programs
The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship is available for a wide range of graduate-level programs, including but not limited to
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Social Sciences
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Humanities
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Engineering
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Education
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Health Sciences
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Architecture
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Environmental Studies
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Business Administration and Management
4. The Generation Google Scholarship
The Generation Google Scholarship is designed to encourage and support underrepresented students in the fields of computer science (CS) and STEM. By offering financial support, this scholarship aims to empower the next generation of diverse tech leaders and provide them with the resources they need to thrive in their studies and careers.
Coverage
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Up to $10,000
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The scholarship provides financial aid to help students cover tuition fees and other academic-related expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Generation Google Scholarship:
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Must be a currently enrolled student pursuing a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in computer science or a related STEM field.
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The scholarship is open to students who identify as underrepresented groups in the tech industry, including women, Black, Latino, and Native American students.
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Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record and a passion for technology and computer science.
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Candidates should show leadership potential and an interest in positively impacting the tech industry.
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Full-time enrollment in a university is required for the duration of the scholarship.
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Applicants must be pursuing their studies at an accredited university in the U.S., Canada, or certain other eligible regions.
Eligible Courses/Programs
The Generation Google Scholarship is available to students pursuing programs in computer science and related fields, such as
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Computer Science (CS)
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Software Engineering
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Computer Engineering
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Electrical Engineering
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Data Science
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Cybersecurity
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Information Systems
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Machine Learning
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Robotics
7. The Horatio Alger Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Scholarship is designed to provide financial support to undergraduate students who have demonstrated significant perseverance in overcoming adversity. This prestigious scholarship is intended to help students with a strong commitment to their education and a desire to make a positive impact on their communities. The Horatio Alger Association aims to ensure that deserving students, regardless of their financial challenges, have the opportunity to pursue their academic and career goals.
Coverage
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Up to $25,000
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The scholarship can be used for tuition fees, educational expenses, and cost of attendance at accredited colleges and universities in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Horatio Alger Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
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Must be enrolled as a full-time student at a U.S. high school and planning to attend an accredited institution of higher education.
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Demonstrate financial need, typically with a family income of $55,000 or less per year.
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Be involved in extracurricular activities, community service, or leadership roles, showing a strong character and work ethic.
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Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
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Show evidence of overcoming adversity, such as significant personal, family, or financial hardships.
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Applicants must be planning to attend a U.S. college, university, or technical school.
Eligible Courses/Programs
The Horatio Alger Scholarship is available for students planning to pursue undergraduate studies in a variety of disciplines. Some of the common areas include
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Business Administration
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Engineering
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Health Sciences
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Education
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Social Sciences
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Humanities
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Computer Science
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Arts and Communication
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Law and Political Science
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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Quick Comparison of Private-Funded Scholarships
| Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | International and DACA students |
| P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship | Partial tuition coverage | Women in graduate studies |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | 50% grant, 50% loan | Graduate students from developing countries |
| Generation Google Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | CS and STEM students |
| Horatio Alger Scholarship | Up to $25,000 | Undergraduate students with financial need |
Benefits of Private-Funded Scholarships
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Reduced Financial Burden : Covers tuition, living, and travel costs.
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Networking Opportunities : Connect with scholars, mentors, and professionals.
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Career Growth : Enhances your resume and increases employability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Missing Deadlines : Apply early to avoid last-minute errors.
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Weak Personal Statement : Clearly define your goals and impact.
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Lack of Recommendation Letters : Secure strong references for a better chance.
Conclusion
Private-funded scholarships can help you achieve your academic dreams in the U.S. without financial stress.
Not sure which scholarship fits you best? Explore more options!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Private - Funded Scholarships
How do private funded scholarships differ from government-funded scholarships?
Private funded scholarships and government-funded scholarships have key differences:
- Funding Source: Private funded scholarships are provided by private organizations, corporations, and foundations, while government-funded scholarships are funded by the government.
- Eligibility Criteria: Private scholarships may have more specific eligibility requirements, such as field of study, volunteer work, or community involvement. Government scholarships are often broader and may focus on need, merit, or demographic factors.
- Availability: Private scholarships can be more competitive because they are often limited in number and may target specific groups. Government scholarships are more widely available and may have larger funding pools.
Do private funded scholarships have restrictions on how funds can be used?
Yes, private funded scholarships often have restrictions on how the funds can be used. These restrictions may vary depending on the scholarship provider
- Tuition Only: Some scholarships are awarded strictly for tuition costs and cannot be used for other expenses like room and board or books.
- Allowable Expenses: Other scholarships may allow you to use the funds for various educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
- Specific Uses: Some private scholarships may have very specific restrictions, such as being limited to a certain field of study or degree program.
- Unused Funds: If you do not use all of the funds, you may be required to return the unused portion to the scholarship provider.
Can I apply for private funded scholarships if I have already received other financial aid?
Yes, you can apply for private funded scholarships even if you have already received other forms of financial aid, such as grants, loans, or scholarships from the university.
- Stacking Aid: Many private scholarships allow you to “stack” them with other financial aid, meaning you can use both without any issues.
- Check with Your School: Some universities have policies regarding how much total financial aid a student can receive, so it’s important to check with your school’s financial aid office.
- No Double Funding: Some private scholarships may have rules about double funding, meaning they may reduce or eliminate the scholarship amount if you receive other forms of financial aid.
Can I use private funded scholarships for part-time studies?
In many cases, private funded scholarships can be used for part-time studies, but you must verify the specific requirements of each scholarship.
- Part-Time Eligibility: Some private scholarships may require you to be enrolled full-time, while others may allow part-time enrollment. Always check the terms and conditions.
- Flexible Funding: Some scholarships may provide funding regardless of full-time or part-time status, but the amount awarded may vary.
- Availability: There may be fewer scholarships available for part-time students, so it is important to find those specifically targeting part-time learners.
How do I know if a private funded scholarship is legitimate?
To determine if a private funded scholarship is legitimate, you should conduct careful research and follow a few important steps:
- Research the Scholarship Provider: Look up the scholarship provider online and see if they have a verified website and a history of awarding scholarships.
- Watch Out for Red Flags: Be wary of scholarships that require upfront fees, request too much personal information, or seem too good to be true.
- Check for Reviews: Search for reviews or testimonials from past scholarship recipients to verify the legitimacy of the scholarship.
- Consult Trusted Sources: If you are unsure, consult your school’s financial aid office or a trusted scholarship search platform to verify the scholarship’s authenticity.