Eligibility for University-Specific Scholarships
Universities across the US offer exclusive scholarships to attract talented international students. To qualify, you typically need to meet specific criteria set by each institution.
General Eligibility Criteria:
-
Academic Excellence : High GPA and standardized test scores.
-
Extracurricular Involvement : Leadership roles, community services and other talents that will make you stand out among others.
-
Specific Program Requirements : Some scholarships are designated for particular fields of study.
-
Demonstrated Financial Need : Certain scholarships consider your financial situation.
How to Apply for University-Specific Scholarships
Applying requires diligence and attention to detail. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify Potential Universities
-
Research universities that offer programs aligning with your academic interests.
-
Check if they provide scholarships for international students.
Step 2: Review Scholarship Opportunities
-
Visit the financial aid section of each university’s website.
-
Note application deadlines and required documents.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials
-
Academic Transcripts : Ensure they are up-to-date and certified.
-
Personal Statement or Essays : Tailor these to highlight your fit for the scholarship.
-
Letters of Recommendation : Choose referees who know you well and can vouch for your achievements.
-
Proof of Extracurricular Activities : Certificates, portfolios, or other relevant documentation.
Step 4: Submit Applications
-
Follow the specific submission guidelines for each scholarship.
-
Keep track of deadlines to ensure timely submission.
Top US Universities Offering Scholarships to International Students
We have provided you with the Top 5 university-specific scholarships with their eligibility below:
1. Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI)
Harvard University offers one of the most generous need-based financial aid programs for international students. Through the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI), students from low- and middle-income families can receive substantial financial assistance to cover tuition and living expenses.
Scholarship Coverage
Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, which includes
-
Full tuition
-
Room and board
-
Books and personal expenses
-
Travel costs (in some cases)
Eligibility Criteria
-
Open to all admitted international undergraduate students
-
Financial aid is need-based, not merit-based.
-
Family income and financial circumstances determine the aid amount.
Eligible Courses
Harvard’s financial aid applies to all undergraduate programs offered by
Common majors covered include:
-
Computer Science
-
Economics
-
Political Science
-
Psychology
-
Biomedical Sciences
-
Business & Management
-
Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering
-
Social Sciences and Humanities
2. Yale Need-Based Financial Aid for International Students
Yale University provides need-based financial aid to all admitted international students, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent talented students from accessing a world-class education. Yale is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for international undergraduates.
Scholarship Coverage
Yale’s need-based financial aid includes:
-
Full or partial tuition coverage (depending on financial need)
-
Room and board
-
Books and personal expenses
-
Health insurance (if needed)
-
Travel expenses (in some cases)
Eligibility Criteria
-
Open to all admitted international undergraduate students
-
Financial aid is need-based, not merit-based.
-
Requires submission of family financial documents for assessment
Eligible Courses
Yale’s financial aid applies to all undergraduate programs, including:
Common majors covered include:
-
Computer Science
-
Economics
-
Political Science
-
Biology and Biomedical Sciences
-
Psychology
-
Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering
-
Social Sciences and Humanities
3. Princeton University Need-Based Financial Aid for International Students
Princeton University is one of the few U.S. universities that offers 100% need-based financial aid to international students. It ensures that admitted students can attend regardless of their financial circumstances.
Scholarship Coverage
Princeton’s need-based financial aid includes:
-
Full or partial tuition coverage (based on financial need)
-
Room and board
-
Books, supplies, and personal expenses
-
Health insurance (if required)
-
Travel expenses (in some cases)
Princeton’s aid packages are grants, not loans, meaning students do not have to repay the amount awarded.
Eligibility Criteria
-
Open to all admitted international undergraduate students
-
Financial aid is need-based, not merit-based.
-
Students must submit detailed financial documents for assessment.
Eligible Courses
Princeton’s need-based aid applies to all undergraduate programs, including:
Popular majors covered include:
-
Computer Science
-
Economics
-
Public Policy and International Affairs
-
Psychology
-
Mathematics and Engineering
-
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
-
Humanities and Social Sciences
4. MIT Need-Based Financial Aid for International Students
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers one of the most comprehensive need-based financial aid programs for international students. MIT is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent talented individuals from attending.
Scholarship Coverage
MIT’s need-based financial aid includes:
-
Full or partial tuition coverage (based on financial need)
-
Room and board
-
Books and supplies
-
Personal and living expenses
-
Health insurance (if applicable)
All aid is provided as grants, meaning students do not need to repay the amount awarded.
Eligibility Criteria
-
Open to all admitted international undergraduate students.
-
Financial aid is need-based, not merit-based.
-
Requires submission of family financial documents for assessment.
Eligible Courses
MIT’s financial aid applies to all undergraduate programs offered by
Popular majors covered include:
-
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
-
Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering
-
Mathematics and Physics
-
Business and Management
-
Economics
-
Biology and Biomedical Sciences
-
Political Science and Public Policy
5. Amherst College Need-Based Financial Aid for International Students
Amherst College is one of the few U.S. institutions that follows a need-blind admissions policy for international students. This means that students are admitted regardless of their financial situation, and Amherst commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Scholarship Coverage
Amherst College’s need-based financial aid includes:
-
Full or partial tuition coverage (based on financial need)
-
Room and board
-
Books, supplies, and personal expenses
-
Health insurance (if required)
-
Travel expenses (in some cases)
Eligibility Criteria
-
Open to all admitted international undergraduate students.
-
Financial aid is need-based, not merit-based.
-
Requires submission of family financial documents to assess financial need.
Eligible Courses
Amherst’s financial aid applies to all undergraduate programs, including
-
Humanities (history, philosophy, English, etc.)
-
Social Sciences (Political Science, Economics, Psychology, etc.)
-
Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, etc.)
-
Computer Science
Amherst College is a liberal arts institution, so students have flexibility in choosing majors and interdisciplinary studies.
Here is a curated list of other prestigious US universities known for their generous scholarships to international students:
| University | Scholarship Details |
|---|---|
| Stanford University | Offers substantial financial aid packages based on assessed financial need. |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Provides financial aid packages to international students based on demonstrated financial need. |
| Williams College | Known for generous financial aid packages for all admitted students, including internationals. |
| University of Chicago | Offers need-based financial aid to international students, meeting 100% of demonstrated need. |
| Columbia University | Provides need-based financial aid to international students. |
| Dartmouth College | Offers need-based financial aid to all admitted students, including internationals. |
| University of Pennsylvania | Meets the full demonstrated need of all admitted undergraduate international students. |
| Duke University | Provides financial aid based on demonstrated need to international students. |
| Cornell University | Offers limited need-based financial aid to international students. |
| Northwestern University | Provides need-based financial aid to a limited number of international students. |
| Johns Hopkins University | Offers financial aid packages based on demonstrated need to international students. |
| Brown University | Provides need-based financial aid to a selected number of international applicants. |
| Rice University | Known for offering generous aid packages to admitted international students based on their financial needs. |
| Vanderbilt University | Provides need-based and merit-based scholarships to international students. |
| University of Notre Dame | Offers both need-based and merit-based aid to international undergraduates. |
Benefits of University-Specific Scholarships
-
Tuition Fee Reduction : Many universities offer partial or full tuition coverage.
-
Covers Living Expenses : Some scholarships include housing, meals, and books.
-
Merit- Need-Based Options : Some universities consider both academic excellence and financial need.
-
Exclusive to Admitted Students : Higher chances of receiving aid compared to external scholarships.
-
Encourages Academic Excellence : Many scholarships are renewable if you maintain good grades.
-
Additional Perks : Some universities offer mentorship, internships, or networking opportunities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Missing the Application Deadline : University-specific scholarships often have early deadlines.
-
Not Checking Eligibility Requirements : Each university has different criteria for GPA, extracurriculars, or financial need.
-
Applying Without Proper Documentation : Missing financial proof or academic transcripts leads to rejection.
-
Weak Scholarship Essays : Personal statements should highlight your achievements, goals, and financial need.
-
Not Exploring Multiple Universities : Many students apply to only one university scholarship instead of considering multiple options.
-
Ignoring Renewable Scholarships : Some scholarships require you to maintain a minimum GPA to continue receiving funding.
Conclusion
University-specific scholarships can make your dream of studying in the US a reality! Each university has its own criteria, so research well before applying.
The basic eligibilty criteria for most universities are discussed here. But some universities may have additional requirements! Hence, refer to their terms before applying!!
But wait!! Do you not want to know about the other scholarships? Click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - University-Specific Scholarships
Can I apply for university-specific scholarships after I have been accepted to the university?
Yes, many universities allow students to apply for university-specific scholarships after they have been accepted. In some cases, scholarships may be automatically considered as part of the acceptance process, while others require separate applications.
Do I need to apply for university-specific scholarships every year?
It depends on the university and the type of scholarship. Some scholarships are one-time awards, while others are renewable based on certain conditions.
Do university-specific scholarships cover full tuition?
Some university-specific scholarships cover full tuition, but not all of them. The coverage varies based on the scholarship’s terms and the university’s financial aid policies.
Are university-specific scholarships only for undergraduate students?
No, many universities offer scholarships for graduate and professional students as well, though the availability of these scholarships may be more limited compared to undergraduate awards.
- Graduate Scholarships: Some universities offer scholarships specifically for graduate students, often based on academic achievement, research interests, or financial need.
- Professional Scholarships: Students pursuing professional degrees in fields such as law, medicine, and business may also be eligible for university-specific scholarships targeted to those fields.
Are there any scholarships for specific programs or majors at universities in the US?
Yes, many universities offer scholarships specifically for students enrolled in certain programs or majors. These scholarships are designed to encourage students to pursue specific fields of study or to support academic excellence within those programs.
- Departmental Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships that are tied to specific academic departments or programs, such as scholarships for students in STEM fields, humanities, business, or the arts.
- Field-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are targeted at students pursuing particular career paths, such as medicine, law, or education, and may offer significant financial support.