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International scholarships

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What to know about international scholarships

  • “International scholarships” can mean scholarships for non-citizens studying in a new country, scholarships to study abroad, or scholarships tied to specific regions, nationalities, or home countries—always read the fine print.
  • Eligibility is usually based on a mix of citizenship, current country of residence, academic level (undergrad/grad), and intended destination (like the U.S., UK, EU, or Germany).
  • Many of the largest awards are aimed at graduate students, but there are still strong options for high school seniors and undergrads through universities, private foundations, and exchange programs.
  • Documentation is a big part of the process, so plan for transcripts, proof of enrollment/admission, ID/passport, recommendation letters, and language test scores if required.
  • Deadlines and requirements can shift each year, so treat any timeline as a starting point and double-check the official page before you apply.

If you’re searching for international scholarships, it helps to think in categories: scholarships offered by governments (like the U.S. or UK), scholarships run by universities, and scholarships funded by global organizations. The right match usually depends on where you’re from, where you want to study, and what level you’re pursuing.

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Scholarships can be the difference between “maybe someday” and “I’m going.” In Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025,75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible—and that can matter even more when you’re managing added costs like visas, travel, and international tuition.

Who qualifies for scholarships for international students?

International eligibility rules can feel strict, but they’re usually predictable once you know what to look for. Many programs define “international student” as someone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the country where they plan to study (for example, a non-U.S. citizen studying in the U.S.). Other scholarships are tied to specific passports, countries of residence, or regions.

Also, don’t assume you’re out just because you’re early in your journey. High school juniors and seniors may be eligible for university scholarships that are open to international applicants once you apply for admission, private scholarships that don’t require U.S. citizenship, and study abroad scholarships (if you’re already enrolled somewhere and planning an exchange). College students may have access to department awards, research funding, and larger “global leader” scholarships—especially at the graduate level.

Some students also ask whether they should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) when searching for international scholarships. In most cases, international students are not eligible for federal financial aid because the is limited to U.S. citizens and certain eligible non-citizens. Because of this, many international students focus on university-funded scholarships, private scholarships, and global programs designed specifically for students studying outside their home country.

What scholarships are available for international students?

Below are several well-known scholarship programs that support students studying outside their home country. Deadlines, award amounts, and country eligibility may change each year, so check the official scholarship page before applying.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad who want to study or conduct research in the United States. Applications are usually handled through local Fulbright Commissions or U.S. embassies, and requirements vary by country.

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships support students from around the world who want to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom. The program is known for funding future leaders and typically looks for academic strength, leadership potential, and professional experience.

DAAD Scholarships

DAAD Scholarships help international students pursue study or research opportunities in Germany. DAAD also offers a searchable funding database, which can be useful if you want to narrow options by academic field, degree level, or destination.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program supports students from certain developing countries who want to complete graduate study in development-related fields. Applicants usually need relevant professional experience and admission to an eligible master’s program.

Study abroad scholarships

Study abroad scholarships are designed for students who want to complete part of their education in another country, often through a semester program, short-term academic experience, internship, or exchange. These awards can help cover travel, program fees, tuition differences, and living costs.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship supports U.S. undergraduate students with financial need who want to study or intern abroad. It’s one of the best-known study abroad scholarships and is often a strong option for students who receive Pell Grant funding.

The Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship

The Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship helps U.S. students pay for study abroad programs that earn academic credit. The program focuses on expanding access for students who are traditionally underrepresented in study abroad.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are international master’s programs delivered by universities in multiple countries, and many offer full scholarships to top applicants from around the world. These programs can be a good fit if you want an international academic experience built directly into your degree.

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How to apply for top scholarships for international students

A practical way to stay organized is to treat applications like a short project with repeatable steps.

  • Start with eligibility filters. Before you write anything, confirm the basics: citizenship rules, destination country, degree level, and whether you need an admission offer first.

  • Build a documents folder: Most applicants reuse the same core materials across multiple applications. Create one folder (cloud + local backup) with your transcript, ID/passport page, test scores (if applicable), resume/CV, and a draft personal statement you can tailor.

  • Ask for recommendations early: Many recommenders need time. When you ask, share your resume and a short note about what the scholarship values (leadership, service, academic work).

  • Treat deadlines as immovable: International scholarships often have steps outside the scholarship website (like embassy processes, university admissions timelines, or verified translations), so aim to finish at least a week early.

Additional scholarship resources

If you want to widen your options, it helps to cross-search by school stage and identity-based categories too.

  • Scholarships by major – Browse scholarships organized by academic field, including visual arts, communications, and media programs.

  • Scholarships for college students – Find scholarships specifically available to students already enrolled in college programs.

  • Scholarships for adults– Opportunities for adult learners returning to school or pursuing creative careers.

  • Scholarships for women – Scholarships designed to support women pursuing higher education across many majors.

  • LGBTQ+ scholarships– Financial aid opportunities supporting LGBTQ+ students in a variety of academic fields.

  • STEM scholarships – Some technology-focused scholarships also support digital media and imaging programs.

  • Scholarships by state – Explore local scholarships from community organizations and regional foundations.

Your next steps

Wherever you are in your college journey—planning ahead in high school, already enrolled, or preparing for graduate school—you can still find scholarships that fit your situation. Start by choosing one destination and one degree level, then build a short list you can actually finish instead of an overwhelming list you won’t.

Pick one application to start today, and keep your momentum going with the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, Scholly Scholarships, and Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships. Apply to one scholarship this week. Small steps add up.

FAQs about international scholarships

What are international scholarships?

International scholarships are financial awards that help students study in a country that isn’t their home country, or help students participate in international programs (like study abroad). Some are open worldwide, while others are limited to specific nationalities, regions, degree levels, or fields of study. 

Who qualifies for international scholarships?

Qualification depends on the scholarship. Many require a specific citizenship, a planned host country, and a certain level of study (undergrad, master’s, PhD). Some also consider leadership, community involvement, academic merit, or financial need, and many require proof that you’ve applied to (or been accepted by) a school. 

Can I study abroad for free?

It’s possible to get very close, but “free” is uncommon once you include travel, visa fees, housing deposits, and daily costs. Fully funded awards do exist, and a realistic strategy is stacking: combine a tuition award with smaller scholarships for flights, housing, books, and fees. 

Are there scholarships for international students in the USA?

Yes. Some programs are designed for international students studying in the U.S., and many U.S. colleges also offer merit-based or need-based aid to international applicants. The key is confirming whether the scholarship requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency—many do, but plenty don’t. 

What documents are required for international scholarships?

Most applications ask for transcripts, proof of enrollment or admission, identification (often a passport), recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Some scholarships also require standardized test scores, language proficiency scores, or certified translations—especially if your documents aren’t in the scholarship’s required language. 

Can I apply for multiple international scholarships?

Usually, yes—and you often should. Just keep an eye on rules about stacking awards, since some scholarships reduce their funding if you receive another large award. A simple spreadsheet with deadlines, requirements, and submission status can help you stay on track. 

Are there scholarships for international students that don’t require an essay?

Yes, but they tend to be less common among large international awards. Some smaller scholarships focus on quick applications or eligibility-based consideration. Even when there’s “no essay,” you may still need a resume, recommendations, or a short statement. 

What scholarships are available for international students?

Many international students start with a mix of government-funded scholarships, university scholarships, and programs run by global organizations. Your best matches depend on your citizenship, destination country, degree level, and field, so it helps to build a targeted list instead of applying at random. 

Do international scholarships require proof of admission first?

Some do, and some don’t. Many university scholarships require you to apply to the school first, while certain external scholarships let you apply before admission but will require proof later if you’re selected. 

Can international students get scholarships without perfect grades?

Yes. Many scholarships consider leadership, service, work experience, a clear plan of study, or financial need—not just GPA. If your grades aren’t your strongest point, focus on a strong personal statement, meaningful involvement, and a clear academic direction. 

Are there scholarships for high school seniors who are international students?

Yes—often through universities (especially merit scholarships) and through some private foundations. If you’re still in high school, prioritize scholarships connected to the colleges you’re applying to, because those are often the most realistic and highest value options. 

Can international students apply for FAFSA®?

In most cases, international students cannot apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). FAFSA® is typically limited to U.S. citizens and certain eligible non-citizens, such as permanent residents.

If you’re an international student planning to study in the United States, your financial aid options usually come from university scholarships, private scholarships, and international scholarship programs. Many colleges also offer institutional aid specifically for international applicants, so it’s worth reviewing each school’s financial aid page carefully.

 

When should I start applying for international scholarships?

Earlier is better, especially if you’ll need test scores, translations, or recommendation letters. A solid rule is to start building your list 6–12 months before you plan to enroll, then apply in waves as deadlines open. 

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