Scholarships Available in the USA

American universities and colleges provide a wide range of scholarships to meritorious international students to help them fund their studies. Apart from this, many scholarships, grants and bursaries are also offered by the American government, public and private establishments. Before you apply to any of these scholarships, do check the eligibility and criteria, along with the closing date. 

The primary criteria for most scholarships is a good academic score, however it also depends on factors such as your chosen destination, subject and level. In some scholarships, factors like extracurricular activities, and volunteering can also be used to advantage. 

However, do note that the amount of money available and type of award varies between the various institutions. Getting a scholarship is competitive and so, you must apply well in time. We recommend you to start with the procedure about 8-12 months before the intake begins. If you get stuck anywhere, IDP counsellors will be more than happy to guide you through. 

The most popular Government scholarships that you can apply to include:

• Foreign Fulbright Student Program – Applicable for international students who are applying to master’s or PhD programs; this scholarship covers tuition fee, health insurance, textbooks, airfare, and living costs.

• Humphrey Fellowship Program – This fellowship is granted to experienced professionals with a potential for leadership and dedication towards public service. Granted for a year, this program covers all expenses. You don’t get to choose a university for yourself; instead, you are assigned the most appropriate host institution as per your skills and interests.
   

All universities and colleges also have their own set of scholarships which can be subject or destination specific. Do check if there are scholarships specifically available for Sri Lankan natives.

Keep in mind

Every scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. In case of some, just an application will help you get hold of the scholarship. For research centric programs, you may have to submit written assignments. So, research well and do not hesitate to contact the university admission centre if you have any doubts.

• Certain research programs may provide up to 100% of the tuition fee besides covering a part of your living expenditures.

• You may experience higher competition when you apply for government scholarships in comparison to the university scholarships. So, it’s always better to apply in advance to receive a timely response

IDP counselor can also assist you in finding the right scholarship. Come anytime to our office for a free session.