High value scholarships to study in the US from 20%-100%

Hundreds of scholarships for studying in the US in 2026 are now open for applications – opportunities to receive 20% to 100% tuition support for Vietnamese students! The cost of studying in the US is no longer a barrier as many prestigious universities are offering attractive scholarships to international students.

Join IDP in exploring the latest list of US scholarships, admission requirements, and effective scholarship hunting tips to make your dream of studying in the US a reality.

According to Open Doors (IIE), there are currently more than 20,000 Vietnamese students studying at universities and colleges in the US (2023–2024 school year). Of these, thousands of students receive US scholarships or financial aid from schools, funds and organizations.
That shows that the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to study in the US is very open if you have the right preparation strategy and start early.

Hunting for scholarships is a journey that requires careful preparation and smart strategy. To increase your chances of receiving a valuable scholarship to study in the US, you need to prepare a comprehensive application and meet the following basic requirements:

2.1. Academic achievement

Your grade point average (GPA) is one of the most important factors that testify to your academic ability. Usually, to be able to compete for a scholarship of 20% or more, you need to have a GPA of 8.0/10 or higher (or the equivalent of 3.0/4.0). For full scholarships or U.S. scholarships from top schools, universities often give preference to applicants with a GPA of 8.0 or higher, especially for full scholarships.

2.2. English Proficiency

English language proficiency is a prerequisite for you to be able to study and live in the United States. Most universities require international students to have a minimum IELTS certificate of 6.5 or TOEFL of 80 or 90 or higher. However, to increase your chances of getting a scholarship to study in the US, you should try to get a score higher than the minimum required by the school.

Depending on the scholarship value, the entry requirements will be simpler or more stringent. There are schools that will require you to submit SAT/ACT transcripts when enrolled in an undergraduate program or GRE/GMAT for graduate programs (master's, Ph.D.). A high score in these exams will demonstrate your outstanding academic ability.

2.3. Other degrees, certificates, and extracurricular activities

An impressive resume should not only have a high score but also demonstrate your dynamism and well-rounded development. These factors include

• Extracurricular activities:

  Actively participate in clubs, volunteer activities, community projects, or academic/artistic/athletic competitions. This shows that you are dynamic, socially responsible, and capable of leadership.

• Work experience/internships:

  Work experience or internships related to the field of study will be a big plus, especially for Postgraduate programs.

• Awards, special achievements:

  Any awards, certificates, or achievements in academics, research, or other fields help your profile stand out.

• Letter of Recommendation (LOR):

  Letters of recommendation from reputable teachers, counselors, or managers will provide an objective view of your abilities, qualities, and potential.

2.4. Invest in Personal Statements

A personal essay is an opportunity for you to express your passions, academic goals, future vision, and why you deserve a scholarship to study in the USA. An impressive essay should be authentic and unique, highlight your academic and career goals, and demonstrate your fit for the scholarship criteria and how you will contribute to the university community.

Fulbright Scholarship

The Fulbright Scholarship is a prestigious full scholarship program of the U.S. Government. The program provides postgraduate study (master's, doctorate) or research and teaching in the United States for Vietnamese students. The goal is to promote mutual understanding between the U.S. and Vietnam.

The scholarship covers monthly living expenses, sickness insurance, and round-trip air ticket accidents. To be eligible for the Fulbright Scholarship, you need to meet the criteria of being a Vietnamese citizen, a university graduate, at least two years of work experience from university graduation to the application deadline, an English certificate such as IELLTS 6.5.

Merit-based Scholarship

This is a scholarship offered by American universities to students who have excellent academic or extracurricular achievements.

To stand a chance of winning this scholarship, students need to have a high GPA, good standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, GRE/GMAT), outstanding extracurricular activities, and an impressive essay.

This is the most common type of scholarship, which is awarded based on the applicant's academic excellence, academic ability, exceptional talent (athletic, artistic), or leadership. A high GPA, good standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, GRE/GMAT), outstanding extracurricular activities, and an impressive essay are important factors for winning this scholarship. Many schools in the U.S. automatically consider Merit scholarships when you apply for admission, saving you a large portion of the total cost of studying in the U.S.

Need-based Scholarships

This type of scholarship is awarded to students who are financially disadvantaged but have good academic capacity. Universities will assess your family's affordability to determine the appropriate level of support.

American Scholarships from Other Sources

In addition to hunting for scholarships to study in the US from universities, Vietnamese students can look for scholarships from the government, private foundations and other prestigious international organizations. These are valuable scholarships, often providing full tuition fees, living expenses, and even airfare, providing the opportunity to study in the United States at the lowest cost.

Scholarships to study in the U.S. are widely distributed according to each level of study, from undergraduate to graduate level, making it easy for international students to find scholarships that match their current level of education and future goals.

Scholarships to study in the U.S. are diverse and multi-level

4.1. Scholarships to study in the United States for the University Preparation Program

In order to encourage potential students who wish to study in the United States, universities in the United States always make sure to provide outstanding international students with attractive scholarships, depending on the achievements of each student.

RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP LIST

4.2. Undergraduate Scholarships to Study in the USA

For undergraduates, scholarships typically focus on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and leadership. Major universities often have generous scholarship funds to attract talented international students with a value of 30% up to 100%. Some popular scholarships include:

In addition, you can update some of the latest scholarships through the university's live website:

• Catholic University of America

• Miami University

• San Francisco State University

• Temple University

RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP LIST

4.3. Scholarships to study in the USA for postgraduate studies

Graduate scholarships to study in the U.S. are often highly regarded for their expertise and research potential. You can start looking for the right scholarship for you by checking out the school's website to get a good idea of the list of available US master's scholarships. Scholarship eligibility and duration vary from school to school.

To increase your chances of successfully "hunting" for scholarships to study in the US, you need to pay attention to many important factors, from preparing documents to time management and understanding costs. This is a journey that requires meticulousness, patience, and a clear strategy on how to hunt for scholarships to study in the U.S. successfully.

5.1. What does the application for a scholarship to study in the US prepare?

Applying for a scholarship to study in the US not only requires good academic performance, but also needs to demonstrate your potential, personality and suitability for the school. A complete scholarship application usually includes:

• Transcripts & Qualifications: Always try to maintain your grade point average (GPA) at the highest level possible.

• English Language Certificates: Score well on standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Some scholarships require additional SAT, ACT, or GRE/GMAT

• Personal Statement: is an opportunity for you to convince the admissions committee why you deserve a scholarship to study in the United States

  .

  An impressive essay needs to be authentic, highlighting academic and career goals. Tell your own story emotionally and clearly, rather than copying stereotypes that lack personality.

• Letter of recommendation: The Letter of Recommendation plays an important role when applying for a scholarship to study in the USA. You should choose a teacher or advisor who has taught directly so that they can give specific and honest comments about your abilities and qualities, which will help increase persuasion with the admissions committee.

• Extracurricular certificates: are an important factor to help your profile stand out when hunting for scholarships to study in the USA. Instead of spreading out multiple activities, you should focus on a few typical activities and take on a leadership role, such as a club leader or project leader, which clearly demonstrates your leadership mindset and ability to contribute to the community.

• Portfolio: For the art, design, architecture, and music industries, you need to prepare a professional portfolio that showcases your talent and creativity.

• Proof of Finances: Some scholarships may require proof of finances

5.2. Cost and Financial Ability

Even if you are hunting for a scholarship to study in the USA, you still need to understand the overall costs during your study abroad process in order to:

• Understand the value of scholarships: Clearly distinguish between full scholarships and partial scholarships. If the scholarship you receive is a partial scholarship, you need to calculate whether your family can afford the rest (tuition, living expenses, insurance, travel).

• Prepare for additional expenses: In addition to basic tuition and living expenses, take into account items such as registration fees, book fees, health insurance, airfare, visa expenses, and other personal expenses.

To find out what costs you need to prepare when studying in the US, you can contact IDP for a completely free consultation.

5.3. Time for submission of dossiers

Scholarship applications need to be planned 6-12 months prior to the admission period. Besides, most scholarships have an earlier application deadline than the deadline for applying to the school. Complete your application, double-check all information, spelling errors, grammar and make sure you attach all the required documents to make a good impression on the admissions committee and increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.

6. Effective experience hunting for scholarships to study in the US with IDP

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Hunting for scholarships to study in the USA

IDP has accompanied many international students who have successfully won scholarships to study in the US.

Step 1: Understand the types of scholarships and basic conditions

Before you start your search, you need to understand the types of scholarships and the criteria for approval. Each scholarship has its own criteria for academics, English, extracurricular activities, and essays. Please read the information on the university's website and scholarship institutions carefully.

• Define clear goals:

  What field of study do you want to pursue, at what level of study, and what is the desired scholarship level? Find out about the school that has the industry you want to study (learning environment, internship opportunities, and employment). This helps you localize the right schools and scholarships.

• Clearly identify your strengths

  (academics, leadership, talents) and your family's financial needs to narrow down potential scholarships. Don't hesitate to explore partial scholarships as well, as many small scholarships combined can also significantly reduce the financial burden.

Step 2: Plan early and do thorough research

Take note of important timelines such as application deadlines, certification exam times, and essay completion times. Start preparing your application as soon as possible, avoiding submitting it close to the deadline.

Step 3: Enhance your personal profile

• Maintain excellent academic performance:

  Strive to get the best possible GPA in subjects, especially those related to the industry you want to pursue.

• Get a high English score: An

  English certificate is one of the important conditions you need to keep in mind. The higher the score, the more it shows your language proficiency and increases your scholarship competitiveness.

• Participate in meaningful extracurricular activities:

  Choose activities that you are truly passionate about and can make an impact. This demonstrates leadership, a sense of responsibility, and diversity in your personality.

Step 4: Invest in a Personal Statement

This is your chance to tell your story, express your personality, goals, and unique experiences. Take the time to write, ask teachers and experienced people to read and give suggestions to improve your writing.

Step 5: Prepare financial documents and apply for a visa

Finding scholarships to study in the USA can become easier if you know how to access information effectively. Here are reliable sources to help you hunt for American scholarships quickly and qualitatively:

7.1. IDP Scholarships Website

If you are always wondering about a lot of information about different types of scholarships, IDP Scholarships is a reliable tool to help you find scholarships to study in the USA effectively. As a leading study abroad consulting organization, IDP has built a comprehensive scholarship database, directly connecting with prestigious universities and educational institutions in the US.The website is designed with smart filters, allowing you to easily narrow down your search based on criteria such as:

• Country: United States (and other countries if you want to learn more).

• Education level: Secondary, Undergraduate, Postgraduate (Master's, Doctoral).

• Disciplines: Science, Engineering, Business, Health,...

• Scholarship Level: Full, partial scholarships, or specific grants.

• Application Deadlines: Helps you manage your time effectively.

• Details about: Worth, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and a direct link to the school's scholarship page make it easy to check the original information and apply.

If you are still having trouble finding and choosing a scholarship, you can make an appointment for a direct consultation at the nearest IDP center or contact the hotline for detailed advice

7.2. Search directly on the websites of universities

Most American universities have a separate section for international students on their websites, listing the scholarships they offer. This is the most accurate and up-to-date source of information about scholarships.

• Step 1: Go to the official website of the school you are interested in. A simple way is to search for the name of the school on Google (e.g. The University of Arizona) and visit the university's official website:

  https://www.arizona.edu/

• Step 2: Once you are on the university's website, search for scholarship information in sections such as "Financial Aid", "Scholarships" or in the "Admissions" section of the menu bar. Schools often arrange information very clearly so that students can easily find it.

• Step 3: Each scholarship has its own unique criteria and requirements, such as IELTS, SAT, or other achievements. It is important to read carefully and make sure you fully meet these requirements before deciding to apply. This will help you optimize your chances of success!

If you need more information, you can contact the admissions department or reputable study abroad counseling centers that have partnerships with international representatives at the university to find the most valuable scholarships.

7.3. Search through alumni and the scholarship hunting community

Most of the former international students have gone through the process of applying for scholarships and studying abroad. They can share with you experiences of scholarships they already know about or have applied for, including those that are less widely promoted. In addition, you can also join popular community groups about studying in the U.S. such as Hunting for Scholarships to Study in the U.S. – Sharing Experiences or Vietnamese Fulbright Alumni.

Join IDP to hunt for the right scholarship to study in the US for you

Currently, there are many schools that offer international students many attractive scholarships to study in the United States. Besides the conditional scholarships, it's still easy to find scholarships that are automatically considered when you meet the entry requirements – it doesn't have to be a "terrible" profile or a high SAT/ACT score.In addition, the journey to study in the US does not stop at choosing top schools or valuable scholarships. This is a journey that requires the right direction, a clear strategy, and an experienced companion.Scholarships to study in the USA are only really valid when

• Match your abilities, interests, and career goals.

• The actual cost after the scholarship is within the family's financial range.

With more than 57 years of experience and a network of more than 210 offices in 35 countries, IDP is proud to be a prestigious partner of hundreds of leading universities in the United States. IDP will accompany you every step of the way, from choosing a school and scholarships of American schools the most suitable, until you are about to go to study abroad.To understand more about the scholarship requirements and sufficiency of each school you are looking to attend, or have questions about what type of scholarship you are suitable for, make an appointment with an IDP consultant today for advice, complete visa application, and hunt for scholarships to study in the US completely free of charge.