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

Study abroad in US has always been the dream of millions of international students because of its world-class education, outstanding personal development opportunities, and open career prospects. Although the cost of studying abroad can be a big barrier for many of you, you can still look for scholarships to study in the USA from the government, universities, or from prestigious international organizations. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview and the latest information about scholarship programs in 2026, as well as the necessary conditions and experience in effective scholarship hunting.

1. Scholarship opportunities for Vietnamese students studying in the US

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.

2. Conditions for hunting for scholarships to study in the US

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.

3. Outstanding types of scholarships to study in the USA

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 a scholarship to study in the US, you need to pay attention to many important factors, from preparing your application to managing your time and understanding the cost. This is a journey that requires meticulousness, patience, and a clear strategy.

5.1. Scholarship application – What do I need to prepare?

Scholarship applications not only require good academic performance but also need to show your potential, personality and suitability for the school. A complete scholarship application usually includes:

• Transcripts & Degrees: Always try to maintain your academic grade point average (GPA) as high as possible.

• English Certificate: Achieve a high score in standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Some scholarships require additional SAT, ACT, or GRE/GMAT

• Personal Statement: This is your chance to tell your story, express your personality, passions, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship

• Letters of recommendation: Ask people who really know you well (teachers, academic advisors, managers) to write sincere, specific letters that highlight your strengths and potential.

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

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

5.2. Costs and Financial Capacity

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

• Understand the value of the scholarship: Clearly distinguish between full scholarships and partial scholarships. If the scholarship you received 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 tuition and basic living expenses, take into account expenses such as enrollment fees, book fees, health insurance, airfare, visa expenses, and other personal expenses.

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

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

Step 1: Understand the types of scholarships and basic conditions

Before embarking on your search, you need to understand the types of scholarships and the eligibility criteria. Each scholarship has its own criteria for academics, English, extracurricular activities, and essays. Please read carefully the information on the website of the school and the scholarship awarding organizations.

• Define clear goals:

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

• Clearly identify your strengths

  (academics, leadership, talents) and your family's financial needs to zone out potential scholarships. Don't hesitate to look into partial scholarships, as many small scholarships add up to 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, avoid submitting it on time.

Step 3: Improve your profile

• Maintain excellent academic performance:

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

• High English score:

  An English certificate is one of the important conditions you need to pay attention to. The higher the score, the more it shows language proficiency and increases the competitiveness of the scholarship.

• Engage in meaningful extracurricular activities:

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

Step 4: Invest in a Personal Statement

This is an opportunity for you 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 make your writing more complete.

Step 5: Prepare financial documents and apply for a visa

7. How to Find Scholarships to Study in the USA

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 56 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.