Purpose of the Guide
- Help prospective international students understand how to find, qualify for, and apply to scholarships at leading U.S. institutions.
- Provide clear, actionable information for students, parents, and counselors.
Introduction
- Studying in the U.S. offers global opportunities—but cost can be a major hurdle.
- Fortunately, many top universities provide generous scholarships specifically for international students.
- This guide breaks down where to look, what to prepare, and how to apply.
Top 10 U.S. Universities & Their Key Scholarship Programs for International Students
1. Harvard University
- Type: Need-based aid (no merit scholarships).
- Application: Submit the CSS Profile and IDOC documents.
- Deadline: Early Action: Nov 1 | Regular: Jan 1.
- Note: Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
2. Stanford University
- Type: Need-based aid for undergraduates, Knight-Hennessy for graduates.
- Application: CSS Profile, institutional documentation.
- Deadline: Undergraduate: Jan 2 | Knight-Hennessy: Oct (prior year).
- Tip: Knight-Hennessy includes full tuition + living stipend.
3. Yale University
- Type: Need-based only.
- Application: CSS Profile + Tax/Income documentation.
- Deadline: Nov 1 (EA) or Jan 2 (RD).
- Note: Over 20% of students are international; average award > $60,000.
4. MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
- Type: Need-based only.
- Application: CSS Profile + Non-Custodial Parent Profile (if applicable).
- Deadline: Nov 30 (EA) | Feb 15 (RD).
- Note: Need-blind admissions for all applicants, including international.
5. Princeton University
- Type: Need-based financial aid.
- Application: CSS Profile + ISFAA or Princeton’s own financial aid form.
- Deadline: Nov 9 (EA) | Feb 1 (RD).
- Note: No loans—aid is grant-based.
6. Columbia University
- Type: Need-based; limited merit for specific international programs.
- Application: CSS Profile + IDOC.
- Deadline: Jan 1.
- Tip: Columbia College and Engineering divisions differ slightly in criteria.
7. University of Chicago
- Type: Need-based and merit-based scholarships.
- Application: Common App + UChicago Supplement + Optional Financial Aid Forms.
- Deadline: Nov 1 (EA/ED) | Jan 2 (RD).
- Tip: UChicago Empower offers special support for first-gen and international students.
8. Dartmouth College
- Type: Need-based only.
- Application: CSS Profile + ISFAA.
- Deadline: Nov 1 (EA) | Jan 3 (RD).
- Note: Recent expansion of aid for international undergrads.
9. Amherst College
- Type: 100% need-based aid for all admitted international students.
- Application: CSS Profile or ISFAA + Income docs.
- Deadline: Nov 1 (EA) | Jan 3 (RD).
- Note: No application fee waivers are required for aid applicants.
10. New York University (NYU)
- Type: Partial need-based and merit scholarships.
- Application: CSS Profile + Optional merit applications.
- Deadline: Jan 5.
- Tip: Apply early for programs like Global Pathways and Opportunity Programs.
Scholarship Application Checklist
✅ Prepare financial documents early (translated + verified)
✅ Complete the CSS Profile or ISFAA (depending on the school)
✅ Watch out for individual university deadlines
✅ Use university financial aid calculators for estimates
✅ Contact financial aid offices for clarity—some schools accept alternative forms if CSS is unavailable
Bonus: External Scholarships for International Students
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- AAUW International Fellowships (for women)
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Davis United World College (UWC) Scholarships
- PEO International Peace Scholarships
Conclusion
- With early preparation and careful research, international students can access world-class U.S. education affordably.
- Scholarships are not only about grades—they reward potential, need, and diverse perspectives.
- Don’t self-eliminate—apply confidently and early.
Optional Visual Add-ons
- Timeline graphic: Scholarship deadlines from August to March
- Table comparing aid type, deadlines, and application forms
- Step-by-step infographic: How to apply for aid as an international student
Would you like this turned into a downloadable PDF guide or a student-facing PowerPoint presentation?