Scholarships for European Students to Study in the US
The USA has always been one of the world's most preferred destinations for higher education. Although it is the habitat of the top-rated universities globally, studying in the US isn't pocket-friendly. And it gets expensive for international students who wish to complete their master's and undergraduate courses in this country.
However, thanks to the availability of scholarships for European students in the US, it gets slightly more accessible. If you aspire to complete your higher education here, you must be well aware of the funding options available for international students.
The US universities are keen on attracting fellow European aspirants, offering many scholarships and funding programs to empower one's academic and career goals without any financial burden. These scholarships help you to get more time to focus on your education and skills rather than trying multiple ways to pay off student loans. Also, getting these scholarships is prestigious and positively impacts the student's academic accomplishments. So, if you are already preparing a list of the potential US colleges for your future, here is a quick overview of the top scholarships for European students to study in the US.
Types of Scholarships
So, how can you find the best scholarships for international students in the United States? Well, before shortlisting the appropriate funding programs for your course, why not get introduced to the types of study abroad scholarships for Europeans in America?
Merit-Based Scholarships
A merit-based scholarship is a program that offers financial aid to college applicants showcasing high academic achievements and accolades. These are available for those with exceptional grade point average or GPA, athletic performance, standardized test scores, extracurricular recognition, etc.
There are two types of merit-based scholarships:
- College-funded merit scholarships are funded and sponsored by the institution and are solely meant to attract the top talents globally.
- Private merit scholarships are the ones that are funded by business organisations, which are mainly governed by the eligibility requirements set by these corporations.
Need-Based Scholarships
The need-based scholarships are the funding options available for the students who cannot attend the course otherwise. The entire process needs a proper financial declaration of the applicant's family, thereby judging appropriate eligibility for the scholarship. So, depending on the applicant's financial capabilities, these scholarships are available. However, no fixed threshold determines the overall financial eligibility of the student.
Subject-Specific Scholarships
These scholarships are pretty similar to the academic funding programs but only for a selected course or subject. Performance-based scholarships are also awarded to aspirants showing exceptional abilities in extracurricular activities like arts, music, sports, etc.
Cultural Exchange Scholarships
The USA is known for hosting multiple cultural exchange programs to facilitate relationships and understanding with other countries. These programs are designed to welcome non-US citizens to the nation and explore their political, educational, cultural, or professional aspects. Such programs also offer student funding opportunities to global aspirants to help them complete their studies in the US without any financial hardships.
Eligibility Criteria
Now that you are well aware of the types of scholarships for non-US citizens in American universities, it is essential to get a grip on the eligibility criteria, too. One of the easy mistakes often made by students while applying for scholarships in the US is misinterpreting the eligibility criteria information or overlooking the critical aspects and submitting the application without fulfilling the checklist.
So, the first thing to do is check the eligibility criteria thoroughly. It can include your selected subjects, academic scores, complete student profile, study destination, etc. Depending on these factors, you will come across different scholarships to help you fund your course fees.
Academic Requirements
Meritorious and exceptional students are always preferred for scholarships. No wonder your academic scores will play a crucial role in determining your eligibility criteria for these scholarships in the US. Some of the documents required for a smooth application process include:
- A copy of our academic scores (GPA)
- Standardized test scores, like GMAT, SAT, etc.
- Photo identification or passport copy
- Statement of Purpose or Motivation letter
- Recommendation letter highlighting the strengths of the candidate for this selected course
Language Proficiency
Although not applicable to all, some US scholarships also require language proficiency test scores. TEST of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL is widely preferred by international students, which requires a minimum score of 65-85 for internet-based exams. One can also appear for IELTS with a score of 7 or higher for the US scholarships.
Residency and Citizenship
Citizenship and residency are also important criteria for international student scholarships in the United States. One needs to hold a proper student visa to fulfill the requirements for applying to the USA scholarships. Some grants are solely available for selected countries and based on your citizen status in that region.
Application Process
How do you prepare a list of potential scholarships for EU citizens to study in the USA? Let’s find out:
Researching Scholarships
Start with researching the top scholarships available for international students in the USA. Shortlist those matching your course goals, background, interests, academic qualifications, etc. You might also want to check out the scholarships available for selected countries and the European exchange student scholarships in the USA. Depending on the financial aid criteria and availability, prepare a list of the best scholarships available for your course.
Gathering Required Documents
Once you have prepared the list of funding options for European students in the United States, it is time to focus on gathering all the required documents. From academic records to writing essays, you must be completely thorough with your documentation. One of the easiest ways to get rejected is when you need to submit appropriate documents during the application process. Make a list of the transcripts, letters of recommendation, academic documentation, personal statements, financial proofs, and every other document required for a successful scholarship application.
Filling Out Application Forms
Pay a little more attention to the small details included in that scholarship application form. You do not want to get rejected for filling out these forms incorrectly. Hence, pay attention to those minute details and complete the form within the deadline. Remember to submit all the required documents along with the application form within your due date.
Deadline Awareness
Set a reminder on your calendar to not miss your college scholarship application deadline. Review all the details accurately and be clear about the submission date to avoid unnecessary rejections.
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
How do you get the European student grants for American universities? Well, applying for scholarships in the USA might be an easy task, but getting selected for the same isn't. No wonder such scholarships also hold great value to your academic resume. Many scholarship winners prefer to start their journey as early as possible to avoid missing the application deadline. Also, many universities and educational institutions have limited funding opportunities for international students. So, if you intend to get selected, get started as soon as possible.
Highlighting Achievements
Why should the university select your application for the funding program? Think and list down all your academic and other achievements that highlight your strengths in your field. Gather all your educational documents and emphasize your talents while you tell the authorities your exceptional performance, awards, and recognitions that make you the right candidate for the scholarship.
Writing a Strong Personal Statement
A personal statement would be another feather to add to your application process. Think of all the potential questions that you can be asked regarding your talents, achievements, and eligibility for the scholarship. Highlight your strengths appropriately and how you can be the right candidate to take the lead in the crowd. Never underestimate your capabilities, and also talk about your responsibilities towards the community. State how you are interested in grabbing this opportunity to establish a fulfilling career and add to the university's success.
Securing Strong Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are crucial for getting those scholarship grants for your course. Select people around you who can add value to your application and help you secure the scholarship in no time. Teachers, previous employers, and other contributors who can talk about your strengths and achievements in your career can be the ideal ones to write these letters to your university. Give them appropriate time and information to prepare these documents for your scholarship application.
Prominent Scholarship Programs
What are the overseas education scholarships for Europeans in the US? Here are the top 3 options available for international students:
Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program helps graduates, along with young aspirants from other countries, to study and research in the US. This scholarship is available with the aim of improving cultural diplomacy, intercultural relationships, and competence between different countries and the US. This is ideal for students, scientists, teachers, scholars, and artists to get nationwide funding for research, study, teaching, etc.
The scholarship is available for more than 160 countries globally, and around 4,000 international students receive this grant yearly. Binational Fulbright Commissions/Foundations or U.S. Embassies is the sole administrator behind this scholarship program. However, the eligibility criteria seem to vary depending on your country.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program opens every spring, and the top producers include Harvard University, Yale University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, Princeton University, University of Chicago, Columbia University, Brown University, and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since 2005, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has been the leader in this regard.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The World Bank's Development Economics Vice Presidency offers funding to young researchers and students with an aim for knowledge sharing and capacity development while promoting the development of human resources, investing in education, etc. Since 1982, these scholarship programs have helped over 6,000 more professionals and scholars to impact future generations positively. It is available to candidates from developing countries with appropriate professional experience who apply for master's degree programs.
The scholarship offers financial assistance with a living stipend, tuition fees, health insurance, round-trip airfare, along with travel allowance. It can cover the graduate program for a maximum of two years. The eligibility criteria include that you must be a nation of World Bank member country as per their list, not hold any dual citizenship, be healthy, have a bachelor's degree or equivalent, show three years of recent development-related work experience after the Bachelor's degree, etc. For more information, refer to the http://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships.
Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
The Rotary Foundation is known for offering more than 7.5 million USD to young aspirants annually to help them with their philanthropic objectives. Such global grants are provided to graduates and professionals studying in one of the six areas of Rotary, including providing sanitation, peace promotion, saving children, supporting education, fighting disease, hygiene and clean water, etc. These scholarships are available for graduate-level academic studies, humanitarian projects, vocational training teams, etc.
How are these scholarships funded? The global grants have a minimum budget of $30,000 and a maximum of $400,000 budget. The sponsors use a combination of the DDF or District Designated Funds, directed gifts and endowment earnings, cash, and more to fund this scholarship. So, if you are engaged in activities that respond to the community's needs and can make a difference in society, you can be the ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Resources and Websites
How to find the right study opportunities in the United States for European students? Here are some websites and resources to help you:
- Scholarships.com offers assistance with funding programs while diving them into unique categories, like ACT or SAT scores, artistic ability, military affiliation, GPA scores, ethnicity, etc.
- The College Board can help students get scholarship details even after they have been accepted into the school. It offers data on club affiliations, eligible scholarships per your profile, field of study, etc.
- ScholarshipOwl is a popular site that offers information regarding different awards, recurring scholarships, etc. These are all divided into types of requirements, duration, deadlines, amount, number of winners, and more such categories. Such data can help you prepare your recommendation letters and essays within the deadlines.
- Going Merry helps students with severe time crunch. It highlights all the awards and funding options available for the students, which might be less competitive.
- Fastweb aggregates information from small and large directories and helps you get all the information about the ongoing scholarships per your browsing history, profile, and other such aspects. Also, you get notifications from the site to never miss a deadline again.
Apart from these, one can also refer to Bold.org, Scholly, Cappex, CareerOneStop, the college financial aid websites, local organisations, and more for detailed information about financial assistance for European students pursuing degrees in America.
Conclusion
The United States has always been the prime destination for completing higher education for every global aspirant. However, to meet the financial constraints, these universities and schools offer potential candidates a long list of financial aid and scholarships. To find the best financial aid for European students in the US, one must get started as early as possible.
Research thoroughly and carefully read all the instructions before applying for these programs. Meticulously prepare the statement of purpose and scholarship essays to showcase your potential and strengths for a successful application. However, not every scholarship will be quickly approved or available for you. That is why patience and focus are essential for you. Be motivated and keep trying for the scholarship. Don't be afraid to take risks, as such opportunities come once in a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scholarships are available for European students to study in the US?
Some of the grants for European nationals attending American universities are Fulbright Program for Foreign Students Scholarship, MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship, MPOWER Monthly Scholarship Series, #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, Study a Bachelor's in the USA Scholarship, The American Association of University Women International Fellowship, American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation Endowment Scholarship, Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, American-Scandinavian Foundation, Asian Cultural Council Fellowships and Grants, Kosciuszko Foundation's Program for Advanced Study, Research and/or Teaching, National Council on International Trade Development Scholarship Program, Humphrey Fellowship, Margaret McNamara Education Grants, Schlumberger Foundation: Faculty for the Future, etc.
How can I find scholarships specifically for European students in the US?
To find appropriate scholarships for your course in the US, visit your college's financial aid website. Also, research the top funding options available for international students and follow sites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, Going Merry, College Board, WorldGrad, Bold.org, Scholly, Cappex, CareerOneStop, etc., for more information.
What are the eligibility criteria for European students applying for US scholarships?
The general requirements for applying for scholarships in the US include academic scores, language proficiency test scores, awards, recognitions, scholarship essays, letters of recommendation, nationals from developing countries, demonstrating participation in community services, etc.
Do US universities offer scholarships for international students from Europe?
Yes, there are a plethora of scholarships and funding opportunities available for European students who aim to complete their higher education in the US.
What documents are typically required when applying for scholarships to study in the US?
To successfully apply for scholarships for international students in the US, one must submit letters of recommendation, personal essays, ID proofs, test scores, academic records, statement of purpose, etc.
Can European students apply for scholarships at community colleges in the US?
Yes, scholarships are available for selected US community colleges, which cover your tuition and living expenses. However, read the eligibility criteria properly before applying for the scholarships for your course.
How can I increase my chances of receiving scholarships as a European student planning to study in the US?
You can increase your chances of receiving scholarships in the US by:
- Researching carefully and completing your application within the deadline
- Fulfill all the eligibility criteria of the scholarship program
- Showcase outstanding performance in academics and extracurricular activities
- Always prepare in advance for successful interviews