International students looking to attend American universities are often met with a series of obstacles along the way. Applying for visas, procuring housing, and getting acclimated to a new, foreign environment are stressful components to any international education experience — never mind actually getting into school and paying for it.

Students choosing to leave their home country to study in the U.S. often find an apparent lack of financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Curbing the rising costs of U.S. schools, which are significantly higher than their international counterparts, is not an easy task for international students.

Finding the Right Scholarship for You

Finding the right scholarship can be just as tedious as finding the right school.

Most scholarships are very specific about which students are eligible to receive an award. Students may have to live in a certain geographical area, be of a specific ethnic background, or pursue a specific field of study. There are even scholarships awarded to people for being tall or for making their own wool sweaters.

When looking for a scholarship, a great place to start would be the intended university of study, as most universities have specific scholarships earmarked for international students. The next stop should be a search for scholarships for students from a specific country, ethnicity, profession, etc. There are also general scholarship funds for international students studying in the U.S.

# 1. Foreign Fulbright Student Program

The Fulbright is a super-competitive program for international graduate students and young professionals to study abroad and conduct research in the United States.

Amount? Varies

Deadline: (varies) Feb-October

# 2. Study Portals International Scholarship

This one-time payment scholarship is open to all students around the world currently enrolled in a university. The entire application can be filled out online.

Amount? $1,300 (€1,000)

Deadline: Rolling

# 3. P.E.R.K. Consulting NextGen Scholarship

International students and non-US citizens should be on the lookout for The NextGen Scholarship. It is available for qualifying high school students, or those attending either a two- or four-year college or university in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia). Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be enrolled full-time in a U.S. school.

Amount? $1,000

Deadline: May 2nd

# 4. Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program

The Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program gives funding to qualifying students from developing countries to pursue graduate studies abroad. This scholarship is intended for students who plan on attending a university abroad, and then returning home to contribute to the development of their country.

Amount? Varies

Deadline: March (annually)

# 5. Aga Khan Foundation

The Aga Khan Foundation offers scholarships to international graduate students from developing nations pursuing any field of study. Scholarships are awarded to students who have a strong academic record, clear educational and career goals, and demonstrate legitimate financial need.

Amount? Varies

Deadline: March (annually)