Notable Merit Scholarships in the USA: Opportunities for High-Achieving International Students

Notable Merit Scholarships in the USA: Opportunities for High-Achieving International Students

Would you like to begin your academic journey overseas? However, many students are caught between a “dry pocket” and a “deficit savings account” due to the sharp rise in education costs. The good news is that there is funding available for students of all backgrounds to pursue their studies overseas. International students can apply for more than 1,000 fully financed scholarships at prestigious colleges across the world.

In this post, we’ll go over merit scholarships available at prestigious colleges worldwide. These scholarships cover tuition, housing costs, health insurance, travel expenses, and an average monthly stipend of $1000.

What Are Merit Scholarships? 

A merit-based scholarship is a kind of financial aid that is given to students not because of their financial needs but because of their academic accomplishments and talents. Colleges, universities, charities, businesses, and private organizations can all offer merit scholarships.

Students who perform academically or have extraordinary talents show interest in merit-based scholarships. These scholarships offer financial support to help students reach their educational objectives while also rewarding diligence and hard work. 

Furthermore, these scholarships are very competitive and frequently have strict eligibility requirements. They can pay for all or part of the tuition and occasionally cover extras like books and living expenses. 

Note that it can be difficult to find merit-based scholarships, but it is possible with the ways: 

• Check out websites dedicated to scholarships. 

• Speak with the financial aid office at your university. 

• Look into local companies and community organizations that provide scholarships. 

Advantages Of Merit Scholarships

A merit-based scholarship’s primary advantage is that it partially or completely covers living expenses and tuition, freeing you up to concentrate on your studies rather than money-related concerns. But there are other advantages to financial relief: 

#1. Improved career prospects and CV: 

Mentioning a merit scholarship on a resume tells prospective employers that the student is dedicated to excellence, has a strong work ethic, and holds themselves to high academic standards.  

#2. Academic and professional networking: 

Students frequently gain priceless networking opportunities for their academic and professional prospects after receiving a merit scholarship.  

#3. Acknowledgment and confidence boost: 

The acknowledgment that merit-based scholarships provide is another important advantage. Your efforts, commitment, and accomplishments are recognized when you are chosen for a merit scholarship.  

#4. Possibility of further awards and scholarships: 

Obtaining a merit-based scholarship may provide access to other funding sources. A successful scholarship application raises your profile and increases your appeal as a grant and scholarship applicant.  

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Where Can You Find Merit Scholarships?

There are a few distinct sources of merit scholarships. Among them are: 

#1. Private organizations: 

Merit scholarships can be found through private foundations and corporations. Examples of this are the PepsiCo Foundation Scholarship and the Google Lime Scholarship.

#2. Government organizations: 

Merit-based scholarships are provided by a few government organizations, including the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

#3. Professional associations: 

Students who want jobs in their field can apply for scholarships from several professional societies. Therefore, you should keep an eye out for these kinds of possibilities if you want to pursue engineering, medicine, or law. 

#4. Colleges and universities: 

To entice students to their campuses, numerous colleges and universities provide merit scholarships. Information about scholarships unique to a school is typically available through the financial aid or admissions office. 

Eligibility Criteria for Merit Scholarships

Students must normally have strong academic standing, extraordinary potential in a particular field, and frequent leadership abilities or community service to be eligible for a merit-based award. Let’s examine these criteria: 

#1. High GPA or scores on standardized tests. 

A high GPA, usually over a specific threshold (e.g., 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale), is sometimes demanded of students. It includes high results on standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT. Scholarship committees seek students with a strong academic record since it indicates that they will continue to do well in their future academic endeavors. 

#2. Involvement in extracurricular pursuits. 

This includes participation in school clubs, athletic teams, artistic endeavors, and other organized groups. Participating actively in extracurricular activities shows that you can manage your studies, hobbies, and obligations. Additionally, it demonstrates a readiness to participate in a variety of activities, which might aid in your development. 

#3. Show leadership. 

A lot of merit-based scholarships require community service and leadership abilities. Participating in community service demonstrates your commitment to improving society.  

#4. Skills in sports and the arts. 

Another need for merit-based scholarships is exceptional talent in particular sectors, like music, sports, the arts, or other specialized fields. Scholarships that focus especially on certain skills may be available to students who have distinguished themselves or received distinction in their field of expertise.  

Top 21 Merit Scholarships in the USA for International Students

One of the best places for students seeking to gain an excellent education is the United States. To assist you, Examsabi has put together a list of scholarships available to you:

Government Scholarships for International Students in the USA

#1. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers seasoned professionals from specific nations across the globe a year of professional development in the United States. Fellows are chosen based on their leadership potential and dedication to public service in the public or private sector, and the fellowships are full grants that cover all associated costs.

#2. Foreign Fulbright Student Program

International students who wish to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree can apply for full scholarships in the United States through the Fulbright Program. Scholarships are also available for postgraduate studies that do not lead to a degree. Tuition, books, travel, a living stipend, and health insurance are all covered by the grant.

Colleges and Universities that Offer Scholarships for International Students in the US

#3. University of the West Scholarships

New international students who meet high academic criteria and exhibit financial need are eligible to apply for scholarships from the University of the West. Annually, scholarships range from $6,000 to $10,000.

#4. Oregon University Scholarships

Each year, the University of Oregon grants over $2.5 million in financial aid and scholarships to overseas students, including partial and full tuition waiver scholarships through the ICSP Scholarship.

#5. New York University Wagner Scholarships

Merit scholarships are awarded to a limited number of admitted students each application cycle, including overseas students. The range of the scholarships is $25,000 to $47,000.

#6. Michigan State University International Scholarships

Michigan State University offers a number of undergraduate and graduate scholarships and awards to worthy international students. Your whole academic program at MSU is not intended to be supported by these financial packages.

#7. Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships

The university offers a number of merit scholarships to international freshmen. Competitive selection is made using a comprehensive analysis of high school grades and marks as well as SAT or ACT scores. Note that these grants are renewable and range from $2,000 to $10,000 annually.

#8. Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships

International applicants who meet the requirements and demonstrate exceptional academic accomplishment and test scores are eligible to apply for merit-based scholarships. These grants are renewable for a maximum of four years and range in annual value from $16,000 to $30,000. Each year, two President’s International Student Scholarships with full tuition may also be given out.

#9. Emory College Scholarships

Emory College offers merit-based scholarships to international students every year. The Emory University Scholars Program encourages international applicants to apply for partial to full merit-based scholarships; the deadline is November 15.

#10. East Tennessee State University Scholarships

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) provides new international students pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees with the International Students Academic Merit Scholarship. The award ranges from $5,000 to $9,000 per academic year.

#11. Dartmouth College Scholarships

Dartmouth College fulfills the proven needs of every undergraduate student admitted, including international students. International students can apply for loans and scholarships from Dartmouth College, which includes funding for travel expenses to the United States.

#12. Concordia College Scholarships

Concordia College offers some financial aid because it recognizes the contributions that international students make on campus. The annual International Student Merit Scholarships vary from $11,000 to $17,000 and are awarded based on family needs and academic aptitude. To promote intercultural learning and understanding, Concordia additionally provides two annual, renewable scholarships worth at least 50% of tuition to a chosen group of international undergraduate students.

#13. Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships

Colby-Sawyer College offers merit-based financial aid to international students. The scholarship can be worth up to $8,000 annually and is determined by academic competence.

#14. Clark University Scholarships

For students who rank highest in Clark University’s candidate pool based on their academic record and leadership potential, the university provides the coveted Clark Presidential Scholarships. Every year, about five students receive the scholarships. Regardless of a family’s financial situation, it pays for all four years of tuition, lodging, and board on campus.

#15. Wien International Scholarship Program (WISP) at Brandeis University

Brandeis University’s Wien International Scholarship Program (WISP) enables students from around the globe to enroll in undergraduate programs and develop into engaged global citizens. This scholarship meets the financial needs of the recipient.

#16. Berea College Scholarships

Financial help and scholarships are provided to all accepted overseas students, covering all of their first year’s tuition, lodging, board, and fees. International students are expected to save $1,000 to help cover their expenses in the following years. To fulfill this requirement, the college offers summer employment to overseas students.

#17. AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program

American University gives scholarships to deserving international students who want to attend the university to earn a bachelor’s degree and who are committed to bringing about constructive social and civic change. It is designed for students who will be going back home to help underserved, underresourced communities back home.

Furthermore, an international student who requires a visa (ideally an F-1 or J-1 student visa) to study in the United States is eligible for the AU EGL scholarship, which covers full tuition and housing.

#18. USC National Merit Scholarships

USC National Merit Scholarships are distinguished honors given to students who have extraordinary academic achievement and promise. It is one of the few prestigious universities that provides large merit scholarships to students with exceptional qualifications.

In addition to acknowledging your efforts, these scholarships offer substantial financial support, which lessens the intimidating nature of your education at USC. Students must apply for a USC merit scholarship before the usual decision date to be considered.

Institutions That Offer International Scholarships for Study in the US

#19. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

Through a competitive application process, the Aga Khan Foundation offers a limited number of scholarships annually to deserving students from disadvantaged nations for postgraduate education, with the awards being given out on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis.

#20. AAUW International Fellowships

AAUW grants international fellowships to women who are neither nationals nor permanent residents of the United States for full-time study or research in the country. For Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral students, the scholarships are valued at $18,000, $20,000, and $30,000, respectively.

#21. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships

The Joint Japan World Bank offers full scholarships to students from World Bank member nations to study development at a few universities, such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins, the University of Chicago, Cornell, and Columbia.

How to Apply for a Merit-Based Scholarship

There are numerous essential processes involved in applying for merit-based scholarships: 

#1. Research scholarships. 

Make sure you fit the requirements for the scholarships you want to apply for. Make a list of scholarships that fit your academic background, skills, and hobbies after first looking through several scholarship databases and websites. 

#2. Compile the required documents.

This comprises a resume, recommendation letters, and transcripts. Verify that your academic accomplishment is appropriately represented on your transcripts, and ask mentors or instructors who can vouch for your abilities and character to write letters of recommendation. 

#3. Compose a compelling essay or personal statement. 

Emphasize your accomplishments, objectives, and reasons for deserving the award. Additionally, make sure to address any specific topics or themes that may be included in the application requirements, and customize each essay to the scholarship in question. 

#4. Send in your application before the deadline. 

Ensure that all materials are timely and complete. To prevent any last-minute problems, make sure you have included all necessary documents by double-checking the application instructions. You may also want to submit your application a few days early.

Conclusion

Finally, it’s crucial to thoroughly investigate any scholarship you wish to apply for to steer clear of fraud and understand its requirements. Therefore, make sure you understand the application procedure and the due dates. 

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