Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA for Undergraduate Students
Some of the best universities in the world can be found in the United States of America which presents a variety of programs and opportunities to all students. Still, there are unfortunate circumstances in every country where such great opportunities come with great costs in the form of tuition and living expenses, which many students seeking to study at undergraduate level may not afford. Luckily, many fully funded scholarships in USA are available for international students, fully covering tuition, fees, living costs, and even the airfare. This article seeks to present various types of such fully funded scholarships for undergraduate students in the United States, its eligibility requirements, application procedures, and funding tips.
What Does Fully Funded Scholarship Mean
It refers to a type of scholarship that pays for all the expenses of the individual who is qualified for it – fees, housing, food, upkeep and in some cases travel. Since best universities, government and private organizations offer these scholarships they are competitive. It can be life changing to receive a fully funded scholarship as an international student because it means that one does not have to work and go into debt.
Advantages of Fully Funded Scholarships
Monetary Advantages: All expenses paid scholarships make it possible for the students to bear no cost due to debts related to school tuition or lodging and instead.
Vocational Training: These scholarships enable the scholars to attend high level universities which would otherwise be beyond their reach financially.
Cultural Exchange: The USA hosts international students that are able to learn about the US culture, relate with various communities, and expand their global relations.
Personal Growth: In most cases, the scholarships also encourage growth and progress in one’s career and studies through mentorship, organized sessions, and other activities outside the classroom.
Career Opportunities: One of the major benefits of acquiring scholarships is that there are usually prospects for internships and employment opportunities which enhances one’s career even before graduating.
Types of Fully Funded Scholarships for Undergraduate Students in the USA
There are various organizations and institutions which award undergraduate students full funding financial aid awards. In this section, we share with our readers some of the most common types of scholarships received by global applicants.
- Fulbright Program:
Fulbright program is an anga-sponsored scholarship program supporting overseas citizens to pursue studies in the United States. In this program, the US government and foreign nationals exchange courses with the objective of enhancing mutual understanding.
Who is eligible: Applications for such programs are unequally accessible to the citizens or nationals of Fulbright eligible states only; a bachelor degree or as self-equalized equivalent is required on the beginning of the program.
Coverage: The Fulbright Scholarship in usually provides funding for the cost of attending school including tuition, cost of living, health insurance and airfare.
- Diversity Visa Lottery Program
Though not traditionally considered a scholarship, the Diversity Visa Lottery enables students who are from underprivileged countries to immigrate to USA thus removing any limitation to pursue undergraduate education.
Eligibility: Applicants have to come from a country that has a low emigration rate of their citizens into the USA and also satisfy the educational and work experience criteria. Coverage: They are awarded a visa to stay in the USA and study for which costs are also included.
3 The gates scholarship
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supports this scholarship called The Gates Scholarship which aims at funding only the best and economically disadvantaged students of color.
Eligibility: High school seniors identified as low income are qualified to apply provided they maintain a GPAs of not less than 3.3.
Coverage: Tuition and fees, income, room and board that is provided as part of personal expenses that will be covered by the scholarship as to avoid high debt on the graduates.
- Aicpa Scholarship of CPA for minority students
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) provides funding to support minority students who are completing a degree in accounting.
Eligibility: All applicants must be minority students attending an accredited institution studying accounting.
Coverage: This scholarship offers $5000 per academic year for tuition and related costs per the scholarship.
- Scholarships awarded internally by the universities
Particular attention should be paid to the scholarships offered by US universities for international students. These scholarships can be different in criteria and amount.
Examples:
Harvard University: Harvard Harvard University has a need-based scholarship scheme that grants full scholarships to students coming from low and middle-income families.
Stanford University: Need-based scholarships are available through the Stanford University Financial Aid program and these scholarships can cover 100% of the total cost of attendance for eligible students.
- Scholarships for Overseas Students
There are many scholarships that are available for students who are studying outside of their home country.
Examples:
The United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships: UWC provides scholarships to students from different geographic regions to attend any college or university centers within the US.
The Rotary Foundation Global Scholar Program: This is a scholarship program for international students that provides funding to students of peace and development related education.
- Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission of the United Kingdom welcomes applications from students from Commonwealth low and middle-class countries to study in the USA.
Eligibility: To apply, a candidate needs to be a citizen of any Commonwealth country and must have an admission offer from any of the participating universities in the USA.
Coverage: The scholarship provides tuition fees, transportation tickets, and living allowances.
- The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
This particular program offers fully funded scholarship to professionals in various fields from countries in emerging markets to acquire new information and develop their careers in the USA.
Eligibility: Applicants need to hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have been in a profession related to the applied field for a couple of years.
Coverage: The fellowship finances the tuition fee, cost of living and transportation expenses.
- The Peace Scholarship Program
An established peace scholarship program by the U.S. government offers fully funded scholarships to international students who would like to study in the field of peace conflict resolution.
Eligibility: Possess applicants who are willing to strive for peace and solve conflicts.
Coverage: The scholarship covers tuition fees, daily subsistence and expenses on transport.
How to apply for every one of the fully funded scholarships that are available
In applying for any one of the Fully funded scholarships, one needs to be organized and precise in their approach. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Research Available Scholarships
Look for fully funded scholarships that suit your course of study and the paper qualification you possess. Try searching databases of scholarships, websites of universities, and other organizations’ resources to look for these opportunities.
Step 2: Understand Eligibility Requirements
Go through the details of the eligibility requirements for each scholarship type with keenness. Take note of the requirements you wish to apply including academic ones, irrespective of whether you are a foreigner, and language requirements.
Step 3: Handle the Document Requirements
Expanding further on this, here are some of the most commonly required documents for scholarship applications that you may need to include:
Application Form: Fill correct and full information within the scholarship application form.
Personal Statement: The personal statement is another important document where you will discuss your study objectives, personal achievements, and the importance of the scholarship towards achieving those objectives.
Letters of Recommendation: Make sure to ask for letters of recommendation from teachers, supervisors or employers who have a good understanding of your qualifications and character.
Transcripts: Attach school transcripts to show your educational back ground.
Proof of Language Proficiency: If applicable, test such as TOEFL/IELTS may be required.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Be certain that all the application requirements have been met in their full’s in good time relative to the application deadlines. Be very strict to submission instructions, submission format and documents required.
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews
Some awarding institutions may prefer interviewing particular applicants as part of the awarding process. Expect common interview questions about your educational objectives and the reasons that you merit the scholarship you are applying for.
Step 6: Await Notification
Waiting for the outcome of your application would be the next step after you submit the application documents and the scholarship application form. The selection committees will assess applications based on academic qualifications, potential for leadership and adherence to the purpose of the scholarship.
Guidelines for Getting Fully Funded Scholarships
Start Early: Make sure to start on time in searching and filling up the required forms for the scholarship to minimize any last minute rushing.
Tailor Your Application: Personalize your personal statement as well as other documents to relevant experiences and goals you might have. Explain how you intend to use the scholarship.
Seek Guidance: In case, some things prove to be tough, ask your teacher, your tutor or any other adults about this. They can help you a great deal.
Highlight Your Achievements: Academic records, leadership records, volunteer works, and any participation in such related activities should be maximized.
Network: Speak to or join people who have been awarded a scholarship before to learn from them and how they went about applying.
Be Persistent: Many people are getting scholarships but if you don’t get one on your first attempt, don’t feel disappointed. Many students who received scholarship awards were once victims of many doors being closed on their faces.
Fully funded scholarships offer international undergraduate students in USA the liberty to pursuit their education without any cost. The information contained in this scholarship application is intended to be helpful to students who seek scholarships by giving guidance on application steps. Such awards contribute not only to the education costs, and in addition, there are more merits such as experience of different cultures, personal development and future career aspects. Try to take this opportunity by knowing different programs and writing an appropriate application.
