Scholarships are a golden opportunity for students to fund their education without the burden of debt. Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, or even a high school student, there are countless scholarships available online. The challenge is knowing where to look. In this article, we’ll explore 10 reliable places to find and apply for scholarships online, tailored for an international students.
Note, while all platform have opportunities for international students. For some platforms, you may need to already reside in the U.S. to access it.
1. Scholarships.com
Scholarships.com is one of the largest scholarship databases, offering over 3.7 million scholarships worth $19 billion in financial aid. It’s a great starting point for students of all ages and backgrounds. The platform allows you to filter scholarships by criteria like GPA, ethnicity, and field of study, making it easier to find opportunities that match your profile.
Why it’s great:
- Wide variety of scholarships for different demographics.
- Easy-to-use filters to narrow down your search.
Tip: Create a profile to save your favorite scholarships and get notified about new opportunities.
2. Fastweb
Fastweb is a trusted scholarship search engine with over 1.5 million scholarships in its database. It’s particularly useful for students looking for both college and vocational school scholarships. Fastweb also provides resources on financial aid and college planning.
Why it’s great:
- Free to use and matches you with relevant scholarships.
- Offers advice on financial aid and college applications.
Tip: Be prepared for a high volume of emails after signing up—set up a dedicated folder for scholarship notifications.
3. Going Merry
Going Merry simplifies the scholarship application process by allowing students to apply for multiple scholarships with a single application. It’s especially helpful for finding local and niche awards that are less competitive.
Why it’s great:
- Auto-fill feature saves time on repetitive applications.
- Focuses on local scholarships, which often have fewer applicants.
Tip: Use the “Favorite” function to keep track of scholarships you’re interested in.
4. Bold.org
Bold.org is a sleek platform that hosts exclusive scholarships created by individual donors and organizations. It’s perfect for students looking for unique opportunities tailored to their interests and backgrounds.
Why it’s great:
- Clean interface and easy-to-navigate filters.
- Scholarships are exclusive to the platform, reducing competition.
Tip: Some scholarships require nominations, so engage with the community to increase your chances.
5. ScholarshipOwl
ScholarshipOwl automates the scholarship application process, saving you time and effort. It’s ideal for students who want to apply for no-essay scholarships or recurring awards.
Why it’s great:
- Automatically applies to eligible scholarships on your behalf.
- Offers a monthly sweepstakes for users.
Tip: After the free trial, consider whether the paid subscription is worth it for your needs.
6. CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, is a fantastic resource for students pursuing vocational training or associate degrees. It lists over 8,000 scholarships and grants.
Why it’s great:
- Focuses on non-traditional educational paths.
- Easy to filter scholarships by location and study level.
Tip: Check for scholarships specific to your field of study or career goals.
7. Scholly
Scholly uses an AI-powered algorithm to match students with scholarships based on their profile. It’s particularly useful for students who want a personalized list of opportunities.
Why it’s great:
- Free to use and offers editing tools for essays.
- Provides a “Scholly Score” to rank your chances of winning.
Tip: Use the app to search for scholarships on the go.
8. University Websites
Many universities offer internal scholarships for both domestic and international students. These awards are often less competitive than national scholarships.
Why it’s great:
- Scholarships are tailored to the university’s programs.
- Financial aid offices can provide additional guidance.
Tip: Check the “Costs and Funding” section of your university’s website for details.
9. Government and International Programs
Governments and international organizations like the Fulbright Program and Erasmus Mundus offer fully funded scholarships for students worldwide. These programs often cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
Why it’s great:
- Comprehensive funding for international students.
- Opportunities for cultural exchange and networking.
Tip: Start your application early, as these programs often have lengthy processes.
10. Local Organizations and Foundations
Don’t overlook local scholarships offered by community organizations, rotary clubs, or foundations. These awards are often less competitive and tailored to specific regions.
Why it’s great:
- Smaller applicant pool increases your chances.
- Often supports students with unique backgrounds or needs.
Tip: Use Google to search for local scholarships in your area.
Conclusion
Finding scholarships doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using these 10 platforms, you can streamline your search and focus on applying for awards that match your profile. Remember, persistence is key—apply to as many scholarships as possible and tailor each application to stand out.
Pro Tip: Set aside time each week to search for new opportunities and track deadlines. Every dollar you earn in scholarships is a dollar less you’ll need to borrow.
Good luck on your scholarship journey! 🌟