Education
A Guide to Scholarships for International Students
Prospective undergraduate international students can demonstrate leadership and writing skills to win U.S. university scholarships.
Scholarships for International Students
Finding scholarships for international students may seem next to impossible, but they do exist. As prospective undergraduate students research their options for studying in the U.S., they should be aware of what might land them a coveted scholarship award.
“A strong applicant will have demonstrated leadership and teamwork, strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know them and a consistently strong academic record which includes writing but also demonstrates follow-through and discipline,” says Meredith Twombly, vice president of admissions and financial aid at Clark University in Massachusetts.
Here are some things to know about scholarships for international students.
Skills Can Boost Scholarship Chances
Strong leadership skills can make international students more competitive scholarship applicants, experts say.
“Being the head boy or captain of your school, leading the school paper or even setting up your own entrepreneurship club shows your leadership potential. In the end universities want to look at students who are going to be future leaders of the world and they want to see evidence of that from an early age,” Karan Gupta, CEO of Karan Gupta Consulting in India, wrote in an email.
Strong writing skills also help. Pakistani national Fareha Abid is a recipient of the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship offered by American University in Washington, D.C., where she is majoring in international studies with a double minor in Arabic and economics. She says she sharpened her skills through writing-intensive, advanced-level courses as well as launching and running her high school’s magazine.
The most critical part of a scholarship application, she says, is the personal statement, which allows admissions officers and scholarship committees to really get to know a student.
“That is where a certain degree of self-awareness and the skill of knowing how to tell your story comes in handy. My identity as a Pakistani girl, life experiences and being true to myself were a few of the things I highlighted,” Abid says.
Scholarship essays level the playing field, experts say, giving students from various backgrounds and with different accomplishments an opportunity to win an award.
“If you have good writing skills you will be able to communicate strengths about your profile with ease,” Gupta says. “This in turn will enhance your chances for scholarship.”
Mistakes Can Work Against You
Not writing your own essay and waiting until the last minute to apply for scholarships are mistakes international students should avoid, experts say.
“Students should avoid the temptation of plagiarizing essays or even full sentences from the Internet or from past submitted essays,” Gupta says.
He advises that international students be honest in what they write, especially about their achievements and extracurricular activities, and adds that scholarship committees “can very easily tell if an essay actually depicts a student’s potential.”
Evelyn Levinson, director of international admissions at American University, says students should carefully review, reread and edit scholarship essays and use spellcheck before submitting their essays to a university. International students should ask their school counselor, English teacher or EducationUSA adviser to read and review their essays before submission, she says. EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State-supported network of advising centers that assist students interested in studying in the U.S.
Ceasing to apply for additional scholarships after being awarded one or two is not a good idea, experts add, as students should maximize opportunities to get more money for college.
“Scholarships are highly competitive. Give yourself enough time to prepare a strong application and be able to communicate your goals for university study, your career aspirations, and why you chose a specific university to apply to. Do not wait until the last minute to ask school counselors for a letter of recommendation,” says Lynn A. Mosesso, director of graduate and international recruitment and admissions at the University of Arkansas.
Schools Can Be Scholarship Gold Mines
Experts recommend international students contact a school’s financial aid office and use scholarship search tools like InternationalStudent.com to find out about scholarships awarded by colleges and universities in the U.S.
Applicants should look for scholarships open to all students rather than just U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as carefully review requirements, such as test scores, essays and additional materials like videos or letters of recommendation.
There are numerous university-based scholarships open to international undergraduate applicants. The Wien International Scholarship Program, for example, was established in 1958 at Brandeis University in Massachusetts and has brought over 890 scholars from 115 countries to the school, says Julie Jette, a Brandeis spokeswoman. She says Wien Scholars “are committed leaders with a proven record of academic excellence and desire to effect positive change in their communities.”
The Presidential LEEP Scholarship offered by Clark University covers full tuition and on-campus room and board for all four years, regardless of financial need. Twombly says the school awards approximately five scholarships annually.
“Not all scholarships are listed on Common Application as many require a separate application, so do your research,” says LEEP recipient Maha Akbar. The Pakistani national is studying political science with a concentration in international relations at Clark.
Mosesso says the University of Arkansas offers five scholarships to undergraduate international students, such as the New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award Scholarship that provides an annual award of $11,525 to $14,825 per year based on 30 hours of enrollment. The school also offers several college and departmental scholarships.
“If you do not meet the academic requirements for a new freshman scholarship, don’t fret. We offer scholarships to currently enrolled students who have excelled in their academic program or have financial need. Monies may range from $150 to over $5,000,” Mosesso says.
Author:USNEWS.COM
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially rescheduled the commencement of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to Thursday, 24th April, 2025, across Nigeria.
This development was disclosed in a statement signed by Dr Fabian Benjamin, Public Communication Advisor to JAMB, on Saturday.
The examination, earlier slated to begin on Friday, 25th April, has been brought forward by one day due to what the Board described as “essential commitments by the Board and its partner agencies.”
According to the statement, “The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is now set to commence on Thursday, April 24, 2025, instead of the previously scheduled date of Friday, April 25, 2025. This adjustment has been made to accommodate essential commitments by the Board and its partner agencies.”
In preparation for the nationwide exercise, the Board has opened its official portal for registered candidates to print their 2025 UTME Notification Slips, which contain crucial information such as examination date, venue, and time.
“All candidates who have registered for the 2025 UTME scheduled to commence on Thursday, 24th April, 2025, are urged to print their 2025 UTME Notification Slips before the date of their examination,” the statement added.
To access the slip, candidates are required to visit www.jamb.gov.ng, click on the “2025 UTME Slip Printing” link, enter their registration number, and proceed to print the document.
JAMB strongly advised all candidates to familiarise themselves with the locations of their respective centres prior to the examination date to avoid any confusion or delay.
Furthermore, the Board reiterated its strict policy on examination locations, warning candidates not to appear at any centre outside their officially assigned venue or examination town.
“Please note that candidates will be assigned to centres within their chosen examination towns; no candidate will be placed in a centre outside their selected town,” JAMB emphasised.
The Board assured that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a seamless conduct of the 2025 UTME and urged candidates to comply strictly with the guidelines provided.
The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Dr Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, has said that the institution’s recent accreditation as a Cisco Networking Academy Learning Centre will benefit students, staff, and the host communities, while also enhancing the school’s standing in the global digital space.
Dr Abdul-Hameed, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the institution’s Protocol and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday Adepoju, described the feat as a major milestone in the polytechnic’s journey towards global academic relevance and digital innovation.
Cisco Systems Inc., a multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California, is a global leader in networking and information technology solutions.
Speaking on the development, the Rector said, “First and foremost, let me re-emphasise that our commitment to excellence at Federal Polytechnic, Ayede remains unwavering. The accreditation, granted by Cisco Systems, will enable the polytechnic to offer specialised training in key areas such as networking, cybersecurity, programming, data science, operating systems, digital literacy, and professional development.
“These programmes align with internationally recognised certifications and are designed to equip students with job-ready skills required in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.
“This accreditation is a major leap for our institution as it reflects our strategic focus on equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills and reinforces our mission to become a centre of excellence in technology and innovation.”
Highlighting the benefits of the Cisco-accredited centre to the institution, Abdul-Hameed noted that the collaboration would enhance the polytechnic’s credibility and attract more prospective students, given the global recognition associated with Cisco certifications.
“Additionally, the institution can enrich its curriculum with up-to-date, industry-relevant learning materials provided by Cisco. It can also leverage Cisco’s vast resources, including training and support, to improve the overall quality of its academic programmes,” he said.
The Rector further stated that the staff of the institution would also benefit from the initiative through access to Cisco’s professional training opportunities, which would keep them abreast of emerging industry trends and technologies.
“Instructors can develop their skills and gain recognition within the industry, enhancing their career prospects. They can also build networks and collaborate with other professionals and partners through Cisco’s global platforms,” he added.
On the impact on students, Abdul-Hameed described them as the greatest beneficiaries of the new accreditation.
“Our students can now earn industry-recognised certifications that will improve their employability and career growth. They will also have access to career opportunities and networking events through Cisco’s global network,” he said.
He added that the host communities stand to gain from the scheme, particularly in terms of economic development and local partnerships.
“By producing a skilled workforce, the community becomes more attractive to businesses
Seeks FG’s Intervention on Infrastructure, Expansion
The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, has reaffirmed its commitment to academic and infrastructural excellence as it formally admitted its third set of students during a matriculation ceremony held on Thursday at the TETFund Auditorium, Iresa-Pupa Temporary Campus.
No fewer than 574 students were officially admitted into the institution for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The event was well attended by distinguished guests, including the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, who was represented by Dr John Onyebuchi, Deputy Director, NBTE Southwest Zonal Office. The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) was also represented by Mallam Bala Adamu.
The traditional institution was represented by the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye JP, Ajiboye III. Other notable attendees included the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Engr. (Dr) Sani Man Yahya, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Alhaji I. A. Lawal; the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Engr. (Dr) Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr Mulikatu Aliu; and the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, Prof. R. A. Adebayo, represented by the Registrar, Alhaji Yusuf Aderibigbe among others.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, congratulated the newly admitted students and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering quality technical and vocational education.
“You have earned your place here through hard work and dedication. Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, is committed to equipping you with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to thrive in your chosen careers,” he stated.
Dr Abdul-Hameed highlighted the rapid growth of the Polytechnic since its establishment in March 2021, noting that it was the first among the six newly created federal polytechnics to commence academic and administrative activities in June 2022.
He disclosed that the institution now has over 1,200 students, making it the most populated among its counterparts. It currently offers 12 accredited National Diploma (ND) programmes, with plans to introduce 29 additional programmes.
“The Office Technology and Management (OTM) programme will soon commence as its resource verification process is at an advanced stage,” he added.
The Rector further announced that the Polytechnic’s Academic Board had approved the results of its first graduating set, paving the way for its maiden convocation this year.
“A convocation ceremony to confer diplomas and prizes will be held this year, and the official date will be announced in due course,” he stated.
Addressing recent reports of a building collapse at the Polytechnic, Abdul-Hameed dismissed the claims as misleading, clarifying that no structure had collapsed on any of the institution’s campuses.
“What was falsely reported was a minor structural defect involving a cantilever under construction. The contractor is already addressing the issue under strict supervision,” he explained, urging the public to disregard the misinformation aimed at tarnishing the Polytechnic’s reputation.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s support for education, the Rector urged the Federal Government to increase funding, particularly for infrastructure and research.
“We seek special intervention programmes to support our expansion efforts and the construction of access roads to improve connectivity,” he appealed.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) towards the Polytechnic’s growth. Continuing, he lauded Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, for his support and sought further assistance from the state government.
The Don advised the newly admitted students to embrace discipline, diligence, and innovation, urging them to take full advantage of the institution’s resources.
“The Polytechnic has provided you with the resources and a conducive environment to succeed. It is now your responsibility to make the most of this opportunity,” the Rector said.
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