Pursuing higher education abroad is a dream for many international students. However, the financial burden can be overwhelming, making scholarships a crucial part of the journey. For those who need financial aid but don’t want to navigate through the labyrinth of prestigious and highly competitive scholarships, there are plenty of accessible need-based options. This blog highlights some of the easiest need-based scholarships available for international students, with specific details to guide you through your application process.
1. The Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
Institution: University of California (UC) System
Amount: Covers the full cost of tuition and fees
Eligibility: For California residents, including international students who meet specific financial need criteria
Details: The Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan offers significant financial relief by covering tuition and fees for students whose family income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Although this plan primarily benefits California residents, international students with family ties or who have secured residency status may be eligible for similar programs within the UC system.
2. International Students Scholarships at State University of New York (SUNY)
Institution: State University of New York (SUNY)
Amount: Up to $5,000 per year
Eligibility: Need-based, awarded based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Details: SUNY offers a range of scholarships for international students that are based on financial need. To qualify, students must submit the FAFSA, demonstrating their financial situation. These scholarships are accessible and offer substantial aid to help cover tuition and living expenses.
3. The International Student Grant at University of Manchester
Institution: University of Manchester
Amount: £2,000
Eligibility: Need-based, awarded to international students with demonstrable financial need
Details: The University of Manchester provides a grant specifically for international students who can show financial need. This grant is designed to assist with living costs and other expenses, making it a valuable option for students from less privileged backgrounds.
4. Boren Awards for International Study
Institution: National Security Education Program (NSEP)
Amount: Up to $20,000 for undergraduates; up to $30,000 for graduate students
Eligibility: Need-based, with a focus on underrepresented languages and regions
Details: Boren Awards are intended for students studying less commonly taught languages and regions critical to U.S. national security. While not as widely known, they provide significant financial aid and have relatively accessible eligibility criteria compared to other prestigious awards.
5. International Excellence Scholarships at the University of Bristol
Institution: University of Bristol
Amount: £8,000
Eligibility: Need-based, awarded to students demonstrating financial hardship
Details: The University of Bristol offers scholarships for international students based on financial need. Applicants must demonstrate their financial situation and academic merit to qualify. This scholarship aims to ease the financial burden and make education more accessible.
6. The Global Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto
Institution: University of Toronto
Amount: Up to $10,000
Eligibility: Need-based, awarded to international students who demonstrate financial need
Details: The University of Toronto provides financial support to international students who need assistance covering tuition fees and living costs. The application process involves demonstrating financial need and academic achievement.
7. International Student Financial Aid Program at New York University (NYU)
Institution: New York University (NYU)
Amount: Varies based on need
Eligibility: Need-based, requires submission of the CSS Profile
Details: NYU offers financial aid to international students who can prove their financial need through the CSS Profile. The amount varies, but it helps cover a significant portion of tuition fees and living expenses.
8. Global Scholar Program at the University of Adelaide
Institution: University of Adelaide
Amount: $5,000
Eligibility: Need-based, awarded to international students demonstrating financial hardship
Details: The Global Scholar Program provides financial support to international students who exhibit financial need. This scholarship is relatively easy to apply for and offers substantial aid to help with tuition and other expenses.
9. The International Merit Scholarship at University of Sydney
Institution: University of Sydney
Amount: Up to AUD $10,000
Eligibility: Need-based, awarded based on financial situation and academic performance
Details: The University of Sydney offers merit-based scholarships with a need-based component. This means students must demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need to receive this support.
10. The Global Education Scholarship at Monash University
Institution: Monash University
Amount: AUD $5,000
Eligibility: Need-based, available to international students demonstrating financial need
Details: Monash University provides scholarships to help international students manage the cost of studying abroad. The application process involves demonstrating financial need and providing evidence of hardship.
