Teachers PortalAlthough many international students believe they could never afford it, the excessive costs of school in the US can make this ambition appear unattainable.
Fortunately, there are universities in the USA that provide full, free scholarships, which cover tuition, lodging, and sometimes even living expenses.
Although extremely competitive, these scholarships provide access to top-notch education without breaking the bank.
This article will discuss universities that provide full scholarships, how to apply for them, and best practices for contacting these schools.
Universities Offering Full Free Scholarships In The USA:
- Harvard University
is known for its generous financial aid packages. The university provides need-based scholarships to students from all around the world.
Depending on the student’s financial situation, the scholarship can cover full tuition, room, and board.
Scholarship Offered: Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI)
Email: fao@fas.harvard.edu
How to Apply: Apply for admission and submit the financial aid application through the CSS Profile and FAFSA.
- Yale University
Yale University, like Harvard, offers need-based financial aid to international students.
Over 60% of Yale students receive financial aid, and the average scholarship is around $50,000 per year.
For students whose families earn less than $65,000 annually, Yale covers the full cost of education.
Scholarship Offered: Yale Scholarship
Email: financialaid@yale.edu
How to Apply: Submit the financial aid forms, including the CSS Profile and FAFSA, after applying for admission.
- Stanford University
Stanford University offers full scholarships to international students based on financial need.
Like other top schools, Stanford requires no parental contribution for families earning less than $65,000 annually.
Scholarship Offered: Stanford Financial Aid
Email: financialaid@stanford.edu
How to Apply: Submit the CSS Profile, FAFSA, and required tax documents during your application process.
- Princeton University
Princeton has one of the most generous financial aid programs in the U.S.
They offer full scholarships that cover tuition and living expenses for students from families earning less than $65,000 annually.
Scholarship Offered: Princeton Financial Aid
Email: pfaa@princeton.edu
How to Apply: Complete the Princeton financial aid application, CSS Profile, and FAFSA forms.
- Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (MIT)
MIT offers financial aid based solely on need, not merit.
For international students, the financial aid packages are quite generous and can cover the full cost of attendance depending on your family’s financial situation.
Scholarship Offered: MIT Financial Aid
Email: finaid@mit.edu
How to Apply: Apply for financial aid by submitting the CSS Profile and FAFSA after submitting your application for admission.
- Columbia University
Columbia University’s financial aid is need-based, and they provide full scholarships to cover tuition and fees for students from low-income families.
Columbia is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students.
Scholarship Offered: Columbia Financial Aid
Email: ugrad-finaid@columbia.edu
How to Apply: Complete the CSS Profile and FAFSA as part of your financial aid application process.
How To Apply For These Scholarships:
The application process for full scholarships in the USA typically involves the following steps:
1. Apply For Admission
Before you can apply for a scholarship, you need to gain admission to the university.
Most U.S. universities require you to submit standardized test scores (SAT, ACT), essays, recommendation letters, and academic transcripts.
2. Fill Out the Financial Aid Forms
After applying for admission, you’ll need to submit financial aid forms such as the CSS Profile and FAFSA (for U.S. students and some international students).
The CSS Profile is used by most private U.S. colleges to determine financial need.
3. Provide Proof of Financial Need
Most universities that offer full scholarships base their awards on financial need. You will need to provide tax documents, bank statements, or other proof of your family’s financial status.
4. Submit Additional Documents
Some universities may require additional documents, such as a personal statement explaining why you need the scholarship or further information about your financial situation.
Guidelines On How To Send A Message To Universities:
If you’re applying for scholarships at these universities, it’s crucial to communicate effectively with the financial aid offices.
Below is a guideline on how to craft a formal email:
1. Subject Line: Keep It Clear and Professional
Example:
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Full Scholarship Opportunities for International Students
2. Email Body: Be Polite and Direct
Here’s a sample email you can send:
Sample Email To Financial Aid Office:
Dear [University's Financial Aid Officer's Name], I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am an international student from [Your Country].
I am writing to inquire about full scholarship opportunities for international students at [University Name]. I am deeply interested in attending [University Name] and believe that my academic achievements and extracurricular involvement make me a strong candidate.
However, as financial constraints make it difficult for me to pursue higher education, I would appreciate any information on need-based scholarships and the application process.
I would be grateful if you could provide me with details on how to apply for financial aid, the requirements, and any deadlines that I should be aware of. Thank you for your time and assistance.
I look forward to your response. Best regards, [Your Full Name] [Your Email Address] [Your Contact Information]
3. Follow-Up Emails
If you do not receive a reply within two weeks, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email. Here’s a quick template:
Dear [University's Financial Aid Officer's Name], I hope you are doing well. I am following up on my previous email sent on [Date] regarding full scholarship opportunities for international students at [University Name].
I would appreciate any further information or guidance you can provide. Thank you again for your time. Best regards, [Your Full Name]
Conclusion:
Attaining a full free scholarship in the USA is a great way to achieve your educational dreams without financial stress.
Universities like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, Princeton, and Columbia offer incredible opportunities for students from all around the world.
By understanding the application process, being clear in your communication, and following up professionally, you can increase your chances of securing a scholarship.
Keep striving, and your dream to study in the USA could become a reality very soon. Just, don’t give up.
Good luck with your applications!
Teachers Portal
