Funding for International Students Studying in the United States

Aug. 20, 2018

Finding funding is a challenge for any graduate student. But it is particularly difficult for international students studying in the United States. Here are a few tips and resources for those of you who are international students at the UA.

Consider starting your search for funding in your country of citizenship. Some of the best funding can come from a student’s home country.

International students are often eligible for departmental fellowships or university grants such as the research and travel grants through GPSC. Also, search on Scholarship Universe.

International students may be eligible to work on campus in their own or other departments for teaching and research positions. Be persistent in asking around about positions.

Spend a little time to set up a good Pivot search. There is funding for international graduate students! For example:

  • Many organizations provide funding for international students including Aga Khan Foundation, AAUW, China Scholarship Council, CONACYT, DAAD, Fulbright, IREX, P.E.O., Rotary, Schlumberger Foundation, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Scandinavian Foundation, Soros, Whitaker, et al.
  • At the dissertation stage, many U.S. federal agencies fund research of international graduate students and scholars, e.g. National Science Foundation Dissertation awards which are submitted and granted through your advisor.

Below you will find links to websites with helpful information for international students:

Education USA is a U.S. Department of State supported network of hundreds of advising centers around the world. It focuses on assisting students in accessing U.S. higher education opportunities and includes financial opportunities.

Swarthmore and Caltech both have long lists of fellowship opportunities to which international students can apply. Most of them are for research at any university.

US News has a list of suggestions for international graduate students.

Finally, remember to keep talking with other international students and keep the funding discussion going with your advisor.