Stress-Free Study Abroad: Introduction to U.S. Graduate Scholarships
Applying for a scholarship to study at the postgraduate level in the U.S. is one way to mitigate the financial burdens associated with studying abroad. Scholarships serve not only as a financial aid but also as a testament to a student's abilities and potential. In an environment where admissions are intensely competitive, scholarships may seem unreachable for many students. However, renowned institutions aim to attract talented individuals, offering scholarships as an incentive.
There are several types of scholarships available for prospective graduate students:
Financial Aid:
Offered by the U.S. government, universities, or private institutions, this aid generally covers a substantial portion of tuition fees, ranging from a quarter to the full amount. Applying usually requires additional forms and evidence. Nearly all U.S. universities offer Financial Aid. However, most institutions provide this only to U.S. residents or green card holders. Furthermore, most financial aids are need-based, meaning they depend on your family's financial situation and needs, and can influence your admission. Some aids are need-blind, meaning they won't affect your admission status and are granted based on your financial circumstances.
Scholarships:
There are many forms of scholarships, and a student can be eligible to apply for multiple types. A common example is the Dean's Scholarship, awarded by the department of the graduate program the student is enrolled in. Some universities offer admission scholarships automatically when offering admission to exceptional students. These scholarships are directly issued by the school and do not require a special application.
Tuition Waiver:
This is a type of financial aid that most commonly benefits Chinese students, particularly those from non-STEM fields. It helps students cover partial or full tuition fees.
External Scholarships:
These are not provided by the universities but by external organizations or corporations. Mostly, these scholarships are awarded to individuals who decide to pursue further studies after gaining work experience. On completion of the course, the individuals continue to work for the sponsoring company.
International students applying for scholarships have identity restrictions, so an outstanding application can be particularly helpful in obtaining a scholarship. This year, the average scholarship amount for students enrolled in Ed Pathways Consulting Inc.'s study program is $9,250.
As a registered organization within Harvard University's campus, Ed Pathways Consulting Inc. and the Harvard Innovation Lab (i-Lab) collaborate to provide students with first-hand resources from Ivy League schools. Additionally, we have engaged former admissions officers from Harvard Business School and Boston University's MBA programs as consultants.