Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in the USA

Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in the USA

Scholarship Types

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on academic performance and extracurricular activities.

• Scholarship Amounts: Can range from partial scholarships to full tuition coverage.

  • Full Tuition Funding: Some universities may offer full tuition funding, while others may only waive tuition fees.

  • Living Costs: Students will typically need to cover living costs on their own.

  • Partial Scholarships: Most universities provide partial scholarships, covering a portion of tuition fees.

  • No Scholarship for Some Programs: Some universities may not offer scholarships for business studies programs.

• IELTS Requirement: A minimum score of 5.0 is generally required, though some universities may require higher scores for more competitive scholarships.

  • Bachelor’s Programs: Very few universities will accept an IELTS score of 5.0; most universities will require a minimum of 5.5.

  • Master’s Programs: The standard IELTS requirement is 6.0 and above.

Application Requirements:

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A key component, often needed for both admission and scholarship applications.

• Additional Essays: Some universities may require essays that highlight your achievements, goals, and reasons for choosing the university and the USA as a study destination.

Financial Requirements for University Admission

• Primary Applicant’s Bank Statement: Should show a minimum of BDT 25 lakh (a higher amount may be required by universities with higher tuition fees).

• Additional Dependents: Financial proof of BDT 5-7 lakh per dependent is necessary.

• Merit-Based Funding: Ensure your sponsor provides sufficient funds to meet the university’s financial requirements.

Additional Documents Required for Scholarship Applications

• CV: A comprehensive CV that includes your academic achievements and relevant work experience.

• Letters of Recommendation: Preferably from professors or employers who can vouch for your capabilities.

• Laboratory/Research Experience: For STEM or science-related fields, showcasing hands-on lab or research experience can strengthen your application.

• Test Scores (Optional but Recommended): GRE, GMAT, or SAT scores may not be mandatory for all universities but can enhance your scholarship prospects, especially in competitive programs.

Tuition Fees and Application Costs

• Annual Tuition Fees: Can range from $6,500 to $25,000 per year. Some universities offer full tuition funding or partial scholarships that cover a portion of the tuition fees.

• University Application Fees: Typically range from $20 to $75 per application. Keep in mind that applying to multiple universities will increase your total application cost.

F-1 Visa Work Guidelines (for Students with Scholarships)

• On-Campus Employment: F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during breaks without additional USCIS authorization.

• Off-Campus Employment: Requires approval through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

  • CPT: For internships and co-ops directly related to the study program.

  • OPT: Available after graduation, typically 12 months, with a 24-month extension for STEM graduates.

Other Considerations

• Bank Balance: Universities may have varying requirements based on tuition costs, and higher tuition institutions may request a larger balance.

• Sponsor Funding: It’s essential for the sponsor to provide sufficient funds to meet the financial requirements of the institution.

• Kompass Affiliation: Kompass is affiliated with some universities that provide special scholarships for students applying through Kompass.

Please refer to the specific university’s website or contact their admissions office for any additional specific requirements or variations related to scholarships.