The USA is an expensive country to live in or study in. Tuition fees are difficult to afford in the US. US universities provide a variety of courses for undergraduate and graduate students. Students from all over the world apply to study in the US because of their impressive education system and the flexibility of their courses. However, with a great education system comes great tuition fees. Not everyone can afford to pay for education in the US. So, a great way to study in the US is to secure a scholarship in a specific field of study. 

A scholarship is a financial support provided to students by universities, organizations, and government. It is different from a loan. Scholarships for international students in the USA help students pay for their education without financial burden. In this blog, we shall discuss how to get scholarship in USA as a student. Before we dive into the ways to get scholarships, you need to understand the types of scholarships. It helps you decide what type of scholarship is more suitable for you so that you can do your research and understand the criteria for the type of scholarship that you wish to apply for. 

Types Of Scholarship 

The USA provides many types of scholarships based on your credentials and achievements. To secure a scholarship, you need to understand what kind of scholarship fits you the best and helps you in the long run. Once you decide the suitable type of scholarship for you, you can understand how to get scholarship in USA.  Here are the types of scholarships available in the USA: 

I. Merit-based scholarships 

This is the type of scholarship that focuses on your grades. USA merit-based scholarships are provided to students with excellent academic backgrounds and achievements. If you are wondering how to get scholarship in USA on merit, then you must have an excellent CGPA on your previous education degrees. Here are a few criteria for merit-based scholarships: 

• High CGPA. 
• Impressive Resume. 
• Leadership quality. 
• Experience in a chosen field of study. 

II. Need-based scholarships 

Need-based scholarships in the USA are for those students who have low financial income. Universities and organizations help you understand your financial situation and guide you through the scholarship via financial documents of your family’s income statement. If you want to know how to get scholarship in USA on a need-based, here are a few criteria that must be met for you to secure a need-based scholarship: 

• Proof of your financial situation. 
• Excellent academic background. 
• Detailed explanation for the financial need. 
• Submission of multiple financial aid applications. 

III. University-Specific Scholarships 

Many universities offer specific scholarships for international students in the USA. It is usually to fill their international student's quota. Every university wants diversity, and when they can’t find enough diversity in the admission process, they provide scholarships to lure students into the university. A few criteria for university-specific scholarships are listed below: 

• Strong academic background. 
• School participation in different areas. 
• Letter of recommendation from professors. 
• International student visa qualifications. 

IV. Government-Funded Scholarships 

Lastly, the government also provides funding to students in need. These scholarships are usually provided for international students because they help with the economy of the US. Government-funded scholarships not only cover your tuition but also cover your living expenses. These scholarships are difficult to find, and if you wish to know how to get scholarship in USA fully funded by the government, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Excellent CGPA. 
• Documents to verify financial need. 
• Research grant application. 
• Language proficiency requirement. 

So, these are the types of scholarships available in the USA. As you can see, most of them have similar criteria. You can apply to all four scholarships to increase your chances of securing the funds for your study abroad journey. These were just the types of scholarships provided to you. However, it can be challenging to get the actual scholarship. In this blog, we shall be discussing many ways for you to secure a scholarship to study in the US from Nepal. 

How To Get a Scholarship in The USA 

The US is one of the countries that provides the most scholarships. However, the competition for these scholarships is high. You have to stand out from all the other applicants to get a good scholarship. Would you like to know how to get scholarship in USA? Continue reading this blog post and ensure yourself a scholarship that meets your needs. Here are a few ways for you to get a scholarship in the USA.  

1. Begin Early 

Applying to the US is a long and daunting process. It helps if you start early and understand everything that you need to prepare so that it does not get overwhelming during the application process. You must do your research on scholarships, grants, and universities to see if the USA is the right fit for you. Would you like to understand how to get scholarship in USA? Well, you have to begin early. 

2. Scholarships for Research 

We have already discussed the types of scholarships that are available. Research scholarship is also one of them, and researching the types of scholarships that we discussed prior is one of the key steps in getting scholarships in the USA. This is mostly for postgraduate students. So, if you are a postgraduate student applying for a research scholarship, you need to search for specific faculty for specific research. Research on this matter can also provide you with the answer to how to get scholarship in USA. 

3. Verify Eligibility Requirements 

Before you apply for a scholarship, you must double-check your eligibility requirements for the scholarship that you want. You should only apply for scholarships that meet your criteria. This reduces your chance of being rejected for the scholarships that you apply for. Each scholarship has its own requirement criteria that you must meet before applying. 

4. Get Ready for Standardized Exams 

Standardized exams are criteria for international students. These tests include English proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS. The English proficiency test is a non-negotiable test, but there are other optional tests that you can take to become a better candidate for the scholarships. Those tests are SATs, GRE, GMAT and so on. These tests make your application academically strong and set you apart from other applicants.  

5. Prepare Necessary Documentation 

Suppose you are an international student preparing to study in the US. In that case, there are a lot of documents that need to be prepared before you can even consider filling out an application. So, documents are crucial steps that need to be taken care of, preferably in the beginning, so that it does not delay your application process. Would you like to understand the proper documents for how to get scholarship in USA? There are many important documents, some of which include financial documents, tax papers, education transcripts, insurance, and so on. 

6. Submit Your Application Early

The universities give early applicants top priority because it shows determination. You should begin your application early to escape the competition and get your scholarship secured. Most scholarship slots are open when you begin early. You can apply for multiple scholarships at once to increase probability. Research scholarship opportunities in the USA in advance and apply as soon as the slot opens. 

7. Submit Applications for Numerous Scholarships

Applying for multiple scholarships at the same time increases your chances of getting a scholarship. Many organizations provide different types of scholarships. If you are eligible, you must apply to as many as you can. Then, you can select the one that is most beneficial to you. Don’t apply for any place and hope for the best. The competition is very high, so you should always have your backups ready. 

8. Follow-Up 

Follow-up is the final step on how to get scholarship in USA. You must follow through with all the applications you have submitted. Check the scholarships you have received and compare and contrast them before making a decision. It is also important to follow up before the approval list is announced. That shows dedication, and universities can see how much you want the scholarship. After you send your application, you must also follow up on whether the application has been received or not. It is an extra step to ensure that you do not miss out on the opportunity. 

So, these are the steps to follow for how to get scholarship in USA. Securing a scholarship in the USA requires dedication and extensive research. By following these steps, you can improve your chances of getting the scholarship you desire. Your visa rate depends on more than just your scholarship. However, you can boost your chances of getting your visa approved by choosing and being accepted into some of the top Universities in the US. They have a high rank, and they increase your visa rate. We shall now discuss the top universities in the US that also provide you with good scholarships.  

Top U.S. Universities with Scholarship Opportunities 

The US has many universities that are renowned all over the world. A degree from one of these universities opens many career paths for you. These universities also offer scholarships to students with excellent credentials. Some of the top universities with scholarships in the USA are discussed as follows. 

1. Harvard University 

Harvard is one of the top universities in the world. People from all over the world apply to Harvard. However, it is a difficult school to get into since it is a top Ivy League school. Many applications are received throughout the year, and only a few are selected. Would you like to know how to get scholarship in USA at Harvard University? You can write a compelling essay, get your application approved, and then apply for financial aid.  

2. Yale University  

Yale is considered the second-best Ivy League school. They are known for their generous financial aid to students in need. Yale is equally, if not more, competitive than Harvard. You need a compelling essay and an excellent resume to get into Yale. They have an international quota that must be fulfilled. Since the competition is high and you need to be extraordinary to get accepted, they provide all types of scholarships to their students. 

3. Princeton University  

Another top Ivy League school that provides scholarship opportunities in the USA is Princeton University. They provide you with need-based financial aid. Princeton has no loan financial aid, so you don’t have to worry about student loans when you graduate. It is an expensive school, which is why they have good scholarships available since not everyone can afford it. 

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)  

MIT is a technology-focused university in the USA that is known all over the world. Since technology is evolving every day, it is a promising career path, which is what makes MIT the most popular university with a very low acceptance rate. They provide amazing scholarships that are sometimes even fully funded.  Would you like to know how to get scholarship in USA at MIT? You must apply for multiple scholarships and secure one. 

5. University of Chicago 

Another top university in the USA with scholarship opportunities is the University of Chicago. It offers merit-based and need-based scholarships, and you can apply for both if you meet the criteria. The University of Chicago is also one of the best universities in the USA, with a low acceptance rate. Although it is not an Ivy League school, it provides scholarships as generous as those of an Ivy League school. 

These are the top five universities in the US that offer good scholarships. They welcome international students and provide generous funding. However, it is difficult to get scholarships at these top universities. So, we will discuss tips for getting scholarships to study in the USA. 

Tips to get a scholarship To Study in the USA

As we have established, it is difficult to get scholarships in the top universities in the USA. Here are some USA scholarship application tips that might set you apart from other candidates and help you secure a good scholarship. 

• Do your research about the available scholarships. 
• Prepare different applications per requirement for different types of scholarships. 
• Do not miss any deadlines. 
• Contact the faculty for assurance. 
• Write a compelling essay on why you wish to apply. 
• Highlight your accomplishments and your talents in the application. 
• Stay organized and follow through. 

These are just a few tips to get a scholarship. You must meet the requirements of the universities and allow yourself to stand out.  

Conclusion  

Scholarship opportunities are provided to every student. The US education system does not discriminate between students. Conduct your research and show your dedication to all your applications for scholarships.  

We hope this blog helped you understand how to get scholarship in USA.  If you seek further insight into other aspects of the study in the US, then do check out some of our blogs. Visit AIMS education, the best educational consultancy in Nepal to understand more about scholarships in different countries. Thank you for reading till the end! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How can I apply for a full scholarship in the USA? 

You can apply for a full scholarship in the USA by conducting your research on the university you wish to attend. You must also meet all the eligibility criteria set by the universities for a scholarship. 

2. Which scholarship is easy to get in the USA? 

No scholarship is easy to get in the USA. It all depends on your qualifications and your educational background. 

3. Which type of scholarship is best? 

Fully funded scholarships are the best because they cover not only education but also living expenses. Although they are difficult to obtain, they are definitely the best. 

4. How much GPA is required to study in the USA from Nepal? 

Your GPA must be 3.0 or higher to study in the USA from Nepal. 

5. Which state is best for Nepalese students in USA? 

States with a higher population of international students, like California or New York, are best for Nepali students since they provide cultural support and make your transition easier.