Scholarship Opportunities for International Engineering Students in the US

If you've decided to pursue your engineering degree in the United States, finding funding to cover your college tuition is often a concern. But if you're looking for college tuition credit, then it's important to seek out scholarships for the engineering schools you're considering to attend.

RELATED: FOREIGN ENGINEERING STUDENTS GUIDE TO THE US COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

If you're born and raised outside of the USA, it's fair to bet you grew up dreaming of one day coming to America to study. Though making this dream a reality is an expensive task. 

The great news is that finding scholarships that can serve as a college tuition credit doesn't have to be difficult. When you have a strategy in mind and know where to look, you can find scholarships to help cover your tuition effectively.

What are Some Strategies for Finding Scholarships to Pay for College Tuition?

There are several strategies for finding scholarships for college to help you fund your tuition while studying in the United States as an international student.

One of the most common ways to find scholarships to cover your college tuition is to search for scholarships based on your major. For instance, you can search for college scholarships for chemistry majors if you're planning to study chemical engineering.

Some of the best engineering schools in the United States offer scholarships based on your specific engineering major. Consider checking popular websites to learn more about scholarship opportunities, such as FastWeb and EducationUSA.

Also, consider seeking scholarships from professional organizations. For example, the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) offers a scholarship program that international students can apply for to help fund their program while pursuing an undergraduate or graduate engineering degree.

The Society of Biomaterials also offers the C. William Hall Scholarship to juniors and seniors studying biomedical engineering. You may also find scholarships to help fund your education for your undergraduate or graduate studies when you're a member of The International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE).

You can also find a wide selection of scholarship opportunities that offer up to $15,000 as a member of the Society of Women Engineers. It's important to check the deadlines and specific requirements for these types of scholarships since funds are often limited to members or may be competitive.

You can also find scholarships that can serve as a college tuition credit based on your international student status. For example, Princeton helps international students fund their studies based on need instead of offering merit or athletic scholarships.

Thus, it's ideal to check with the school you're considering to attend to determine if it provides scholarship opportunities for international students.

Can International Students Get Fully-Funded Scholarships for College?

While there are several opportunities for finding scholarships to attend some of the best engineering schools in the United States, you can also find scholarships to cover the entire cost of your tuition. Start by checking the available scholarship opportunities at your choice school.

For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) often helps fully fund student tuition, including international students. As a top engineering school, MIT offers several opportunities for future engineers, including scholarships opportunities via its MIT Scholarship.

In fact, 31 percent of undergraduate students who attended MIT in the 2017-2018 academic school year did not have to pay for tuition thanks to their financial aid package. However, you must fill out MIT's International Student CSS Profile. You may also need to send proof of your parent's income if you are entering MIT as an undergraduate engineering student.

Even if you are born outside of the United States but later become a citizen, you may qualify for in-state grants and scholarships. So, it's worth checking with your school first to determine what scholarships can fully fund your tuition.

What are Some Scholarships for Foreign Engineering Students in the USA?

Doing the research to find scholarships for college is important. While some of the best engineering schools in the country offer plenty of scholarship opportunities for future engineering students, it may require an in-depth search to get all the information you need.

This includes directly networking with and speaking with faculty members and organizational leaders who can introduce you to decision makers, such as Program Directors and Deans.

But in this article, to help you get a jump-start on your search to find scholarships that can serve as a tuition credit, here are a few scholarship opportunities to consider:

AAU International Fellowship 

While you don't have to be a U.S. citizen to obtain this scholarship, you do need to have your bachelor's degree. And, this scholarship is also renewable.

Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST) Globe-Trotters Member Chapter Scholarship

The AIST Globe-Trotters Member Chapter Scholarship awards a $2,500 scholarship. However, you do have to be a child or grandchild an AIST member who is active.

J. Harrod Scholarship

This non-renewable scholarship awards $1,500 every year to two recipients and is offered through the Society of Women Engineers.

Richard E. Merwin Student Scholarship

Undergraduate students in their last two years of studies and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or a related engineering field may apply for this scholarship. The award amount starts at $1,000, and you must be a full-time student.

Final Thoughts

Your tuition can be pricey when you're studying in the United States as a foreign engineering student. But you don't have to pay your college tuition completely on your own.

Use the tips shared in this article to find scholarships for college international engineering students, and you'll find the funding you need to help support you while you study abroad in the United States.

If you're curious to learn more about scholarships, you can take a look at this list of scholarships for financial aid opportunities, and you can then evaluate to see if you are eligible to receive one.

If you have any other questions about engineering scholarships and grants, reach out to me directly, and I'll help you as best as I can.