Despite the many programs and services available to help international students pursue their studies in the U.S., many still struggle to find funding for their education.
One way to help overcome this financial barrier is by finding a sponsor. However, this can be a complicated process and requires a lot of work on the part of the student and his or her family.
Government
There are many government scholarship programs for international students in the United States that focus on specific degrees or types of study. Some of these include Fulbright, Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, USAID Democracy Fellows and the Tibetan Scholarship Program.
These scholarships are designed to help international students obtain a degree from a US university. institution and return home with knowledge, experience, and skills that benefit their country. They also introduce new ideas and a global perspective to the host university.
When an international student comes to the University of Washington (WSU) with a sponsor. International Programs pays the tuition and mandatory fees on their behalf. We send an invoice to the sponsoring organization that reimburses WSU for the amount we paid on their behalf.
The sponsoring organisation will provide you with a Financial Guarantee Letter that outlines the terms of their sponsorship and the financial coverage they offer. This should be provided to you before coming to WSU and you will need to provide a copy of this letter to International Programs when you arrive at the University. You can also investigate other funding opportunities to support your education abroad.
Another option is to find an employer in the United States that is willing to sponsor your visa. your work visa costs. Thousands of employers in the US are willing to do this, especially smaller to mid-size companies that have trouble recruiting top international grads.
If you are interested in finding a sponsor for your education, you can contact your local EducationUSA Regional Educational Advising Coordinator or search the annual EducationUSA Global Guide to find a scholarship opportunity. You can also research scholarship opportunities at the websites of various countries that sponsor students to the United States.
Private
Students who are unable to secure funding from their government and are looking for ways to finance their education outside of the United States should consider private sponsorship. These funds can come from friends, family or local communities.
There are also a number of non-government organizations that may offer scholarships for international students. These often have a goal or benefit in mind for the student, such as building relationships between countries.
Companies that seek talented individuals from abroad for key positions in their organizations also may sponsor international students.
The main advantage to this type of funding is that it can cover the cost of tuition and living expenses. It also usually gives a student the opportunity to apply for a work visa.
These companies have their own goals and values, so it is important to get familiar with them before making a decision on whether or not to accept their offer of financial support. They should be able to provide information on their goals and objectives, and what they expect from the student after they complete their study.
A student who is unsure of how much financial support they need to receive should check with their school’s international student center and financial aid office. Many schools publish an annual cost of living estimate that can help them determine the amount of money they need to fund their studies.
Another option is to find a private lender that provides a loan to international students without requiring a U.S.-based co-signer. These lenders use credit algorithms to evaluate a student’s future earnings potential and debt capacity.
There are also a variety of scholarship competitions organized by private foundations and charitable organizations. These awards can cover all or part of the tuition costs at American colleges and universities. These can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.