Study in the
Those who intentionally choose the most renowned schools have got to pay much higher prices fro their education.
The cost of the education becomes a very important criteria of the choice of the best program of study.
American colleges/universities provide merit based scholarships for the international students, give partial or full tuition waiver, or need based and economic hardship aid. Because many students apply for international financial aid the search process should be started very early, even 18 months before the planned beginning of study. On the schools’ websites students can find detailed information on all types of financial aid that are available for international students. Offices of International Students, Financial Aid Offices or Scholarship Offices provide information to all eligible students. There are eligibility criteria and financial aid forms to fill in and all details on the amount of money offered. The forms should be sent together with all application documents before the application deadline. The school asks the student how much he can afford to pay for his study. Even small amounts are important because students use versatile sources of funds to cover all cost of study and maintenance.
The schools evaluate all applicants no matter how much they can pay toward the costs of study. The best chance to be admitted and receive funding have the best candidates. High GPA, excellent letters of recommendation, a very good personal essay, and all accomplishments (Olympics), extracurricular activities and voluntary activities give more chances for scholarship.
Information on financial aid for international students can be found on special Internet websites that provide information on private foundations and all sources of funding. Foundations provide eligibility criteria who can apply, they write what programs of study and what countries of origin are eligible for their scholarships.
Educational advisers provide all necessary information on financial aid and guiding how to apply for them. It makes sense to make an appointment and come to our Center.
Undergraduate international students have relatively small chances for getting financial aid.
Only 9% of them receives financial aid. Some are founded by the governments, or from private foundations but all the most often the parents cover the cost and call it the best investment into student’s future. Some students get need based financial aid or get on campus job (up to 20 hours a week) and can earn 500-600 USD a month. The athletic scholarships are for the best students athletes. Information on them can be found on State Department
www.educationusa.state.gov website. Majority of international students work during summer holidays on campus to gather some funds. These amount of money is not enough for covering all costs of study.
Financial aid for Graduate Study.
Candidates for international Graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) are in better position from the point of view of availability of the financial aid than their Undergraduate colleagues.
Więcej stypendiów przeznaczonych jest dla studentów studiów doktoranckich (Ph.D.). About 44% of them receives financial aid from the
Schools’ websites provide detailed information about financial aid opportunities. Early research for financial aid, at least 18 months before the planned Graduate Study can be successful if a student is elligible and meets schools demands.
High GPA from the country of origin, very good letters of recommendation, well written personal essay (personal statement), academic achievemnts, participation in academic events in country of origin and abroad, give more chances for getting finacial aid.
Very good students can apply for Fulbright Scholarships, The Kościuszko Foundation, or tuition waiver, top up grants and loans.
Private schools are waiting for the best candidates from abroad and are eager to cover the cost of their Graduate Study. State universities also provide financial aid as much as they can especially if they conduct basic research and get funds from National Science Foundation or other funding agences.
Advising Center Contact
Polish - U.S. Fulbright Commision
ul. Nowy Świat 4, 00-497 Warsaw, tel: (48-22) 625-6932, fax: (48-22) 628-7943
e-mail: ola.augustyniak@fulbright.edu.pl