It is often difficult for students to find funding for education abroad. This information sheet has been created to give basic suggestions to begin the search. It will also provide information on scholarship opportunities. Since most scholarships target individual backgrounds, interests, institutions, or experiences, it would also be beneficial to search for scholarship information in your local libraries.  When researching scholarships, be careful of organizations or scholarship search sites that ask for a fee.

Educational Advising Centers & U.S. State Department Funding

For international students wishing to study in the United States, Educational Advising Centers located at the nearest U.S. Embassy in your country can provide a wealth of information including: admission requirements, scholarships, fellowships, grants, loans, university application procedures, and admission and test requirements.  Educational Advising Centers can be located through the Education USA website, supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.

See a listing of Department of State sponsored programs for professionals, college and university students, and high school students.

U.S. College and University Scholarships

Once you have determined your list of potential colleges/universities in the United States, contact the financial aid offices of the specific schools you have in mind. They will be able to provide you with information about monetary sources for foreign students. Ask about university wide scholarships and loan programs for international students.  You should also contact the International Student Services Department and the Academic Department of your major and ask about available scholarships and grants.

International Organizations that Offer Scholarships

Students may also check with international and local organizations for scholarship opportunities. Contacting organizations that share your interests or experiences (i.e., religious organizations that you have been a member of, ethnic or cultural organizations, community or international service groups) is recommended. Use scholarship and grant search engines to find other sources of financial aid.

• Kiwanis International
  3636 Woodview Trace
  Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196, USA
  Tel: (317) 875-8755
  Fax: (317) 879-0204
  Email: kiwanismail@kiwanis.org
  
  Kiwanis International Club individual clubs may offer scholarships. 
• Lions Club International
  300 West 22nd Street
  Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842, USA
  Tel: (630) 571 5466
  Fax: (630) 571 5735
  Email: lcif@lionsclubs.org
  
  Lions Club International awards financial assistance such as scholarships. They also provide funds for purchasing equipment. 
• The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
  One Rotary Center
  1560 Sherman Avenue
  Evanston, IL 60201 USA
  Tel: (847) 866-3000
  Fax: (847) 328-8554 or (847) 328-8281 
  
  Rotary International offers Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships. Scholarships aim to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. Recipients are expected to be outstanding ambassadors of goodwill through appearances before Rotary clubs, schools, civic organizations and other forums in the host country, and are expected to share the experiences of understanding acquired during their period abroad with the people of their home countries.

Scholarships Related to Education and Disability

• Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf
  3417 Volta Place NW
  Washington, DC 20007-2778
  Tel: (202) 337-5220
  Fax: (202) 337-8314
  TTY: (202) 337-5221
  Email: info@agbell.org 
  
  Scholarships are specifically for individuals who use speech and residual hearing and/or speech reading as their mode of communication. They offer various scholarships for study by primary, secondary and post-secondary students.
• American Council of the Blind
  1155 15th Street NW, Suite 1004
  Washington, DC 20005
  Tel: (800) 424-8666 or (202) 467-5081
  Contact: Terry Pacheco
  Deadline: March 1
  
  The American Council of the Blind (ACB) awards scholarships annually to legally blind students in undergraduate, graduate, technical and vocational studies. Awards are for study in the United States.  International students may apply if they have a letter of acceptance from a college or university in the United States.
• Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER)
  1703 N. Neauregard Street, Suite 440
  Alexandria, VA 22311
  Tel: (877) 492 2708
  Fax: (703) 671 6391
  Email: bsherr@aerbvi.org
  Deadline: April 15
  
  AER offers a financial aid program for people who are legally blind: the William and Dorothy Ferrell Scholarship. Applicants must be studying at the post secondary level for a career in the field services to people who are blind or visually impaired. Scholarships are available in even-numbered years. Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.
• Christian Record Services, Inc.
  4444 South 52nd Street
  Lincoln, NE 68516-1302,
  Tel: (402) 488-0981
  Fax: (402) 488 7582
  Email: info@christianrecord.org
  Deadline: April 1
  
  Christian Record Services provides scholarships to students who are legally blind. Applicants must be planning an undergraduate program in the United States that will enable independence and self-support. Non-U.S. citizens can apply if already in the United States receiving an education.
• Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI)
  1155 15th NW, Suite 1004 (affiliated with American Council of the Blind)
  Washington, DC 20005
  Tel: (800) 733-2258
  Deadline: April 15
  
  The Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCLVI) offers two scholarship programs. The Carl Foley Graduate Scholarship Program is for graduate students attending one of several colleges that offer a degree in the field of low vision. Applicants need not be visually impaired. Application needs to be made through the school directly. The Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program is available to full-time college students with low vision and who meet academic guidelines. and the CCLVI scholarships are for students with low vision who are attending college. Guidelines, application forms, and certification of low vision forms are available from January through April for downloading from the website.
• Gallaudet University Scholarships
  Office of International Programs & Services
  HMB E-254
  800 Florida Avenue NE
  Washington, DC 20002-3695
  Tel: (202) 448-6950
  Fax: (202) 448-6954
  E-mail: global.education@gallaudet.edu
  
  A variety of scholarships are available to Deaf and those with hearing disabilities who wish to pursue graduate or research opportunities.  Open to U.S. and international students for study in the United States or abroad.  Fellowships and merit awards are also available.  Gallaudet also publishes "National Information Center on Deafness: Sources of Financial Assistance for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing."
• Jewish Braille Institute International
  110 East 30th Street
  New York, NY 10016
  Tel: (800) 433-1531 / (212) 889 2525
  Fax (212) 689 3692
  
  Scholarships for blind and visually impaired students preparing for professional careers in Jewish service. Citizens from countries other than the United States welcome to apply.
• National Federation of the Blind
  1800 Johnson Street
  Baltimore, MD 21230
  Tel: (410) 659-9314
  Fax: (410) 685-5653
  Email: nfb@nfb.org
  
  Each year the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) gives a broad array of scholarships to recognize achievement by blind scholars. All applicants for these scholarships must be legally blind and pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time postsecondary course of study.
• National Hemophilia Foundation
  116 West 32nd Street, 11th Floor
  New York, NY 100001
  Tel: (800) 424-2634
  Fax: (212) 328-3700
  E-mail: handi@hemophilia.org
  
  Individuals from countries other then the United States are encouraged to contact the Hemophilia Foundation in their country for more information.
• P. Buckley Moss Society
  601 Shenandoah Village Drive, Box 1C
  Waynesboro, VA 22980
  Tel: (540) 943-5678
  Fax: (540) 949-8408
  Email: society@mosssociety.org
  
  The P. Buckley Moss Society offers the Judith Cary Memorial Scholarship for students who are pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree in teaching special needs students, and the Anne and Matt Harbison Award Scholarship for graduating high school seniors with a learning disability who have made arrangements to further their education. Citizens from countries outside the United States are eligible to apply.
• Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
  20 Rozelle Road
  Princeton, NJ 08540
  Tel: (866) 732 3585
  Deadline: February 21
  
  Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) is a national nonprofit organization that serves people who cannot read standard print because of visual, perceptual (including learning disabilities) or other physical disabilities. RFB&D offers the Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Awards and Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Awards. The awards are for high school seniors who will be attending a 2 or 4-year vocational school. International applications will be accepted if the applicant is attending school in the United States and meets the same criteria as above.
• SBAA Educational Scholarship
  Spina Bifida Association of America
  4590 MacArthur Boulevard NW, Suite 250
  Washington, DC 20007-4226
  Tel: (800) 621-3141 or (202) 944-3285
  Fax: (202) 944-3295
  Email: sbaa@sbaa.org
  Deadline: April 1 (annual award); September 1 (four year award)
  
  The Spina Bifida Association of America provides scholarships to individuals with Spina Bifida. Applications are available on the website.
• Schwab Learning
  1650 South Amphlett Boulevard, Suite 300
  San Mateo, CA 94402
  Tel: (800) 230-0988 or (650) 655-2410
  Fax: (650) 655-2411
  Email: outreach@schwablearning.org
  
  Schwab Learning offers contact information for organizations that give scholarships and other kinds of financial assistance for students with learning disabilities.
• Tourism Cares for Tomorrow
  585 Washington St.
  Canton, MA 02021
  Tel: (781) 821-5990
  Fax: (781) 821-8949
  E-mail: info@tourismcares.org
  
  The Yellow Ribbon Scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate travel and tourism student with a physical or sensory disability. The student must be enrolled at an accredited 2 or 4-year college or university in the United States or Canada.
• Venture Student Aid Award / Soropimist International of the Americas
  Students with Disabilities Scholarship
  1709 Spruce Street
  Philadelphia, PA 19103-6103
  Tel: (215) 893 9000
  Fax: (215) 893 5200
  Email: siahq@soroptimist.org
  Contact Nancy Nardone, Venture Coordinator at nancyn@soroptimist.org
  Deadline: December 31
  
  Scholarships are offered to students with physical disabilities who wish to pursue further education at any accredited institution worldwide. Citizens of any country are eligible to apply. Venture Clubs are administered by Soroptimists International.
• Very Special Arts
  Young Soloists Award
  1300 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700
  Washington, DC 20036
  Tel: (800) 933-8721 or (202) 628-2800
  Fax: (202) 737-0725
  TTY: (202) 737-0645
  Email: info@vsarts.org
  Contact: Dani Fox danif@vsarts.org
  
  The Young Soloists Award is an annual competition for outstanding music students, soloists or group performers with disabilities under the ages of 25. The winners perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and receive a cash award to further their musical education. Awards are given to U.S. performers and individuals from other countries.

Scholarships for Specific Countries, Religions, and Topics

• Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE)
  Ernest Mannino Scholarship
  Dr. Richard Krajczar, Excecute Director
  c/o San Diego State University
  5250 Campanile Drive, Rm. 2525
  San Diego, CA 92182-1923
  Tel: (619) 594-2877
  Fax: (619) 594-3648
  E-mail: aaie@sheridan.edu
  
  The Ernest Mannino Scholarship was created to provide incentive, honor, and financial assistance to an outstanding graduate student whose research has implications for American schools overseas.
• The Davis United World College Scholars Program
  Jane Schoenfeld
  Assistant to the Executive Director
  Davis UWC Scholars Program
  Adirondack House, Middlebury College
  Middlebury, VT  05753 USA
  Tel: (802) 443-3180   Fax: (802) 443-3230
  Email: info@davisUWCscholars.org
   
  The Davis Program provides scholarships to students, from both the United States and other countries, who have proven themselves by completing their last two years of high school at a group of international schools called United World Colleges. These UWC schools are now in the United States, Bosnia, Canada, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Norway, Singapore, Swaziland, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela. Since the founding of the first UWC in 1962 at the height of the Cold War, these schools have provided opportunities to students from some 175 countries, representing all regions of the world. Students are selected in their home countries by indigenous, voluntary committees, and receive scholarships to attend the United World College schools.
  
• Geological Society of America Research Grants
  Program Officer - Grants, Awards & Medals
  PO Box 9140
  Boulder, CO 80301-1940
  Tel: (303) 357-1028
  Fax: (303) 357-1070
  Email: awards@geosociety.org
  
  Grants are available to support masters and doctoral research work in the geological sciences. Please contact the Geological Society or the Geology Department of the university you are applying to for more information. People with disabilities and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
• Japan Foundation New York
  152 West 57th Street, 39th Floor
  New York, NY 10019
  Tel: (212) 489 0299
  Fax: (212) 489 0409
  E-mail: info@jfny.org

  The Japan Foundation sponsors a variety of grant programs relating to the exchange of persons, support for Japanese Studies and Japanese-language instruction, exchanges in the arts, and assistance for media-related projects such as publications, translation, and film or video production. Grant programs are reviewed either in the United States or Japan, depending on the grant category.

• King Faisal Foundation Scholarship Programs
  King Fahed Road Olaya, Riyadh
  Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  PO Box 352
  Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia
  Tel: (966 1) 465 2255
  Fax: (966 1) 465 6524
  Email: info@kff.com or kfcrisinfo@kff.com 

  Qualified Muslim students of any nationality who would like to do graduate or post-graduate work in the fields of science, medicine and engineering at any university in North America or Europe may apply for financial assistance.

• King Olav V Norwegian American Heritage Fund
  Sons of Norway Foundation
  1455 W. Lake Street
  Minneapolis, MN 55408-2666
  Tel: (800) 945-8851 / (612) 827 3611
  Fax: (612) 827 0658
  Email: foundation@sofn.com
  Deadline: March 1

  Scholarship is designated for Norwegian students and/or American students who are interested in or studying Norwegian Heritage, Norwegian Studies, American Heritage or American Studies. Please contact organization for further details on restrictions and requirements. Organization requests that you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

•  La Caixa Graduate Fellowship Program
  Carol Mint, Program Coordinator
  Indiana University
  201 N. Indiana Ave.
  Bloomington, Indiana 47408 USA
  Tel: (812) 855-3948
  Fax: (812) 855-8719
  Email: cmyint@indiana.edu
   
  Administered by Indiana University's Office of International Programs since 1985, this program provides full funding for fifty Spanish graduate students each year to study in the U.S. for a two-year period. Each year, "la Caixa" undertakes a highly competitive selection process to identify the fifty graduate-level students and professionals who will apply for study at U.S. universities. Indiana University participates in this selection process.  Each year, the Dean for International Programs and other faculty and administrators participate in several days of interviews, after which the final list of candidates is drawn up.  The selected fellows then begin the application process with assistance from Indiana University's Program Coordinator.

• Open Society Institute Undergraduate Exchange Program
  400 West 59th Street
  New York, NY 10019 USA
  Tel: (212) 548-0600
  Web: http://www.soros.org/
  Deadline: December 1
   
  The Open Society Institute's Under-graduate Exchange Program supports students from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Romania, and Serbia in the United States for one year of non-degree academic study. Applicants must currently be enrolled as a second-year student at a university in their home country to be eligible. Participants attend a university or college in the U.S. for one year. While in the U.S., grantees agree to complete twenty-five hours a semester of community service work in an area of interest to them. At the end of the year, they are expected to return home to complete their degrees. Once back in their home country, grantees complete a community-service internship or project. Participant selection and university placement is determined by a panel of experts in the United States. Candidates do not apply to a specific university. Program participants receive a full scholarship that covers tuition, room and board, a living stipend, textbooks, transportation, and health insurance.

• P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
  P.E.O. International Headquarters
  3700 Grand Avenue
  Des Moines, Iowa 50312 USA
  Tel: (515) 255-3153
  Fax: (515) 255-3820 
  Deadlines: Between August 15 and December 15
  
  P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund was established in 1949 to provide scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada. See the website for more details.

• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
  National Educational Foundation
  1734 New Hampshire Avenue NW
  Washington, DC 20009 USA
  Tel: (202) 387 3103
  E-mail: ihq@zphib1920.org

  The principle activities and purpose of the trust are to award scholarship grants to worthy students for the pursuit of higher education; to conduct community educational programs, which will aid in the educational and vocational improvement in individual and community living standards; to engage in activities which will aid in the educational development of all women; and to engage in any appropriate research related to the purposes of the scholarship.

Scholarships for Women

• American Association of University Women (AAUW) Educational Foundation
  1111 Sixteenth Street NW
  Washington, DC 20036
  Tel: (800) 326 2289
  Email: foundation@aauw.org 
  
  The AAUW Educational Foundation the largest source of funding exclusively for graduate women in the world, supports aspiring scholars around the globe, teachers and activists in local communities, women at critical stages of their careers and those pursuing professions where women are underrepresented.
• Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund
  1818 H Street, NW, MSN H2-204
  Washington DC 20433
  Phone: (202) 473-8751   
  Fax: (202) 522-3142
  E-mail: MMMF@worldbank.org
  
  Every year, the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund gives grants to five or six young women from developing countries engaged in studies for a degree in the United States. They demonstrate a commitment to working for the benefit of women and children in the developing world, and plan to return to their countries within approximately two years of receiving the grant.

• P. E. O. International Peace Scholarships
  P.E.O. International Headquarters
  3700 Grand Avenue
  Des Moines, Iowa 50312
  Tel: (515) 255-3153    
  Fax: (515) 255-3820

  P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund provides scholarships of up to $6,000 based upon need for international women students to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada.

• Soroptimist International of the Americas
  1709 Spruce Street
  Philadelphia, PA 19103-6103
  Tel: (215) 893 9000
  Fax: (215) 893 5200
  Email: siahq@soroptimist.org 
  
  Soroptimist International is a worldwide service organization dedicated to making a difference for women. They are involved in community service projects in the areas of economic and social development, education, the environment, human rights and the status of women, health, and international goodwill. Information may be obtained through your local chapter, or by contacting the address above.

Loan & Award Programs

• International Education Finance Corporation
  222 Forbes Road, Suite 406
  Braintree, MA 02184
  Tel: (781) 843-5334 or (888) 296-4332
  Fax: (781) 843-9034
  E-mail: contact.@iefc.com
  
  Students are able to apply for the Stafford and Plus loans through the International Student Loan Program (ISLP).  Applications can be made on-line.
• US Department of Education
  Federal Student Aid Information Center
  PO Box 84
  Washington, DC 20044-0084
  Tel: (800) 433-3243 or (319) 337-5665
  TTY: (800) 730-8913

Students may be eligible to apply for federal financial aid. Contact the financial aid office of the university you plan to attend or refer to the above contact information. To request the Student Aid Guide in Audio version, contact the office.

• State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Employment Services

Related to working in the United States, VR for individuals with disabilities could be used by individuals from other countries, if the individual with a disability is currently in the United States, can legally work in the United States, and he/she can be determined eligible for VR services by meeting these eligibility criteria:
1. Has a disability which causes impediments to employment;
2. Requires VR services to address those impediments;
3. Can benefit from services.
Check with the U.S. state Vocational Rehabilitation Department for more
information.

Published Materials

The following books can also assist with your scholarship search.  Check with your local library, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Office or order the book from the publisher:

• The College Board Scholarship Handbook, 2006
  Publisher: College Board
• Financial Aid for the Disabled and Their Families, 2004-2006
  Author: Gail Ann Schlachter, R. David Weber
• Financial Aid for Research and Creative Activities Abroad, 2004-2006
  Author: Gail Ann Schlachter
• Financial Aid for Study and Training Abroad, 2004-2006
  Author: Gail Ann Schlachter
• Funding for Persons with Visual Impairment, Large Print Edition 2006
  Author: Gail Ann Schlachter
• Funding for United States Study: A Scholarship Guide for Europeans
  Published by the Institute of International Education
• Funding U.S. Studies: Graduate and Post-Graduate Opportunities for Latin Americans
  Published by the Institute of International Education
• The Grants Register 2005
  Author: Palgrave MacMillan
• The Scholarship Almanac 2005 8th Edition, 2004
  Author: Petersons
• The Scholarship Book 2004: The Complete Guide to Private-Sector Scholarships, Grants, and Loans for Undergraduates
  Author: Daniel J. Cassidy

Scholarship and Grant Search Engines

A number of organizations are available to assist you in your search for scholarships. While some have free services others may be used for a fee. Some sites also provide information on application procedures, insurance, and test requirements for admittance to schools.

• Foreignborn.com -  www.foreignborn.com
• International Student.com  - http://www.internationalstudent.com/
• College Connection provides information on scholarships in the private sector for undergraduate, graduate and international students. They can be reached by calling (302) 765 3880 or through their website at: www.collegescholarships.com
• Scholarstuff.com provides a comprehensive directory of college and university homepages around the world. It also gives helpful suggestions with regards to financial aid and funding. Their website is located at: www.scholarstuff.com
• Fastweb.com provides a personalized search that will match your interests and abilities to their database of scholarships. The website for Fastweb is located at: www.fastweb.com
• FreSch contains a specific page dedicated to international students. FreSch also provides information on eligibility to apply for federal financial aid. Their general website is located at: www.freschinfo.com. The page for specific information for students who wish to study abroad may be found at: www.freschinfo.com/foreign.php
• FinAid The Financial Aid Information Page provides free, detailed information on student financial aid. Visit their website at: www.finaid.org
• NAFSA is an international exchange organization. Their website provides information on funding and tips for U.S. citizens studying abroad and foreign nationals studying in the United States, and links to other useful websites: www.nafsa.org.
• International Education Financial Aid has an on-line searchable database of scholarships for international education. This site contains useful information for students of all nationalities. Their web address is: www.iefa.org
• National Science Foundation has an on-line version of their publication "A Selected List of Fellowship and Other Support Opportunities for Advanced Education for U.S. Citizens and Foreign Nationals." This publication can be obtained via email by writing to them at info@nsf.gov or you may visit their web address: www.nsf.gov/funding/
• Michigan State University offers many travel scholarships for study abroad and international students studying at MSU (as well as a good list of other scholarships offered) at: www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/3inttrav.htm
• Michigan State University also has an extensive listing of education and other scholarships for people with disabilities at:  www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/3disable.htm
• Many scholarships and Fellowships are listed on this extensive listing http://scholarships.fatomei.com/study.html
• Drexel University has a long list of scholarships and fellowships are listed for U.S and international students at: http://www.drexel.edu/fellowships/fellowships.html
• YouthActionNet the site contains listings of grants and scholarships, many which may be used for study abroad. Visit the website at: www.youthactionnet.org
• The International Student Organization in America is a membership organization of international students who are currently studying in the USA. Offers information to international students on scholarships, grants, medical insurance and other topics. The website is www.isoa.org and their email address is mailbox@isoa.org
• Wired Scholar this site offers general financial aid information as well as a searchable database of scholarships. The web address is: www.wiredscholar.com
• StudyAbroad.com this site offers links to several sources of financial aid for study abroad. Click on 'Site Menu' and follow the link to 'Financial Aid.' Visit the website at: www.studyabroad.com
• InternationalScholarships offers a free searchable database of scholarships, grants, and awards for students of all nationalities. The website is: www.internationalscholarships.com
• Women With Disabilities provides an online list of publications and organizations that offer financial assistance to women with disabilities. The website is: www.4women.gov/wwd
• Get-Recruited.com offers students a chance to be recruited by, and perhaps offered scholarships to attend U.S. university undergraduate and graduate programs. Link to the site and submit your information at: www.get-recruited.com
• College-Scholarships.com is an all-purpose college and scholarship information site that includes links to nine free internet scholarship search databases, links to college websites and online applications. The website is: www.college-scholarships.com
• Proyecto Visión lists several scholarships, many specifically for Hispanic students with disabilities at: www.proyectovision.net/english/resources/index.html
• United Cerebral Palsy has an extensive list of financial resources on their website at: www.ucpa.org/ucp_channelsub.cfm/1/14/91/national,Funding%20Sources
• The Learning Abroad Center at the University of Minnesota offers a searchable database of scholarships available for international exchange. The web address is: www.istc.umn.edu/financial/scholarships/uofmScholarships.html
• The Foundation Center offers a database of foundation grants available to individuals. A fee is required to access the information. The website is www.fdncenter.org

_{^{Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy, misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE.}}