Tuesday, April 28, 2009

University of Florida. . .

The University of Florida (UF) is a major, public, comprehensive, land-grant, research university. The state's oldest, largest and most comprehensive university, UF is among the nation's most academically diverse public universities. UF has a long history of established programs in international education, research and service. It is one of only 17 public, land-grant universities that belongs to the Association of American Universities.

Students interested in obtaining information about graduate assistantships or fellowships should contact the Graduate School or the Dean's office of the department or college through which they are planning to enroll.

UF’s International Center may also be able to provide information on other financial aid resources that are available to international students.

Monday, April 27, 2009

University of the Pacific

With more than 6,000 students enrolled at its campuses in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco, University of the Pacific (UOP) is one of the smallest universities to be ranked among the top 100 national universities, both by US News & World Report and the The Washington Monthly College Guide.

About 80% of all students receive financial aid. Pacific offers a quality education that is still affordable. Given the current economic crisis, Pacific has renewed its effort to help make higher education affordable for families. More dollars have been allocated for scholarships this year than ever before. Pacific offers a variety of scholarships (more than 400) for entering freshmen and transfer students. Admitted students are automatically considered for some academic awards.

Friday, April 24, 2009

University of Southern California. . .

Located in Los Angeles, a global center for arts, technology and international trade, the University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities. USC enrolls more international students than any other U.S. university and offers extensive opportunities for internships and study abroad. With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education, USC fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge.

USC has advantages that you generally will not find at less expensive institutions: smaller classes; tenure-track faculty teaching general education courses; top-ranked programs in virtually every field; the opportunity to choose from more than 150 undergraduate majors and 130 minors, and the lifelong support of the Trojan Family. While attending a private university is a major investment, more than 60 percent of students at USC receive some type of financial assistance.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

University of Washington, Seattle. . .

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest state-supported institutions of higher education on the West Coast and is one of the preeminent research universities in the world.

The University of Washington helps make your university education affordable by providing financial assistance in a number of areas -- from grants and loans to scholarships and work-study opportunities.

The University of Washington-Seattle has many scholarship opportunities available to our students. UW provided about $20 million in scholarships to about 3700 undergraduate students in the past year. These scholarships cover a wide scope of academic pursuits, musical and athletic talents as well as community service and research activities. Scholarship programs are highly competitive as UW has more talented students than we have scholarship funds.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

University of Georgia. . .

The University of Georgia, a land-grant and sea-grant university with state-wide commitments and responsibilities, is the state's flagship institution of higher education. It is also the state's oldest, most comprehensive and most diversified institution of higher education. Its motto, "to teach, to serve and to inquire into the nature of things," reflects the university's integral and unique role in the conservation and enhancement of the state's and nation's intellectual, cultural and environmental heritage.

UGA scholarships available through the various UGA academic departments and schools are generally awarded to second, third, fourth year and graduate students. For additional departmental scholarship information, students should speak with someone in their school or department, their advisor or consult their school's Web site and bulletin boards.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Lamar University. . . .

Founded in 1923, Lamar University is part of the Texas State University System and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Lamar is located in Beaumont, Texas, and offers more than 100 bachelor’s, 47 master’s and 9 doctoral degrees. More than 11,000 students originating from over 50 countries around the world are currently working towards a Lamar degree. Lamar is known for small class sizes, distinguished faculty and student research and internship opportunities.

Lamar University is dedicated to assisting its students with scholarship needs. Scholarships are privately funded by generous donors and may be general, college-specific or department-specific.

If you are either a non-resident or a citizen of a country other than the United States, you may be exempt from the payment of nonresident tuition rates. To be eligible for this waiver, the you must receive at least $1,000 in competitive scholarships from Lamar University. A Lamar University Scholarship Committee must award the scholarship.

Friday, April 17, 2009

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University, located in one of the world's most vibrant and beautiful cities, is a recognized leader in addressing issues both global and close to home.

In the global arena, SF State enrolls the largest number of international students at any comprehensive university in the U.S., and ranks second among U.S. universities for the number of students who study abroad for an academic year. With a diverse range of students from almost every state and nearly 100 countries, the University community is a perfect setting for learning to succeed in a pluralistic society and global economy. Our highly diverse campus consistently ranks in the top 20 nationwide in awarding undergraduate degrees to minorities.

The Office of Student Financial Aid recognizes the limited number of scholarships available to international students attending San Francisco State University, thus the Scholarship Team is continuing to research and identify these scholarships.

It is recommended that students apply for scholarships that do not specifically state that being a United States citizen or permanent resident is required. From the scholarship database, you may find scholarships for international students for campus and outside scholarships, where the row "Citizenship" indicates "Any" from the scholarship database results. Check periodically as we continue to identify scholarships for international students.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

International students offered graduate admissions. . .

By Jeffrey Thomas

Washington -- For a third consecutive year, the number of international students receiving offers of admission to master’s and doctoral programs at U.S. colleges and universities has risen, with a 16 percent increase in admission offers to Chinese students leading the way, according to a new study by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS).

Applications from students in the Middle East rose 14 percent and offers of admission 17 percent. Applications from students in India -- the top country of origin for U.S. international students -- rose just 2 percent, as did offers of admission to those students. Admission offers to South Korean students fell 3 percent.

India, China and Korea are the top three countries of origin for international students enrolled in U.S. graduate schools, accounting for about half of the total, CGS says. Students from the Middle East account for 6 percent of total enrollment.

The report, released August 21, also confirms the recent trend toward international collaborative graduate programs.

Overall, admission offers to international students rose 4 percent from 2007 to 2008, less than the 8 percent rise last year and a 12 percent rise two years ago.

CGS President Debra Stewart expressed concern about the slowdown in the growth of international students pursuing graduate studies in the United States. Such a trend holds long-term implications not only for U.S. graduate education, but also for U.S. competitiveness in the global economy, she said.

“Happily, U.S. graduate schools are proactive as they continue to establish collaborative degree and certificate programs with institutions overseas as one response to intense global competition,” she added.

The report cites two sources of competition as the causes of the slowdown. Institutions of higher education in Europe, Australia and Japan are actively recruiting international students. And the largest source countries for prospective U.S. international students -- India, China and South Korea -- are providing inducements for their students to study at home.

International students also may face such challenges as economic uncertainty in their home countries, currency fluctuations, the rising cost of higher education, or lack of sufficient English language skills, particularly among disadvantaged populations.

There were 2.7 million international students worldwide in 2005, according to the latest UNESCO data, up from 1.8 million in 2000 and 600,000 in 1975. A little more than one-fifth of international undergraduate and graduate students were studying in the United States as of 2005, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development estimated.

Under the U.S. educational system, graduate students work toward master’s, doctoral or other advanced degrees.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE GRADUATE PROGRAMS GROW

According to the new CGS survey, the percentage of U.S. graduate schools that have established joint, dual or other collaborative degree programs in partnership with international colleges and universities has risen from 29 percent in 2007 to 38 percent in 2008, including six of the 10 largest.

In dual, or double degree, programs, students take courses and receive a degree, diploma or certificate from each participating school. For example, through a program established by the State University of New York (SUNY) and Turkey’s Council of Higher Education, Turkish students can receive two undergraduate diplomas, one Turkish and one from SUNY, after dividing their four years of study between a Turkish campus and a partner SUNY campus.

In joint degree programs, on the other hand, students take courses at each participating college or university but receive only one degree, diploma or certificate from the school at which they are registered.

Most collaborative programs are at the master’s degree level, and most are with European universities. Some collaborative doctoral programs are being offered, and some of the partnership programs are with institutions in China, India and other countries outside Europe. Business is the most common field of study, but a significant number of collaborative master’s degree programs are in engineering, the physical sciences and the social sciences.

The most common collaborative programs at the doctoral level are in the physical sciences.

The CGS study found that 31 percent of U.S. graduate schools plan to establish new collaborative programs in the next two years.

CGS is an organization of more than 480 institutions of higher education in the United States and Canada aimed at improving graduate education. CGS surveys U.S. graduate schools three times each year: in February to learn how many international students are applying; in June to learn how many international students are being admitted; and in September to learn how many international students actually enroll in U.S. graduate schools.

The CGS data are based on the responses of 177 graduate schools, including all 10 of the institutions with the largest graduate student enrollment and 84 percent of the largest 25.

The full text of the CGS report is available on the organization's Web site.

For information on studying in the United States, see the State Department’s EducationUSA Web site. Information on visa procedures and traveling to the United States is available at www.travel.state.gov and in the State Department eJournal See You in the U.S.A.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Indiana University

Each year, Indiana University welcomes thousands of new students to our eight campuses. Most are first-year college students, but the quality of living and learning at IU is enhanced by transfer students, international students, and returning students who also join our ranks every year. Discover all that IU offers for undergraduate, graduate, and international students.

There are a variety of different types of scholarships that students can receive at Indiana University. The five primary categories of scholarships for incoming freshmen are:

* Automatic Academic Scholarships
* Selective Scholarships
* National Scholar Program Scholarships
* Nomination Scholarships
* Financial Need and Merit Awards

Information is also included regarding:

* School, College and Department Scholarships
* Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Monday, April 13, 2009

Arizona State University, Phoenix

Arizona State University is a creating a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application, blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 64,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

In recent years, Arizona State University has made unprecedented increases in the amount of university gift assistance awarded to students. In 2008-09, ASU awarded nearly half a billion dollars in all types of financial aid to more than 46,000 students, including almost $117 million in scholarships and $65 million in grant funding. The university, in partnership with alumni, civic groups, private foundations, individuals, and federal and state governments, remains committed to helping you reach your educational goals

Sunday, April 12, 2009

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania is home to a diverse undergraduate student body of nearly 10,000, hailing from every state in the union and all around the globe. Admissions are among the most selective in the country and Penn consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Another 10,000 students are enrolled in Penn's 12 graduate and professional schools, which are national leaders in their fields.

The Wharton School is consistently one of the nation's top three business schools. The School of Nursing is one of the two best in the U.S. The School of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School of Education, Law School, School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, and Annenberg School for Communication all rank among the top 10 schools in their fields.

The University of Pennsylvania’s need-blind policy ensures that no one is denied admission because he or she requires financial assistance.

In accordance with this policy, review of your admissions application is independent of review of your financial aid application.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Boston University

Boston University is a private urban research university, established in 1869, offering a breadth of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its 17 Schools and Colleges and more than 250 fields of study.

The following merit awards are available to international students:

Trustee Scholarship

Our most prestigious merit-based scholarship recognizes truly outstanding high school seniors with a four-year award of full tuition and certain mandatory fees. Candidates must be nominated by their school principals or headmasters. All materials, including nomination letter and application for admission, must be received at Boston University by December 1. Get more details about the Trustee Scholarship.

Engineering Scholars Award

Students with exceptional academic records applying to the College of Engineering are eligible for this four-year, half-tuition, renewable scholarship. Get more details about the Engineering Scholars Award.

University Scholarship

These four-year, half-tuition, renewable scholarships are awarded to selected students with exceptional academic records, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence. Get more details about the University Scholarship.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Purdue University

Purdue University is a coeducational, state-assisted system in Indiana. Founded in 1869 and named after benefactor John Purdue, the University is one of the nation's leading research institutions with a reputation for excellent and affordable education.

Building upon historical strengths in engineering and agriculture, the West Lafayette campus currently offers 5,800 courses in more than 400 undergraduate majors and specializations in the schools/colleges of Agriculture, Consumer and Family Sciences, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, Management, Nursing, Pharmacy and Pharmacal Sciences, Science, Technology, and Veterinary Medicine. Programs of graduate study and research leading to advanced degrees fall under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School.

The Division of Financial Aid at Purdue University is committed to providing a high level of service to support students in achieving their academic goals by helping to remove the financial barriers of college attendance. The Division’s mission is to offer coordinated delivery of comprehensive student aid programs that are supportive of the recruitment and retention of academically talented and diverse students.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Harvard College

Harvard College brings together students from all 50 states and from countries around the world; from cities, suburbs, small towns and farms; from public, private and parochial schools; from every ethnic and religious background; and from across the economic spectrum. Students arrive with a remarkable diversity of interests. They are scholars, community volunteers, journalists, artists, athletes, actors, musicians, and enthusiasts of many other kinds. What all Harvard students have in common is intellectual curiosity and energy. Harvard values excellence and diversity in the talents and aspirations of its students, and in the resources and opportunities the College offers them.

Harvard is strongly committed to making educational opportunity accessible to all. All financial aid is awarded on the basis of financial need, and Harvard meets 100% of each family's demonstrated need. About 70% of Harvard undergraduates receive financial aid.

The financial aid policies for foreign citizens are exactly the same as those for U.S. citizens. All aid is need-based, and admissions decisions are made without regard to whether or not an applicant needs financial assistance.

Students who are not United States citizens or permanent residents should complete the "Financial Statement for Students from Foreign Countries." If you do not have a copy of this form, please request one from our office or download the forms. This form must be completed by all incoming students who are not United States citizens or permanent residents, whether or not they plan to apply for financial aid. Without complete information and appropriate certification, visa documents cannot be issued. For more information, please refer to the Financial Aid Website.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

International student enrollments rise. . .

The number of non-U.S. students enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions during the 2007-2008 academic year jumped 7 percent to a record total of 623,805, according to a report from the Institute of International Education (IIE).

“In today’s competitive international environment, the increase in enrollments noted in this year’s Open Doors data demonstrates again that the U.S. remains the premier destination for international students,” said Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Goli Ameri in welcoming the report, Open Doors 2008. “The U.S. government joins the U.S. higher education community in a commitment to welcome international students to the United States. As someone who graduated from an American university as an international student, I have experienced America’s welcome personally and can testify that America’s universities not only accept and welcome international students warmly, but transform their lives.”

First-time enrollments increased 10 percent in 2007-2008, following a similar 10 percent rise the previous year.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Houston Baptist University. . . .

HBU, located in the city of Houston, Texas, is a university where the foundation of every student's education begins in a faithful understanding of the liberal arts. It is a university where students learn more about the world and themselves, and enjoy an academic experience where faith and learning go hand in hand.

From Academic Merit Awards to Athletic Scholarships, HBU provides a number of scholarship opportunities.

As an international student, you are eligible for any of HBU's institutional merit-based scholarships. These merit-based scholarships are awarded upon admission to HBU and you cannot earn additional scholarships after you enter the university. Students that are awarded a merit-based scholarship will be required to enroll full-time (12 semester hours) in order to take advantage of their scholarship.

In addition, need based aid may be available to students that meet the Texas residency requirements (excluding students on F-1). Athletic or talent based scholarships can be awarded to international students but are limited and highly competitive. For our graduate prospects, there are no teaching assistantships (TA) and/or research assistantships (RA) available.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

New York University

From its founding in 1831, academic excellence has been the hallmark of New York University, one of the foremost research and teaching universities in the United States. NYU offers its students an exceptional curriculum and dynamic learning and mentoring experiences with an award-winning, professionally renowned faculty.

NYU is comprised of 14 schools, eight of which award undergraduate degrees.

New York University offers graduate studies in the arts and sciences, as well as a range of professional degrees in fields including law, medicine, education, dentistry, public administration, business, social work, and the arts.

New York University offers a comprehensive program of both need-based and merit-based financial assistance. Currently, 74 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some form of aid. While the primary responsibility for meeting college costs rests with the student and his or her family, the University can help. With the funds available, NYU does its best to coordinate adequate resources to enable students to attend NYU.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

How to apply for international scholarships. . .

Getting a scholarship as an international student is tough since many scholarships are limited to only citizens of the United States or even residents of a particular state or city.

Also adding to the burden of college expenses is the fact that international students can't receive any type of federal assistance from the United States government like traditional U.S. students get when they receive a grant or loan.