Education Funding for International Students
SDSU is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best universities in the nation. In addition, the Carnegie Foundation has ranked SDSU as the No. 1 research institution in the state. There is no denying the fact that college is an investment. The return you get back from it is invaluable — especially at SDSU.
Plan Ahead
The first step is to select a program that meets both your academic needs and your budget limitations, keeping in mind that there are numerous scholarships available to help reduce the cost. You may wish to consult with the education abroad adviser as you are making this decision. Next, develop a financial plan, drawing from all available resources such as scholarships, financial aid and personal funds.
Accessible Opportunities for Education
SDSU is proud to say that we make our educational opportunities accessible and affordable for all students by offering one of the lowest tuition rates in the U.S. for international (nonresidents of South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã) students.
Jackrabbit Guarantee Scholarship
The Jackrabbit Guarantee Scholarship is open to all first-time freshman undergraduate applicants who enroll at the main campus in Brookings. You do not need to submit a separate application — we will include your scholarship with your letter of admission!
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Federal financial aid may be used on every SDState Abroad program. Students will need to consult with the Financial Aid Office to discuss how their student loans can be applied to their education abroad program costs. Please call 605-688-4702 to set up an appointment with the assistant director of financial aid.
SDSU Scholarships
Scholarships including the South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Opportunity Scholarship and the Jackrabbit Guarantee can be applied to the cost of an education abroad program. Please consult with a SDSU Scholarship Coordinator by calling 605-688-5202.
External Scholarships
External scholarships and grants offer students the opportunity to offset the costs of their education abroad program. These scholarships are highly competitive, therefore students should take the process seriously and plan ahead.
Nationally Competitive Scholarships
- - The Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 for undergraduate students for language-focused study abroad.
- - The CLS Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of 14 critical languages. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains.
- - This scholarship works to increase the number of American students studying abroad through the provision of game-changing scholarships. Preference is given to underrepresented students and those with a demonstrated financial need.
- - various opportunities for graduating seniors and Master's and doctoral candidates.
- - provides scholarship to students with a GPA of 3.75 or higher.
- - a scholarship specific to Native American students wishing to engage in international academic activity (study, research, etc.)
Funding Offered by Private Organizations
Funding is also available from foundations and other sources that support international study and research.
Scholarships Offered by Foreign Governments or Organizations
Foreign governments and private organizations can be a great source of funding for study abroad program costs.
Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund
- – This grant supports the education of women from developing countries who are committed to improving the lives of women and children in developing nations. Previous grant recipients studied agriculture, architecture and urban planning, civil engineering, education, forestry, journalism, nursing, nutrition, pediatrics, public administration, public health, social sciences and social work.
Dr. Gombojab Hangin Memorial Scholarship
- Dr. Gombojab Hangin Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship is to be given to a student of Mongolian heritage, defined as an individual of Mongolian ethnic origin who has permanent residency in Mongolia, the People's Republic of China or the former Soviet Union to pursue studies in the U.S. The amount of the award may be up to $2,400. The award does not include transportation from the recipient's country to the U.S., nor does it include board and lodging at the university where the recipient will study. The recipient will receive the scholarship monies in one lump sum after enrollment in the scholarship holder's institution in the U.S.
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship Program
- – This program is designed to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. The academic-year scholarship is for one regular academic year (usually nine months) of full-time study at an institution assigned by the Rotary Foundation Trustees. Applicants must have completed at least two years of university or college coursework or must have a secondary school education and have been employed in a recognized vocation for at least two years when the scholarship begins. All applicants must be citizens of a country in which there is a Rotary club. Applicants must initially apply through a Rotary club located in the area of their legal or permanent residence or place of full-time study or employment.
Aga Khan Foundation
- – The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies, in order to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the Aga Khan Development Network. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant-50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July. The foundation gives priority to requests for master's-level courses but is willing to consider applications for Ph.D. programs, only in the case of outstanding students who are highly recommended for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a Ph.D. for the fulfillment of their career objectives (academic or research-oriented).
American Association of University Women
- – The American Association of University Women has a long and distinguished history of advancing educational and professional opportunities for women in the United States and around the globe. One of the world's largest sources of funding for graduate women, the American Association of University Women provided more than $4.3 million in funding for more than 278 fellowships and grants to outstanding women and nonprofit organizations in the 2012-13 academic year. Due to the longstanding, generous contributions of American Association of University Women members, a broader community of women continues to gain access to educational and economic opportunities — breaking through barriers so that all women have a fair chance.
WU Scholars
- – A global scholarship program from the Western Union Foundation, this is designed to support young people around the world in their efforts to pursue a postsecondary undergraduate education. Scholars will receive a $2,500 (U.S. dollars) scholarship. : Students must be seeking an undergraduate degree in one of the following categories: science, technology, engineering, mathematics or business/entrepreneurship. The application requires a letter of recommendation and an academic transcript.
EduPass
- – How much does a U.S. education cost, and how will you pay for it? Find the answers here, plus the best sources of financial aid for international students.
Fastweb
- – Create a personal profile and Fastweb will find scholarships that may be appropriate for you.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- – General Information on how to find scholarships and grants.
Nursing Scholarships for International Students
- – A collection of both undergraduate and graduate scholarships for international students who wish to pursue nursing.
The Paul and Daisy Soros Foundation
- – The purpose of the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is to provide opportunities for continuing generations of able and accomplished new Americans to achieve leadership in their chosen fields. The program is established in recognition of the contributions new Americans have made to American life and in gratitude for the opportunities the U.S. has afforded the donors and their families.
U.S. Education Guide
- – Information on scholarships, student loans, grants and other funding possibilities for your U.S. studies.
U.S. Journal of Academics
- – Will provide steps in locating potential scholarships and grants.
Vietnam Education Foundation
- Vietnam Education Foundation – The Vietnam Education Foundation is an independent federal agency created by the U.S. Congress and funded annually by the U.S. government. Its mission is to strengthen the U.S.-Vietnam bilateral relationship through educational exchanges in science and technology.
World Wide Learn
- – A resource to help international students learn of potential scholarship and grant opportunities.
International Scholarships
- – Free online scholarship database for international students wishing to study worldwide.
General resource site
- for international students.
Organization of American States
- interest-free loans to qualified citizens from Latin America and Caribbean countries to help them finance their higher education or research at accredited institutions in the U.S.
