Scholarships in the USA for Sri Lankan Students

For Sri Lankan students eager to explore "USA Scholarships", a plethora of opportunities awaits. Some renowned scholarships include:

1. Fulbright Scholarship

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious and well-known scholarship programs in the United States, with the goal of promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the United States and other countries. Fulbright scholarships offer awards and funding to students, scholars, teachers, and professionals to study, teach and explore research opportunities in the USA. 

2. Humphrey Fellowship Program:

The Humphrey Fellowship Program is targeted towards international professionals with the potential to become global leaders enabling socioeconomic development across multiple facets, including human rights and freedom, sustainable environmental practices and collective good. 

The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and aims to provide a non-degree, ten-month academic and professional experience in the United States.

3. AAUW International Fellowship

The fellowship is designed for international women professionals pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the USA with the intention to return to their home countries post completing the course. 

Scholarship amount: $20,000–$50,000

4. ACI Foundation Scholarship

• The scholarship is awarded to students worldwide enrolled in full-time undergraduate or graduate courses in structural design, materials, and construction in any host university in the USA/Canada. 
• The fellowship is for a period of 10 to 12 weeks to be taken as an internship during the summer of 2024  

5. Rotary Peace Fellowship

The fellowship is offered to early-career candidates with a commitment towards peace and conflict resolution who have the ability to undertake extensive reading and research and can participate actively within a diverse group of students. 

6. American University Emerging Global Leader Award

The American University EGL award is offered to high-achieving international students enrolling in full-time undergraduate courses in the US with the intention to return to their home country to apply their learnings to bring about peace and positive social change. 

The scholarship covers full tuition fees and accommodation expenses.

Government-backed scholarships can significantly reduce the financial strain. Here are some top options:

1. EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program

The program is designed for international students who are awarded full financial aid from US universities but lack the financial means necessary to cover applying costs such as testing, application fees, or airfare. 

The program enables cross-cultural learning and brings diversity to university campuses. Since 2006, more than 100 colleges and universities have enrolled Opportunity Funds students.

2. Community College Initiative Program (CCI): 

The CCI program provides scholarships to international students to study in a community college in the USA for up to one year in any of the following courses such as agriculture, applied engineering, business management and administration, early childhood education, information technology, media, public safety, and tourism and hospitality management.

The program facilitates community engagement and professional internships to enable international students to gain English language proficiency and cultural integration. 

3. Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program:
Funded by the US Department of State, the YES Program provides scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend an academic year in the USA. While on the program, participants get to live with American host families, attend high school, and engage in community service and civic education activities.
4. Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD):
This program brings undergraduate students from various countries to the USA for a semester of non-degree academic study and cultural enrichment.

Here is the list of American universities that provide partial to fully funded scholarships in the USA for international students

The journey to "Study in USA" for undergraduates is facilitated by numerous scholarships such as:

• Global Merit Scholarships: For high academic achievers, covering up to 50% of tuition fees.
• Destination USA Scholarships: Targeted international students, offering partial to full tuition waivers.
• Presidential Scholarships: University-specific, providing full tuition coverage for outstanding applicants.

Postgraduate "Scholarships in the USA for Sri Lankan Students" are abundant:

• Graduate Studies Grant: Offering partial financial assistance for various postgraduate programs.
• Postgraduate Merit Scholarships: Recognizing academic excellence with partial to full tuition coverage.
• Master's Excellence Scholarships: University-specific, providing significant financial aid based on merit and need.

For those eyeing business studies, a plethora of scholarships beckons:

• MBA Global Excellence Scholarships: Covering partial to full tuition for outstanding international students.
• Business Leadership Scholarships: Recognizing leadership potential with financial assistance.
• Business Masters Scholarships: Offering significant financial aid based on merit and need.

Need assistance? Contact AECC!

Research scholars can access various funding avenues:

• International Research Grants: Providing financial support for research activities.
• Research Excellence Scholarships: Recognizing outstanding research proposals with financial aid.
• Doctoral Study Fellowships: Offering stipends and tuition waivers for promising doctoral candidates.

Embarking on the journey to acquire "Scholarships to Study in the USA" involves:

• Research: Comprehensive understanding of the types and requirements.
• Prepare Documentation: Academic transcripts, Letters of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose, etc.
• Fee Submission: Some scholarships necessitate a fee. Always check beforehand.
• Application: Through official websites, scholarship portals, or educational consultants.

Isn’t it better to contact experts like AECC so that you get expert advice on application deadlines?

1. Apply Widely:

Don't limit yourself to one or two scholarships. The more scholarships you apply for, the higher your chances.

2. Tailor Each Application:

Customise your application, essay, or personal statement to align with the mission or goals of the scholarship provider.

3. Highlight Extracurricular Achievements:

Whether it's leadership roles, community service, or special projects, showcasing these can set you apart.

4. Proofread Multiple Times:

Spelling and grammatical errors can give a negative impression. Have someone else review your application for a fresh perspective.

5. Seek Strong Recommendations:

Choose individuals who know you well and can vouch for your abilities and character, ensuring they understand the scholarship's purpose.

6. Showcase Genuine Need:

If the scholarship is need-based, transparently discuss your financial situation and why the scholarship would significantly impact your education.

7. Prepare for Interviews:

If the scholarship process involves an interview, practice with a mentor or friend. Be genuine in your responses and show enthusiasm for the opportunity.

8. Engage with the University:

Attend university open days, webinars, or engage with the university on social platforms. Demonstrating genuine interest can be an added advantage.

9. Keep an Organised Portfolio:

Maintain a file with all your certificates, awards, recommendations, and any other essential documents. Being organised ensures you don't miss out on any critical documents while applying.

10. Stay Updated

Some scholarships have a recurring application process. If you missed out on one year, make a note, and try again the following year.