International Students & Scholarship Opportunities in the US
Good news for international students studying in the United States! Did you know that you may qualify for many of the scholarships offered, not only by the collegiate institutions, but by third-party groups like businesses, community foundations, or individuals? These scholarships are not only available to students who are United States citizens, but to those who are permanent residents or have study visas. For example, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) states that the scholarships offered through AAACF are open to students regardless of their citizenship or permanent residence status. There are currently 37 scholarships available through their foundation. And there are hundreds of community foundations across the United States, many of which have these same eligibility requirements.
Also available are scholarships from groups like the Asian Pacific Fund, International Musicians Merit Scholarship, and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation which are available to students with student visas or permanent residence in the United States. This is a small sample of the opportunities available to international students.
There are also musical competitions which are open to students from all over the world. To list just a few are The Edward M. Murray International Competition of Voice, the American Guild of Organists National Competition in Organ Improvisation, and the Morton Gould Young Composer Awards. All of these competitions are open to students of all nationalities who have a student visa. In addition to monetary awards, the winners of these competitions are often invited to perform in concerts with professional orchestras.
In the general discipline of music, the majority of international scholarships are offered for a performance degree, mostly piano and vocal. The scholarship amount is based on the level of musical performance proficiency and music theory knowledge. Many colleges, universities, and conservatories offer music scholarships, and each institution in which you have a specific interest should be contacted regarding the potential for scholarships for international students.
Sample list of schools that offer scholarships to international students:
- Southern Methodist UniversityButler UniversitySouthwestern Baptist SeminaryCincinnati ConservatoryTrevecca Nazarene UniversityClark UniversityUniversity of California at IrvineCleveland Institute of MusicUniversity of California at L.A.Colburn Conservatory of MusicUniversity of Illinois
- Academy of Vocal ArtsPeabody ConservatoryBard College Conservatory of MusicOberlin Conservatory of MusicBelmont UniversityRice UniversityBerklee College of MusicSan Francisco Conservatory of MusicBoston Conservatory of MusicSouth Dakota State UniversityBrandies University
- Curtis Institute of MusicUniversity of KentuckyDePaul UniversityUniversity of MaineEastman School of MusicUniversity of MemphisFlorida State UniversityUniversity of MiamiIndiana UniversityUniversity of North TexasJulliard School
- University of PennsylvaniaManhattan School of MusicUniversity of TexasMannes College - TThe New School of MusicUniversity of South CarolinaMusicians InstituteUniversity of Southern CaliforniaNew England ConservatoryUniversity of WisconsinNew York University - SteinhardtVanderbilt UniversityNorthwestern University
There are many other schools that offer music scholarships. The best advice in finding scholarship opportunities is to search by field of study, location, or if you are still in high school, through the guidance office. Each scholarship will have the eligibility criteria in the description. If it doesn't address nationality, go ahead and apply; you may get the scholarship!
Choosing to study at a U.S. college, university, or conservatory is a big life decision and one that has many implications. However, a U.S. college education is considered one of the best degree programs worldwide, and the advantages can be life-changing.
- There are scholarships available from businesses and community foundations if you are a permanent resident in the US or have a student visa.
- Most musical competitions offering scholarships or cash prizes are open to all international students.
- Organizations like the Asian Pacific Fund, International Musicians Merit Scholarship, and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation offer scholarships to international students.
