April 25, 2025

5 Types of Scholarships in the USA for International Students

Learn more about the scholarship opportunities in the USA and how to secure one

The US college system offers numerous types of scholarships for international students. This guide breaks down the 5 main types of scholarships in the USA and how Keystone Sports can help you secure one.

Studying in the United States doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of scholarships in the USA that can make your American college experience way more affordable—or even free!

Whether you’re an athlete, a top student, or just looking to upgrade your career, there are tons of options for you.

In this guide, we’ll break down 5 types of scholarships you can get to study in the United States. Learn about their benefits, requirements, and how Keystone Sports can support you.

1. Sports Scholarships

Sports scholarships are awarded to talented athletes by coaches at American universities.

The United States is one of the few places where you can earn a college degree and play competitive sports at the same time. Each university has its own lineup of sports, from the most populars, like soccer or tennis, to more niche options like esports or skiing.

Coaches are responsible for managing the team’s roster and recruiting players. They have a specific budget to award scholarships, so they must divide that amount among their players efficiently to create the best possible team.

The good news? You don’t have to be a pro athlete to receive a sports scholarship in the US. Within the college sports system, there are various divisions that adjust to different levels, from elite to amateur. Divisions are organized by different college sports organizations including the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA.

What matters most is finding a university that matches your level and offers you a strong scholarship package. At Keystone Sports, we are experts at this. Our team finds the best scholarship options for athletes from all over the world.

How much do sports scholarships cover?

Full Sports Scholarships

Cover all major costs of attending college: tuition, insurance, room and board, and other academic fees.

Awarded to top-performing athletes.

Found more frequently in NCAA Division I programs and some Division II and NAIA schools.

Partial Sports Scholarships

Cover a portion of college expenses.

More common than full scholarships, as many programs distribute their scholarship budget among multiple players.

It is possible to combine partial sports scholarships with other types of scholarships or grants.

According to the NCAA, almost $4 billion in sports scholarships are awarded each year to more than 196,000 student-athletes. But with so much competition, getting a scholarship takes more than just talent—it requires a clear strategy.

At Keystone Sports, we know exactly what college coaches are looking for. That’s why we help athletes meet their expectations and showcase their strengths to stand out during the recruitment process.

2. Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are awarded by universities based on a student’s academic records.

To qualify for an academic scholarship, you will need to show proof of your educational achievements. This can include a high GPA, specific scores on the SAT or ACT, research projects, a great portfolio, or academic awards and honors.

It’s not just about grades. Your involvement in school programs, competitions, or academic clubs can also make your application stand out. Universities look for students who are not only strong in the classroom, but also active and passionate about learning.

How to apply for an academic scholarship?

Some universities offer automatic merit scholarships if you meet certain academic requirements. This means you could receive a scholarship just by applying—no extra forms or essays needed.

However, other universities may ask for a separate application, essay, or interview, so it’s always good to be informed about the requirements. At Keystone Sports, we’ll guide you through your options based on your profile.

What do academic scholarships cover?

Academic scholarships can range from partial tuition discounts to full-tuition awards. They’re often renewable each year as long as you maintain a good GPA.

Can student-athletes get academic scholarships too?

Yes! If you’re a student-athlete, you can often combine academic and athletic scholarships. This can help you reduce costs even more and create a better financial aid package.

3. International Student Scholarships

Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students—including student-athletes. These scholarships help reduce the cost of studying abroad.

Some universities automatically consider international applicants for these scholarships when you apply, while others may require a separate application. It’s important to know the requirements and deadlines early!

International student aid is independent of athletic performance, but many need proof of academic performance and other achievements.

4. Need-Based Financial Aid

Need-based financial aid is determined by a family’s financial situation. While many international students do not qualify for federal financial aid (like FAFSA), some universities offer institutional grants or private funding options.

To apply for need-based scholarships, you’ll need to submit documents that show your family’s income, assets, and other financial information. Universities use this information to assess how much financial aid you might need.

5. Department Scholarships

Many universities offer department scholarships for students who show real interest or potential in their chosen major—not just high grades. For example, a future engineering student who’s done STEM competitions and science fairs, or an art student with a strong portfolio, can be great candidates.

These scholarships are awarded by the academic department and often take into account your grades, interests, projects, or goals in that field. To apply you might need to submit an application, portfolio, or letter of motivation.

Many department scholarships are renewable and can be combined with other types of scholarships.

How to Get a Scholarship in the USA?

With so many scholarship options available, you can’t miss the opportunity to study in the United States!

However, going through the process on your own can become overwhelming: hundreds of universities, complex application processes, tight deadlines, and countless documents. Without the right guidance, it can be challenging finding the university and scholarship that best fits you.

That’s why we bring you the best solution! At Keystone Sports, we make the scholarship process very simple. We specialize in connecting talented students and athletes with universities in the US. How can we help you?

Profile Preparation: We help you create a strong profile that highlights your academic, athletic, and personal achievements so you stand out to universities.

Personalized Guidance: We support you with one-on-one advice throughout the entire process.

Wide Network System: Our connections with hundreds of universities and coaches open the door to more opportunities.

Scholarship Negotiation: We work to ensure you receive the best possible scholarship offers.

Application Assistance: Our experts assist with the entire application process, from compiling necessary documents to getting your VISA.

Fill out our free evaluation form to get a scholarship in the United States!

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About the author

Lorena Montañés

Lorena Montañés, SEO Specialist at Keystone Sports, pursued her career in the U.S., playing DI soccer at California State University, Fresno. There, she earned degrees in Mass Communication & Journalism and Psychology. She later completed an MBA in Business Analytics while coaching at a Division II university. Now, she aims to empower other student-athletes to achieve their dreams and have a life-changing experience.