Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Team Experts

In the United States, there are numerous tuition-free institutions offering a wide range of courses and subject areas to students. International students can apply for numerous extra scholarships and other opportunities to study in the USA for free or at a very cheap cost. Let’s find out how to study in USA for free with StudyHQ guides.

Early and Excellent Application 

Most US universities want applicants who not only have excellent academic records but also score highly on entrance exams. Students must thus make sure they meet the minimal prerequisites for admission to the college of their choice and submit applications appropriately. Students should start preparing their applications as soon as feasible. By doing so, they will be able to minimise errors and boost their chances of being awarded scholarships. 

Part-Time Work Opportunities

Students in the USA might save money for bill payments by working a part-time job. International students can work in the nation in a variety of part-time jobs both on and off school. Before applying for part-time employment, students must take into account a few rules.

Throughout the course, students are permitted to work 20 hours each week. They may, however, put in up to 40 hours a week of work during holidays from university. Foreign students also need to have a current F1 US Visa to apply for part-time jobs on campus.

Apply for Fully-Funded Scholarship

By applying for a fully or partially financed scholarship, international students can study in the USA for free. Each scholarship offers a different amount of money based on the applicant’s course, school, and study level. The most common forms of scholarships offered in the US are those that are awarded by organisations, government agencies, and programmes.

Following are the top scholarships available for Indian students in the United States:

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
• Tata Scholarships for Cornell University
• Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship
• The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
• KC Mahindra Scholarship
• Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
• Chicago Booth Scholarships 
• Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program
• National Overseas Scholarship
• SN Bose Scholarship

Low-Cost Universities to Study in USA

We’ve put together a list of the best universities in the USA that you might potentially attend for free. But to study for free, you’ll need to fulfil a few requirements, one of which is having an excellent academic record. Also go through the top online MBA universities in USA for management courses.

Berea College

Full-tuition scholarships totalling over $25,000 are available to all Berea College students. To assist students with living expenses, food, and other bills, it also offers a work-study scheme.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the college is ranked #33 among National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2021.

Alice Lloyd College

It is one of the best colleges in the world for international students looking to pursue high-quality, competitively cost education. Every full-time student at ALC takes part in the student work programme. International students receive financial aid through their student job programme earnings.

The Ozarks College

To apply to Ozarks, students need to send in a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and their exam scores. Some countries, such as India, do not need its students to speak English fluently. To be eligible for financial aid, international students must fill out the Institutional Financial Need Application.

City University of New York

It provides outstanding, comprehensive educational scholarships to individuals with an impeccable academic record and extracurricular involvement. Depending on your educational level, you may need to take the SAT, GRE, or GMAT to study here. In addition, passing an English proficiency exam like the TOEFL or IELTS is required. 

Deep Springs College

Each student receives a full scholarship, which pays for their tuition, room, and board.

Even if applications from domestic and international students are similar, there is one important difference. The college will require verification of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or test equivalent) if the applicant has not attended an English-speaking secondary school or college. 

Best Scholarships for Free Study in USA

You already know which of the best universities in the country offer free education, but you also need to know which scholarship programmes make it possible for you to study for free there. As usual, you won’t need to search any further because they are right here:

• Foreign Student Fulbright Programme
• Scholarships for International Youth at United World Colleges
• Rotary Fellowships for Peace
• The Clark Global Scholarship Programme and the PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women
• Rotary International Scholarships for Ambassadors
• General scholarships 

USA student visa process

International students who follow the visa application process can study in the United States. You must strictly follow all of the guidelines to get your visa without any issues.

• It is always required to submit the DS-160 visa application online. Select the application location of your choice, and ensure that you have all the information and supporting documents required to complete the form.
• When enrolled in an institution certified by SEVP, you will receive an I-20 or DS-160 form. This form is required to apply for a student visa to the US.
• Three days or more before finishing your US visa application, pay your SEVIS cost. In both situations, payments can be made online or on paper. More details on them can be found on the official US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP website.
• You can schedule an appointment with a US consulate or embassy in your country to apply for a US student visa after obtaining your SEVIS form and paying the SEVIS fee.
• Pay for the application fee for a visa. It is commonly known as the “MRV fee,” or Machine Readable Visa Fee.
• Setting up and attending an interview for a US student visa is the last stage. Check the embassy or consulate website to see what documents are needed for the interview.
• It is always required to submit the DS-160 visa application online. Choose the application location of your choice, and confirm that you have all the information and supporting documents the form requests.

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