Scholarships to study in the US: Fulbright, school scholarships and financial aid (Financial Aid)

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

The US has one of the highest study costs abroad, but also has the richest financial support system in the world. Understanding the correct types of scholarships to study in the US - from Fulbright government scholarships, school scholarships to financial aid (Financial Aid) and teaching assistant positions, research assistants - is the first step for you to choose the right strategy for your level of study.

Fulbright Scholarship for Vietnamese

Chương trình Fulbright dành cho sinh viên nước ngoài (Fulbright Foreign Student Program) do Chính phủ Mỹ tài trợ, hoạt động tại hơn 160 quốc gia. Theo trang chính thức của Fulbright, hồ sơ được tiếp nhận qua Ủy ban Fulbright song phương hoặc Đại sứ quán Mỹ tại từng nước; in Vietnam is through the US Embassy.

Với chương trình Fulbright dành cho sinh viên Việt Nam học thạc sĩ (Fulbright Vietnamese Student Program), thông báo tuyển sinh được các trường đại học trong nước đăng lại cho biết học bổng bao gồm:

• Tuition.
• Monthly living expenses.
• Health and accident insurance.
• Round trip air tickets Vietnam - USA.

The program welcomes candidates from many fields, especially encouraging science and technology. Fulbright scholarship recipients typically come to the United States on a J-1 visa and may be subject to a two-year return requirement after the end of the program. Please read the admission year notice carefully because conditions and submission schedules may change.

Types of scholarships to study in the US from the school

At the bachelor's level, merit-based and need-based are the two main groups. Article Hunting for American university scholarships: need-based and merit-based deeper analysis. If you want to save money with the 2+2 route, check it out community college scholarships.

How does Financial Aid work?

According to EducationUSA, the level of financial support depends on the difference between the cost of studying and the family's ability to pay. General process:

1. Determining costs: each school announces the estimated total cost (Cost of Attendance) including tuition, accommodation, books, and insurance.
2. Declaring family finances: many schools use the CSS Profile form or a separate form for international students, with income and assets documents.
3. The school calculates how many families can contribute and offers a support package including scholarships and jobs at the school.

Important note: international students are not eligible for US federal financial aid, so support comes primarily from the school's own funds. Only a few schools consider "need-blind" admission (not considering financial ability when recruiting) international students; Most are “need-aware,” meaning asking for assistance can affect your ability to get accepted. EducationUSA also notes that scholarships may only cover a portion of costs and are not always available to first-year international students.

Postgraduate funding: RA, TA, fellowship

At the graduate level, the main source of funding is teaching assistant (TA), research assistant (RA) positions with tuition waivers and/or stipends, which are very common at the doctoral level. Subject-based master's are often less funded. Learn the difference between free tuition and living expenses at article about stipend; with engineering, see more STEM scholarships.

Preparation experience

• Start 12–18 months early: standardized testing (SAT/ACT if school requires, GRE/GMAT), TOEFL/IELTS, essay preparation.
• Make a balanced list of schools: including dream schools, affordable schools and safe schools with good support policies for international students.
• Read each school's financial policy carefully: the deadline for submitting financial documents may be different from the deadline for submitting admission documents.
• Prepare I-20 and F-1 visa: After receiving the invitation, see F-1 US student visa.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fulbright for undergraduates?

The Fulbright program for Vietnamese people is mainly for graduate students. Students interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree should seek out scholarships and financial aid from the school.

Does applying for Financial Aid reduce your chances of being admitted?

With need-aware fields, there may be an impact. Not so for the few need-blind schools for international students. Consider your school list strategy accordingly.

Are American school scholarships renewed every year?

Many merit scholarships are maintained for 4 years if a minimum GPA is met; Some only apply for the first year. Read the scholarship award letter carefully.

Conclusion

Scholarships to study abroad in the US are diverse but require a clear understanding of the mechanism for each type. Fulbright is suitable for postgraduate candidates with clear direction; At the undergraduate level, focus on each school's financial policies. Once you have your I-20 and visa, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 to hunt for tickets to the US that match your enrollment date.

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