The University of Maryland (UM), located in College Park, Maryland, is a public land-grant research university. Founded in 1856, it is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland. UM offers over 200 degree-granting programs, including 113 undergraduate majors, 107 master’s programs, and 83 doctoral programs. It is recognized for its highly-ranked graduate program in education and the noted A. James Clark School of Engineering. In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, UM was ranked #46 among national universities.
UM is committed to creating a diverse student body from around the globe. It has implemented a multi-faceted approach to provide support and pursue legal action on behalf of its international students. This includes working with the Maryland Congressional delegation and national higher education associations to protect the immigration status of the campus community’s international students.
International students often face financial challenges such as inadequate job opportunities, high costs of health insurance, and high costs of textbooks. The high differences in currency exchange rates between the United States and other countries can also exacerbate these financial issues.
To help alleviate these financial burdens, UM offers merit scholarships to some of its most academically talented incoming students. These competitive scholarships are based on past academic performance and potential to excel at the university, not financial need.
Therefore, in this blog post, we will talk about everything you need to know about the University of Maryland scholarships for international students.
Types of Scholarships for International Students at the University of Maryland
The University of Maryland offers different types of scholarships – depending on your eligibility, you can apply for any of your choices. Hence, here are the different types of scholarships available at the University of Maryland.
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
The first scholarship at the University of Maryland is the merit-based scholarship. These scholarships are mostly based on academic achievements and potential. Some of these scholarships include:
- Education Future International Scholarship: While not directly offered by UM, this external scholarship program deserves a mention! It awards scholarships to academically talented Indian students pursuing studies abroad at top universities globally. Check their eligibility criteria (minimum GPA in 10th and 12th grade) to see if you qualify.
- UM Merit Scholarships: UM recognizes exceptional international students with outstanding academic records through its merit-based scholarships. These awards celebrate past academic achievements and future potential, acknowledging those who will enrich the UM community. To be eligible, expect to demonstrate a strong academic record, potentially through high school GPA and standardized test scores (consult the UM Office of Admissions website for specific requirements).
2. Need-Based Scholarships
International students may face limited availability of need-based scholarships at the University of Maryland. However, they can explore external scholarships that are also related to the University of Maryland. As an international student, you can find and apply for external scholarships through the scholarship matching tool on the University of Maryland website.
3. Program-Specific Scholarships
Lastly, several academic departments at the University of Maryland offer merit scholarships to their most promising students, depending on the program they applied for. This might be based on the department they are in or their kind of affiliation. In that case, students should contact the department, college, or school directly for information about availability, eligibility, applications, and deadlines. They can also utilize the scholarship matching platform, which is available on the University of Maryland website, to find scholarships based on their major, minor, college, department, academic merits, financial need, hobbies, interests, affiliations, and more.
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How to apply for scholarships at the University of Maryland
Since there are many scholarships at the University of Maryland, there are different ways to apply. But to not get lost in the quest, here is how to apply for scholarships at the University of Maryland:
- Visit the Scholarship Portal: Start your application process by visiting the Office of Student Financial Aid website. Here, you can use the Scholarship Universe tool to find scholarships you’re eligible for.
- Check Deadlines: The priority deadline for the FAFSA, which is necessary for many scholarships, is January 1st. Make sure to submit all required materials by this date.
- Gather Required Documents: You will need to complete the FAFSA and may need additional documents depending on the scholarship. Check the specific requirements for each scholarship you’re applying for.
- Prepare Essays and Recommendation Letters: Some scholarships require essays and letters of recommendation. Focus on highlighting your academic achievements, leadership qualities, and other relevant experiences.
Remember, if you are applying for merit scholarships and not need-based scholarships, they are awarded based on your admission application and materials submitted by the November 1 early action deadline. So, no additional application is necessary for these.
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Final Thought
The University of Maryland offers several scholarships for international students, especially those pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees. These scholarships are designed to support the academic endeavors of students from around the globe and they are mostly competitive.
As an international student, you are encouraged to apply and take advantage of the comprehensive educational experience at the University of Maryland. The university is known for its diverse and inclusive community, cutting-edge research, and a wide range of academic programs. By studying at UMD, you can benefit from networking opportunities, professional development, and access to resources that support your academic and career goals.
For further information on scholarship opportunities and application procedures, international students should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Maryland or visit the National Scholarships Office website.