Scholarships for international students at community colleges?

I'm an international student planning to start at a community college in the U.S. Are there scholarships available specifically for international students? I'm trying to understand what financial support might be out there.

Yes, financial support opportunities such as scholarships are available for international students at community colleges across the U.S. However, the availability and type of financial assistance can vary significantly from one institution to another.

Some community colleges offer in-house scholarships. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or based on specific criteria like nationality, field of study, or personal background. You would need to check with the international student office or the financial aid office at the specific community college you're considering to see what scholarships they offer that you might qualify for.

Aside from the scholarships provided by colleges, there are also numerous external scholarships available to international students studying in the U.S. For example, the International Student Organization in the USA (ISO) offers scholarships for international students. There are many more out there, you will just need to search relevant databases or use scholarship search platforms such as Fastweb or Appily to find scholarships that suit your profile and needs.

Don't forget to check if your home country's government or local organizations offer scholarships for studying abroad. Often, these bodies may have funds available to support their citizens' international education.

Just remember, you should never have to pay to apply for scholarships. Be mindful of potential scams that ask for application fees or personal information that's not usually required such as bank account details.

Be proactive in your search, apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for, and ensure your applications and all required materials are submitted before the deadlines to increase your chances of receiving financial support.

Example: The Maricopa Community Colleges in Arizona offers a few scholarships for international students, such as the International Student Endowment Scholarship and the Chancellor's Scholarship. Be sure to check what scholarships your intended community college offers.

Remember that you'll need to consider other expenses such as housing, meals, transportation, and books when planning out your budget, not just tuition.

Last but not least, remember that some scholarships might be taxable under U.S. law, so be sure to understand the conditions of each scholarship and keep this in mind as you plan your budget.