Which academic fields are the most popular among international students for receiving scholarships and financial aid from universities in the USA?
When it comes to international students seeking scholarships and financial aid in the U.S., certain academic fields tend to be more popular due to the high demand for skilled professionals and the availability of funding. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular fields:
- STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics):
- Engineering and Computer Science: These fields account for a significant portion of international students. Due to the global need for technological innovation and engineering expertise, students pursuing degrees in engineering (around 19%) and computer science (23%) often receive scholarships. Universities and organizations alike, such as the AAUW Fellowship, offer funding in these areas.
- Physical and Life Sciences: Areas like biology, physics, and chemistry also attract international students who often secure research-based scholarships and assistantships, as these fields are crucial for scientific advancements.
- Business and Management:
- Business programs, particularly those focusing on management and entrepreneurship, account for 15% of international students. MBA programs, in particular, often offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, as many institutions seek to attract top talent from around the world to build their alumni networks.
- Social Sciences:
- While a smaller percentage (around 8%) of international students pursue degrees in social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, political science), many scholarships target these fields, especially those focused on international development and global issues.
- Arts and Humanities:
- Although the number of students in these fields is lower compared to STEM, there are still several scholarships available for students pursuing creative and cultural studies. Institutions like Harvard and Stanford provide funding opportunities for students in the arts, recognizing the importance of cultural diversity and creative thinking.
- Health and Medical Sciences:
- Scholarships for programs in public health, medicine, and healthcare management are available, particularly for students from developing countries. These fields are crucial in today’s global health landscape, and many scholarships aim to address healthcare disparities through education.
Many universities in the U.S. have a strong focus on providing financial aid to international students in these fields due to the global demand for professionals in STEM, business, and health-related sectors