The United States welcomes thousands of international students each year, and there are many different types of universities that international students can choose from. The colleges that are unique in the US higher education scene are Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Established prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, HBCUs are institutions of higher learning originally created to educate African American students before allowing them to attend college alongside white students.
From this, HBCU has grown into champions of African American culture and education, while student bodies have become more diverse, welcoming students from a range of races and backgrounds.
HBCU is generally more ethnically diverse than most American colleges and is well known for creating strong communities that graduates become a lifelong part of. These institutions can be a great option for international students.
Similar to other universities in the United States, HBCU also offers a wide range of scholarships and financial support to both local and international students.
Below are some of the scholarships on offer for students at HBCU, including the scholarships open to international students. This is a great list where you can start your search, but we always recommend contacting any universities you’re interested in to see what they have to offer.
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Thurgood Marshall College Fund
This fund offers a range of scholarships to students at Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) member institutions, including Howard University, Central State University, Texas Southern University, and others. Scholarships include the TMCF Access Scholarship, which covers full tuition and on-campus room and board, and the Gap Completion Scholarship, designed for students in unexpected financial need.
UNCF Scholarships
UNCF is a special fund that offers a range of scholarship opportunities to students at HBCUs. Most scholarships are only open to permanent residents and African American citizens. Several scholarships are also available for Latin American, Native American, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic American applicants.
Black Congressional Social Justice Foundation (NREI) HBCU Social Justice Scholarship
This is a one-time award of $10,000 (£7,500) to African American and Black students who attend HBCU pursue an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree related to social justice, such as criminal justice, education, civil rights, or community and economic development.
IES Abroad HBCU Scholarships and Travel
This scholarship offers students at HBCUs the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in an IES Abroad program. Students enrolled in an IES Abroad HBCU partner can apply for $1,500 toward the IES Abroad program fee, plus $500 toward travel costs.
Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program
Two scholarships of $10,000 each year are awarded to exceptional HBCU seniors (in their fourth year), one woman and one man, with financial need. Applicants must demonstrate high academic achievement, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to community service.
Scholarships for International Students at East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University has a number of financial awards for international students, including the Academic Merit Scholarship, which provides up to $12,500 for undergraduate students, up to $5,000 for graduate students and up to $9,000 for doctoral students annually. There are also subject-specific scholarships to support international students in STEM or the creative arts.
Fisk University Scholarships
Fisk University offers a range of merit-based awards for leadership, athletic or musical talent, as well as the Erastus Milo Cravath Presidential Scholarship, which covers full tuition and accommodation costs. International students are eligible to apply.
Howard University International Student Assistance
Howard University offers some financial support to international students on a case-by-case basis. Students can apply by completing the Application for International Student Financial Aid (ISFAA).
Tiffany, Beyoncthat it And Jay-Z about the Love Scholarship
In 2021, Tiffany jewelry company entered into a partnership with Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation and Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation commit more than $2 million in scholarship funding to HBCU universities across the United States. Priority will be given to US residents who receive financial aid.