Are you an international student with a disability dreaming of pursuing higher education in the United States? Do you feel like there are insurmountable barriers blocking your path to success? Well, I have some great news for you. There are top scholarships in the US for international students with disabilities.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over one million international students were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities in the 2019-2020 academic year.
Of these students, many faced additional obstacles due to their disabilities. In fact, a survey by the Institute of International Education found that disabled students faced challenges such as lack of accommodations, inaccessible transportation, and social isolation while studying in the U.S.
But fear not!
There are organizations and universities offering scholarships to help international students with disabilities overcome these barriers and pursue their academic dreams.
In this post, I’ll highlight the top scholarships available in the U.S. for challenged international students.
These scholarships range from those for students with physical disabilities to those for students with learning disabilities or mental health conditions.
Applying for these scholarships will not only give international students with disabilities access to financial support for their education, but it will also connect them with like-minded individuals and resources to help them succeed.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the top nine scholarships for disabled international students in the U.S. that can help you break barriers and achieve your academic goals.
But, before then, let’s have a brief overview of disabilities in international students.
Overview of Disabilities in International Students.
Disability is an issue that affects many students worldwide, and this includes international students. International students who come to study in the US with disabilities face many challenges. These challenges can range from accessibility to academic accommodations.
According to a study by the Institute of International Education (IIE), there were 1.1 million international students in the US in 2019. Of these students, approximately 10% had disabilities. This means that there were over 100,000 international students with disabilities studying in the US.
As I observed earlier,
Challenged students often face additional barriers when it comes to accessing education, including academics, accommodations, socialization, and physical accessibility. These barriers can make it difficult for students with disabilities to succeed in their academic pursuits, which is why scholarships for international students with disabilities are so important.
Criteria for Scholarships for International Students with Disabilities in the US.
There are many scholarships available for international students with disabilities in the US. However, each scholarship has its unique criteria that students must meet to be eligible.
Common eligibility requirements for scholarships for international students with disabilities in the US include being enrolled in an accredited institution, having a certain level of academic achievement, and being a citizen of a particular country or region.
There are also various types of scholarships available for impaired international students in the US. These include scholarships for students with specific disabilities, scholarships for students studying particular fields, and scholarships for students from specific countries.
It’s essential to apply for as many scholarships as possible as they can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad for international students with disabilities. Not only do scholarships provide financial support, they can also offer opportunities for professional development and networking.
If you’re an international student with a disability, it’s crucial to research the scholarships available and their eligibility requirements. This research can help you determine which scholarships you are eligible for and which ones would be the best fit for your academic goals.
Top 9 scholarships for international students with disabilities in the US
Now, to the meat of this article: top scholarships for international students with disabilities in the U.S. Scholarships that can help you break barriers and achieve your academic goals.
Let’s dive right in!
(a) The Ability Center of Greater Toledo Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo is a non-profit organization that provides services and resources to people with disabilities. They offer several scholarships for disabled students, including international students. The scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 and are awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and the impact of the disability on the student’s life. The application deadline is March 31st of each year.
(b) Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship
The Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship is aimed at disabled students pursuing a degree in a STEM field. The scholarship provides financial support and an internship opportunity with Microsoft. Applicants must have a disability and be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. institution. The application deadline is March 1st of each year.
(c) The Google Lime Scholarship Program
The Google Lime Scholarship Program is for students with disabilities who are pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field. The scholarship provides financial support and an opportunity to attend a Google Scholars’ Retreat. Applicants must have a disability and be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. institution. The application deadline is December 5th of each year.
(d) The AHEAD Jo Anne J. Trow Scholarship
The AHEAD Jo Anne J. Trow Scholarship is awarded to disabled graduate students who are pursuing a degree in a field related to disability services. The scholarship provides financial support and an opportunity to attend the AHEAD conference. Applicants must have a disability and be enrolled in a full-time graduate program at a U.S. institution. The application deadline is October 15th of each year.
(e) The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability
The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability is for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities who are pursuing a degree in a field related to disability and health. The scholarship provides financial support and an opportunity to attend the AAHD conference. Applicants must have a disability and be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. institution. The application deadline is November 15th of each year.
(f) The Autism Scholarship Program of the Kelly Law Team
The Autism Scholarship Program of the Kelly Law Team is for students with autism who are pursuing a degree in a field related to autism advocacy. The scholarship provides financial support for tuition, books, and other education-related expenses. Applicants must have autism and be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the U.S. The application deadline is May 1st of each year.
(g) The UNCF Special Needs Scholarship Program
The UNCF Special Needs Scholarship Program is for students with disabilities who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a UNCF-member institution. The scholarship provides financial support and an opportunity to attend the UNCF National Conference. Applicants must have a disability and be enrolled or planning to enroll in a UNCF-member institution. The application deadline varies by institution.
(h) The Ruderman Foundation Scholarship
The Ruderman Foundation Scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities who are pursuing a degree in a field related to disability advocacy. The scholarship provides financial support and an opportunity to attend the Ruderman Inclusion Summit. Applicants must have a disability and be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. institution. The application deadline is March 19th of each year.
(i) The American Association on Health and Disability Scholarship Program
The American Association on Health and Disability Scholarship Program is for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities who are pursuing a degree in a field related to disability and health. The scholarship provides financial support and an opportunity to attend the AAHD conference. Applicants must have a disability and be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. institution. The application deadline is November 15th of each year.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of this post, and you are one step closer to achieving your dream of studying in the US. I know that it can be challenging to pursue higher education as a person with a disability, but I want to acknowledge and validate your feelings of doubt, fear, and uncertainty. It’s natural to feel that way, especially when faced with a daunting task like applying for scholarships.
But let me tell you something: You are capable of overcoming any obstacle. You are resilient, determined, and resourceful. You have already taken the first step by reading this post, and that shows me that you are serious about your education and your future.
Remember all the benefits that we talked about earlier in this post? The financial support, the opportunities for personal and professional growth, and the chance to make a positive impact on the world? Those are all within your reach, and I believe that you can achieve them.
So, take a deep breath, and let’s do this together. Use the information in this post to guide you through the scholarship application process, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. You have a community of supporters who want to see you succeed, and we are here for you every step of the way.
Ultimately, I want to remind you that you are not defined by your disability. You are defined by your determination, your passion, and your willingness to break barriers and achieve your dreams. You can do this, and I can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish.
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