10 Top STEM Universities in the USA for International Students

One of the most guaranteed methods to get job in the future is to earn a degree in one of the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The job market is booming, and with it comes a greater demand for skilled laborers. Students pursuing degrees in the STEM disciplines will need to put in a lot of work academically, compete well, and stay focused in college.

Students pursuing degrees in the STEM disciplines will need to put in a lot of work academically, compete well, and stay focused in college.

In today’s highly competitive job market, those with bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields are among the most sought after. Here is a compiled list of some of the best colleges in USA to get a STEM degree; 

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was founded in 1861 and has called Cambridge, Massachusetts home since the institution’s inception. The Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act mandated its creation with the goal of “foster[ing] the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes.”

In a short amount of time, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has gained a reputation as one of the world’s top universities. In fact, 98 Nobel laureates are connected to the university in some way, and many of them teach at affiliated institutions. Numerous notable awardees call it home, including 59 National Medal of Science winners, 79 MacArthur Fellows, and a slew of others. Current acceptance rate for undergraduates is 4%.

MIT wants its students to be ready to tackle tough issues by encouraging them to participate in research and other intellectually demanding activities. More than 90% of MIT undergraduates work on research projects with professors. If you’re an MIT student who wants to get more out of your education than what you learn in the classroom, you have many options.

The STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are widely regarded as some of the best in the world. At MIT, students choose a “major,” which is a term for a collection of courses. US News and World Report named MIT’s Aerospace Engineering department as the finest undergraduate program in the world for aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering. Aerospace engineering students can get both classroom instruction and hands-on experience through the program.

2. California Institute of Technology ( Caltech )

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier research universities. The private, non-profit university has produced 38 Nobel Laureates and 64 National Medal of Science winners over its four decades of existence. Benefiting from a low student-to-teacher ratio, the current ratio of 3 to 1 is to the students’ advantage.

More than half of first-year students at Caltech take part in research during their first year. If you’re wondering if you’ll have any opportunities for hands-on training, this should put your mind at ease. Over ninety percent of students enrolling in undergraduate programs take part in research at some level. When it comes to innovating, the sky’s the limit.

Caltech is responsible for a huge amount of research each year. They’re so established that even NASA works with them. Caltech oversees the NASA facility Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Sending out probes to collect data from around the world is an essential part of FPL management. While Space Science is not formally taught at Caltech, the department’s scholarship in the field and the quality of its education for outside students have earned the school excellent marks.

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3. Stanford University

University of Stanford is a private research institution located in Stanford, California. There are a total of 55 Nobel Laureates associated with Stanford, and 20 of them are currently “members of the Stanford community.” Students and professors can have meaningful conversations even in classes when the student-to-professor ratio is 5:1.

Because there are so many options, participating in research at Stanford is simple. The annual budget for research at the institution is $1.69 billion. The database includes more than 7,900 funded research initiatives. Research facilities such as this are crucial for students pursuing degrees in the STEM professions. Graduating from a STEM program with genuine research experience under one’s belt is a huge plus while looking for work.

Students at Stanford are constantly pushed to learn new things and experience new things. Due to the school’s “try it on” concept, students are given more latitude in publicly announcing their academic interests. Students are encouraged to explore different academic areas before committing to a single major. There won’t be another chance like this for kids to explore many STEM fields.

Many STEM degree programs require their students to take electives in fields unrelated to their main. Often, the skills and knowledge you gain in one STEM field can be used in others. The best STEM schools are those that successfully integrate the many subfields that make up this broad discipline. This is the case, for instance, with Stanford University’s Applied and Engineering Physics major.

Students interested in engineering and physics careers or graduate study benefit from enrolling in the Applied and Engineering Physics program. In order to “enable undergraduate students to obtain a degree that integrates a rigorous physics core curriculum with an engineering discipline,” the program must first fulfill two conditions.

4. University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley is a public, research university located in Berkeley, California. A total of 23 Nobel laureates are alumni of this institution. The college’s foundation in 1868 marked the beginning of a long tradition of discovery that continues to this day. Undergraduate and graduate students at UC Berkeley can participate in Cal NERDS to gain real-world experience in their fields of study. Through their involvement in research, students gain practical experience that can be applied in the real world. Students with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are strongly encouraged to join this program, which also offers mentoring from industry experts.

Furthermore, UC Berkeley has developed a curriculum targeted toward STEM education majors. Through the CalTeach program, undergraduates have the option of pursuing a minor in Science and Mathematics Education. If you are interested in imparting your knowledge to the next generation, this supplementary education program may be for you. To graduate from the CalTeach Math and Science minor program, students must complete a total of 120 hours of field experience in K-12 classrooms. Over the course of the minor, students receive more than 100 hours of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. In the STEM professions, students can begin the process of passing on knowledge to future generations while still in school.

5. University of Harvard

In terms of prestige and global recognition, Harvard University is second to none. Cambridge, Massachusetts is home to this highly regarded private Ivy League institution. It was given a score of 98 by QS, making it the fifth-best program in the world. Harvard is widely regarded as one of the top institutions for study in the STEM fields because of its reputation as a world-class institution.

At Harvard, students can choose from a variety of “concentrations,” which are the main academic tracks available. Students also have the option of concentrating on a lesser-known field of study (a “minor”). More than fifty majors are available for undergraduates here, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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6. Princeton University

Princeton University, a member of the prestigious Ivy League, is widely considered to be among the best schools in the United States. The world-famous university can be found in Princeton, New Jersey. It has recently risen to the top of the US News & World Report’s list of the best national universities. Princeton is one of the best educational options among the schools we considered that focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Princeton University offers undergraduates the opportunity to study from and interact with the institution’s highly trained faculty throughout the summer through several research programs. Students take part in these programs so that they can obtain practical experience in STEM research. In an effort to make a meaningful impact on the future of STEM education, the college has initiated a number of projects. Those in their first few years of college can take advantage of LabMatch to network with experts in their field and gain valuable work experience as a result.

7. Yale University

Yale University is very strong in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). More than 65 Nobel laureates have taught, researched, or otherwise been associated with the Ivy League institution. Yale Institution, which is located in New Haven, Connecticut, is now regarded as the eighteenth top university in the world by QS. It has earned a reputation as one among the best schools in the world for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Yale University’s economics program applied in 2018 to be reclassified as a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) discipline. It is significantly easier for international students to complete the requirements for a two-year extension on their present degree programs if the economics major remains a STEM discipline. Yale was the first university to implement this change, and it quickly became the standard.

At Yale, students can use state-of-the-art labs and are encouraged to take part in ground-breaking research. Students have constant access to real-world experiences, and teachers are always there to offer advice and counsel. Yale University is consistently ranked as one of the best schools in the United States in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines.

8 Johns Hopkins University

Among Johns Hopkins University’s more than 400 academic offerings, the many scientific tracks have garnered the most attention. Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a highly regarded private research institution. Thirty-nine Nobel laureates have had some connection to the university. Johns Hopkins University has a pre-health program specifically designed to help people like these prepare for medical school applications. Any student can take advantage of the pre-health track, which is designed to get undergraduates ready for medical school while they’re still enrolled in their chosen major. Eighty percent of pre-health students at Johns Hopkins University are accepted into medical school, according to the university.

Johns Hopkins University promotes an interdisciplinary curriculum, which can be especially helpful for students pursuing degrees in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. College students can pursue multiple areas of interest within STEM and make connections between their studies and real-world careers.

Johns Hopkins University’s engineering programs are a great example of how individuals can participate in a program that combines their unique interests and career goals. If you are interested in pursuing a career in science and engineering, for instance, you can consider majoring in biotechnology or even bioengineering, with specializations in areas such as biomaterials engineering and biomechanics engineering.

9. Pennsylvania State University

Penn, an Ivy League school, is home to 25 Nobel laureates among its teaching and research staff. Philadelphia is home to an esteemed institution, Wharton School of Business. US News and World Report ranks Penn as number eight among the best national institutions.

It is possible to major or minor in any STEM discipline at Penn. The university is also unique among the Ivy League schools in that it is the only one that provides a STEM degree with an economics concentration. Therefore, if you decide to major in economics at the Wharton School, you will get a Bachelor of Science in Economics upon graduation.

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10. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology is home to two of the major engineering and computer science schools in the United States: the College of Engineering and the College of Computing. For those who want to study computer science at college, the required coursework is organized into threads. This degree program is flexible, allowing students to focus on areas of study that most interest them while still receiving a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computer science. Both of these schools place a premium on experiential learning; for example, at Georgia Tech, 35% of engineering undergraduates engage in research during their time there, and 56% of engineering undergraduates participate in international study. Internships and full-time jobs with major firms are readily available to students at this Atlanta university.

Learn About the Requirements to Apply for a Scholarship

The requirements to apply for a scholarship are not difficult to obtain nor is it complicated, but there are many steps to take and it is important that none of them are overlooked and that they are done correctly. 

It is pertinent to point out that a scholarship is an economic aid that is granted to a person with the purpose of carrying out studies of a diverse nature and academic level, so it is a contribution that helps to guarantee the achievement and completion of academic training.

That is why every organization that grants scholarships has established certain requirements, which by the way, may vary depending on the aspects that they consider essential to request and that all applicants for this benefit must meet in order to study in various educational centers, as is the case university specific.

What will you find here?

  • 1. Learn about the requirements to apply for a scholarship
  • 2. Importance of the requirements to apply for a scholarship
  • 2.1. Conditions for the applicant                     
  • 2.2. Receipts or documents that must be presented
  • 23. Commitments to pay a percentage in the currency in which the scholarship has been awarded
  • 2.4. Compliance with good academic performance
  • 3. Requirements to apply for a primary school scholarship
  • 3.1. Benito Juarez Scholarships                                               
  • 4. Requirements to apply for a high school scholarship
  • 4.1. Pell Grant 
  • 5. Requirements to apply for a university scholarship
  • 5.1. Harvard Scholarships                    
  • 5.2. Carolina Foundation       
  • 6. Receive an orientation to receive a scholarship
  • 7. Specialized courses in employment guidance

Importance of the requirements to apply for a scholarship

In order to be a beneficiary of a scholarship, it is necessary that you understand the reason for the requirements.

Each institution, whether private or public, establishes them as well as some conditions, so you must be very aware of their web pages to know them perfectly. Now, in principle, the requirements are a diversity of aspects that may be related to:

Conditions for the applicant                     

In this case, they usually refer to age, previous level of study, location, nationality, and economic income of the family group, among others.

Receipts or documents that must be presented

They usually correspond to the qualification or score obtained in the last level of studies completed. Likewise, they may ask you for a letter of application for the scholarship, whose model document is used to justify the reason for the application, highlighting if you have excellent grades and an outstanding career in subjects of social or community contribution.

Commitments to pay a percentage in the currency in which the scholarship has been awarded

Indeed, this is related to the requirements to apply for a scholarship,  since there are types of scholarships in terms of the percentage of financial coverage, which may be complete or partial. Therefore, it is not surprising that the family’s economic income is evaluated since certain amounts must be paid upon completion of the studies.

Compliance with good academic performance

In most of the organizations that award scholarships, it is necessary for the beneficiary to maintain excellent academic performance, being able to decide to hold a meeting to find out the causes in case it is not being achieved.

And we can see that the requirements to apply for a scholarship also refer to certain conditions that must be met before, during, and after it is awarded, so you must investigate each of them very well and assume the commitment that corresponds to you.

Requirements to apply for a primary scholarship

If you want to obtain a scholarship or financial aid, then an exhaustive search must be carried out to support the decision to be made, so it is important to know what each institution offers and if it meets your study needs by periods, such as  2022 to 2023

So, to apply for a primary school scholarship, we invite you to learn about this very interesting option:

Benito Juarez Scholarships                                               

It is part of the AMLO Scholarships granted by the Federal Government (Gob.mx) that seeks to support millions of students in Mexico, whose requirements are:

  • The child must be enrolled in the current school cycle in a public basic education center belonging to the national education system.
  • You must not be a beneficiary of another parallel maintenance scholarship by any institution of the national educational system that is financed with federal resources.
  • Another requirement to apply for a scholarship of this type is that only one basic level Benito Juárez Scholarship will be awarded per family.
  • The student’s home or school must be in a priority location or else the monthly family income must be less than the poverty line.
  • In the case of children under 5 years of age who are not enrolled in any school, they must live in priority locations.

Requirements to apply for a high school scholarship

If you have the need to study this academic level, then know about this benefit:

Pell Grant 

  • Be a citizen of the United States or a foreigner with the right to participate in federal student aid programs.
  • Have a valid Social Security number.
  • One of the requirements to apply for a Pell Grant is to enroll as a regular student in an approved program leading to a degree or certificate.
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Meet some academic prerequisites (generally, score above the 75th percentile on a school choice test or maintain a GPA of at least 3.25).

In addition, these scholarships are not returned and for the most part are awarded based on benefits such as academic or athletic performance, meaning that the student must excel in these areas.

Requirements to apply for a university scholarship

In this order of ideas, let’s see the options you have to satisfy this educational need.

Harvard Scholarships                    

The following requirements are established at this prestigious university:

  • Possessing a university degree is one of the requirements to apply for a scholarship of this type, which is aimed at those who want to pursue postgraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
  • Admission to one of the study programs at Harvard University.
  • Possess a level of English knowledge of more than 100 points in the TOEFL exam, which is something logical and essential.
  • If you apply for the scholarship as a visiting fellow, you must also attach a “Statement of purpose”; that is, a research project that you want to carry out.
  • Present legal documents related to criminal records without presenting affiliation with organizations considered negative in the United States.
  • Personal documentation in order and process your visa to the United States as a student.

Carolina Foundation       

The Carolina Foundation’s Training Program aims to facilitate and promote the expansion of studies of university graduates as well as the specialization and updating of knowledge of postgraduates, teachers, researchers, artists, and professionals.

Among its requirements, we find:

  • Being a native of a Latin American country that is a member of the Ibero-American Community of Nations or of Portugal.
  • Not having residence in Spain.
  • Have an email address.
  • Already have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the areas of the program at the time of applying for the scholarship.
  • The academic record and previous professional experience will be taken into account.

In this order of ideas, the institutions make a scholarship generally published on their web pages, so we recommend that you be aware of their information, even more so because they are made for certain periods.

$15,000 Terry Foundation Scholarship Program, 2023

Application is currently underway for Texas students to apply for the Terry Foundation Scholarship Program. The Traditional Terry Foundation is awarding scholarships to graduating freshmen from Texas high schools. While the Terry Transfer Foundation Scholarship is for non-traditional students transferring from a Texas community college.

In particular, the Terry Freshman Scholarship is for Texas high school seniors who have been admitted to one of Terry’s affiliated public universities in Texas. While the Transfer scholarship is for non-traditional students who are transferring from a Texas community college or university and working toward their first college degree.

Basically, the Terry Foundation is the largest private provider of scholarships in the state of Texas.

About the Terry Foundation

Specifically, the Terry Foundation is the largest provider of private scholarships in the state of Texas in Houston. This award-winning scholarship program was created to help outstanding high school graduates and transfer students. In order to help themselves by providing them with access to quality education at 13 public universities in Texas.

Founders Howard and Nancy Terry created the Terry Foundation to help young people help themselves. His desire to invest in Texas students stems from the belief that a university, as the state it represents, is only as good as the educated citizens it produces. Today, the Terry Foundation funds freshman and transfer scholarships at 13 public universities in Texas.

In 1987, Terry and his wife Nancy founded the Terry Foundation with a check for $1.2 million. The first scholars, known ever since as “Terry Scholars,” were selected in interviews in the summer of 1987. Over the years, the Terry Foundation has become the largest private source of scholarships in the state. The Foundation was created to last indefinitely and will continue to host Texas students for years to come.

The legacy of Howard and Nancy Terry lives on among the thousands of fellows who bear their names and who exemplify Terry’s Four Pillars program of scholarship, leadership, service, and community scholarship on a daily basis.

About the Terry Foundation Scholarship Program

Since 1987, more than 5,000 scholars have participated in Terry’s scholarship programs. His and his family’s lives have been forever changed by the opportunity to receive an education and graduate without the burden of excessive debt.

Mr. and Mrs. Terry asked the Fellows to give the Foundation, through their time and resources, the strength to build a strong Terry family. Terry Scholar Alumni return to the Foundation in many ways. New Alumni, visit this page for tips on how to stay in touch and get involved.

The Terry Foundation program isn’t just about writing checks once a semester; It is about a sense of family and community. Scholars are expected to participate in student organizations and be involved on campus. Similarly, the elderly often remain active and want to participate in many functions.

The Foundation maintains close contact with fellows and hopes that fellows and alumni will help each other whenever they can.

What You Need To Know About The Terry Foundation Scholarship

Unlike many scholarship programs, selecting a Terry Scholar is not simply based on financial need, test scores, or cumulative grade point average. Terry Fellows are chosen because they display a well-rounded personality, rooted in a desire to succeed, and a proven history of community leadership.

The Terry Foundation program isn’t just about writing checks once a semester; It is about a sense of family and community. Scholars are expected to participate in student organizations and be involved on campus. Similarly, the elderly often remain active and want to participate in many functions. The Foundation maintains close contact with Fellows and hopes that Fellows and alumni will help each other whenever they can.

Above all, these foundation scholarships have been of great help to the citizens of Texas. These scholarships include;

  • The Terry Freshman or Traditional Scholarship
  • The Terry Transfer Scholarship

Terry Freshman/Traditional Scholarship Program

The Terry Freshman or Traditional Scholarship funds freshmen who have graduated from a Texas high school and attend one of Terry’s affiliated colleges for the fall semester following graduation.

More especially, the scholarship covers up to eight full semesters of undergraduate study and is renewable each year during this period.

The Traditional scholarship funds incoming freshmen who have graduated from a Texas high school and attend one of the Traditional program partner universities in the fall semester following graduation.

Terry Freshman Scholarship Worth

A traditional scholarship covers up to eight full semesters of undergraduate study. The traditional scholarship is renewable each year at the discretion of the directors, which is automatic unless otherwise notified by the grantee.

Considering the other scholarships the student may receive, the Foundation provides sufficient assistance to cover tuition, books, tuition, and reasonable living expenses on campus. The specific grant amount varies by grant holder, other scholarships, and financial support received.

The Foundation encourages researchers to apply for other scholarships or grants or other financial aid for which they are qualified. So that the financial resources of the Foundation can be increased to help as many students as possible. However, the Foundation intends not to deal with student loans from traditional specialists.

The Terry Freshman Scholarship Grade Requirements

Academic achievement

Candidates must demonstrate strong academic skills, as evidenced by SAT/ACT scores and scores.

Demonstrated leadership

Applicants must have a history of leadership in the school and in the community.

Financial need

Applicants must demonstrate financial need, as evidenced by completion of the FAFSA.

Citizenship and residency

Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents and meet Texas residency requirements. Applicants must also be eligible for state and federal financial aid courses.

High school graduate

Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or school of origin in Texas. Candidates who have taken a gap year immediately after completing high school are not eligible.

University admission

Candidates must be admitted to a Terry-affiliated college or university as full-time freshmen for the upcoming fall semester.

Residence on campus

Applicants must apply and commit to residing on campus for the first year of school.

Terry School Nomination

Candidates must be nominated by one of the thirteen Texas public universities affiliated with Terry.

Terry Freshman Scholarship Affiliated Universities

Traditional scholarships are available for the 2021-2022 academic year at these Texas public universities:

  • The University of Texas-Austin
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Houston
  • Texas State University
  • The University of Texas-Dallas
  • The University of Texas-San Antonio
  • Texas Tech University
  • University of North Texas
  • Texas Woman’s University
  • Texas A&M University- Galveston
  • Sam Houston State University
  • The University of Texas-Arlington
  • The University of Texas-El Paso

Terry Freshman Scholarship Application Process

Terry Transfer scholarship applications are only available at universities and are not available at the Foundations or high schools.

Visit Terry Affiliated College Pages

Terry Transfer Scholarship Program

The Transfer Scholarship funds students who transfer their college hours to one of Terry’s affiliated colleges during the summer or fall semester immediately following acceptance. A Terry Transfer grant covers up to six full sessions and is renewable each year during this period.

Terry Transfer Scholarship Worth

A transfer scholarship covers up to six semesters of undergraduate study. The transfer scholarship is renewable annually for six semesters at the discretion of the directors, which is automatic unless otherwise notified by the scholarship recipient.

The Terry Transfer Scholarship amount is 65% of the scholarship recipient’s official tuition cost for the current school year. With a guaranteed minimum annual stipend of $13,800 for the 2021-2022 academic year, divided equally between the two semesters.

Terry Transfer Scholarship Grade Requirements

Academic achievement

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic skills (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0)

Demonstrated leadership

Candidates must have a history of leadership in the school and in the community.

Financial need

Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Age Requirement

Candidates must be at least 20 years old on May 1 of the year their application is submitted.

Citizenship and residency

Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents and meet Texas residency requirements. Applicants must also be eligible for state and federal financial aid courses.

Texas Residency

Applicants must be permanent residents of the state of Texas for at least three years at the time of application.

Transferable credits

Applicants must have completed at least 30 postsecondary transferable credit hours in residence at a Texas college or university at the time of application.

University admission

Candidates must have been admitted to Terry’s college or university during the summer or fall immediately following the application deadline. They must be admitted as full-time students to obtain the first degree.

Terry School Nomination

Candidates must be nominated by one of the Terry-affiliated Texas public universities currently offering the Terry Transfer Scholarship.

A candidate who has already been interviewed for a Terry Scholarship and has not been selected, either as a traditional candidate or a transfer candidate, is not eligible for a Terry Scholarship.

In addition, a candidate currently attending or attending a Terry-affiliated university will not be considered for a Terry Foundation transfer grant.

Terry Transfer Scholarship Affiliated Universities

Terry Transfer Scholarships are available for the 2021-2022 academic year at these Texas public universities:

  • The University of Texas-Austin
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Houston
  • Texas State University
  • The University of Texas-Dallas
  • The University of Texas-San Antonio
  • Texas Tech University
  • University of North Texas
  • Texas Woman’s University
  • Sam Houston State University
  • The University of Texas-Arlington
  • The University of Texas-El Paso

Terry Transfer Scholarship Application Process

Terry Transfer scholarship applications are only available at universities and are not available at the Foundation or community colleges. Members affiliated with the Terry Scholarship at each university review applications and nominate candidates for interviews with the Foundation.

Visit Terry Affiliated College Pages

Terry Freshman and Scholarship Transfer Interview Process

Members affiliated with the Terry Scholarship at each university review applications and nominate candidates for interviews with the Foundation.

During the interview, a panel of six former Terry Fellows will ask you questions. Frequently, a director of the Foundation will participate in conducting the interview.

Basically, you will be asked about your academic and personal background, as well as your family’s financial situation. You must also submit your Terry Financial Financial Data Form to your panel chair. In addition, you will learn a little more about the Foundation and its activities and you will have the opportunity to ask your questions. The process is informal and usually takes less than 30 minutes.

What should you do to prepare for the interview?

You should be ready to discuss the financial situation of your household with the interview panel. To help you do this, the Terry Foundation asks that you complete a Terry Financial Data Form and bring it to your interview. Along with a copy of his financial aid award letter from Terry’s college that he nominated him.

The chairman of the panel will take your completed form into the interview room and discuss it with its contents. Therefore, he should know as much as possible about his family’s income and the value of his assets that appear on both his application and Terry’s Financial Information Form.

They will ask you about other grants or scholarships you plan to receive. You will also be asked about the current balance of funds or bank accounts that your family or others have set aside to provide financial support for your college education. This includes savings accounts or other college savings accounts, such as 529 plans or the Texas Tomorrow Fund.

General Terry Foundation Scholarship FAQ

The Terry Foundation Scholarship is awarded to traditional freshmen graduating from Texas high schools and the Terry Foundation Transfer Scholarship is awarded to non-traditional transfer students from Texas. …Funding for the Terry Foundation Scholarship at Texas A&M is provided by the Terry Foundation.

To apply for the Terry Scholarship, you must complete the ApplyTexas Application or the Coalition Application for Freshman Admissions. The deadline to submit the application is December 2. First, complete the admissions portion of the ApplyTexas Application and then the scholarship application portion.

The Terry Foundation offers full scholarships that are renewable for up to four years to Texas high school students. These students are selected from a highly competitive group of freshmen who have excelled academically, demonstrated leadership, and have financial needs.

The traditional Terry scholarship covers up to eight full semesters of undergraduate education and is renewable annually during that time. Whereas, the Terry Transfer Scholarship covers up to six semesters of undergraduate study. The transfer scholarship is renewable annually for six semesters at the discretion of the directors, which is automatic unless otherwise notified by the scholarship recipient.

The Terry Foundation Scholarship is available to many students. It all depends on the universities you apply to.

Enrolling in any of the affiliated universities can be very easy. and once you have done that, you will have no problem getting the Terry Foundation Scholarships.

Satellite campuses are considered on a case-by-case basis. The presence of the satellite campus is only allowed with the prior approval of the Foundation. If a fellow student is authorized to attend another campus, (1) all mandatory functions will be held at the main campus, and attendance is required; and (2) the cost of transportation to attend these mandatory functions is the responsibility of the student and is not funded by the Foundation.

No. The Foundation only considers students designated by the universities associated with the program. Click HERE to find out how to apply to a participating university.

Yes. Terry Scholarships are not awarded without a satisfactory interview. The Foundation bears the costs of the candidates invited to an interview. Learn more about the interview HERE.

Separate interview boards work simultaneously in various cities in the state. During the week following the interviews, final selections are made and new Terry Scholars are informed by email approximately three weeks after the interviews.

Pell Grants are federal financial aid grants for students whose family income is below a certain threshold. Terry Scholar candidates are encouraged to apply for a Pell Grant if they are qualified. Receiving a Pell Grant does not preclude a candidate from obtaining a Terry Grant.

No. A candidate can only receive one Terry Scholarship interview, regardless of whether he or she has previously applied as a traditional candidate or a transfer candidate.

No. The Foundation will not accept applications for candidates who are already attending one of our 13 Terry-affiliated universities.

The transfer scholarship is transferable at any time to one of the participating universities.

Plan to arrive at the interview site at least 30 minutes before your scheduled interview time.

This interview is important to you and the Foundation. Dress accordingly. The members of the interview committee wear traditional work clothes: coats and ties for men and women with professional clothes.

However, if you don’t have a coat, tie, or “professional” attire, don’t go out and buy them for this interview. Dress the best you can.

If you find that you will not be able to attend your scheduled interview for any reason, or if you decide to attend another university not affiliated with the Terry Scholarship Program and wish to cancel your interview, please call them as soon as possible and let them know.

They have replacements who would like to take their place for an interview. Failure to notify them of cancellation may deprive someone else of the opportunity to earn a scholarship.

No, a resume is not necessary. They have designed the Terry Foundation Scholarship Application Form to obtain the most relevant information about their candidates that their fellowship interview panels will review.

During your interview, of course, you will have the opportunity to speak with panel members to complete or update the information on your application. In addition to bringing to the attention of the panel, any information that you think may help you in evaluating your scholarship application.

No. They will take your photo shortly before your interview for our records and help your interview panel.

No. Before your interview, you will meet with Foundation staff, who will likely be able to answer most of the questions you may have about the Foundation or the scholarship selection process.

During the interview, you will probably be asked if you have any questions for your interview panel. If you still have questions, feel free to ask them. But don’t feel obligated to ask a question. They do not evaluate the questions asked during the interview selecting students to receive their scholarships.

One of the conditions of the traditional scholarship is that students live on campus during their first year of study. Do not interview if you do not intend to meet this requirement. This requirement does not apply to transfer exchange.

No. The Terry Foundation will contact you by email with the results of your interview.

Low Tuition Universities in Portugal with Tuition Fees

In this article, I have included a list of low-tuition universities in Portugal, tuition fees, cost of living, admission requirements, how to apply, and much more. I would like to describe Portugal and Portuguese higher education before continuing. 

The beautiful scenery, the exciting mix of old buildings and new life, and the affordable lifestyle that comes with studying in Portugal are just a list of the advantages for international students in Portugal.

With a small number of universities to choose from and the third most widely spoken language in Europe apart from English and Spanish, this country is a huge draw for international students. The excellent education and the beautiful Mediterranean climate make Portugal one of the best options for international students from all over the world.

Portugal is a country in southern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: grilled cod and sardines are national dishes, the Algarve’s beaches are a major destination, and much of the nation’s architecture dates back to 1500- 1800 when Portugal had a powerful maritime empire.

Higher education in Portugal

Higher education in Portugal is divided into two main subsystems: university and polytechnic education. Portuguese universities have been around since 1290. The oldest such institution, the University of Coimbra, was first established in Lisbon before moving to Coimbra.

Why study in Portugal

Below are the reasons why I think you should study abroad in Portugal as an international student.

  • Attend some of the well-ranked and famous European universities
  • Availability of the most popular fields of study in Portugal
  • International students who choose to study in Portugal will be impressed by the low cost of tuition and the equally affordable cost of living. On average, tuition is $1,500 USD per undergraduate year. This also depends on the grade level a student attends. The cost of living is a staggering 600-800∈ every month.
  • Tourism in Portugal is full of great surprises.
  • Fantastically unique food and wine.
  • Opportunity to learn Portuguese, a global language
  • Enjoy the lovely weather
  • Portugal welcomes you with open arms.
  • It’s a small country
  • Open doors for your future.
  • Portugal is a safe and stable place to study.
  • Due to the emphasis on education and culture, there are several ways international students studying in Portugal can become a part of Portuguese life. There are various sports and clubs on each individual campus, as well as opportunities within the communities to get involved.
  • The educational quality of studying in Portugal dates back to 1290AD when the ninth oldest university in the world was established and the level of education was cultivated.
  • Two types of education are offered: university and polytechnic. Within these large institutions, there are smaller study subcategories that make studying in Portugal ideal.
  • Why study in Portugal? It’s not just Portugal! Africa is a great link with Portugal and will enrich students’ lives by studying in this unique country. Brazil is another strong draw providing great education and association with Portugal.
  • With the exciting Bologna Agreements and the continuing union between most European nations, transfer between two, three, or even four universities is quite possible throughout Europe. International students who want to gain life and experience in several places instead of just one have this opportunity when they study in Portugal.

Cost of living in Portugal

The cost of living in Portugal is extremely low and affordable compared to places like the United Kingdom, the United States, or Australia. Although the cost of living in Portugal has increased in recent years, it is still a relatively affordable place to live. According to research, the cost of living generally depends on the location and lifestyle of the student.

Accommodation will be your biggest monthly expense, and the cheapest option is to live in your university’s residence halls, which are likely to cost between €165-230 (~US$190-260) a month while renting an apartment in a hostel private could cost in the region of €400 (~US$450) each month.

You will need around €7,800-10,200 (~US$8,830-11,550) a year to cover your living expenses. Living in big cities like Lisbon will cost you more. Therefore, you can stay in lesser cities if you want to lower your living costs.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate applications to study in Portugal are made through a centralized online system, called Online Application, which allows applicants to choose up to six programs in order of preference.

In addition to submitting evidence of your secondary level qualifications, you will likely be required to take an entrance exam in your home country; public universities use the national exam, while private universities have their own. If you study in Portuguese (as is likely), you will need to prove your command of the language.

Prospective postgraduate students must apply directly to the universities in Portugal where they wish to study, submitting all required documents, including proof of previous qualifications.

Tuition fees in Portugal

Tuition fees are not the same for all universities, as Portuguese universities set their own fees. You may be interested to know that public institutions are likely to charge less than private universities.

Tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s degrees average around €950-1,250 per year (~US$1,075-1,415), while fees for Ph.D. programs hover around €2,500-3,000 per year (~US$2,830-3,400).

How to Apply to Universities in Portugal

Undergraduate applications to study in Portugal are made through a centralized online system, called Online Application, which allows applicants to choose up to six programs in order of preference.

In addition to submitting evidence of your secondary level qualifications, you will likely be required to take an entrance exam in your home country; public universities use the national exam, while private universities have their own. If you study in Portuguese (as is likely), you will need to prove your command of the language.

Prospective postgraduate students must apply directly to the universities in Portugal where they wish to study, submitting all required documents, including proof of previous qualifications.

Visa application and requirements 

Those from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who intend to study in Portugal for more than three months must apply for a residence visa (Vista para residency) before entering the country. This can be requested through your nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate and requires:

  • Passport valid for at least three months after the end of your course;
  • A completed application form;
  • Acceptance letter from a Portuguese university;
  • academic transcript;
  • Photocopy of the key pages of the passport;
  • Three passport-size photos;
  • Police record of good conduct;
  • Copy of health insurance;
  • Proof of sufficient funds, either a bank statement or scholarship/scholarship.

Your visa will cost a maximum of €170 (~US$190) and will take two to three months to issue, so apply well in advance. EU students must apply for an EU citizen residence card within four months of arriving in Portugal, and pay a small fee for it.

Is it possible to learn in Portuguese universities using the English language?

Yes, most schools in Portugal teach students in English. Some Portuguese universities teach some of their courses using the English language as the language of instruction.

In addition, some schools such as the Lisbon School of Economics and Management teach 2 undergraduate courses and 5 master’s courses in English. At the University of Porto, many master’s and doctoral programs are taught entirely in English.

What this means is that if as an international student you choose to study in English, there is a place for you in some Portuguese universities.

Can I find universities in Portugal that offer free studies for international students?

Without mincing words, there are no free universities in Portugal for Portuguese citizens or international students.

But what we are sure of is that you can be sure to find cheap and affordable universities in Portugal for international students.

Some of these cheap colleges include;

#1 University of Porto

  • Founded: 1836
  • Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 3,500 ($4,180), Postgraduate EUR 3,500 ($4,180)
  • The University of Porto is one of the cheapest universities in Portugal for international students. Although it began as a Polytechnic Academy and Medical-Surgical School, in 1911 it was granted university status.
  • In Portugal, you can estimate the University of Porto as the second largest university with a population of more than 32,500. About 18% of the total registration represents international students.
  • This figure is learned in the 15 subdivision schools that include; Faculties of Architecture, Economics, Dentistry, Fine Arts, Engineering, Letters, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Psychology, Sports, Business, Biomedical Sciences, and Sciences.
  • Visit the school website

#2. University of Minho

  • Founded: 1973
  • Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 4,500 ($5,380), Postgraduate EUR 6,500 ($7,760)

The very affordable tuition fees of the University of Minho make it one of the universities considered a free university in Portugal for international students. It has 3 campuses in Braga and 1 in Guimarães.

These campuses offer schedules in the areas of Arts and Human Sciences, Architecture, Social Sciences, Education, Psychology, Engineering, Economics and Administration, Law, Medicine, and Sciences.

Although it is one of the youngest universities in Portugal, it is one of the best institutions in the world under 50 years old. In addition, she is one of the best in the country in terms of education and influence. 

Visit the school website

#3. The University of Evora.

  • Founded: 1559
  • Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 2,500 ($2,985), Postgraduate EUR 2,500 ($2,985) 

The University of Évora is the second oldest university in Portugal and we consider it one of the free universities for international students.

As a renowned university, the school offers a large number of courses, such as Arts, Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Health and Human Development, and Nursing, except Medicine, Civil Law, and some Canon Law.

Évora has a student population of around 10,500 students, of which 1,000 are foreigners from more than 70 countries. 

Visit the school website

#4 University of the Algarve

  • Founded: 1589
  • Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 3,000 ($3,585), Postgraduate EUR 2,000 ($2,390) 

Located in the south of Portugal, it is one of the universities in Portugal that can be considered a free university for international students.

Through its 2 campuses; Faro and Portimão, UAlg hosts only a small student population with around 19% coming from over 70 countries.

We can trace this number to its cheap tuition as well as quality education. To date, it is one of the best in Portugal and in Europe in general. 

Visit the school website

#5 University of Lisbon

  • Founded: 1290
  • Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 3,000 ($3,585), Postgraduate EUR 5,000 ($5,970)

The University of Lisbon is undoubtedly the largest educational institution in Portugal. This university emerged as a confederation of 2 universities and currently has around 49,000+ students. 15% of the student population are foreigners. 

The university is currently listed as the 28th-best institution in the European Teaching Rankings.

This world-class institute offers more than 400-degree courses that are subdivided into faculties/schools of Fine Arts, Architecture, Law, Pharmacy, Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Letters, Psychology, Human Motricity, Social Sciences, Education, Agronomy, Geography and Territorial Planning, Social and Political Sciences, Engineering and Economics and Management.

Visit the school website

#6. University of Beira Interior

  • Founded: 1979
  • Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 5,000 ($5,970), Postgraduate EUR 1,500 ($1,790)

Here is a public educational institution that offers its degrees in an affordable course. We can find the University of Beira in Covilhã.

This is one of the Portuguese universities that has an expanding international society despite having a low acceptance rate. About 18% of its more than 7,100 students are international students.

We can trace this number to being attracted by the reputation of the university. This school is listed in the Young University rankings as well as the Impact Rankings.

Visit the school website

#7. ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon

  • Founded: 1972
  • Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 5,500 ($6,570), Postgraduate EUR 3,000 ($3,590)

Last on our list of cheap and affordable universities in Portugal that are considered free schools for international students.

Following its transformation into a foundational university, ISCTE – Instituto Universitario de Lisboa has expanded its offering to postgraduate courses.

Currently, the university has more than 9,000 students registered in the Schools of Business, Social and Human Sciences, Sociology and Public Policy, and Technology and Architecture. It also has research units in the areas of Business, International Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Socioeconomics, Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Architecture.

Visit the school website

Frequently Asked Questions about Free Universities in Portugal for International Students

If I want to work and study, can I do it as an international student in Portugal?

Absolutely.

International students are eligible to work in Portugal.

As is the case with most European universities, international or foreign students can work without restrictions. 

But working means that students outside the EU/EEA can pursue casual part-time work for up to 20 hours per week.

Working while you study is one of the ways to pay your fees if you don’t make it to tuition-free universities in Portugal for international students.

Universities Portugal: How many are there?

Portugal is home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Its universities have lived since the beginning of the 13th century. 

However, following the 2020 statistics, Portugal is home to 50 public higher education institutions. In addition to this, there are a handful of various private universities and polytechnics.

And interestingly, 12 of these higher education institutions rank at the top of the

World University Rankings list.

Is it possible to study in Portugal if you can only speak English?

No, you cannot study in Portugal using only English. But that does not mean that there are no English teaching programs in Portuguese universities.

Portuguese is actually the main language of instruction in Portuguese universities. As we said before, there are several universities that offer English teaching programs.

To simplify this piece of the puzzle, consult the brochure of your preferred university and discover the relevant courses taught in English.

If that is your preferred option, you have just been blessed!!!

Studying at a Portuguese university; What should I budget for as a cost of living?

As we said, there are no free universities in Portugal for international students. However, you can get a low tuition fee at some universities in Portugal.

Talking about the cost of tuition, tuition fees and the cost of living in Portugal are relatively much lower than in most European countries.

Since there are cheap universities in Portugal for international students, students who take advantage of that do so at considerably less cost.

The cost of studying in Portugal based on our research estimate for the academic year from a single university is around $1500 USD.

And the average cost of living at most is $900 USD per month.

Summary

Portugal is a great place to study.

Not only does it give you the chance to get a degree program from the best academic hands, but it also gives you the opportunity to learn the third most famous language in the world.

We hope you will make the most of this post about low-tuition universities in Portugal, which can be seen as free universities for international students.