The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) is a leading nonprofit organization that aims to empower Hispanic-American students. For over 40 years, HSF has awarded over $600 million in scholarships to deserving Hispanic students of all backgrounds.

 As we enter 2025, HSF is expanding its outreach also to support international students through new international scholarship opportunities. Thus, if you are a motivated international student looking to study in the United States, HSF’s evolving programs may be able to help you achieve your educational goals.

Founded in 1975 by a group of prominent Hispanic leaders, the mission of HSF has always been to help Hispanic American students access higher education.

 Over the decades, HSF has significantly increased the number of Hispanic students who graduate from college using a holistic approach that combines scholarship aid with leadership development, mentoring, and support services. As the Hispanic population in the U.S. continues to grow rapidly and diversify, so do HSF’s programs to serve all sectors of the Hispanic community better both in the U.S. and abroad.

Levels of Scholarship Application for Student

At present, HSF’s international scholarship programs are geared toward graduate students who can demonstrate superior academic merit and leadership excellence. Qualified applicants must be officially accepted into a full-time graduate degree program (Master’s, PhD, or professional degree) at an accredited college or university in the United States.

 HSF particularly encourages applications from students pursuing advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Standout candidates will also have a proven record of community service and a commitment to giving back to underserved populations in their home countries upon completion of their studies.

In addition to prior academic achievements, the ideal HSF international scholar will be able to clearly articulate compelling personal and professional goals that are aligned with HSF’s mission.

 They must also convincingly demonstrate both the financial need for scholarship assistance as well as a strong likelihood of eventually attaining HSF’s established post-graduation success benchmarks, such as gaining meaningful employment, earning a respectable salary, or pursuing an academic career. The selection process is highly competitive; as such, applicants are advised to thoroughly showcase all experiences, talents, and qualifications that set them apart from other candidates.

Visa Requirements for Students

Due to being an international student, there are certain visa requirements that HSF scholarship recipients must meet to study in the United States. Chief among these is securing and maintaining valid nonimmigrant student status, typically an F-1 or J-1 visa. 

Students are responsible for adhering to all Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidelines about their visa type as well as maintaining full-time enrollment status throughout their degree program. HSF will provide visa counsel and immigration support, but it is up to the individual scholar to initiate and follow through with the visa application process.

In some cases, a student’s home country may also impose its own rules regarding international study and re-entry that must be satisfied before leaving and after completing their education in America. HSF staff are available to assist with any consular visa processes as needed.

 Scholars should be particularly diligent about verifying what documentation is mandated and deadlines that must be met well in advance of their program start and end dates. Careful preparation is key to securing the proper visas and avoiding unforeseen delays or complications along the way.

Paid Tuition Fees for Students

• Tuition and related educational expenses for the full duration of the degree program as outlined in the original award letter.
• Student health insurance as mandated by the university for the period of health coverage required by their F-1/J-1 visa status.
• A one-time settlement stipend to help with moving and initial housing costs at the start of the scholar’s graduate study in the United States.
• An annual stipend to help offset additional education-related living expenses such as books, supplies, transportation, and more throughout each academic year of enrollment.
• One-time travel allowance for round-trip transportation from the scholar’s home country to their university campus location in the U.S. at the beginning and end of their degree program.

Application Requirements and Documents

To formally apply for an HSF international scholarship, the following items must be fully and accurately submitted by the yearly deadline through the application portal at HSF.org:

Completed online application form providing basic personal and contact details as well as responses to short-answer questions.

• Official transcripts and diplomas from all previous college institutions attended with certified English translations if applicable.
• Minimum two letters of recommendation from professors or employers addressing the applicant’s qualifications and potential.
• Detailed statement of purpose outlining academic/career goals, reasons for interest in the proposed field of study, and how the scholarship support would be utilized.
• Current resume or CV highlighting relevant academic, work, research, and leadership experiences.
• TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent English language proficiency exam scores if English is not the native language (minimum scores required).
• Financial documentation such as tax returns verifying need and inability to fully self-finance studies in the U.S. without assistance.

Application Websites to Find Opportunities

1. Hispanic Scholarship Fund – www.hsf.net. This is the main website portal where interested candidates can create a profile, explore all available HSF scholarships, and directly apply online for both domestic and international opportunities.
2. FastWeb – www.fastweb.com. One of the most extensive free scholarship search engines, FastWeb aggregates thousands of awards from a variety of sponsors for students at any academic level. International listings can also often be found here.
3. Scholarship America – www.scholarshipamerica.org. This large non-profit organization manages scholarship databases and donor programs benefiting applicants worldwide. Their website acts as a centralized place to search and connect with scholarship options.
4. Private Scholarship Search – www.privatescholarshipsearch.com. A thorough search tool dedicated specifically to non-governmental, third party or organization-based scholarships both nationally and globally. Ideal for pursuing unique funding sources.

Conclusion

In summary, being awarded an international scholarship from the Hispanic Scholarship Fund presents an outstanding opportunity for motivated and talented students abroad seeking a graduate degree from a top U.S. university. Beyond financial support, HSF scholars gain invaluable career and personal development advantages to help fast-track their success. 

Those with the combination of strong academics, leadership accomplishments, worthy goals aligned with HSF’s mission, and financial need should seriously consider HSF among their scholarship application options and ideally use the upcoming annual deadline to apply. Careful preparation and following instructions are important to maximizing one’s chances of earning this prestigious and life-changing award. We wish the very best to all potential applicants.