Top Social Work Scholarships for International Students 2025/2026. Social work students can apply for many social work scholarships.
Scholarships are non-repayable and help offset the cost of education. Students often have to meet GPA requirements and other conditions to be eligible for certain scholarships.
Each scholarship has its own set of requirements that students must meet. While some scholarships have more broad eligibility requirements, others are only for students pursuing a degree or career in social work.
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5 Top Social Work Scholarships for International Students 2025/2026
Social work is a noble profession but it can be expensive. Luckily, the cost of studying social work can be reduced with scholarships and other means.
1. National Merit Scholarship Program
One of the biggest social work scholarship programs is the National Merit Scholarship Program which identifies and gives college scholarships to exceptionally bright high school students in the US.
Over the years, the NMSC has been careful to find students who have achieved high academic standing, give them money so they can finish their studies and effectively manage sponsorships that pay for the scholarships.
2. The Harry S. Truman Scholarship
The prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship, one of the biggest graduate fellowships in the US, is awarded every year to academically talented junior undergraduates who want to pursue careers and leadership roles in public service.
The scholarship program was established by Congress in 1975 in honor of US President Harry S. Truman, the 33rd and the principles of service that he promoted while in office.
The grant is one of many social work scholarships available to international students who want to become US citizens at the time the grant is awarded.
3. Deanna Ellis Memorial Scholarship
High school, college and graduate students who want to work in a drug supportive environment are encouraged to apply.
Energetic students can major in nursing, mental health counseling, healthcare and other professions. To apply, you must write an essay on how your past drug use has affected your life.
4. Jamie Anderson Scholarship
The Jamie Anderson Scholarship was created in memory of Jamie Anderson, a kind and strong young woman who passed away on April 23, 2019 after being in a car accident when she was 16.
Despite the challenges she faced as a foster child, Jamie wanted to be a social worker so she could help people who had gone through similar experiences.She was a smile and a go.
5. Vern LaMarr Lyons Memorial MSW Scholarships
This scholarship is awarded annually to social work master’s degree students and is administered by the National Association of Social Workers Foundation.
Applicants must have a history of working in medical or mental health clinics that serve African American communities, or demonstrate a willingness to work in such settings.
Requirements and How to Apply for Top Social Work Scholarships for International Students
If you really want to change the world, studying social work overseas is a great option. But living expenses and tuition can be expensive. Scholarships help you achieve your dreams. The requirements and application process for top social work scholarships are outlined below in simple language so you can understand.
Requirements for Social Work Scholarships
While each scholarship has its own set of rules, most share common requirements. Here are the most common ones:
1. Educational Background
You must have finished your previous degree. You need to have high school diploma to pursue a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field such as psychology, sociology, education or health is required for a master’s program.
2. Strong Academic Performance
Good grades are required for most scholarships. They want you to have done well in your previous studies but you don’t have to be perfect. A GPA of 3.0 or above may be required for some colleges.
3. Test of English Language Proficiency
A test such as TOEFL or IELTS is required if English is not your first language. Universities have different requirements but generally a score of 6.5 on IELTS or 80 or above on TOEFL is acceptable.
4. Essay or personal statement
Your story must be told in a short essay or letter. You will talk about why you want to study social work and how you plan to use your degree to help people. Now is the time to be honest and real.
5. Recommendation Letters
One or two letters of recommendation from instructors, managers or local authorities affirming your character, experience and dedication are required. Choose people who are an expert in your field.
6. Proof of Volunteering or Community Service
Most social work scholarships are for students who care about others. Make sure to include documentation of your community service or employment, such as a letter, picture, certificate or report.
7. ID or a passport
You must present a copy of your passport or other official ID as you are an international student.
How to Apply for Social Work Scholarships
Applying for scholarships can seem daunting but it gets much easier if you follow the steps below.
1. Fill out the online application.
Most applications are online. Enter your personal details accurately. Upload the required files in the right format. Make sure your phone number and email address is correct in case they want to get in touch with you.
2. Check Again and Submit
Go over everything one last time before you click submit. Check if no files are missing or spelling errors. If possible get a friend or teacher to review it with you.
Top Social Work Scholarships for International Students FAQs
1. What personal stories or experiences can give my social work scholarship application an edge?
Most students stop at grades or achievements but a personal account has a strong impact in any social work scholarship application. Share them whether you have volunteered in your community, whether you have helped someone going through tough times or whether you have experienced something that made you want to help someone. Such life experiences will show your interest and commitment to the field. Scholarship committees are looking for students with heart not the one with the highest scores. Talking about your experience will make your application have an emotional appeal and enable the evaluators to relate to you.
2. Do social work students have scholarships to work in specific sectors such as refugee service or mental health?
Oh yes, there are scholarships for social work students who want to work in specific areas of concern. You can for example see the awards for students who want to work with children, elderly, refugees or mentally unstable individuals. If you know the field you want to be in, you should search for scholarships that fit your interest. This will give you an advantage in the process since the scholarship providers want to help those who share their mission.
3. Can I apply for social work scholarships if I have a background in another field, like education or health?
Yes. Many international students switch to social work from other fields of study. You can benefit if your previous coursework or professional experience involved working with others, such as teaching, nursing or psychology. As long as they can show how their past relates to their current social work goals, scholarships often accept students from other backgrounds. Just explain in your application why you are making the switch and how it will enhance your skills as a social worker.
4. Do I need to show proof of my volunteer or community service work when applying for social work scholarships?
Most scholarships don’t require official documentation but it’s really helpful to provide proof of your previous service. This could be a certificate, pictures, a letter of recommendation from the organization you served with, or even a written statement from someone you helped. Your application gains value from anything that supports your story. It allows the scholarship committee to see your practical impact and believe what you say. Don’t just say you served; show it.
5. What can I do after applying to increase my chances even before I get a response?
Many students forget that completing the application and waiting isn’t enough to win a scholarship. Keep working as a social worker after applying. Keep volunteering, attend social work events or online organizations and follow the scholarship providers on social media. This shows your ongoing interest and development. You might be contacted for an interview for some scholarships and being involved will help you provide more compelling answers. Also, make sure your phone number and email is up to date and checked regularly. A chance might be missed if a message is missed.
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