8 celebrities helping students go abroad

Looking for scholarships for international students? Don’t worry we have got you covered.

In fact, these aren’t just any normal scholarships. They are all funded by celebrities.

It is no secret that university is expensive, with over US$1.76 trillion in student loan debt. And that’s just in the US.

Thankfully, celebrities are here to the rescue. Many have chosen to give back by opening their hearts and wallets to offer scholarships to students with financial burdens.

Here’s a list of celebrities offering scholarships for international students.

Eight scholarships for international students by celebrities:

 

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Ms Puiyi Scholarship

Siew Pui Yi, more commonly known as Ms Puiyi, is a Malaysian social media influencer, DJ, actress, producer, singer, influencer and entrepreneur.

Aiming to give back to society, she established the Ms Puiyi Scholarship programme that offers US$1 million worth of scholarships to underprivileged students. 

Growing up, she wanted to be a surgeon, but due to financial hurdles, she couldn’t. Now that she has found success, she hopes to help students in similar situations. 

“This has always been something that I wish to hopefully make a difference someday, to give equal opportunities to deserving students that can’t afford the education they need to succeed,” she told Malay Mail. 

This scholarship is available for students from all around the world. 

Those eligible will be given US$1,000 to pursue their desired field of study and have access to financial hardship grants while studying and business startup grants after graduation.

Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship 

Established by the famous host of the Late Show with David Letterman, the Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship awards the winner US$10,000.

The first runner-up will receive US$5,000, and the second runner-up will receive US$3,333.

Having graduated from Ball State University himself, Letterman created this scholarship after he found success to help students majoring or minoring in telecommunications. 

To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must submit a creative project, a list of  telecommunications courses already taken and a personal statement.

 

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John Lennon Scholarships 

Though the legendary Beatle is no longer around, his memory lives on through his music and efforts to help aspiring musicians. 

His widow Yoko Ono established the John Lennon Scholarships and the BMI Foundation.

This scholarship offers students or alumni of US universities a chance to kickstart their music careers. 

Students between the age of 17 to 24 will be required to submit an original song along with the song’s lyrics to be eligible for the scholarship. 

Three students with the best songs will be selected annually and given US$20,000. 

Clara Lionel Foundation Global Scholarship Programme

Rihanna established the Clara Lionel Foundation Global Scholarship Programme.

This programme aims to help citizens of Brazil, Barbados, Cuba, Haiti, Grenada, Guyana, and Jamaica to further their education in the US. 

The foundation works to improve the quality of life for communities in the areas of health, education, arts and culture. 

To stand a chance to win this scholarship, applicants must be eligible to study in the US and be accepted to an accredited four-year college or university. 

This scholarship is only available to college freshmen and students who have been chosen will be awarded US$5,000 to US$50,000. 

Alec Baldwin Drama Scholarship

Having attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts himself, Alec Baldwin has decided to give back to his university by establishing an endowed scholarship.

It’s open to students with the Department of Drama and is awarded annually to freshmen.

Students with high artistic talent, academic achievement, unwavering work ethic, leadership skills and financial need will be considered for the scholarship. 

 

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LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF)

LeBron James is one of the most famous NBA champions of all time. Determined to give back, he started the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF).

The scholarship pays for over 1,000 students to attend the University of Akron. 

The LJFF begins training students from as early as third grade and those who maintain a 3.0 GPA by their high school graduation will be able to attend the university for free. 

“These students have big dreams, and I’m happy to do everything I can to help them get there. They’re going to have to earn it, but I’m excited to see what these kids can accomplish knowing that college is in their futures,” James said.

Will.i.am “I am” Scholarship

Will.i.am, a member of the famous pop band Black Eyed Peas, started the i.am.angle foundation to provide opportunities to students who are financially burdened. 

The foundation opened a STEM-focused community learning centre in Los Angeles and a home foreclosure programme that provides financial literacy education and assistance grants for homeowners. 

Teaming up with College Track, the foundation offers a scholarship that covers all university expenses for students attending an accredited US institution.

This includes tuition fees, books and accommodation over the four years. 

Jimi Hendrix Scholarship Fund 

The Jimi Hendrix Scholarship Fund is used to give academic financing to gifted guitarists who are in need of aid to attend an undergraduate school where they can study music.

It is sponsored by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

To be eligible, you need a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and evidence of unmet financial need.