Photo courtesy of Jorge Royan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Recent federal funding cuts have raised concerns regarding scholarships and financial support.
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By Ebony Hanna
TAMPA, Fla. — As of Feb. 3, 2026, thousands of students studying in the United States could be affected by a new law signed by President Donald Trump. The budget law, known as the FY 2026 Appropriations Act, reduced funding for programs related to international education, including major scholarships such as Fulbright and Gilman.
Programs that previously supported global exchanges, language study, and international academic partnerships have seen major reductions, raising concerns among universities and students who depend on those resources.
According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the administration also proposed cutting international education and exchange programs by 93 percent, or approximately $691 million. Education advocates say these reductions could make it more difficult for international students to access financial support while studying in the United States.
The U.S. Department of Education plays a major role in distributing federal funding to education programs, and any policy changes can influence how universities structure scholarships and grants.
International students already face higher tuition costs than domestic students, which means scholarships and grants often play a critical role in making education in the United States possible. According to the Institute of International Education, the United States hosts more than one million international students each year, many of whom rely on some form of financial assistance.
For some students, the impact of these cuts is already personal.
Mark Bullard, a student at Talladega College, said his scholarship once covered everything, including housing, tuition, and fees, making it possible for him to attend college.
“Without my scholarship, I would not have been able to afford to go to college,” said Bullard.
He said he first learned about the cuts on Dec. 17, which forced him to reconsider his academic future.
“It made me rethink a lot, especially how to finish my degree, being that my mom is widowed,” he said. “I get angry sometimes that it happened, but I couldn’t do anything about it.”
The financial strain has already changed his plans. Bullard said he will not return to campus in the spring semester and will instead complete part of his degree online while searching for internships and external scholarships.
Despite the challenges, Bullard said he remains determined to continue his education. “My mom told me that God brought me this far; He can take me further,” he said.
While some students may not have been directly affected, the issue is beginning to raise concerns across campuses.
Haley Bethell, an international student at the University of Tampa, said she was initially unaware of the funding cuts but became concerned after learning about them.
She said that cuts like these could make it more difficult for international students to afford their education and limit opportunities.
“Scholarships are important because they provide a huge financial assistance and make reaching our educational goals easier to access,” she said.
University officials say the impact of funding changes on international students can vary depending on the type of aid and institutional policies.
Henry Heredia-Spratling, an international advisor at the University of Tampa, said he is aware of national discussions surrounding funding cuts but noted that such changes have not directly affected international students at the university.
“International students historically have had the financial responsibility to fund their studies,” said Heredia-Spratling.
He added that while funding discussions continue, factors such as visa policies may have a more noticeable impact on international student enrollment.
While some universities are exploring ways to offset reductions through institutional aid or private scholarships, education advocates say federal funding has historically played an important role in maintaining strong international education programs.
As universities adjust to policy changes, international students and educators will be watching closely to see how scholarship opportunities evolve in the coming years.