For international students aiming to study abroad, the United States offers a wealth of scholarship opportunities, making it an attractive destination for higher education. With some of the world’s most prestigious universities located in the U.S., studying there can open doors to global career prospects. However, the cost of education can be a significant barrier, which is why many organizations offer scholarships to help students from around the world pursue their academic dreams in the USA.
Below are some of the top fully funded scholarships available for international students in the USA. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide additional financial support, including living expenses and travel allowances. Read on to discover the scholarship options that could help make your study abroad journey a reality.
List of Scholarship Opportunities in the USA
The United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students, helping to make higher education more accessible. Whether you’re looking to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, there are numerous fully funded scholarships available to assist with tuition, living expenses, and other costs. Below is a comprehensive list of scholarships offered by prestigious universities, organizations, and foundations in the U.S. with links for applicants to learn more and apply.
1. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program offers scholarships to students from Sub-Saharan Africa who want to study at top universities in the U.S. The program covers tuition, accommodation, travel, and other expenses.
- Learn More MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
2. The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding high school seniors from low-income families. It covers the full cost of attendance at any U.S. college or university.
- Learn More: The Gates Scholarship
3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program provides scholarships for international students to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in the U.S. The program covers tuition, airfare, living expenses, and health insurance.
- Learn More: Fulbright Foreign Student Program
4. AAUW International Fellowships for Women
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The fellowship is open for Master’s, Ph.D., and Postdoctoral students.
- Learn More: AAUW International Fellowships
5. Harambe Fletcher Scholarships for African Students
The Harambe Fletcher Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for young African entrepreneurial leaders who wish to study a master’s program at Tufts University’s Fletcher School.
- Learn More: Harambe Fletcher Scholarships
6. Boustany MBA Harvard University Scholarship
The Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship provides up to $95,000 for a two-year MBA program at Harvard Business School, covering tuition and travel expenses related to internships.
- Learn More: Boustany MBA Harvard University Scholarship
7. Google Lime Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
The Google Lime Scholarship is for students with disabilities who are pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering at an accredited U.S. university.
- Learn More: Google Lime Scholarship
8. The Campbell Foundation Fellowship Program
The Campbell Foundation offers a two-year fellowship program with a salary of $40,000 per year, along with health and retirement benefits. The fellowship is focused on environmental grantmaking.
- Learn More: Campbell Foundation Fellowship
9. Campbell Fellowship for Women Scholars from Developing Nations
This fellowship supports postdoctoral women social scientists from developing countries whose work addresses women’s economic and social empowerment.
- Learn More: Campbell Fellowship
10. AAHPM Scholarship for Physicians from Developing Countries
The AAHPM scholarship helps physicians from developing countries attend the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Annual Assembly in Vancouver.
- Learn More: AAHPM Scholarship
11. The Humphrey Fellowship Program
This program provides fully funded fellowships to professionals to enhance leadership skills through mutual exchange, offering around 200 fellowships annually across various regions.
- Learn More: Humphrey Fellowship Program
12. EDSF Scholarship Program
The Electronic Document Scholarship Foundation (EDSF) offers scholarships for full-time students pursuing careers in the Document Management and Graphic Communications industry.
- Learn More: EDSF Scholarship Program
13. Harvard University Postdoctoral Academy Scholars Program
Harvard University’s Academy Scholars Program offers postdoctoral fellowships to recent PhD recipients in social sciences or law, supporting their research at Harvard.
- Learn More: Harvard Academy Scholars Program
14. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship that supports international students from underrepresented backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership potential.
- Learn More: American University EGLS
15. International Merit Scholarships at Iowa State University
Iowa State University offers merit-based scholarships for well-rounded international students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement, leadership, and talent.
- Learn More: Iowa State University Scholarships
16. Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program
The YYAS Program offers full funding for African secondary school students who wish to pursue higher education in the United States.
- Learn More: Yale Young African Scholars
17. Illinois Wesleyan University International Student Scholarships
Illinois Wesleyan University offers merit-based scholarships, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 annually, for international students with outstanding academic achievement.
- Learn More: Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
18. New York University Wagner Scholarships
NYU Wagner offers merit-based scholarships to international students applying for graduate degree programs. The scholarship covers partial to full tuition.
- Learn More: NYU Wagner Scholarships
19. Microsoft Research Graduate Women’s Scholarships
The Microsoft Research Graduate Women’s Scholarship is a fully funded program for outstanding women graduate students pursuing Ph.D. degrees in computer science or related fields.
- Learn More: Microsoft Research Women’s Scholarship
20. IBM Postgraduate Student Fellowship Awards Program
The IBM Fellowship Program offers fully funded two-year fellowships for postgraduate students in areas related to IBM’s research interests.
- Learn More: IBM Fellowship Awards Program
21. Harvard University Environmental Fellows Program
This program offers full funding for recent PhD graduates to work with Harvard faculty on environmental challenges.
- Learn More: Harvard Environmental Fellows Program
22. Bell Fellowship for International Scholars
The Bell Fellowship offers researchers an opportunity for two years of leadership training and research in population health, aging societies, and family demographics.
- Learn More: Bell Fellowship
Key Steps to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships
To successfully apply for fully funded scholarships in the USA, follow these steps:
- Know Where to Search: Research scholarship opportunities through university websites, online scholarship databases, and trusted resources.
- Prepare in Advance: Understand the eligibility requirements and gather all necessary documents before applying.
- Stay Motivated: Scholarship applications may be competitive, but perseverance is key to securing funding.
- Make Your Application Stand Out: Highlight your unique achievements and experiences to differentiate yourself from other applicants.
- Read Instructions Carefully: Follow each scholarship’s application guidelines to avoid mistakes and ensure you’re fully prepared.
- Submit a Compelling Essay: Your essay should reflect your motivations, aspirations, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
- Be Honest and Realistic: Provide truthful information about your academic achievements, goals, and background.
By following these steps and applying to the scholarships listed above, you can take the first step towards studying in the U.S. with financial support. Best of luck on your journey!