Introduction
The United States is one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world, offering high-quality education, globally ranked universities, and immense career opportunities. However, studying in the USA can be expensive, especially for international students. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to help reduce the financial burden and support talented students from around the globe. This comprehensive guide outlines the top 25 fully or partially funded scholarships in the USA for international students in 2025, covering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across various disciplines
Why Study in the USA?
The USA hosts many of the world’s leading academic institutions, cutting-edge research opportunities, and diverse cultural environments. With over 4,000 universities, students can choose from a wide array of programs and benefit from strong academic and career support systems. Scholarships make the American dream of quality education accessible for international students with limited financial resources
How to Qualify for Scholarships in the USA
To be eligible for scholarships in the United States, international students generally need to meet specific academic standards, demonstrate leadership qualities, and provide proof of English language proficiency. Application requirements may include personal statements, recommendation letters, standardized test scores (SAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS), and transcripts. Financial need, country of origin, field of study, and extracurricular achievements may also influence eligibility
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious and fully funded scholarships for graduate students and young professionals from over 160 countries. It covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and other costs for master’s or PhD studies in the USA
2. Humphrey Fellowship Program
This non-degree program is designed for mid-career professionals from designated countries. It provides funding for one year of professional development, leadership training, and academic coursework in a variety of fields including public policy, education, and human rights
3. AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fully funded fellowships to women pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies in the USA. Applicants must not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must demonstrate a commitment to women’s advancement in their home country
4. Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
This highly competitive scholarship supports graduate students across all disciplines at Stanford. It covers full tuition, living expenses, academic enrichment, and leadership development for up to three years
5. Yale University Scholarships
Yale offers need-based financial aid for international undergraduate students and fully funded assistantships or fellowships for graduate students. The average scholarship award exceeds $50,000 per year and can go up to full coverage depending on demonstrated need
6. Harvard University Scholarships
Harvard provides generous financial aid for both undergraduate and graduate students. For undergraduates, the financial aid office meets 100% of demonstrated need. Graduate programs offer fully funded assistantships, stipends, and research grants
7. Clark University Global Scholars Program
Clark University in Massachusetts offers a Global Scholars Program for first-year international students. Awards range from $15,000 to $25,000 per year and may include a guaranteed $2,500 stipend for a paid internship or research assistantship
8. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
This highly selective scholarship covers all billable costs (tuition, room, board) for one international student pursuing a bachelor’s degree. It targets students committed to positive civic and social change in under-resourced communities
9. Berea College Full Tuition Scholarship
Berea College in Kentucky is one of the few U.S. institutions that offers full-tuition scholarships to all international students accepted. The college also assists with food, housing, and personal expenses through on-campus work opportunities
10. The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship is a highly competitive, full-cost award for outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income households. It covers tuition, fees, books, room, board, and transportation
11. University of Oregon International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) Scholarships
ICSP scholarships offer partial to full tuition waivers based on financial need, academic merit, and the student’s cultural service contributions to the university and local community
12. Illinois Wesleyan University Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years. International students with outstanding academic performance and standardized test scores are eligible
13. East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship
This fellowship provides funding for graduate students from Asia, the Pacific, and the U.S. to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees at the University of Hawaii. It includes tuition, living stipend, housing, and health insurance
14. Michigan State University International Scholarships
MSU offers several partial scholarships and assistantships for international students. Graduate students may receive research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or fellowships based on merit
15. University of Minnesota International Student Scholarship
This scholarship provides partial financial support for international freshmen and transfer students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need
16. Columbia University Scholarships for Displaced Students
This scholarship provides full tuition, housing, and living expenses for displaced individuals, including refugees, asylum seekers, and those under Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
17. University of the South (Sewanee) International Scholarships
Sewanee offers generous need-based and merit-based financial aid for international students, including full-tuition coverage and room and board assistance for top applicants
18. Wesleyan University Freeman Asian Scholarship Program
This program covers full tuition and fees for up to 11 exceptional students from East and Southeast Asia to pursue undergraduate studies at Wesleyan University
19. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Although the primary focus is on African students, several U.S. universities (e.g., Stanford, University of Michigan, Arizona State University) participate in the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, offering full financial support for undergraduate and graduate studies
20. Emory University Need-Based Aid for International Students
Emory University offers need-based financial aid packages to international students, including partial to full tuition coverage, based on family income and assets
21. University of Chicago International Financial Aid
The University of Chicago meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted international undergraduate students through grants and work-study opportunities
22. MIT Scholarships for International Students
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers need-based scholarships that cover full demonstrated financial need for undergraduate international students. Graduate students receive assistantships and fellowships
23. University of Southern California (USC) Merit Scholarships
USC offers multiple merit scholarships to outstanding international students, including the full-tuition Trustee Scholarship and half-tuition Presidential Scholarship
24. Dartmouth College International Financial Aid
Dartmouth provides need-based financial aid to all admitted international students, ensuring 100% of demonstrated need is met through grants and on-campus jobs
25. University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
This fully funded scholarship covers tuition, room and board, textbooks, a one-time computer allowance, and access to enrichment funds for research and internships. It is awarded to a small number of outstanding international undergraduates
Tips for Applying to USA Scholarships Successfully
Start early and research all available opportunities
Meet all eligibility requirements before applying
Customize each application according to the scholarship provider’s goals
Write strong personal statements that highlight academic achievements, goals, and community impact
Gather compelling letters of recommendation from credible referees
Submit complete and error-free applications before the deadline
Prepare for interviews if required
Stay organized by tracking multiple deadlines and required documents
What Are the Most Common Requirements?
Proof of academic performance (transcripts, GPA)
Standardized test scores (SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS)
Resume or CV
Personal essay or statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation
Proof of financial need (if applicable)
Portfolio (for art or design-based programs)
Proof of extracurricular involvement or leadership roles
What Types of Scholarships Are Available?
Merit-Based Scholarships: For outstanding academic performance or talent
Need-Based Scholarships: For students with demonstrated financial need
Subject-Specific Scholarships: For fields like STEM, medicine, law, or arts
University-Specific Awards: Offered directly by U.S. colleges
Government-Funded Scholarships: Like Fulbright or Humphrey Fellowship
Private or Organization-Based Scholarships: Offered by foundations or corporations
Who Can Apply for USA Scholarships?
Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students
Students from developing countries, minority backgrounds, or displaced populations
Students with high academic scores or leadership potential
Those accepted or applying to accredited U.S. universities
Conclusion
The United States remains a land of opportunity for international students, and financial limitations should not hold back deserving candidates. The scholarships listed above are among the best and most accessible to global applicants in 2025. From prestigious university-funded awards to government-sponsored programs, there’s a wide variety of options across all academic levels. Start early, stay organized, and invest time in crafting a strong, personalized application. With determination, the right scholarship can be your gateway to academic and career success in the United States.