Top 25 Scholarships in USA for International Students
Here are some of the top scholarships available in the USA for international students: 1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program Description: Offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the U.S. Level: Master’s, Ph.D. Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, health insurance, stipend 2. Humphrey Fellowship Program Description: Provides a year of professional enrichment in the U.S. for experienced professionals from designated countries. Level: Non-degree program Coverage: Full funding including travel and living expenses 3. Joint Japan
World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program Description: For students from developing countries to pursue graduate studies. Level: Master’s Coverage: Tuition, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance 4. AAUW International Fellowships Description: For women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, supporting full-time study or research in the U.S. Level: Master’s, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Coverage: $18,000–$30,000 5. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Description: Provides scholarships for postgraduate studies to students from developing countries. Level: Master’s, Ph.D. Coverage: Tuition fees and living expenses (50% loan)
6. Rotary Peace Fellowship Description: Provides full funding for selected students to study peace and conflict resolution. Level: Master’s, Professional Development Certificate Coverage: Tuition, fees, accommodation, and travel 7. Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University Description: Provides full funding to graduate students from any field to study at Stanford. Level: Master’s, Ph.D. Coverage: Tuition, stipend, travel, and personal expenses 8. Yale University Scholarships Description: Financial aid based on need, available to international students. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate Coverage: Full funding depending on demonstrated need
9. Clark University Presidential LEEP Scholarships Description: Merit-based scholarships for international students. Level: Undergraduate Coverage: Full tuition, room, and board 10. University of the People Tuition-Free Degrees Description: Online university offering tuition-free degrees to students worldwide. Level: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s Coverage: Tuition-free, but minimal fees are required 11. Amherst College Scholarships Description: Provides financial aid to international students based on demonstrated need. Level: Undergraduate Coverage: Full funding based on need 12. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Description: For international students committed to positive civic and social change. Level: Undergraduate Coverage: Full tuition, room, and board 13. Harvard University Scholarships Description: Need-based scholarships available for international students. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate Coverage: Full financial aid based on need
14. University of Chicago Scholarships Description: Offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to international students. Level: Undergraduate Coverage: Partial or full tuition 15. Columbia University Scholarships Description: Offers need-based financial aid to international students. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate Coverage: Full financial aid based on need 16. Dartmouth College Scholarships Description: Need-based financial aid for international students. Level: Undergraduate Coverage: Full funding based on need 17. University of Southern California Scholarships Description: Provides scholarships to international students based on merit and need. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate Coverage: Partial or full tuition 18. Illinois Wesleyan University International Students Scholarships Description: Merit-based scholarships for international students. Level: Undergraduate Coverage: $16,000–$30,000 per year 19. East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship Description: Supports graduate students from Asia and the Pacific to study at the University of Hawaii. Level: Master’s, Ph.D. Coverage: Tuition, fees, living expenses 20. University of Minnesota International Excellence Scholarships Description: Merit-based scholarships for international students. Level: Undergraduate Coverage:
$10,000–$25,000 per year 21. New York University Wagner International Scholarships Description: Merit-based scholarships for international students pursuing public service. Level: Graduate Coverage: Partial to full tuition 22. Boston University Presidential Scholarship Description: Merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students. Level: Undergraduate Coverage: $25,000 per year 23. Michigan State University International Scholarships Description: Offers a variety of scholarships to international students. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate Coverage: Partial or full tuition 24. Oregon University International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) Scholarships Description: Provides partial to full tuition scholarships to international students. Level: Undergraduate, Graduate Coverage: Tuition waiver 25. Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) Description: Offers one semester of full-time study to undergraduate students from selected countries. Level: Undergraduate Coverage: Tuition, travel, living expenses These scholarships vary in their coverage, eligibility, and fields of study. For more detailed information, it’s best to visit the respective program’s website.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the world, designed to help students, professionals, and artists from over 155 countries pursue graduate studies or research in the United States. It is administered by the U.S. Department of State and operates under the Fulbright Program, which was established in 1946 to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Key Features of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program: 1. Eligibility: Open to international students from all
academic fields except for medical studies. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education and hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The program welcomes applicants with a strong academic background, leadership potential, and a desire to promote cross-cultural understanding. 2. Fields of Study: The Fulbright program covers nearly all fields of study including sciences, arts, humanities, public policy, and business, among others. However, it generally excludes medical degrees that involve patient contact.
3. Program Duration: The duration of the grant is typically 1-2 years, depending on the program, but it can be extended for Ph.D. candidates. 4. Funding Coverage: Tuition and fees: Covers full or partial tuition for the entire duration of the program. Travel: Includes round-trip airfare from the grantee’s home country to the U.S. Living stipend: A monthly stipend to cover living expenses (housing, meals, etc.). Health insurance: Basic health and accident insurance for the duration of the grant. Other benefits: May include support for books, research, and other related expenses. 5. Application Process: Deadline: Deadlines vary by country. Applicants should check their country-specific Fulbright website for deadlines. Application Requirements: Typically includes a personal statement, letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and standardized test scores (GRE/TOEFL). Applicants must apply through their home country’s U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission.
6. Selection Criteria: Applicants are evaluated based on their academic merit, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute to mutual understanding between the U.S. and their home country. Preference is often given to candidates who have not had prior extensive experience in the U.S. 7. Post-Scholarship Requirement: Fulbright scholars are generally required to return to their home country for at least two years after the program to contribute to their communities, fulfilling the program’s mission of promoting international exchange and mutual understanding. 8. Participating Countries: The Fulbright Program operates in over 155 countries worldwide, each of which has its own application process and deadlines. How to Apply: Step
1: Visit the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission website in your home country for specific details on eligibility, deadlines, and the application process. Step 2: Prepare your application materials, which usually include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and any required standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, GRE). Step 3: Submit the application through your country’s designated Fulbright office or embassy. Benefits: Prestigious and globally recognized scholarship. Comprehensive funding that covers nearly all expenses. Access to an international network of scholars and professionals. Opportunities for cultural exchange and professional development. The Fulbright Program is highly competitive, but it offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in U.S. academic and cultural life, and develop skills and knowledge that can help make a difference in your home country.