20 Programs For Fully Funded Scholarships For International Students In The USA

If you’re dreaming of studying in the USA, you’re not alone. Many international students aspire to experience the world-class education that American universities offer. However, the cost of studying in the U.S. can be overwhelming. The good news is that numerous fully funded scholarships are available to help international students realize their dreams without the financial burden. In this post, we’ll dive into 20 top programs that offer fully funded scholarships for international students in the USA.

These scholarships cover everything from tuition to living expenses, ensuring you can focus on your studies rather than worrying about finances.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most well-known and prestigious scholarships available for international students. It offers full funding for master’s and Ph.D. degrees at American universities. This scholarship covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. It’s available to students from over 155 countries.

Eligibility: Students must apply through their country’s Fulbright Commission or the U.S. Embassy.
Fields of Study: Most academic fields are eligible.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides opportunities for experienced professionals to enhance their leadership skills through professional development and non-degree academic study in the U.S. The program covers tuition, living allowances, and professional expenses.

Eligibility: Mid-career professionals with a demonstrated leadership potential.
Fields of Study: Public health, education, law, and public policy, among others.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

This program is aimed at students from developing countries who are pursuing a master’s degree in a development-related field. It’s a partnership between the World Bank and participating universities in the U.S. and other countries. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, and living expenses.

Eligibility: Must be a national of a World Bank member developing country.
Fields of Study: Development-related fields such as economics, public health, and agriculture.

AAUW International Fellowships

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships for women from all over the world. These fully funded scholarships are aimed at supporting women who are pursuing graduate studies in the U.S.

Eligibility: Open to women only; must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
Fields of Study: Open to all fields.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University provides full funding for graduate students, including master’s and Ph.D. candidates. It’s designed to build a multidisciplinary community of scholars from across the globe.

Eligibility: Open to all nationalities.
Fields of Study: Any graduate degree offered at Stanford.

Yale University Scholarships

Yale University offers fully funded scholarships for international students at undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. levels. Yale is one of the top universities in the world, and its scholarships cover tuition, room, board, and personal expenses.

Eligibility: Open to all international students.
Fields of Study: All fields of study offered by Yale.

Clark Global Scholarship Program

The Clark University Global Scholars Program offers financial aid to first-year international students. It provides up to $25,000 per year, along with a $2,500 taxable stipend for an internship.

Eligibility: First-year international students.
Fields of Study: Available to all undergraduate programs at Clark University.

Rotary Peace Fellowships

Rotary International offers fully funded fellowships for students pursuing master’s degrees in peace and conflict resolution at select universities in the U.S. The fellowship covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.

Eligibility: Open to students who demonstrate a commitment to peace and conflict resolution.
Fields of Study: Peace and conflict resolution.

American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

This scholarship is designed for international students who are passionate about positive civic and social change. It covers all billable expenses, including full tuition, room, and board.

Eligibility: Open to international students who are applying to American University.
Fields of Study: Undergraduate programs at American University.

Harvard University Scholarships

Harvard University offers generous financial aid packages that often cover 100% of demonstrated need, making it possible for students from any financial background to attend. Financial aid can cover tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Eligibility: Open to international students.
Fields of Study: All fields of study offered by Harvard.

New York University Wagner Scholarships

NYU Wagner offers merit-based scholarships to students admitted to their full-time graduate programs. These scholarships cover full tuition, and in some cases, they also provide a stipend for living expenses.

Eligibility: Graduate students accepted into NYU Wagner.
Fields of Study: Public service and related fields.

The Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, fully funded scholarship for high-potential students from low-income backgrounds. While primarily for U.S. citizens, it also accepts a small number of international students.

Eligibility: High-achieving, low-income students.
Fields of Study: Open to all fields.

University of Minnesota Fellowships

The University of Minnesota offers several fully funded fellowships for international graduate students. These scholarships typically cover tuition, health insurance, and living expenses.

Eligibility: Open to graduate students.
Fields of Study: Varies by program.

Emory University Scholar Programs

Emory University provides fully funded merit-based scholarships to exceptional international students. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Eligibility: High academic achievement and leadership potential.
Fields of Study: Any degree program offered at Emory.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign International Scholarships

The University of Illinois offers a variety of scholarships for international students, including those that cover full tuition and living expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and leadership potential.

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate international students.
Fields of Study: Varies by program.

Columbia University Scholarships for International Students

Columbia University offers a number of fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and additional educational costs.

Eligibility: Open to all international students.
Fields of Study: Any field of study offered at Columbia.

University of Oregon International Scholarships

The University of Oregon offers several need- and merit-based scholarships to international students. The most prestigious, the ICSP scholarship, offers full tuition and is awarded based on financial need and academic merit.

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate international students.
Fields of Study: Open to all fields.

Michigan State University International Scholarships

Michigan State University offers various scholarships to international students, many of which cover full tuition and provide stipends for living expenses. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and leadership potential.

Eligibility: Open to international undergraduate and graduate students.
Fields of Study: Any degree program offered at Michigan State.

Cornell University Financial Aid

Cornell University offers financial aid packages that can cover full tuition and living expenses for international students. Financial aid is need-based, and the university is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need.

Eligibility: Open to all international students.
Fields of Study: All programs offered by Cornell.

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

The University of Miami offers the Stamps Scholarship, a full-cost scholarship awarded to exceptional international students. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, housing, and living expenses, and it includes enrichment funds for study abroad and internships.

Eligibility: Open to international undergraduate students.
Fields of Study: Open to all fields.

Conclusion

There are numerous opportunities for international students to pursue fully funded education in the USA. These 20 programs offer various pathways to support your academic journey, whether through merit-based awards, need-based financial aid, or fellowships aimed at promoting global leadership. The key is to start early, research thoroughly, and apply to the programs that best align with your academic and career goals. With the right scholarship, the financial barriers that once seemed insurmountable can be overcome, making your dream of studying in the USA a reality.