Studying in the USA has long been regarded as a gateway to world-class education, career advancement, and personal growth. However, the cost of studying abroad, especially in the U.S reduce financial burden, fully funded scholarships have been made available by various U.S. universities, government bodies, and international organizations.
These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel allowances, health insurance, and sometimes even research grants. International students who dream of pursuing their academic careers in the U.S. are encouraged to explore fully funded scholarship programs that offer a pathway to free education.
USA Scholarships for International Students
Various fully funded scholarships have been offered to international students by prestigious institutions and governmental bodies in the USA. These programs have been created to attract the brightest minds from around the world and promote diversity in American universities.
Below is a detailed list of some of the most reputable fully funded scholarships in the United States for international students:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized scholarships offered by the U.S. government. International students from over 155 countries are supported annually through this program. It is primarily awarded for master’s and Ph.D. studies.
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Benefits Covered: Tuition fees, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
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Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent, proficiency in English, and leadership potential are required.
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
This fellowship is not an academic degree program but offers a year of professional enrichment in the United States for experienced professionals from developing countries.
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Fields Supported: Public policy, education, journalism, law, and more.
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What’s Covered: Tuition and fees at assigned host universities, living allowance, insurance, travel costs, and funding for professional development.
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Eligibility: A minimum of five years of substantial professional experience, a bachelor’s degree, and limited or no prior experience in the U.S.
3. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)
This is one of the top fully funded scholarships provided by Stanford University for graduate-level studies. Scholars from all disciplines are accepted.
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Scholarship Package: Covers full tuition, travel expenses, a living stipend, and academic enrichment funds.
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Eligibility: Open to all international students applying for graduate programs at Stanford.
4. Yale University Scholarships (USA)
Yale University provides fully funded scholarships to international students at undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels.
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Scholarship Value: Ranges from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year; the average need-based scholarship is over $50,000.
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Eligibility: Based on financial need and academic merit.
5. AAUW International Fellowships (for Women)
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fully funded fellowships to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
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Fields Supported: Any field of study at the master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels.
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Fellowship Amount: $18,000–$30,000 depending on the level of study.
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Eligibility: Academic excellence and commitment to the advancement of women and girls in the applicant’s home country.
6. The Gates Scholarship (for Undergraduates)
This is a highly selective, full scholarship for exceptional minority high school seniors from low-income households.
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Who Can Apply: International students residing legally in the U.S. (e.g., green card holders or DACA recipients).
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Coverage: Full cost of attendance including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation.
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Eligibility Criteria: High academic achievement, leadership ability, and a strong personal motivation to succeed.
7. Clark University Global Scholars Program
Clark University in Massachusetts offers a fully funded Global Scholars Program designed for international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and leadership potential.
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Scholarship Worth: Up to $25,000 annually with an additional $5,000 in need-based financial aid.
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Eligibility: First-year international applicants with demonstrated leadership and global involvement.
8. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
This program is created for high-achieving international students committed to positive civic and social change.
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What’s Included: Full tuition, room and board for one international student who needs a visa to study in the U.S.
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Who Should Apply: Students from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds who are returning home to improve under-resourced communities.
9. Rotary Peace Fellowship
Offered by the Rotary Foundation, this scholarship supports students pursuing master’s degrees in peace and conflict resolution at selected universities in the U.S.
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What’s Funded: Full tuition, accommodation, round-trip transportation, and internship expenses.
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Available At: Prestigious institutions including Duke University and the University of North Carolina.
10. Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program
This merit-based scholarship was established by the Sawiris Foundation to enable Egyptian students to pursue their undergraduate or graduate degrees in top U.S. universities.
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What’s Covered: Full tuition, living allowance, travel, and health insurance.
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Eligibility: Egyptian nationals with high academic records, leadership potential, and strong English proficiency.
11. University of Chicago Scholarships for International Students
The University of Chicago offers multiple scholarship opportunities, including need-based and merit-based awards for international students.
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Financial Support: Full or partial tuition waivers based on academic performance and financial need.
12. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Partnering with U.S. institutions such as the University of Michigan and Arizona State University, this program supports African students who demonstrate academic talent and leadership potential but lack financial resources.
Conclusion
International students are strongly encouraged to explore these fully funded scholarships as a means to achieve their academic goals in the U.S. With tuition fees, accommodation, and other essential expenses being fully taken care of, the financial pressure is significantly reduced, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their studies and future careers.
Whether pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees, the United States continues to offer a wealth of educational opportunities through these prestigious scholarship programs.