The United States is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, offering world-class universities and a wide range of academic programmes. However, the cost of higher education in the U.S. can be significant. Fortunately, many scholarships are available specifically for international students, providing financial support to help them achieve their academic goals. Here’s a comprehensive list of 25 top scholarships in the USA for international students for the 2024-2025 academic year.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Programme
The Fulbright Programme is one of the most prestigious U.S. government scholarships for international students. It offers full funding for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study and conduct research in the U.S. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Round-trip airfare and health insurance.
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Programme
This fellowship is aimed at mid-career professionals from designated countries, providing a year of professional enrichment in the U.S. Fellows participate in non-degree academic study and gain practical experience in their professional fields.
Key Benefits:
- Full funding for academic and professional programmes.
- Living allowance, travel, and insurance.
3. AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers international fellowships to women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the U.S. The fellowships are awarded based on academic merit and leadership potential.
Key Benefits:
- $18,000 to $30,000 for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
- Funding for tuition, books, and living expenses.
4. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme
The JJ/WBGSP offers scholarships to students from World Bank member countries to pursue development-related master’s programmes at selected universities in the U.S. This programme focuses on training future leaders who will contribute to economic development in their home countries.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition, living stipend, and travel allowance.
- Health insurance.
5. Yale University Scholarships for International Students
Yale University offers a number of scholarships to international students, including need-based financial aid. Yale is committed to making education accessible to talented students regardless of their financial background.
Key Benefits:
- Scholarships can range from a few thousand dollars to full tuition coverage.
6. Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme at Stanford University aims to develop future global leaders. This scholarship covers all costs associated with pursuing graduate studies, including tuition, living expenses, and travel.
Key Benefits:
- Full funding for graduate study.
- Leadership development and networking opportunities.
7. University of Oregon Scholarships
The University of Oregon offers multiple scholarships for international students, including the ICSP Scholarship, which is awarded based on financial need, academic merit, and participation in cultural service programmes.
Key Benefits:
- Partial to full tuition waivers.
8. The Obama Foundation Scholars Programme
The Obama Foundation Scholars programme at Columbia University supports rising leaders from around the world who are committed to addressing public challenges. Scholars earn a fully-funded master’s degree while engaging in leadership training.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition, living stipend, and travel costs.
- Access to leadership training and professional development.
9. Global Undergraduate Exchange Programme (Global UGRAD)
The Global UGRAD programme provides one-semester scholarships to international undergraduate students for non-degree study at U.S. colleges. It is designed to foster cultural exchange and academic enrichment.
Key Benefits:
- Full funding for tuition, housing, and meals.
- Health insurance and travel costs.
10. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
American University offers the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) to high-achieving international students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving global issues.
Key Benefits:
- Covers full tuition, room, and board.
11. The Gates Scholarship
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship is awarded to outstanding minority students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Although it primarily targets U.S. students, some international students may qualify if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Key Benefits:
- Covers full tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses.
12. Clark Global Scholarship Programme
The Clark University offers the Global Scholars Programme to incoming international students who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence.
Key Benefits:
- Scholarships range from $15,000 to $25,000 per year.
13. Harvard University Scholarships
Harvard University offers need-based scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The financial aid programme at Harvard is one of the most generous in the world, ensuring that students can afford their education regardless of their financial background.
Key Benefits:
- Full or partial financial aid based on need.
14. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme provides comprehensive scholarships to students from Sub-Saharan Africa who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in the U.S. It focuses on developing leaders who can contribute to economic and social progress in Africa.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition, living expenses, travel, and academic support.
15. East-West Centre Graduate Degree Fellowship
The East-West Centre offers graduate degree fellowships for students from Asia, the Pacific, and the U.S. to study at the University of Hawaii. This fellowship promotes cross-cultural exchange and collaboration on critical issues affecting the region.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition, housing, and a stipend for living expenses.
16. Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Peace Fellowship offers scholarships for international students to pursue a master’s degree in peace and conflict resolution at select U.S. universities.
Key Benefits:
- Full funding for tuition, fees, and living expenses.
17. Amherst College Scholarships
Amherst College offers need-based scholarships to international students. The amount of financial aid is based on the student’s financial need, and Amherst commits to meeting 100% of that need.
Key Benefits:
- Full financial aid packages covering tuition, room, board, and other expenses.
18. University of Chicago Scholarships
University of Chicago provides various scholarships to international students, including merit-based and need-based scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Key Benefits:
- Partial to full scholarships.
19. Illinois Wesleyan University International Student Scholarships
Illinois Wesleyan University offers merit-based scholarships to qualified international applicants based on their academic achievements. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years.
Key Benefits:
- Scholarships range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year.
20. Michigan State University International Scholarships
Michigan State University provides scholarships for international students, including merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid for outstanding students.
Key Benefits:
- Scholarships range from partial to full coverage.
21. Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships
Colby-Sawyer College offers merit-based scholarships to international students based on academic achievement. Scholarships increase each year as the student progresses academically.
Key Benefits:
- Scholarships range from $15,000 to $28,000 per year.
22. University of Miami Stamps Scholarships
The University of Miami offers the Stamps Scholarship, one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships for international students. The award covers full tuition, room and board, textbooks, and a living allowance.
Key Benefits:
- Full funding for all academic and living costs.
23. Boston University Presidential Scholarship
The Presidential Scholarship at Boston University is awarded to international students with exceptional academic achievement. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years.
Key Benefits:
- $25,000 annually towards tuition.
24. University of Minnesota International Scholarships
The University of Minnesota offers multiple merit-based scholarships for international students, including the Global Excellence Scholarship for outstanding undergraduate students.
Key Benefits:
- Scholarships range from $10,000 to $25,000 per year.
25. Cornell University International Scholarships
Cornell University offers need-based financial aid to international students through its generous financial aid programme. Cornell meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students.
Key Benefits:
- Full financial aid packages for eligible students.
Conclusion
These top 25 scholarships in the USA for international students provide excellent opportunities to pursue higher education at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. From government-sponsored programmes like the Fulbright Programme to university-specific awards at institutions like Harvard and Stanford, these scholarships offer financial support for students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their academic and professional dreams. Explore the options, prepare your applications, and take the first step towards studying in the U.S. with full or partial financial backing.
