Scholarship Opportunities in USA
For international students aspiring to study abroad, the United States stands out as a prime destination, offering a plethora of scholarship opportunities. Studying in the United States can open doors to global career opportunities, connect students with influential networks, and pave the way for personal and professional growth.
However, the high cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses often poses a significant challenge for many international students. Recognizing this, numerous organizations, universities, and foundations provide fully funded scholarships to help students from all corners of the world achieve their academic dreams in the U.S.
These scholarships go beyond merely covering tuition fees—they often include living stipends, travel allowances, and other forms of financial support, making it possible for students to focus entirely on their studies without financial worries.
List of Scholarships Available in the USA
The United States boasts an extensive array of scholarship programs tailored to meet the needs of international students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Below is a detailed compilation of some of the top fully funded scholarships designed to ease the financial burden of studying abroad.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
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MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
- Focused on empowering students from Sub-Saharan Africa, this program provides comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, travel expenses, and other necessities.
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The Gates Scholarship
- A last-dollar scholarship for exceptional high school seniors from low-income families. It covers the full cost of attendance at any accredited U.S. college or university.
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Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- One of the most prestigious programs globally, the Fulbright Scholarship funds international students pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. degrees. It covers tuition, airfare, living expenses, and health insurance.
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AAUW International Fellowships for Women
- Offered by the American Association of University Women, this fellowship supports women pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
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Harambe Fletcher Scholarships for African Students
- This program targets young African leaders with entrepreneurial aspirations, offering full funding for master’s studies at Tufts University’s Fletcher School.
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Boustany MBA Harvard University Scholarship
- Aimed at MBA students at Harvard Business School, this scholarship provides $95,000 over two years, covering tuition and internship-related travel expenses.
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Google Lime Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Designed for students with disabilities pursuing degrees in Computer Science or related fields, this scholarship offers significant financial support and opportunities to connect with tech industry leaders.
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The Campbell Foundation Fellowship Program
- A two-year fellowship offering $40,000 annually, focusing on environmental conservation and grantmaking.
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Campbell Fellowship for Women Scholars from Developing Nations
- This program supports postdoctoral women social scientists whose work centers on women’s economic and social empowerment.
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AAHPM Scholarship for Physicians from Developing Countries
- Assists physicians from low-resource countries in attending the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine’s Annual Assembly.
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The Humphrey Fellowship Program
- A non-degree program offering professional development and leadership training to individuals from developing nations.
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EDSF Scholarship Program
- This scholarship supports students pursuing careers in document management and graphic communications.
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Harvard University Postdoctoral Academy Scholars Program
- Provides funding for postdoctoral researchers in the social sciences or law, offering a platform for groundbreaking research.
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American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- Fully funds undergraduate studies for international students with demonstrated leadership potential from underrepresented backgrounds.
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Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 annually.
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Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program
- A program designed to support African secondary school students seeking higher education opportunities in the United States.
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Illinois Wesleyan University International Student Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships for international students with exceptional academic achievements, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per year.
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NYU Wagner Scholarships
- Offers partial to full-tuition scholarships for international students enrolling in graduate programs at NYU Wagner.
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Microsoft Research Graduate Women’s Scholarships
- Fully funded scholarships for outstanding women pursuing Ph.D. degrees in computer science and related fields.
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IBM Postgraduate Student Fellowship Awards Program
- A two-year fellowship for postgraduate students engaged in research areas aligned with IBM’s interests.
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Harvard University Environmental Fellows Program
- Supports recent Ph.D. graduates working on pressing environmental challenges alongside Harvard faculty.
22. Bell Fellowship for International Scholars
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- Offers a two-year program for researchers focusing on population health, aging, and family dynamics.
Steps to Successfully Apply for Scholarships
To maximize your chances of securing a fully funded scholarship in the United States:
- Start Early: Research available scholarships and their deadlines well in advance.
- Meet Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you satisfy all academic and professional criteria outlined by the scholarship providers.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, language test scores, and a polished resume.
- Craft a Strong Essay: Write a compelling essay that highlights your achievements, aspirations, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to your field.
- Practice for Interviews: Some scholarships may require interviews. Prepare to articulate your goals and motivations clearly.
- Follow Instructions Meticulously: Adhere to every detail mentioned in the application guidelines.
By applying for these scholarships and following these tips, you can take a significant step toward making your dream of studying in the U.S. a reality. Embrace the opportunity and aim for academic excellence. Best of luck!