The United States remains a dream destination for many international students, but the cost of education can often be a barrier. Fortunately, several organizations, universities, and government programs offer financial aid to support global talent. These scholarship opportunities make studying in the U.S. more accessible for students from different backgrounds and countries. This blog highlights the top scholarships in the USA for international students. Whether you are pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or non-degree studies, many of these scholarships can help you achieve your academic goals.
Below is a comprehensive list of 30 highly recommended scholarships available to international students studying in the United States.
Top Scholarships in the USA for International Students
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
This is one of the top scholarships in the USA, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It provides full funding for master’s or Ph.D. programs, covering tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Designed for mid-career professionals, this U.S. government fellowship supports a year of academic study and professional development without offering a degree.
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Offered through partner universities such as Stanford and Duke, this program fully funds African students committed to giving back to their communities.
4. AAUW International Fellowships
These fellowships are offered to women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
5. Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
This is a competitive, fully funded scholarship for international graduate students across all disciplines at Stanford. It includes leadership training and cross-cultural experiences.
6. Yale University Scholarships
Yale offers generous need-based financial aid to international students. Many awards exceed $50,000/year, depending on demonstrated need.
7. Harvard University Scholarships
One of the top scholarships in the USA, Harvard provides full-need financial aid to admitted students, covering tuition, room, and board for qualified international applicants.
8. Clark University Global Scholars Program
This undergraduate scholarship program awards up to $25,000/year to international students based on academic merit and leadership potential.
9. Amherst College Scholarships
Amherst uses a need-blind admission process for international students and provides financial aid to meet 100% of their demonstrated need.
10. Columbia University International Awards
Columbia offers a variety of scholarships for international students, especially in graduate programs such as law, business, and journalism.
11. Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships ranging from $16,000 to $30,000 are offered annually to international students with excellent academic records.
12. University of Oregon Scholarships
The International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) provides partial to full tuition scholarships in exchange for cultural service to the community.
13. Berea College Scholarships
Berea covers 100% of tuition for all international students in their first year and offers a work-study program to support other expenses.
14. University of the South (Sewanee) Awards
Offers generous merit and need-based scholarships to talented international students pursuing undergraduate studies.
15. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
A fully funded undergraduate award that targets high-achieving international students committed to positive civic and social change.
16. Michigan State University Scholarships
Offers the International Tuition Grant and other merit-based awards for academically strong undergraduate and graduate students.
17. University of Minnesota Global Excellence Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship awards up to $25,000 annually to outstanding international freshmen.
18. East Tennessee State University Merit Scholarship
Covers up to 50% of tuition for international undergraduate and graduate students with strong academic credentials.
19. University of Iowa International Awards
Includes the International Distinction in Education Award (IDEA), offering awards based on GPA, ranging from $500 to $10,000 per year.
20. New York University (NYU) Wagner Scholarships
NYU Wagner provides full and partial tuition scholarships for students in public service graduate programs.
21. Rotary Peace Fellowships
A fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing master’s degrees or certificates in peace and conflict resolution.
22. University of Dayton Merit Scholarships
International students are automatically considered for up to $30,000/year based on academic performance.
23. Cornell University Financial Aid
Cornell meets the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted international undergraduate students through grants and scholarships.
24. University of Mississippi Scholarships
Offers merit-based scholarships ranging from $3,900 to over $23,000 annually for eligible international students.
25. University of Wisconsin–Madison King-Morgridge Scholars Program
Covers all tuition and living costs for international students dedicated to addressing poverty and inequality in their home countries.
26. University of Southern California (USC) Scholarships
USC offers various merit scholarships, including full-tuition awards like the Trustee Scholarship and half-tuition Presidential Scholarships.
27. Texas A&M University Scholarships
These include competitive awards for international students, some of which grant eligibility for in-state tuition rates.
28. Dartmouth College Scholarships
Provides 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted international undergraduates through grants and scholarships.
29. Wesleyan University Freeman Asian Scholars Program
Grants full scholarships to 11 exceptional students from Asia annually, covering all tuition and fees.
30. University of Notre Dame Scholarships
Offers a combination of need-based and merit scholarships to deserving international undergraduates.
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US Colleges and Universities that Offer Scholarships for International Students
1. Harvard University
Harvard offers need-based financial aid to all admitted students, including internationals. The university guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans. Many international students attend Harvard tuition-free thanks to generous aid packages.
2. Yale University
Yale follows a need-blind admission policy for international students and provides need-based scholarships that often exceed $50,000 per year. Financial aid is determined based on family income and assets, covering full demonstrated need.
3. Stanford University
Stanford offers need-based aid and also hosts the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, which fully funds graduate education for outstanding global students. Undergraduate international students can also receive generous aid packages.
4. Amherst College
Amherst practices need-blind admissions and meets 100% of demonstrated need for all students, including those from outside the U.S. The aid includes grants, not loans, making it highly accessible for talented international students.
5. Clark University
Clark offers the Global Scholars Program with scholarships up to $25,000/year, based on academic achievement and global citizenship. Additional need-based aid may also be offered.
6. Berea College
Berea is one of the only U.S. colleges that provides 100% funding for the first year to all enrolled international students. After the first year, students contribute through work-study programs, making Berea uniquely affordable.
7. Dartmouth College
Dartmouth offers need-based financial aid to all international students, meeting full demonstrated need. The aid includes grants and scholarships with no loan expectations.
8. Columbia University
Columbia provides financial aid to international students, including need-based packages and merit awards for certain graduate programs. The university is generous with high-achieving global students.
9. University of Southern California (USC)
USC offers multiple merit-based scholarships like the Trustee Scholarship (full tuition) and Presidential Scholarship (half tuition), open to international applicants.
10. University of Oregon
Offers the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) Scholarship, which provides partial or full tuition waivers to international students in exchange for cultural service work.
11. American University (Washington, D.C.)
AU provides the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, a highly competitive full scholarship for international undergraduate students committed to positive civic and social change.
12. Illinois Wesleyan University
International students with excellent academic records are eligible for merit scholarships of $16,000 to $30,000/year. Some full-tuition scholarships are also available.
13. University of Minnesota
Offers the Global Excellence Scholarship, which awards $10,000–$25,000/year to international freshmen based on academic merit.
14. University of Iowa
International students can apply for several awards, including the International Distinction in Education Award (IDEA), offering up to $10,000/year.
15. University of Dayton
UD offers merit-based scholarships of up to $30,000/year to undergraduate international students. No separate application is required for most awards.
16. University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
Ole Miss automatically awards scholarships ranging from $3,900 to $23,454/year for international students based on SAT/ACT scores and GPA.
17. Michigan State University (MSU)
MSU provides several scholarships like the International Tuition Grant, which reduces the tuition cost for eligible international students based on academic achievement.
18. University of Wisconsin–Madison
Home to the King-Morgridge Scholars Program, which offers full funding for students from developing countries committed to poverty alleviation in their home nations.
19. University of the South (Sewanee)
Sewanee provides both merit-based and need-based aid to international students, including renewable scholarships that cover a significant portion of tuition.
20. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M offers scholarships of at least $1,000/year, which qualifies recipients for in-state tuition—a major cost saving for international students.
21. Cornell University
Cornell offers need-based financial aid to international undergraduates. Aid packages are comprehensive and ensure that admitted students can afford to attend.
22. Wesleyan University
Wesleyan’s Freeman Asian Scholars Program grants full scholarships to exceptional students from Asia, including tuition, housing, and living expenses.
23. New York University (NYU)
NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service offers full and partial merit scholarships for international graduate students in public service.
24. University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame offers a mix of merit-based and need-based aid for international students, particularly in engineering, sciences, and business.
25. East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
ETSU’s Merit Scholarship provides 50% tuition coverage for undergraduate and graduate international students with strong academic credentials.
26. University of California, Berkeley
While limited in undergraduate scholarships, UC Berkeley offers fellowships and assistantships for international graduate students, especially in STEM and research-based programs.
27. Duke University
Duke provides need-based aid to international students and offers graduate fellowships through its various schools, such as law, medicine, and engineering.
28. Boston University (BU)
BU offers merit-based scholarships like the Trustee Scholarship, which provides full undergraduate tuition for outstanding international students.
29. Princeton University
Like other Ivy League schools, Princeton meets 100% of financial need for all admitted students—including internationals—without loans.
30. Emory University
Emory offers the Emory University Scholar Programs, providing full and partial scholarships to international undergraduate students.
Tips to Improve Your Scholarship Chances
Securing one of the top scholarships in the USA is highly competitive. Here are key tips to improve your application:
- Start early and research deadlines thoroughly.
- Maintain excellent academic records.
- Write a compelling personal statement showing your goals and motivation.
- Gather strong letters of recommendation.
- Meet all application requirements completely and accurately.
- Demonstrate leadership and community involvement.
Common Fields That Offer Scholarships in the USA
Many USA scholarship opportunities are available in high-demand fields such as:
- Engineering and Technology
- Health and Life Sciences
- Business and Management
- Environmental Studies
- Public Policy and Law
- Education and Humanities
Can You Work While Studying in the USA?
Many international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus while studying. Some scholarships also allow for practical training or internship opportunities, helping students gain real-world experience along with their degree.
Why the USA Remains a Top Study Destination
Despite the competition and visa challenges, the U.S. continues to attract students globally due to its:
- World-renowned universities
- Diverse and inclusive environment
- Cutting-edge research opportunities
- Strong support systems for international students
- Global recognition of American degrees
Thanks to the availability of top scholarships in the USA, many students are now able to access this dream without facing financial pressure.
DISCOVER ALSO: Top Universities in the USA for Business and Management
Conclusion on Top Scholarships in the USA
Studying in the United States may seem financially daunting, but there are top scholarships in the USA that help international students overcome financial barriers. These scholarships are more than just financial aid—they are gateways to global networking, leadership training, and academic excellence.
Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or professional program, this guide to top scholarships in the USA for international students should help you find a program that matches your academic goals and financial needs. Take time to research each opportunity, verify deadlines, and prepare strong applications.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 Universities in USA for International Students
FAQs for Top Scholarships in the USA for International Students
1. What are the best scholarships for international students in the USA for 2025/2026?
Some of the top scholarships include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, AAUW International Fellowships, Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, and the Yale University Scholarships, all offering full or partial funding.
2. Are USA scholarships fully funded or partially funded for international students?
Both options exist. Many flagship programs like Fulbright and Knight-Hennessy are fully funded, while universities also offer partial tuition waivers or merit-based awards depending on the student’s profile.
3. What are the general eligibility requirements for USA scholarships?
Eligibility usually depends on academic performance, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), leadership potential, recommendation letters, and in some cases, demonstrated financial need. Requirements vary with each scholarship.
4. Can I get a USA scholarship without IELTS or TOEFL?
Yes, some universities accept alternatives such as Duolingo English Test, PTE Academic, or proof that the applicant studied in an English-speaking institution. However, most competitive scholarships still prefer standardized English tests.
5. How can I increase my chances of winning a scholarship in the USA?
Start early, maintain strong grades, craft an impressive personal statement, secure strong recommendation letters, research each scholarship’s requirements carefully, and submit all documents before the deadline.