The United States is home to some of the world’s top universities — and contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to break the bank to study there. Each year, thousands of international students win fully funded scholarships to study in the USA, covering everything from tuition to travel and living expenses.
Whether you’re applying for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs, this guide outlines the best fully funded scholarships in the USA for international students in 2025.
Explore even more updated scholarships at World Scholarship Finder.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious U.S. government-funded scholarships for graduate-level international students.
- Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, health insurance
- Eligibility: Strong academic record, leadership potential
- Application Deadline: February–June 2024 (varies by country)
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
This program offers professional development opportunities in the USA for experienced professionals from developing countries.
- Degree Levels: Non-degree (professional program)
- Coverage: Tuition, travel, monthly allowance, insurance
- Fields: Public health, education, law, and more
- Deadline: Country-specific
3. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program – Stanford University
An elite program at Stanford, Knight-Hennessy supports future global leaders across all graduate disciplines.
- Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD, MBA, JD, MD
- Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, travel grants
- Bonus: Leadership and innovation training
- Deadline: October 2024
4. AAUW International Fellowships (for Women)
The American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-U.S. women pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study.
- Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD, Postdoc
- Coverage: $20,000–$50,000 depending on degree
- Eligibility: Women with a strong academic background and commitment to community service
- Deadline: November 2024
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Some U.S. universities (like Arizona State University and UC Berkeley) participate in this program, supporting talented students from Africa.
- Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s
- Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, books, living expenses
- Focus: Leadership and community impact
- Deadline: Varies by institution
6. Yale Young Global Scholars Program (High School Students)
This is one of the few fully funded summer programs for outstanding high school students worldwide who may later apply to U.S. universities.
- Target Audience: Secondary school students (ages 16–18)
- Coverage: Tuition waiver and travel grants (need-based)
- Deadline: January 2025
7. Berea College Scholarships
Berea College in Kentucky offers a unique opportunity — all admitted international students receive 100% funding for the first year.
- Degree Levels: Undergraduate
- Coverage: Tuition, room, board, and fees
- Requirement: Work-study participation
- Deadline: October 2024 (early application encouraged)
8. Clark University Global Scholars Program
Clark offers merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate students, some of which may cover full tuition.
- Degree Level: Undergraduate
- Coverage: Up to full tuition and a $2,500 stipend
- Eligibility: First-year international applicants with strong academic background
- Deadline: February 2025
9. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Although funded by the World Bank, this program includes U.S. universities and is open to students from developing countries.
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Coverage: Tuition, monthly allowance, travel, insurance
- Deadline: February 2025
10. Rotary Peace Fellowships
This program funds international students to pursue a master’s degree in peace and conflict resolution at select universities, including U.S. institutions.
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Coverage: Full tuition, housing, meals, transport
- Eligibility: Proven leadership and commitment to peacebuilding
- Deadline: May 2025
Final Tips for Applying
To improve your chances of success:
- Apply early — most deadlines are between October 2024 and February 2025
- Prepare a strong Statement of Purpose
- Secure great recommendation letters
- Highlight leadership, volunteering, or community impact
- Use trusted platforms like World Scholarship Finder to track updates and new opportunities
Explore even more fully funded scholarships in the USA and worldwide:
https://worldscholarshipfinder.info
