Looking to study in the United States but worried about the costs? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through 100% fully funded scholarships available to international students looking to earn their degree in the USA. These exceptional opportunities cover all tuition, fees, housing, and living expenses so you can focus on your education instead of finances.
We’ve compiled scholarships across fields of study from engineering to humanities and for all degree levels including undergraduate, graduate, and PhD. Whether you’re a prospective or current international student, read on to discover life-changing scholarship options to fund your American education from start to finish, tuition-free.
Overview of Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International Students
Government Scholarships
The US government offers several opportunities for international students to study in the US fully funded. Some major government scholarships include Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, and Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance. To be eligible, you must meet the admission criteria of US universities and have a strong academic background.
University Scholarships
Many US universities offer generous scholarships and grants for international students. Scholarships like Emory Goizueta Foundation Scholarship, NYU Wagner’s Dean’s Scholarship, and Northwestern University’s International Scholarship cover full tuition and additional funds for living expenses. The eligibility criteria vary but typically include an outstanding academic record, leadership qualities, and community service.
Private Scholarships
There are many private organizations that provide scholarships for international students in the US. Some well-known options are Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Schwarzman Scholars, and Mitchell Scholarships. These are highly competitive but provide full funding for undergraduate or graduate study at top US universities. Strong leadership potential and a commitment to social responsibility are common attributes considered for these private scholarships.
In summary, the US offers many opportunities for fully funded scholarships at the undergraduate, graduate, and PhD levels. Government, universities, and private organizations all provide substantial funding for international students to study in the US. With diligent research and a compelling application, you have a good chance of obtaining a prestigious fully funded scholarship.
Top 10 Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in USA
1. The University of Alabama National Merit Finalist Scholarship
The University of Alabama offers renewable full-tuition scholarships for National Merit Finalists. To be eligible, you must be a National Merit Finalist and have UA as your first choice with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This prestigious award covers tuition, mandatory fees, room and board for 4 years.
2. The University of Southern California (USC) Trustee and Presidential Scholarship
USC offers prestigious merit-based scholarships for undergraduate international students. The Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition, room and board, books and supplies for 4 years. The Presidential Scholarship covers up to the full cost of undergraduate attendance including tuition, room and board, books and supplies for up to 4 years. The eligibility criteria are very competitive based on academic achievements and test scores.
3. The Vanderbilt University Chancellor’s Scholarship
The Chancellor’s Scholarship is a 4-year merit-based award for undergraduate students. It covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books and supplies. Eligible students should have an outstanding high school GPA, demonstrate strong leadership abilities and test scores. The scholarship is very competitive and only a select few students are chosen as recipients.
In summary, the top undergraduate scholarships for international students in USA are extremely competitive but also generous, covering the full cost of your university education for 4 years. The eligibility criteria typically focus on your high school grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities and leadership potential. If awarded, these prestigious scholarships can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in college costs, making the effort to apply worth your while. Always check the official university website for the most up-to-date details on deadlines and requirements.
Top 10 Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides scholarships for international students to pursue a master’s degree in the United States. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and medical insurance for up to two years of study. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and proficiency in English. Selection is based on academic merit and leadership potential. The program is open to students from over 160 countries.
American Indian Graduate Center Fellowship
The American Indian Graduate Center Fellowship offers financial assistance to Native American and Alaska Native students enrolled in master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs. It provides $1,500 to $5,000 per academic year for up to two years. Applicants must be members of a U.S. federally recognized tribe and attend an accredited graduate school in the U.S. Selection is based on financial need, community involvement, and career goals.
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program provides scholarships for economically disadvantaged students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue a master’s degree at top universities worldwide. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, and living expenses for the entire duration of study. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and be committed to returning home to contribute to their community. The program is open to students from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers scholarships for accomplished mid-career professionals from developing countries to pursue non-degree academic study and professional development in the United States. Fellows receive funding to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel for up to one academic year. Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience and the potential for leadership. The program is open to citizens of designated countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan offers scholarships for citizens of Commonwealth countries to pursue master’s and doctoral degree study in the United Kingdom. It covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses for the duration of study. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, proficiency in English, and the potential to contribute to their home country. The program aims to promote development in Commonwealth countries.
Top 10 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in USA
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States. The program provides funding for the duration of the study. The grant includes tuition, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. Applicants from over 160 countries are eligible to apply.
Rhodes Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards that support exceptional students from selected countries at the University of Oxford. The Rhodes Scholarship covers all university fees, provides a stipend to cover living expenses, and transportation to and from Oxford. Scholars can pursue a degree in any field of study at Oxford. Citizens of Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica & the Commonwealth Caribbean, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Southern Africa (including South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Swaziland), Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel and U.A.E., Trinidad & Tobago, United States, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are eligible to apply.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides full funding for graduate study at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, namely: university fees, maintenance allowances, a settling-in allowance, recreational allowances, and travel costs. Applicants from any country outside the UK can apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Scholars pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program provides funding for graduate students to pursue a wide-range of master’s and doctoral degrees at Stanford University. The scholarship includes tuition, stipend, travel, and health insurance. Applicants of all nationalities are eligible to apply. Scholars enroll in master’s or PhD programs across all seven of Stanford’s graduate schools.
CHEVENING Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. The scholarship includes university tuition fees, a living allowance, travel costs, and an arrival allowance. Chevening Scholars come from over 160 countries and territories worldwide. The scholarships are awarded in over 150 UK universities. Scholars can study any subject.
FAQs on Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International Students
What are the eligibility criteria for fully funded scholarships in the USA?
To be eligible for fully funded scholarships in the USA as an international student, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some scholarships may require a bachelor’s degree for graduate study.
- You must demonstrate strong academic achievement and potential. This is evaluated based on your GPA, standardized test scores, and other metrics.
- You must meet English language proficiency requirements. Most scholarships require a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score.
- You must not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Some scholarships are targeted at specific nationalities or world regions.
- You must have clear goals and objectives for your study in the U.S. Your goals will be evaluated based on your scholarship essays and interview.
What types of fully funded scholarships are available for international students?
There are several types of fully funded scholarships available for international students in the U.S.:
- Merit-based scholarships awarded based on outstanding academic achievement and potential. These include scholarships from universities, private organizations and the U.S. government.
- Need-based scholarships awarded based on financial hardship. These are offered by some private organizations and universities.
- Athletic scholarships awarded for excellence in sports. These are offered for many sports by U.S. universities.
- Scholarships for specific areas of study like science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields or business. These are offered by private organizations, universities and the U.S. government.
- Scholarships targeted at students from specific world regions, countries or demographics. These include scholarships for African students, Hispanic students, women in STEM, etc.
How do I apply for fully funded scholarships in the USA?
To apply for fully funded scholarships in the USA, you should:
- Research scholarships that match your eligibility. Consider your nationality, field of study, academic level, etc.
- Review the eligibility criteria and application requirements carefully for each scholarship. Make sure you understand what is needed to submit a strong application.
- Prepare all required documents like transcripts, test scores, resumes, essays, letters of recommendation, etc. Give yourself plenty of time to request documents from schools and references.
- Submit a complete application before the stated deadlines. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances. Do not put all your hopes into a single scholarship.
- If selected as a finalist for a scholarship, prepare well for any required interviews. Practice your responses and be ready to demonstrate your passion for the scholarship.
- Accept the scholarship that is the best fit and meets most of your financial needs. You may need to decline other offers.
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Conclusion
In summary, while securing full funding for graduate study in the USA as an international student can be challenging, there are excellent opportunities available if you do your research. The key is to identify programs and institutions that offer full funding packages covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and other costs. Leverage campus resources and advisors to find suitable options, and focus your applications on merit-based awards from specific universities.
With dedication to the process and a competitive profile, realizing your dream of fully funded graduate study in America is within reach. Pursue scholarship options vigorously, refine your skills and experiences, and remain optimistic through the application journey. You can achieve your goals with diligence, patience and self-belief.