Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, but the high cost of tuition, living expenses, and travel often make it seem impossible. However, USA scholarships for international students provide an incredible opportunity to study at top universities without financial burden. Fully funded scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and even living stipends, ensuring students can focus on their education and personal growth without worrying about expenses.
But how do you find these scholarships? Which universities and organizations offer full financial support? What are the eligibility requirements, and how can you improve your chances of winning? Many students struggle with these questions, unsure of where to start or how to prepare a strong application. Missing out on a scholarship due to lack of information can be frustrating, especially when thousands of funding opportunities exist.
This page provides a detailed guide on the best fully funded USA scholarships for international students in 2025. We highlight the top programs, their benefits, eligibility criteria, and application links. Whether you’re looking for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD funding, you’ll find valuable insights to help you secure financial aid and make your dream of studying in the U.S. a reality. Explore these opportunities and take the first step toward a brighter future!
USA Scholarships for International Students 2025
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most popular USA scholarships for international students who want to study for a master’s or PhD in the United States. This scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition fees, travel expenses, health insurance, and a living stipend to support students during their studies. It is available for students from over 160 countries and aims to promote cultural exchange and academic excellence.
- Eligibility: Open to students from eligible countries with strong academic backgrounds.
- Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, health insurance, and a monthly stipend.
- Application Link: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree scholarship for experienced professionals who want to develop leadership skills in the United States. It provides a one-year fully funded experience, including academic coursework and professional training. The program focuses on fields like public policy, business, law, human rights, and environmental studies.
- Eligibility: Mid-career professionals with leadership potential and at least five years of work experience.
- Coverage: Tuition, travel costs, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and professional development.
- Application Link:Â https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/
3. Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship at Stanford University is one of the most prestigious USA scholarships for international students. It supports outstanding students from all over the world who want to pursue a master’s, PhD, MBA, MD, or JD degree at Stanford. This scholarship provides full tuition, a living allowance, and travel expenses. In addition, scholars receive leadership training, networking opportunities, and personal mentorship.
- Eligibility: Open to all students applying for graduate programs at Stanford.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, academic supplies, and travel costs.
- Application Link:Â https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/
4. Yale University Scholarships
Yale University offers fully funded scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students from different parts of the world. These scholarships are need-based, meaning that students who cannot afford tuition will receive full financial support. The amount varies depending on financial need, but some students receive more than $70,000 per year.
- Eligibility: Open to students applying for any degree program at Yale.
- Coverage: Tuition fees, accommodation, books, and personal expenses.
- Application Link: https://admissions.yale.edu/financial-aid
5. Harvard University Scholarships
Harvard University provides need-based fully funded scholarships for international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The scholarships cover full tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and other expenses. Harvard’s financial aid program ensures that students from all backgrounds can afford their education.
- Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, books, and health insurance.
- Application Link:Â https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid
6. University of Chicago Scholarships (UChicago Empower Initiative)
Who is it for?
This initiative is designed to support international undergraduate students applying to the University of Chicago.
What does it offer?
The UChicago Empower Initiative provides need-based financial aid packages that can cover the full cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses, depending on the student’s demonstrated financial need.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be international students.
- Demonstrated financial need.
- Strong academic records and extracurricular involvement.
How to Apply:
Students should apply for admission to the University of Chicago and complete the financial aid application process, which includes submitting the necessary financial documents to assess need.
Application Link:
UChicago Empower Initiative
7. Clark University Presidential Scholarships
Who is it for?
This scholarship is aimed at international students applying to Clark University for undergraduate studies.
What does it offer?
The Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition, on-campus room and board for all four years, regardless of a family’s financial need.
Eligibility Criteria:
- First-year international applicants to Clark University.
- Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential.
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit the Common Application, including the Clark-specific questions, and complete the separate scholarship application.
Application Link:
Clark University Presidential Scholarships
8. AAUW International Fellowships
Who is it for?
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships to international women pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate studies in the U.S.
What does it offer?
Fellowships of up to $50,000 to cover tuition, living expenses, and other educational costs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
- Plan to return to their home country upon completion of their studies.
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit an online application, academic transcripts, proof of degree, and recommendations by the specified deadline.
Application Link:
AAUW International Fellowships
9. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Who is it for?
This program is for students from developing countries who wish to pursue a master’s degree in a development-related field at selected universities in the U.S.
What does it offer?
The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, and health insurance.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a national of a World Bank member developing country.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Have at least three years of related work experience.
- Be employed in a development-related role at the time of application.
How to Apply:
Applicants must apply for admission to a participating master’s program and separately submit a scholarship application through the World Bank’s online portal.
Application Link:
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
10. Illinois Wesleyan University International Scholarships
Who is it for?
Illinois Wesleyan University offers scholarships to international students applying for undergraduate programs.
What does it offer?
- Merit-Based Scholarships:Â Range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year, renewable for up to four years.
- President’s Scholarships: Full-tuition scholarships awarded to two highly qualified international students each year, renewable for up to four years.
Eligibility Criteria:
- International students with outstanding academic achievements and test scores.
- Demonstrated leadership and extracurricular involvement.
How to Apply:
Applicants must complete the admissions application and submit all required documents by the specified deadline.
Application Link:
Illinois Wesleyan University International Scholarships
Conclusion
These USA scholarships for international students provide substantial financial support, enabling talented individuals from around the world to pursue higher education in the United States. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements and application procedures, so it’s crucial to review the details carefully and apply before the deadlines. Securing one of these scholarships can significantly alleviate financial burdens and allow students to focus on their academic and professional development.