Undergraduate Scholarships to Study in the USA
International students seeking higher education opportunities in the USA at the undergraduate level can find several suitable opportunities. These include fully-funded scholarships like the Clark Global Scholarship Program, the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship, and the Yale University Scholarship. In addition to these, some university-specific scholarships and merit-based options are also available for studying at US universities. Learn all about the different types of international scholarships for undergraduate courses in the USA and how to apply to them.
Types of Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students to Study in the USA
International students who choose the USA for higher studies can get financial assistance through undergraduate scholarships. These are of different types based on the students’ needs, merit, and offered by US universities and the government. Additionally, some private and sports undergraduate scholarships in the USA are also available to eligible students.
Top Government-Funded Scholarships to Study in the USA
One of the most widely sought-after USA government scholarships for international students is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, the Humphrey Fellowship Program, and the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship.
Government Undergraduate Scholarships | Scholarship Details |
|---|---|
Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Funding Support Activities for enrichment Sponsorship of J-1 Visa Health benefit plan |
Humphrey Fellowship Program | Tuition fee Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges Maintenance allowance per month Books and supplies allowance Professional activity allowance, such as professional visits, field trips, and conferences, round-trip international fare |
Onsi Sawiris Scholarship | University fees Study materials Health insurance Travel expenses Living allowance |
Top Non-Government Scholarships to Study in the USA
Besides the fully-funded government scholarships, there are a host of non-government scholarships too to study undergraduate programs in the USA. Popular ones include the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, and the Tata Scholarship for Cornell University.
Non-Government Undergraduate Scholarships | Scholarship Details |
|---|---|
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | Over 80% of the attendance cost at Stanford Graduate Business School Covers course and tuition fees per annum Medical cost Living expenses Other university-related costs |
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships | J-1 visa support Course fees and tuition funding Round-trip economy class airfare Accident and Sickness coverage Living expenses and other related costs |
Tata Scholarship for Cornell University | Complete waiver on annual tuition fee for eligible students Also covers a few other relevant expenses |
Top University Scholarships to Study in the USA for International Students
A variety of university scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate programs in the USA are also available. A few of the common ones include the American University scholarships for international students and the Yale Scholarship.
University-Specific Undergraduate Scholarships | Scholarship Details |
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship | All billable university expenses - full tuition fee, boarding, and room for students on an F-1 or J-1 student visa USD 40,000 per annum |
Yale Scholarship | Covers 100% of the financial requirement Up to USD 70,000 per annum |
Clark Merit Scholarships | Covers full tuition fee Room and board fee for all 4 years |
Related Sources: https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-apply.cfm
https://scholarshiproar.com/yale-university-scholarships/
https://www.clarku.edu/offices/financial-aid/prospective-students/international-students/first-year-scholarships/
Eligibility Criteria for Applying for Scholarships to Study in the USA for International Students
The key criteria of eligibility for scholarships in the USA are a significantly high GPA score as well as desired scores in standardised tests like GRE, GMAT, ACT, SAT, and the like. Additionally, international students are required to submit proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS test scores.
Some of the key undergraduate scholarship eligibility criteria are as follows:
A strong academic background and required academic scores
Extracurricular activities and volunteering experience are added advantages
Written assignments required for research-based courses
Specific eligibility criteria may apply for different universities offering undergraduate programs; hence, checking with the particular institution when applying for scholarships is recommended
How to Apply for Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA?
The first step to apply for a scholarship to study an undergraduate program at a US university is to research the best scholarship options on the official university portals. Next, check the eligibility criteria for the scholarship and ensure that you meet them.
Detailed below is the exact process for getting a scholarship in the USA for international students:
Research the best options on various official university websites and scholarship search engines such as EducationUSA, International Scholarships, and Scholarship America.
Check the eligibility requirements for the scholarship, including academic scores and standardised test results.
Gather the required documents and apply for the scholarship by the deadline.
How IDP Can Guide You for UG Scholarships in the USA
IDP Education, one of the best overseas education consultants, has been helping students across the world apply for admissions in the USA and several other popular study-abroad destinations for over 55 years. We offer comprehensive assistance to international students in researching, identifying, and applying for the best scholarships to study abroad.
We also help you choose the best undergraduate study programs in the USA and the top universities offering those courses in the country. Speak to our experts to know more ways on how we can help you study in the USA.
FAQs on Undergraduate Scholarships to Study in the USA
1. Can I apply for multiple undergraduate scholarships in the USA?
Yes, of course! Apply for more than one scholarship for undergraduate programs at US universities to improve your chances of securing the scholarship.
2. Which USA universities offer full undergraduate scholarships?
Some of the top US universities providing full funding to undergraduate students are Yale University, Harvard University, and Princeton University.
3. Are USA undergraduate scholarships available for all courses?
Yes, generally, scholarships are available for nearly all courses at the undergraduate level in the USA. Several universities in the country offer scholarships to first-year international student applicants.
4. When to start applying for undergraduate scholarships in the USA?
Start the scholarship application process at least 12-18 months before the intended date of admission at the chosen US universities.
Related Source: https://educationusa.state.gov/find-financial-aid
5. What documents are needed to apply for the USA undergraduate scholarships?
Some of the key documents required for the USA scholarship application process are:
Valid passport to the USA
Official academic transcripts
Letter of Recommendation
Standardised test scores
Statement of Purpose
6. What is the minimum age to apply for scholarships in the USA?
There is generally no minimum age when students can start applying for scholarships to study in the USA. However, each institution (both government and private/university) may have different eligibility criteria for international students applying for scholarships to undergraduate programs. It’s best to check with the specific institution before applying.
7. How are scholarship interviews conducted in the USA?
Interviews to grant scholarships to eligible students may be in-person, online, one-on-one, or panel, depending on the institution conducting them.
Updated on Sep 23, 2025