USA Scholarships for International Students

International students can apply for a wide range of scholarships to study in the United States. Knowing the different categories can help you find the best opportunities and strengthen your applications. 

1. Merit-Based Scholarships 

These scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, or specialised talents.  Merit-based scholarships are highly competitive and are offered by universities or private organisations. Prestigious institutions such as Stanford and Yale offer substantial merit awards to high performing international students. 

2. Need-Based Scholarships 

If you need financial support, need-based scholarships can help cover your study jourey in the USA. Applicants are usually required to submit detailed financial documentation, such as the CSS Profile (and, in some cases, the FAFSA). Universities such as Harvard and Princeton are renowned for meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need of admitted international students.  

3. Government-Funded Scholarships 

These scholarships are sponsored by either the U.S. government or foreign governments. Popular examples include the Fulbright Program and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, both administered by the U.S. Department of State. They are fully funded and awarded to outstanding international candidates.  

4. University Grants and Fellowships 

Some universities in the USA offer grants and fellowships specifically for international students. These funding opportunities may cover tuition fees, living expenses or both, and are often given as part of the admissions process.  

5. Private and Corporate Scholarships 

Foundations, nonprofits and companies offer specialised scholarships that often support students pursuing careers in STEM, public health, entrepreneurship or social impact.   

EducationUSA, a network supported by the U.S. Department of State, is an excellent resource for finding these opportunities.  

6. Athletic and Extracurricular Scholarships 

NCAA Division I and Division II universities offer athletic scholarships to talented student‑athletes. In addition, some institutions provide scholarships for exceptional achievement in the arts, music, leadership or other extracurricular pursuits. 

The table below highlights leading US universities and their scholarship offerings for international students: 
 

Fully funded scholarships are competitive but valuable, as they typically cover tuition, living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, and travel costs. Below are some of the most notable fully funded scholarship opportunities available to international students in the United States: 

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program 

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious international scholarship schemes globally.  

It supports international students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in the United States by covering tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and return airfare. Applications are submitted through the U.S. Embassy or a designated Fulbright office in the applicant’s country of residence. 

• Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 

Also administered by the U.S. Department of State, this non‑degree fellowship is designed for accomplished mid‑career professionals from developing countries.  

The program offers 10 months of academic study and professional development at U.S. universities. It provides full funding, including tuition, living expenses, and round‑trip travel. 

• Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University 

The Knight‑Hennessy Scholars Program is one of the largest fully funded graduate scholarship programs in the world. It supports students pursuing any graduate degree at Stanford University by covering full tuition, living stipend, and travel expenses.  

• MIT Fellowships and Research Assistantships 

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a range of fellowships and research assistantships for graduate students, many of which provide full financial support. These funding opportunities may cover tuition and living expenses, and MIT’s financial aid office works closely with international students to help them secure appropriate funding.

Get an overview of available undergraduate scholarships in the USA and compare the funding they offer: 

Compare postgraduate scholarships in the USA and discover the funding available for your studies: 

Applying for a scholarship in the USA takes careful planning, strong supporting documents and early preparation. Follow these steps to give yourself the best possible chance: 

1. Research early 

Start researching scholarships at least 12 to 18 months before your intended enrolment date. Deadlines vary widely; with some closing as early as September in the year before you start your studies. 

2. Check eligibility requirements 

Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, including nationality, academic level, field of study, GPA requirements and English language proficiency.  

Review these requirements carefully before applying. 

3. Register with EducationUSA 

EducationUSA is the official US government network for international students. Through its EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program, it supports talented students with limited financial resources who are seeking admission to competitive USA universities. 

4. Prepare for standardised tests 

Most USA universities require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admission and GRE or GMAT scores for graduate programs. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for non-native English speakers. Aim for strong results by preparing well in advance. 

5. Write a compelling statement of purpose 

Your statement of purpose or personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application. Use it to highlight your academic interests, career goals and reasons for choosing the program.  This is also your opportunity to show why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship. 

6. Request recommendation letters 

Most scholarship applications require two to three recommendation letters from academic or professional references. Reach out early, explain your goals and give your referees enough time to write detailed and personalised recommendations. 

7. Submit your application before the deadline 

Late applications are rarely considered. Try to submit your application at least one to two weeks before the official deadline to allow time for any technical issues or missing documents. 

8. Follow up and track your application 

Keep a record of every scholarship you apply for, including deadlines, required documents and confirmation of submission. Follow up if you do not receive an acknowledgement within the expected timeframe. 

While requirements differ by scholarship and institution, you'll typically need to prepare the following documents: 

• Completed university application 

• Research proposal (for doctoral or research-based programs) 

• Academic transcripts (secondary school and/or university level) Statement of purpose  

• Two to three recommendation letters from academic or professional referees 

• Résumé or CV 

• Standardised test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS) 

• Proof of financial need (for need-based scholarships) 

• Portfolio (for arts, design or architecture programs) 

• Passport copy and other identification documents 

• Completed FAFSA or CSS Profile (for need-based financial aid at specific institutions) 

Need support along the way? Our expert counsellors can help you find suitable scholarships and guide you through every step of your application.