Scholarships to Study in USA
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What you'll learn in this article
One of the best reasons and facilitators for international students to study abroad is the scholarship opportunities available across the world. The USA, being a top study abroad destination, offers numerous scholarships, not only at the university-level but also at the federal government level. Most top universities across the US have large endowment funds, which allow them to offer financial aid and scholarships to academically meritorious and financially challenged students.
US scholarships for international students have been designed to encourage international students from weaker economic backgrounds to achieve their dream of acquiring a US degree that can subsequently help them change their financial status as well. Moreover, such scholarships open up doors to those candidates who display unending perseverance in achieving their goals and success.
Let us check out some of the popular US scholarships for international students offered across the best universities in the country.
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Types of Scholarships for International Students in USA
One of the first things you will encounter when researching scholarships is the different types of scholarships in USA for international students. Not just by name but also by what they offer, the eligibility criteria, the application process, the duration and even the renewability of the scholarships. Listed here are the common types of scholarships in USA for international students:
- Merit-based Scholarships: Designed specifically to award academically meritorious students from around the world, these scholarships, offered by governments, private organisations and universities alike, are limited and often have high competition.
- While some universities may offer merit-based scholarships automatically, students will need to apply for merit-based scholarships offered by federal and state governments and private companies.
- Merit-based scholarships in USA are often fully-funded scholarships. However, some scholarships will be partially funded with additional financial benefits like living and transportation expenses coverage, health insurance, and more.
- Need-based Scholarships: Primarily offered by the federal and state governments, and universities, need-based scholarships are designed to help students from around the world access world-class education at a cheaper cost.
- Applications for need-based US scholarships for international students are often either automatically offered to eligible students, or students will be required to submit an application form with their family’s financials to confirm their eligibility for the scholarship.
- Need-based scholarships can be offered as either full or partially funded scholarships. Additionally, these scholarships can either cover the tuition fees or the living expenses or a blend of partial tuition with partial living costs that international students will incur while studying in USA.
- Fellowships/Assistantships: These are scholarships specifically designed for doctoral candidates wishing to undertake crucial research in the USA. These US scholarships for international students cover a range of costs, including costs associated with conducting the study, living expenses like accommodation and transportation costs.
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Top Government Scholarships in USA
You can apply to the following well-known US scholarships for international students studying across different degree levels and academic disciplines.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship | Citizen of a developing country looking for mid-career enhancement with a bachelor’s degree A minimum of 5 years of full-time work experience Candidates should display leadership potential and a commitment to public service | A monthly stipend Tuition fee coverage Allowance for books and Study materials Round-trip fare Health insurance |
| East-West Centre for Graduate Degree Fellowship | Citizen of the Asia-Pacific Region Should be enrolling in the University of Hawai’i at Manoa with a strong academic record | Tuition fees coverage at the University of Hawai’i A living expenses stipend On-campus housing Health Insurance Book allowance |
| Foreign Fulbright Student Programme | Possess a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree Qualify the country and programme-specific eligibility criteria Display a commitment to their field of study | Country and Programme-specific Funding Typically covers: Tuition Fees Monthly Stipend Travel Fees Health Insurance |
Top Non-Government Scholarships in USA
Choosing to study in the USA comes with several benefits, among which are a host of scholarships for foreign nationals studying in the country. Here is a list of US scholarships for international students offered by non-government agencies:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship | F-1 Visa Holder enrolled in secondary or high school at the time of application. Must have achieved 3.8-4.0 GPA (or be in the top 10% of their class) A commitment to leadership and community service in their home country must be demonstrated | Full-comprehensive Coverage: Tuition Fees Room and Board |
| American Association of University Women International Fellowship | Must be a non-US female candidate Must have an Undergraduate degree equivalent to a US Bachelor’s degree Must display an intent to return to the home country | Master’s/Professional Fellowship: US $20,000 Doctoral Fellowship: US $25,000 Postdoctoral Fellowship: US $50,000 |
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University-Specific US Scholarships for International Students
Apart from government and non-government-funded scholarships, several universities across the country offer numerous university-specific scholarships for international students in the USA. Here is a list of the top-ranking universities and their individual US scholarships for international students:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| MIT’s Need-blind Scholarships | All undergraduate students, regardless of citizenship or immigration status A proof of family financials must be provided to qualify for the need-based scholarship | 100% of demonstrated need. Students are expected to cover what they can, and the rest will be covered by MIT. Families with a total income of less than US $100,000 are not expected to cover expenses. |
| Harvard University Need-based Scholarships | All undergraduate students, regardless of citizenship or immigration status Proof of family finances must be provided to qualify | 100% of demonstrated need. Students are expected to cover what they can, and the rest will be covered by MIT. Families with a total income of less than US $100,000 are not expected to cover expenses. |
| University of Southern California Merit-Based Scholarships | All applicants, regardless of citizenship/immigration status Automatic consideration is applied to eligible candidates displaying academic merit | Varies depending on scholarship Presidential Scholarship covers partial tuition Trustee Scholarship covers full tuition |
| Yale University Need-blind Scholarships | All undergraduate students, regardless of citizenship/immigration status Proof of family finances must be provided to qualify An evaluation of family finances, considering the US economy with the candidate’s home country, will be done. | Average of US $50,000 per year 100% of the demonstrated need |
Note: It is advisable to visit the official government websites for scholarship opportunities tailored specifically to you and your academic and career goals. Some universities may also assist in helping you find the right scholarships to study in USA.
How to Apply for US Scholarships for International Students?
Although studying in the US can change your life, it can also be slightly confusing to apply. Nonetheless, with numerous opportunities for US scholarships available to international students, understanding the application process can significantly help reduce your financial commitment.
Begin Early
You should begin your scholarship quest as soon as you can. In fact, when shortlisting different universities, the rule of thumb should be to research scholarships as well.
Research Scholarships
Find out the best US scholarships for international students at the universities you have shortlisted. Learn about the eligibility criteria, funding scope, the duration and the application process.
Verify the Requirements for Eligibility
Depending on the type of scholarship available, it is important to ensure you qualify for the scholarship. Some universities may automatically select candidates for a specific scholarship, while others may require you to apply separately.
Get Ready for Standardised Examinations
Some scholarships may require you to submit valid standardised test scores, including English Language Proficiency test scores. Since you would have recently applied to the university, you would possess valid scores in tests like SAT/ACT, GRE/GMAT, or TOEFL iBT/IELTS Academic.
Be ready with the Necessary Paperwork
The majority of scholarship applications call for essays, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and academic transcripts. Prepare these materials as much in advance as possible.
Make Several Scholarship Applications
If you qualify for more than one US scholarship for international students, then it is advisable to apply to those scholarships as well. Make sure you read the fine print on all the scholarships you qualify for and ensure you meet all the conditions for the award recipient set by the institution awarding the scholarship.
Keeping track
Once applied, it is important to follow up with the scholarship application. Get in touch with a representative of the scholarship award from time to time to have an idea of the scholarship status.
Scholarships in USA for international students can greatly reduce financial constraints and open doors for several students from different backgrounds to achieve their dream of acquiring a world-renowned academic qualification. To maximise success, conduct in-depth research, adhere to application deadlines, and customise each submission. Scholarships promote academic and professional development and increase access to higher education by recognising excellence, need, and special talents.
Connect with AECC Counsellors and get expert guidance on applying to the right US scholarship for international students today.
US Scholarships for International Students FAQs
To secure a scholarship in the USA as an international student, begin with thorough research. Identify suitable government-sponsored, university-specific, or privately funded opportunities. Once potential scholarships are found, carefully review their eligibility criteria and gather all required documents, such as academic transcripts, compelling essays, and strong letters of recommendation. The next crucial step involves meticulously preparing and submitting a strong online application well before the stated deadline, ensuring all information is accurate and persuasive to enhance your chances of success.
Yes, the USA offers fully funded scholarships that can cover everything from tuition fees to living and travel expenses. Notable examples eligible for international students include the Fulbright Scholarship, East-West Centre for Graduate Degree Fellowship, American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, Yale University Scholarships, and the Harvard University Financial Aid Initiative. These are excellent opportunities for comprehensive funding.
Some of the most popular scholarships for international students studying in the USA include the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Programme, and the Fulbright Student Scholarship Programme. These scholarships have a strong track record of awarding funding to numerous international students across various programmes for many years.
Yes, several government scholarships are available for international students who wish to study in the USA. These can be offered by the US government or your home country's government. The most popular government-sponsored scholarships for international students studying in the USA are the Fulbright Programme (Fulbright Foreign Student Program), the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Programme, and the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Programme.
Universities like Duke University (Karsh International Scholarship) and Johns Hopkins University (Westgate Scholarship) offer 100% scholarships for international students. While truly 100% scholarships are limited, international students can also apply for numerous other financial aid programmes that cover partial tuition fees. These often come as need-based or need-aware scholarships, providing significant help to students.
Yes, MBA scholarships are widely available for international students in the USA. These can be university-specific or privately sponsored. Universities often offer merit-based scholarships based on strong GMAT/GRE scores, academic records, and work experience, with some top schools also providing need-based aid. Additionally, specific fellowships target diversity or particular profiles, such as the Forté Fellowships for women. Other scholarships also include the Fulbright Foreign Student programme and Harvard Business School scholarships provide comprehensive funding for international students pursuing an MBA. Securing these requires a strong application, clear career goals, and early planning.
Yes, research-based scholarships are the most common type of funding available for PhD students in the USA. This funding includes tuition waivers, a living stipend (often through teaching or research assistantships), and health insurance. Universities prioritise funding PhD students due to their vital contributions to research and teaching. While university funding is the most frequent source, highly competitive external fellowships like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program or the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Programme also offer comprehensive support. Success hinges on a strong academic record, significant research experience, compelling application materials, and effectively demonstrating alignment with faculty research interests.
The requirements for scholarships in the USA depend on the type of scholarship, but certain key elements are almost universally needed. These include academic excellence, demonstrated through a high GPA and competitive standardised test scores like TOEFL/IELTS Academic (for English proficiency) and SAT/ACT (undergraduate) or GRE/GMAT (graduate). For need-based scholarships, extensive financial documentation is essential, while merit-based awards heavily weigh extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and unique talents. Regardless of the scholarship type, meticulously meeting all eligibility criteria and adhering strictly to application deadlines are paramount for success.
Yes, it is possible to get a scholarship in the USA without an IELTS score. While IELTS Academic is widely accepted, many US universities and scholarship programmes offer alternatives for demonstrating English proficiency. Common options include providing an official Medium of Instruction certificate from your previous school, taking alternative tests like the Duolingo English Test (DET) or PTE Academic, or, in some cases, undergoing a direct interview. Some universities might also waive the requirement if you've previously studied in an English-speaking country or are admitted conditionally via an Intensive English Language Programme.
Yes, you absolutely can and should apply for multiple scholarships to study in the USA as an international student. This strategy significantly increases your chances of securing funding, as scholarships are highly competitive and rarely cover 100% of costs alone. Students can also combine several awards to create a substantial financial aid package. Applying to diverse scholarship types, i.e. from university-specific to external scholarships, along with those targeting specific backgrounds or majors, expands your opportunities.
While an excellent academic record supported by additional credit from volunteer work, internships, and strong letters of recommendation is a standard procedure, the real success of securing scholarships comes from strategically applying for scholarships that suit your profile and needs. Focus on meeting specific eligibility criteria, follow a strict scholarship application timeline, and consider seeking help from education experts to ensure your application for US scholarships is comprehensive and compelling.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Anshul Mishra
USA Education Specialist | 11 Years Advising International Students
Anshul Mishra has spent 11 years advising students on undergraduate and postgraduate study in the United States. He has worked with students across the full range. Some are aiming for Ivy League universities. Others are building a more affordable route through community colleges before transferring to a four-year institution.
Much of his work covers the practical details that US university websites tend to gloss over. How F-1 visa interviews actually go, why spring and fall intakes carry different implications depending on the course, and how Duolingo, IELTS and TOEFL acceptance varies considerably between institution types. These are the details that matter when a student is weighing up whether a particular university is genuinely viable for them.
Anshul works frequently with first-generation study abroad students, families who have no prior experience of the US admissions process and need guidance at every stage, not just the application. That experience shapes how he writes: clearly, without assuming knowledge the reader does not yet have. He holds a Bachelor of Hospitality Administration and Management and is based at AECC's Gurgaon office.
