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Fully Funded Scholarship in USA for International Students

Updated on 04 July, 2024

Pragya Sharma

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

Fully Funded Scholarships in USA

While state and federal financial aid is available to U.S. citizens, qualifying DACA students, and undocumented students, it is uncommon for international learners to get fully funded scholarships in the USA. 

Without financial aid such as grants, fellowships, or scholarships, attending college in the United States as an international student can be costly. While some universities, like Yale and Harvard, might provide full or partial scholarships, you can look into and apply for other scholarships, such as the Rotary Peace Fellowship for foreign doctorate students. 

Aside from your college, organizations like Rotary provide help to international students. To be eligible for the competitive scholarships, most require an essay, personal statement, project, or interview process. The same rule applied to fully funded scholarships in the USA for Indian students.

You might be allowed to apply for as many scholarships as you like to help with the cost of college, depending on the conditions of each one. Additionally, certain scholarships can be renewed annually, giving you funding for the duration of your time in education.

What are the Types of Scholarships in the USA?

Many international students are discouraged from continuing their education here because of the exorbitant expense of living and tuition. However, there are alternatives to pay for your higher education, like locating a suitable scholarship, so don't worry!

And to help with that, in this article, we will discuss the six popular scholarship categories that are open to international students studying in the United States:

Merit Scholarships: In the USA, merit scholarships are the most widely used financial aid. On the other hand, it's a common misperception that merit scholarships are only awarded based on academic standing. 

This is untrue, though, because merit scholarships are given out in response to a student's performance in a number of other areas, such as sports and extracurricular activities.

Need-Based Scholarships: Need-based or financial scholarships are intended for students from low-income families. Need-based scholarships are available to students at numerous US universities, including Cornell University and Harvard University. 

But most financial scholarships are only available to citizens of the United States. However, several colleges continue to provide financial aid to students from other countries. 

Country-Based Scholarships: Numerous American institutions and colleges offer international students country-based scholarships. In order to promote higher education in their nation, these scholarships are only available to overseas students from developing nations. 

Furthermore, these scholarships are awarded by numerous US private universities to international students in order to help fund their study.

Government Funded Scholarships: In an effort to promote the internationalization of their educational institutions, the US government does provide scholarships to students from other countries. 

Unfortunately, as the majority of scholarships are designated for domestic students, there aren't many available to international students. 

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program are two examples of US government-funded scholarship programs.

List of Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for Indian Students 2024

Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in USA

Every year, a large number of foreign students travel to the USA to complete their undergraduate studies. Numerous 2-year and 4-year undergraduate courses in subjects including business management, biological science, computer science, and engineering are available to the students. 

Here is a list of fully funded scholarships for international students in USA:

  • Onsi Sawiris Scholarship: For international students, this is a fully financed master's and undergraduate fellowship. It includes living expenses, travel expenses, and full tuition. Universities like Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Chicago, and University of Pennsylvania provide it.
  • Fulbright Program for Foreign Students Scholarship: Throughout more than 160 countries, the Fulbright Program offers the Fulbright Program for Foreign Students and Foreign Language Teaching Assistants. Each year, the organization gives out roughly 4,000 scholarships to international students.
  • Treasure Scholarship at Boise State University: Boise State University is offering its fully funded scholarship to international undergraduate students. An annual stipend of $8,460 is provided. In this case, you will be chosen automatically if your application is complete and you meet the minimal academic standards.
  • Yale University Scholarship USA: This fellowship at Yale University is fully supported for international students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees. It comes with a need-based scholarship worth more than $50,000 as well as an annual stipend that ranges from $1,000 to $70,000.
  • ACI Foundation Scholarship: International undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate students can apply for this fully supported scholarship or fellowship from the ACI Foundation. It offers a stipend of $10,000 to $15,000 to cover living expenses, books, and supplies in addition to tuition.

Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in USA

The best colleges that are offering more than 1500 fully financed master's scholarships in the USA for international students in 2025–2026. 

These scholarships cover tuition, housing costs, health insurance, and travel expenses in addition to an average monthly stipend of $1000. Here is a list of fully funded master’s scholarship for international students in USA:

  • Fulbright Scholarships USA: International students can apply for Fulbright Scholarships, which are fully funded. These are the only graduate-level scholarships available. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program pays for all living expenses, flights, health insurance, complete tuition, and a living stipend.

  • Stanford University Scholarships: International students can apply for the fully funded Stanford University Scholarship. The grant is available for students enrolling to master's or doctorate programs. This scholarship covers all living expenses, travel and tuition costs, as well as other educational costs. This applies to fully funded MBA scholarships in the USA.

  • University of New Haven Scholarship: For international students, the University of New Haven Scholarship is fully funded. This award is limited to master's level study. For the duration of their graduate program, this scholarship will include experiential learning and job opportunities, give 75% of tuition support, and pay an hourly rate, for masters fully funded scholarship in the USA.

  • University of Memphis Scholarships: International students can apply for the fully financed University of Memphis Scholarship. This grant is available for graduate and undergraduate studies. The scholarship levels vary and are intended to offset the cost of tuition for non-residents of Tennessee and international students.

  • University of Minnesota Fellowship: International students can apply for the fully funded University of Minnesota Fellowship. This grant is available for graduate studies. This scholarship covers all living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and tuition.

Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in USA

The best colleges that are offering more than 1500 fully funded Ph.D. scholarships in the USA for international students in 2025–2026. 

These scholarships cover tuition, housing costs, health insurance, and travel expenses in addition to an average monthly stipend of $1500. Here is a list of fully funded PhD scholarships in the USA.

  • Fulbright Scholarships USA: International students can apply for Fulbright Scholarships, which are fully funded. These are the only graduate-level and PhD scholarships available. The Fulbright International Study Program pays for all living expenses, flights, health insurance, accommodation costs, and tuition PhD fully funded scholarships in the USA.

  • Facebook PhD Fellowship: For international students, the Facebook Fellowship Program offers fully funded scholarships. This scholarship is available to support research study for doctorates. The fellowship pays for conference travel assistance, an annual stipend, and two years of tuition and fees.

  • Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program: For international students, the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program offers fully funded scholarships. This award offers up to $42,750 net per fellow for an eight-month fellowship, and it is eligible for PhD study.

  • IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program: International students can apply for fully funded PhD scholarships through the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program. The annual value of the International Mathematical Union Scholarship is up to USD 10,000 and includes living expenses, travel costs, housing costs, and tuition.

  • AAUW International Fellowship Program: The AAUW Fellowship Program provides fully funded scholarships. The American Association of University Women, USA is offering this award. International applicants are welcome to apply from anywhere in the world. Only graduate, postgraduate,  and PhD studies in whatever field the university offers are eligible for this award. The AAUW Fellowship Program offers annual funding of $18,000 to $30,000, subject to renewal requirements based on academic performance.

How to Apply for a Fully Funded Scholarship in USA

To begin with, where can one truly apply for a fully funded scholarship in the USA? The official website of the university you have selected should be your first stop because they might have financing possibilities specifically for students from your region or studying your field, or they might have a list of external scholarships you can apply for. 

In addition to your university, you can look through websites like FastWeb.com or InternationalScholarships.com, as well as our own Scholarships to Study Abroad page, which provides funding opportunities for various study places and scholarships with a specific subject focus.

Given the intense rivalry for full scholarships, it's critical to differentiate oneself from the competitors by showcasing a genuine desire to better yourself personally. This entails showcasing a few extracurricular activities to scholarship givers, showcasing your hobbies and passions outside of the classroom, and providing instances of your involvement in the community, such as volunteer work for charitable causes.

To reduce the likelihood that you will overlook anything, make sure you read the application instructions thoroughly and several times. If you have any questions, feel free to email the provider.  

It should go without saying that your cover letter and application essay must be of the highest caliber possible. This entails checking that it is precise in its formatting, catches the reader's attention with an engaging opening, remains concentrated on its main idea or issue, and has perfect language and spelling. It should also be clear and short.

What is the Role of Scholarships for Studying in the USA?

Student specific financial aid offered by US colleges, such as international student grants and scholarships, relieves students of the burden of covering all of their educational expenses while they are enrolled in classes. This makes it possible for students to do better academically and even to participate in activities provided by groups and clubs on campus that support their efforts to forge strong personal bonds and get ready for their desired careers.

Higher education is unquestionably a privilege even though education itself is a right. Students' dreams of continuing their education are sometimes thwarted by the high cost and significant financial demands. Full scholarships for international students are also need-based in order to include students from all societal segments. Scholarships for study abroad based on need are available to aspirants who want to study overseas but do not meet the minimum financial requirements.

It is common knowledge that reputable educational institutions provide bursaries to intelligent, gifted students who have the ability to excel academically. Because of this, many view scholarships as accomplishments in addition to effective financial aid. Prospective employers frequently seek out applicants who have proven their reputation in prior undertakings. Although obtaining international scholarships requires hard work, bursaries and scholarships for study abroad that are displayed on resumes provide further insight into a student's approach to both employment and study.

Which are the Top Universities Offering Scholarships in the USA?

Being an international student at a U.S. college can result in expensive tuition fees. International students must pay for their own airfare and visa applications in addition to the fees of tuition, accommodation, meal plans, books, and supplies.

Many institutions provide generous financial aid packages in an attempt to attract more international students. The top 20 undergraduate schools in the United States in terms of average financial aid awarded to international students are listed below:

University

Average Aid Awarded to International Students

Wesleyan University $83,185
Wellesley College $82,892
Haverford College $79,770
Duke University $79,740
Dartmouth College $79,007
Williams College $78,624
Washington and Lee University $78,558
Vassar College $77,644
Amherst College $76,739
Georgetown University $76,211
Cornell University $76,179
Stanford University $76,000
Pitzer College $75,157
Smith College $74,943
Harvard University $74,808
Pomona College $73,926
Yale University $73,573
Bowdoin College $72,348
Vanderbilt University $71,703
Skidmore College $71,428

Conclusion

Practical learning is the mainstay of the US educational system. As a result, a large number of foreign students come to the USA every year to continue their higher education. 

For international students, the average monthly cost of living in the United States is between $800 and $1000, which is fairly expensive. Furthermore, undergraduate studies at US public institutions typically cost $26,000 a year, while undergraduate studies at US private universities typically cost $36,000. 

Thus, in order to take advantage of the United States' diverse cultures, top-notch education, research prospects, employment and internship chances, wonderful campus life, etc., undergraduate and graduate students must make arrangements to meet their financial needs through a number of fully supported scholarship programs.

Here are some detailed articles on Fully Funded Scholarships for top Study Abroad Destination:

FAQs

What is the difference between fully funded and partially funded scholarships?

Full-tuition scholarships pay the whole cost of tuition for the length of the course. Partial scholarships only pay a portion of the tuition; this portion may be a set sum of money or a percentage of the whole cost.

Can I get a 100% scholarship to study in the USA?

It is feasible to obtain 100% scholarship funding in the USA. A few grants, like the Fulbright Scholarship Program, allow Indian students to earn complete payment for their living expenses and tuition.

How can an Indian student get a scholarship to study in the USA?

One can obtain 100% scholarships in the United States of America. A few programs, like the Fulbright Scholarship Program, compensate living expenses in addition to tuition in full for Indian students.

Can I get a scholarship in the USA without IELTS?

Without an IELTS score, it is possible to obtain a study visa for the United States and get a scholarship. The most important prerequisite is to demonstrate English language ability, which can be done with other assessments like the PTE or TOEFL.

Is the USA a good option for Indian students?

One of the most popular destinations for Indian students seeking to study overseas is the United States of America. Officials from the US Consulate said that 2,68,923 of the 1,057,188 foreign students registered in US higher education institutions were from India.

What is a full-ride scholarship?

A full ride scholarship is one that pays for all educational costs. It covers living expenses as well as accommodation and board, books, fees, and tuition. Eliminating the need for further financial assistance is the aim. 

How much percentage is required for a scholarship in the USA?

The percentage required varies greatly depending on the university and scholarship you are applying to in the United States. But to be eligible for a scholarship in the USA, one must have a GPA of at least 3.5.

How can I increase my chances of getting a scholarship in the USA?

In order to increase your chances of getting a scholarship in the USA, you must exhibit a good academic record, with excellent grades. 

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience. She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.

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