Every year, millions of students from all over the world apply to study in the USA, but only a few of them get the opportunity to do so. One of the main challenges that international students face is the high cost of studying in the USA.

The tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other expenses can add up to a huge amount that many students cannot afford. That’s why scholarships are very important for international students who want to study in the USA.

There are many scholarships available for international students who want to study in the USA. Some of them are offered by the US government, some by universities, some by private organizations, and some by foundations.

In this article, we will introduce you to 20 of the best scholarship programs for international students in the USA. We will also give you some tips on how to apply for them and increase your chances of getting them.

1. Fulbright Scholarships

The Fulbright Scholarships are one of the most prestigious and well-known scholarship programs in the world. They are sponsored by the US Department of State and aim to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the US and other countries.

The Fulbright Scholarships offer two types of awards for international students: the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program.

• The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is for graduate students who want to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the USA. It covers full tuition fees, living stipend, health insurance, airfare, and other expenses.
• The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program is for young teachers who want to teach their native language and culture in US colleges and universities. It covers full tuition fees, living stipend, health insurance, airfare, and other expenses.

The Fulbright Scholarships are very competitive and require a high level of academic excellence, leadership potential, and English proficiency. The application process varies depending on your country of origin and field of study.

Visit the official website here

2. Stanford University Scholarships

Stanford University is one of the top universities in the USA. It is known for its excellence in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Stanford University offers generous scholarships for international students who want to study at its campus.

The Stanford University Scholarships are fully funded scholarships that cover full tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, and other expenses. They are offered for both undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to social change.

The Stanford University Scholarships are very competitive and require a high level of academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. The application process consists of submitting an online application form, transcripts, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews.

Visit the official website here

3. Yale University Scholarships

Yale University is another top university in the USA and the world. It is known for its excellence in liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and medicine. Yale University offers generous scholarships for international students who want to study at its campus.

Yale University also offers generous scholarships for international students who want to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees at Yale. These scholarships are funded by Yale University itself or by external donors.

The Yale University Scholarships can vary from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year; the average Yale need-based scholarship is over $50,000.

To apply for these scholarships, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, a high level of academic achievement, a strong command of English, and a clear study plan or research proposal. You also need to apply for admission to Yale University and indicate your interest in financial aid.

The application deadline is usually in November for undergraduate programs and in January for graduate programs.

Visit the official website here

4. Harvard University Scholarships

Harvard University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the USA and the world. It is known for its excellence in arts, sciences, law, business, medicine, and public service. Harvard University offers generous scholarships for international students who want to study at its campus.

The Harvard University Scholarships are need-based scholarships that cover full or partial tuition fees depending on your financial need. They are offered for both undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and personal qualities.

The Harvard University Scholarships are very competitive and require a high level of academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. The application process consists of submitting an online application form, transcripts, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews.

Visit the official website here

5. MIT Scholarships

MIT is one of the top universities in the USA and the world. It is known for its excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. MIT offers generous scholarships for international students who want to study at its campus.

The MIT Scholarships are merit-based scholarships that cover full or partial tuition fees depending on your academic performance. They are offered for both undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and personal qualities.

The MIT Scholarships are very competitive and require a high level of academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. The application process consists of submitting an online application form, transcripts, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews.

Visit the official website here

6. University of New Haven Scholarship

The University of New Haven is a private university in Connecticut that offers quality education and career-oriented programs in various fields of study.

The University of New Haven also offers a unique scholarship for international students who want to pursue master’s degrees at the University of New Haven. This scholarship is called the Graduate Assistantship Program.

The Graduate Assistantship Program provides experiential learning and work opportunities for international students during their graduate studies. It also covers 75% of tuition fees and an hourly wage.

To apply for this scholarship, you need to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, a high level of academic achievement, a strong command of English, and a clear study plan or research proposal. You also need to apply for admission to the University of New Haven and indicate your interest in the Graduate Assistantship Program.

The application deadline is usually in March each year.

Visit the official website here

7. University of Memphis Scholarships

The University of Memphis is a public university in Tennessee that offers diverse education and research opportunities in various fields of study.

The University of Memphis also offers generous scholarships for international students who want to pursue undergraduate or master’s degrees at the University of Memphis. These scholarships are funded by the University of Memphis itself or by external donors.

The University of Memphis Scholarships cover the difference in cost between international and domestic non-Tennessee resident tuition rates. This means that international students pay the same tuition fees as domestic students from other states.

To apply for these scholarships, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, a high level of academic achievement, a strong command of English, and a clear study plan or research proposal. You also need to apply for admission to the University of Memphis and indicate your interest in financial aid.

The application deadline is usually in January each year.

Visit the official website here

8. Clark University Scholarships

Clark University is a private research university located in Worcester, Massachusetts. It offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as psychology, geography, management, education, and more.

The Clark University Scholarships are merit-based scholarships for undergraduate and master’s students who want to study at Clark University. The scholarships range from $10,000 to $25,000 per year for undergraduate students and from $5,000 to $15,000 per year for master’s students.

The Clark University Scholarships are open to students from any country who have a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5. The application process involves an online application, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and an essay.

The deadline for the Clark University Scholarships is usually around November or January each year.

Visit the official website here

9. Boise State University Scholarships

Boise State University is a public research university located in Boise, Idaho. It offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as engineering, business, health sciences, education, and more.

The Boise State University Scholarships are merit-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students who want to study at Boise State University. The scholarships range from $2,000 to $15,000 per year for undergraduate students and from $1,000 to $10,000 per year for graduate students.

The Boise State University Scholarships are open to students from any country who have a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The application process involves an online application, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and an essay.

The deadline for the Boise State University Scholarships is usually around December or February each year.

Visit the official website here

10. Berea College Scholarships

Berea College is a private liberal arts college located in Berea, Kentucky. It offers over 30 undergraduate programs in various fields such as arts and sciences, business, education, and more.

The Berea College Scholarships are need-based scholarships for undergraduate students who want to study at Berea College. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses.

The Berea College Scholarships are open to students from any country who have a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The application process involves an online application, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and an essay.

The deadline for the Berea College Scholarships is usually around November or December each year.

Visit the official website here

11. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

American University is a private research university located in Washington D.C. It offers over 160 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as international relations, political science, business, communication, and more.

The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for undergraduate students who want to study at American University. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, room and board, books and supplies, and health insurance.

The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is open to students from any country who have a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.8. The scholarship is aimed at students who have demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to social change in their communities. The application process involves an online application, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and an interview.

The deadline for the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is usually around December each year.

Visit the official website here

12. Rotary Peace Fellowships

The Rotary Peace Fellowships are sponsored by Rotary International, a global network of service-oriented professionals. The fellowships are designed to support peace-building and conflict-resolution initiatives around the world.

The Rotary Peace Fellowships are available for master’s and professional development certificate programs at one of the six Rotary Peace Centers located in Australia, Japan, Sweden, Thailand, the U.K., and the U.S. The fellowships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and fieldwork expenses.

The Rotary Peace Fellowships are open to students from any country who have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field with a minimum of three years of relevant work experience. The fellowships are highly competitive and require a strong commitment to peace and international understanding. The application process involves an online application, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and an interview.

The deadline for the Rotary Peace Fellowships is usually around May or June each year.

Visit the official website here

13. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is a new and innovative scholarship program that aims to develop a diverse and multidisciplinary community of global leaders. The program is funded by a $750 million endowment from Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, and John Hennessy, the former president of Stanford University.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is available for any graduate degree program at Stanford University, including master’s, PhD, MD, JD, MBA, and more. The program covers full tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and leadership development opportunities.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is open to students from any country who have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.5. The program is looking for students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, civic mindset, and independent thought. The application process involves an online application, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and an interview.

The deadline for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is usually around October each year.

Visit the official website here

14. Gates Cambridge Scholarships

The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. The scholarships aim to support outstanding students who have a passion for improving the lives of others through their academic work and leadership.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are available for any full-time postgraduate degree program at the University of Cambridge, including master’s and PhD. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, visa fees, and family allowances.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are open to students from any country outside the U.K. who have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.7. The scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, research potential, leadership skills, social commitment, and fit with Cambridge. The application process involves an online application, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and an interview.

The deadline for the Gates Cambridge Scholarships is usually around October or December each year.

Visit the official website here

15. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

This program is a partnership between the Japanese government and the World Bank, designed to support students from developing countries. If you aspire to make a difference in your home country through advanced studies, this scholarship can be your ticket to a brighter future.

Visit the official website here

16. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Named after the former Vice President, this fellowship program brings outstanding mid-career professionals from around the world to the USA for a year of non-degree academic study. It’s perfect for those looking to enhance their leadership skills and expertise.

Visit the official website here

17. United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships

UWC scholarships are all about fostering peace and international understanding. These scholarships provide a fully-funded education at UWC colleges located in the USA, where you’ll join a diverse community of students from around the world.

Visit the official website here

18. Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

Rotary International offers Global Grant Scholarships for graduate-level coursework or research. These scholarships focus on projects that address pressing global challenges, such as disease prevention and peace-building.

Visit official website here

19. Microsoft Diversity Conference Scholarship

Scholarship Overview: Microsoft is committed to diversity in the tech industry. This scholarship supports students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing STEM degrees.

Visit the official website here

20. United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships

Scholarship Overview: UNCF offers a variety of scholarships to African-American students, providing them with access to quality education and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Visit the official website here

Conclusion

Each of these scholarships is a gateway to pursuing your dreams, whether you aspire to excel in academia, make a difference in your home country, or contribute to global challenges. Remember, the key to a successful scholarship application is not just meeting the eligibility criteria but also showcasing your passion, commitment, and potential impact. So, go ahead, explore these opportunities, and take the first step toward an enriching educational journey in the United States.