The United States welcomes a large number of international students every year, with thousands of students applying to various universities. Since 2019, over 1.7 million international students have enrolled in master’s degree programs at US universities. This marks a significant increase from the mid-1950s when only about 35,000 international students were enrolled. We understand that applying for scholarships can be daunting due to eligibility criteria and strong competition. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of the top 20 scholarships available for international students in the USA.

Scholarships Eligibility Criteria for International Students in the US
While each organization of scholarships for international students in the USA may have its standards, there are a few that they all share. Overseas student applicants must generally meet the following standards for fully funded scholarships in the USA:
- Transcripts.
- Standardized test scores.
- SAT or ACT.
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, PTE Academic).
- Essays.
- Recommendation Letters.
7. Copy of your valid passport.
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Top 20 Scholarship opportunities for International Students in the USA
The United States welcomes a large number of international students every year, with thousands of students applying to various universities. Since 2019, over 1.7 million international students have enrolled in master’s degree programs at US universities. This marks a significant increase from the mid-1950s when only about 35,000 international students were enrolled. We understand that applying for scholarships can be daunting due to eligibility criteria and strong competition. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of the top 20 scholarships available for international students in the USA.
US Fulbright Scholar Program
- Host University: Universities in the USA
- Level of Study: Masters/Ph.D
- Type of Scholarship: Partially Funded
- Award Amount: 25,000$
- Period: One academic year
This scholarship is among the initial options for international students that we are considering. The United States provides numerous opportunities for cultural exchange, one of which is the Fulbright Program. By facilitating the exchange of individuals, knowledge, and expertise, this scholarship aims to promote intercultural diplomacy and competence between Americans and individuals from other countries. The Fulbright Scholar Program for Academics and Professionals awards over 1,700 fellowships each year.
Fulbright Foreign Students scholarship
- Host University: Universities in the USA
- Level of Study: Masters/Ph.D.
- Type of Scholarship: Fully Funded
- Award Amount: Variable
- Time Period: One Year or more
Thanks to the Fulbright Foreign Students Scholarship, international graduate students, young professionals, and artists have the opportunity to study and conduct research in the United States. These fully funded scholarships are available to individuals from over 160 countries worldwide, providing comprehensive financial support for tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance. Each year, more than 4,000 international students are awarded Fulbright fellowships, enabling them to pursue advanced degrees, conduct research, and contribute to cross-cultural understanding. The Fulbright program emphasizes academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to mutual understanding between the United States and other nations.
Clark Global Scholarship Program
- Host University: Universities in the USA
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Type of Scholarship: Partially funded
- Award Amount: $15,000 to $25,000
- Time Period: 4 Years
The Clark Global Award Program 2024 is a fully funded scholarship opportunity in the USA, established in 1887. It is tailored for first-year international students seeking undergraduate studies. It’s important to note that this scholarship is not available for transfer students, and renewal is contingent upon approval.
Yale University Scholarships USA
- Host University: Yale University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate/Masters/Ph.D
- Type of Scholarship: Partially
- Award Amount: $50,000- $70,000
- Time Period: Yearly Renewable
Yale University offers a wide range of scholarships for international students who wish to pursue undergraduate or master’s degrees at this esteemed institution. As a member of the Ivy League, Yale presents numerous financial aid options to assist talented students from all corners of the globe. These scholarships encompass need-based financial aid, merit-based awards, and specialized scholarships for various academic programs and fields of study. The objective is to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to top-notch education at one of the world’s foremost universities. Scholarships are granted based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need, exemplifying Yale’s dedication to cultivating a diverse and inclusive academic community.
Treasure Scholarship at Boise State University
- Host University: Boise State University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Award Amount: $8,460
- Type of Scholarship: Partially
- Time Period: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
The Presidential Scholarship, conferred annually by the Board of Admissions, is awarded to incoming first-year students who demonstrate exceptional academic accomplishments. Aside from their scholarly achievements, Presidential Scholars display outstanding leadership within their school communities and are acknowledged as some of the most academically proficient students.
Boston University Presidential Scholarship
- Host University: Boston University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Type of Scholarship: Partially
- Award Amount: $25,000
- Time Period: Four years
The prestigious Presidential Scholarship is presented annually by the Board of Admissions to exceptional incoming first-year students who showcase outstanding academic achievements. In addition to their scholarly accomplishments, Presidential Scholars also exhibit exemplary leadership within their school communities and are recognized as some of the most gifted and talented students.
Berea College Scholarships
- Host University: Berea College
- Level of Study: Undergraduate.
- Type of Scholarship: Partially/ Fully Funded
- Award Amount: Variable
- Time Period: Complete Program Span
All international students enrolled at Berea College are granted full financial support for their first academic year. This financial aid package, which includes scholarships, covers a portion of their tuition, accommodation, and board expenses. To assist with their living costs, international students are advised to set aside $1,000 (US) annually in the following years. Additionally, students can use their earnings (approximately $2,000 in the first year) to cover personal expenses.
Cornell University Financial Aid
- Host University: Cornell University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Type of Scholarship: Partially
- Award Amount: $51,026
- Time Period: Annual work-study award
The College Scholarships for Cornell program offers financial aid to international students based on their demonstrated need. This fully subsidized award is only available for undergraduate studies. International students who have been accepted and can show financial need are eligible for this scholarship.
Onsi Sawiris Scholarship
- Host University: Universities in the USA
- Level of Study: Universities/Masters/PhD
- Type of Scholarship: Fully Funded
- Award Amount: Variable
- Time Period: Two Years
The fully funded scholarship program in the USA for international students, established in 2000, has supported 91 deserving individuals in pursuing their educational aspirations. The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship program, initiated by Orascom Construction, aims to enhance Egypt’s economic competitiveness by granting full-tuition scholarships to Egyptian students enrolled in reputable institutions in the United States.
Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
- Host University: Illinois Wesleyan University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Type of Scholarship: Partially
- Award Amount: $10,00 to $24,000
- Time Period: Yearly
Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) offers a range of undergraduate scholarships for international students studying in the USA. As an international student planning to enroll in the first year of a bachelor’s degree program at IWU, you can apply for need-based financial aid, merit-based scholarships, and president’s scholarships. In addition to merit scholarships, students may also be eligible for loans, campus jobs, and scholarships funded by IWU.
11. Freedom Foundation Scholarship
Host University: Universities in the USA
Level of Study: Non-degree
Type of Scholarship: Partially
Award Amount: $60,000
Time Period: Year Long
This fully funded scholarship is designed for experienced professionals who are looking to enhance their leadership skills by exchanging knowledge and insights on important topics between the United States and their home countries. This non-degree program provides valuable career advancement prospects through a combination of college courses, conference involvement, networking, and practical work experiences.
12. Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
- Host University: Stanford University
- Level of Study: Masters/Ph.D.
- Type of Scholarship: Fully Funded
- Award Amount: $300,000
- Time Period: Yearly
The Knight Hennesy scholarship at Stanford University is open to international students and is a fully funded award. These fully funded scholarships in the USA for international students in 2024 are available for master’s and Doctoral degrees and cover the entire tuition and living and academic costs.
13. The Gates Scholarship Program
- Host University: Universities in the USA
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Type of Scholarship: Fully Funded
- Award Amount: Variable
- Time Period: Complete Program Span
Outstanding minority high school graduates from low-income families are eligible for The Gates Grant (TGS), a last-dollar grant. These fully funded scholarships are received by 300 students every year in the US.
14. Tulane University Scholarship
- Host University: Tulane University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Type of Scholarship: Fully Funded
- Award Amount: Variable
- Time Period: Renewable for 4 years
A fully funded scholarship in UA has been established for international students from Sub-Saharan African nations. Undergraduates at Tulane who are enrolled full-time will be given priority for this prize, which will pay the whole application fee.
15. Radford University Scholarship
- Host University: Radford University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Type of Scholarship: Fully Funded
- Award Amount: Variable
- Time Period: Yearly
The Radford University Scholarship is fully funded and offered to students with academic and leadership achievements. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must meet the university’s admission requirements and submit a scholarship application. The application deadline varies depending on the program.
16. Stanford University Scholarship
- Host University: Stanford University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Type of Scholarship: Fully Funded
- Award Amount: Variable
- Time Period: Yearly
The University of Stanford awards several scholarships to students based on need, merit, and eligibility. These scholarships for international students in the USA cover tuition, room, board, and other academic expenses. To be eligible, students must complete the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile.
17. Marconi International University
- Host University: Marconi International University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate
- Type of Scholarship: Partially
- Award Amount: 50% of the amount
- Time Period: Complete Program Span
MIU also offers several scholarships for international students in the USA to eligible students. The scholarships are offered to domestic and international students and cover partial or full tuition fees. To be eligible for the MIU scholarship, students must meet the university’s admission requirements and submit a scholarship application.
18. Frostburg State University
- Institution: Frostburg State University
- Host University: Undergraduate, Graduate
- Type of Scholarship: Partially
- Award Amount: $15,400
- Time Period: Yearly Renewal
Frostburg State University offers scholarships for international students in the USA who do well academically and actively participate in their community. These fully funded scholarships in the USA can cover partial or full tuition fees, depending on the applicant. Interested applicants must meet admission requirements and submit a scholarship application before the deadline, which ranges from February to June.
19. University of New Haven
- Host University: Frostburg State University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate
- Type of Scholarship: Partially
- Award Amount: $21,000 to $26,000
- Time Period: Complete Program Span
The University of New Haven in Connecticut provides numerous scholarships for international students in the USA to qualified students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These fully funded scholarships in the USA are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and exceptional achievements in diverse fields.
20. The HA Scholarship
- Host University: Harvard University
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Type of Scholarship: Fully Funded
- Award Amount: Partially
- Time Period: Complete Program Span
In an effort to address the underrepresentation of Arabs and to promote understanding of the Arab world at Harvard, HAAA is collaborating with the university on two important initiatives. Project Harvard Admissions aims to assist Arab high school and college students in navigating the Harvard application process while also fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience. Additionally, the organization is striving to raise $10 million to provide fully funded scholarships for Arab students accepted to Harvard’s colleges who may struggle to afford tuition.
Scholarships and Their Importance
Scholarships are financial awards granted to students to aid them in pursuing their education. In several rankings, many universities and institutions in the United States have topped the charts. Therefore, degrees earned at US universities are highly prized by employers everywhere.
Additionally, you ought to think about applying for scholarships for international students in the USA for the reasons listed below:
1. Excellent Support Services
To simplify the transition to a US university, these universities provide services to help overseas students prepare for their classes. Additionally, initiatives are being taken to enable international students to continue their careers with some of the greatest companies.
2. Enhanced Learning Environments
Due to modern technology, American educational institutions can keep their curricula current with all the gadgets and fascinating virtual experiences.
3. Relaxed Academic Atmosphere
An ideal student atmosphere is created by continuous growth for students in various academic fields through a fully-funded scholarship to study in the United States. American educational institutions actively alter their classroom layouts based on your learning objectives to make studying interesting.
Lastly, after a thorough study of the above scholarships in the USA, one must know that some of them are solely either merit-based or need-based. There is a certain threshold for students to cross to be eligible for a scholarship. Moving on, The United States of America is undoubtedly home to some of the finest universities in the world, but these universities often come with high tuition costs. Looking at the bright side, scholarships are God-sent gifts, and they are made available to students for all fields of study. With that being said, all the best for your future endeavors.