Are you eager to begin your higher education in the USA? Great news! There are numerous fully funded scholarships available for international students in the United States.
Scholarships are a key way for international students to finance their studies in the USA. These non-repayable financial awards are often granted to students with exceptional academic achievements, though some also consider volunteer work and professional experience.
In this article, we will provide extensive information about fully funded scholarships offered by top universities in the USA, discuss their benefits, and guide you through the application process.
What you need to know about Scholarships in the U.S.
For international students, the cost of studying abroad can be considerable, especially with tuition fees in a foreign currency. Fully funded scholarships provide a practical solution to this challenge, offering significant financial support.
These scholarships typically cover tuition fees and often include living expenses, allowing students to concentrate on their studies and research without financial concerns.
In the United States, there are over 1000 fully funded scholarships to help foreign students achieve their academic aspirations.
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Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students to Study in the USA
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Fall 2025
To ease the burden of high tuition fees and basic expenses, American University have created a scholarship program. Themed “American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Fall 2025″, international students aspiring to study in the United States can take advantage of this offer.
Applicants must meet the American University admission criteria before applying for this scholarship. The application will end on January 14, 2025, for more information, you can visit the institution’s official website.
- Clark Global Scholarship Program
The Clark Global Scholarship Program 2024 offers fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students, providing between $15,000 and $25,000 per year for four years, depending on the student’s ability to maintain academic standards for renewal.
Established in 1887, Clark University was the first all-graduate institution in the United States. Deadline is on November 15, 2024 / January 1, 2025 (Admission Deadlines). You can visit their official website for more information.
- The HAAA Scholarship
The HAAA Scholarship is now accepting applications from Arab students wishing to pursue undergraduate studies at Harvard University in the USA. Established in 2010 by the Harvard Arab Alumni Association (HAAA), the HAAA Scholarship Fund was created to increase the number of Arab students at Harvard.
The initiative aims to raise $10 million to support Arab students in financial need who are admitted to any of Harvard’s schools. You can only apply after gaining admission into Harvard.
- Boston University Trustee Scholarship
The Trustee Scholarship at Boston University is now accepting applications for the 2024/2025 academic year. This prestigious scholarship is available to international students who have achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average in high school and are among the top-ranked in their class.
Boston University has formally announced the availability of this scholarship for the upcoming academic year. Annually, the university awards the Trustee Scholarship to 20 outstanding students who become part of the Trustee Scholars Program.
The application will end on December 1st, 2024.
- COLFUTURO Postgraduate Scholarships 2025/2026 (Fully Funded)
The COLFUTURO Postgraduate Scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year are now available for Colombian international students. These fully funded scholarships support postgraduate studies in any subject at universities worldwide. Funded by the Foundation for the Future of Colombia, the application deadline is February 28, 2025.
The COLFUTURO program provides scholarship loans to Colombian professionals pursuing advanced degrees abroad. Sponsored by the Fundación para el Futuro de Colombia, this initiative aims to help Colombians gain higher education at leading global universities and contribute to the nation’s development upon their return.
- Berea College Scholarships 2025/2026
The Berea College Scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year in the USA are now open to international students. These fully funded scholarships are available for undergraduate programs in any subject offered at Berea College. The application deadline is January 15, 2025.
Berea College is dedicated to making education accessible and is the only institution in the US that provides 100% funding to all international students for their first year. This comprehensive financial aid package covers tuition, room, board, and fees, alleviating the financial burden for students.
- Seattle University USA Merit Scholarships 2024/2025.
The Seattle University USA Merit Scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year are available to international students. These scholarships support undergraduate studies in any subject offered at Seattle University, with the application deadline remaining open.
New full-time international freshmen admitted to Seattle University will automatically be considered for merit scholarship awards. Recipients must fulfill all university admission requirements for the fall, winter, or spring quarters.
- Cameron Impact Scholarship 2024-2026
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is a comprehensive, merit-based undergraduate award covering full tuition for four years.These awards are driven by a desire to be agents of positive change and intend to shape international educational paths to fulfill this mission.
Each year, this prestigious scholarship is granted to 10-15 outstanding high school students who exhibit exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a strong commitment to community service.
- QuestBridge Scholarships 2025
QuestBridge collaborates with 40 esteemed colleges and universities across the United States to provide the National College Match scholarship.
This scholarship fully covers the cost of attendance at each partnered institution, including tuition, room and board, travel expenses, and books and supplies, without requiring any parental contribution or student loans.
However, recipients may need to contribute through work-study programs or personal savings. The application will end by September 26, 2024.
- Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships 2024/2025
Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) offers Merit-Based Scholarships, President’s Scholarships, and Need-Based Financial Aid to international students applying for their first year in the university’s Bachelor’s programs.
The purpose of these awards is to financially support incoming first-year students who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree at IWU. All applications close on February 15, 2025.
Requirements for Scholarships Application Process
While the requirements for each scholarships are different, most applications follow a similar process: completing an online form, submitting required documents, and waiting for the results.
When you find a study abroad scholarship to apply for, begin gathering your documents. Typically, your application should include the following:
1. Motivation letter
This is the most crucial document for securing a scholarship. It might also be referred to as a scholarship essay or personal statement, so ensure you know how to write one effectively.
2. Proof of achievements
Provide evidence of your academic, athletic, or artistic accomplishments.
3. Income verification
For need-based scholarships, you may need to submit official proof of your income.
4. University acceptance letter
You must have a document confirming your acceptance into the university; without this, you cannot be awarded a scholarship.
5. Translated documents
If any of your documents are in another language, include an officially translated copy.
Who can Apply for Scholarship to Study in the United States?
Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can apply. While it may seem obvious, different scholarships are designed for different types of students.
These criteria—often referred to as requirements, eligibility, or selection criteria—specify the qualifications needed to compete for the scholarship funds.
Always review these criteria to ensure the scholarship is suitable for you, so you don’t waste time applying for those you aren’t eligible for. Common conditions include:
- Academic Excellence
A solid academic record is frequently a key requirement.
- Nationality/Residency
Numerous scholarships are intended for students from specific countries or regions.
- Study Field
Certain scholarships are available only to students in specific disciplines, like STEM, arts, or humanities.
- Work Experience
Especially for postgraduate scholarships, relevant work experience might be necessary.
- Age Restrictions
Some scholarships have age limits. Most scholarships don’t allow people over the age of 30 for undergraduates
- Previous Degree
Postgraduate scholarships often require a related undergraduate degree with a specific GPA.
What types of Scholarships are out there?
There are various types of scholarships for international students to study in USA. Here are the most common ones:
- Academic Scholarships
These are for students with outstanding academic records. Universities and colleges frequently offer these, but other organizations do as well.
- Scholarships for Research, Artistic, or Athletic Achievements
If you excel in research, sports, or the arts, this category is for you. Athletic scholarships are particularly common in the US, but they are available in other countries too. You must demonstrate your talent to qualify for these scholarships.
- Scholarships for Students from Low-Income HHouseholds
These scholarships aim to help students with low incomes who cannot afford tuition fees or living expenses. Similar to grants, they are offered by universities and other organizations to support students who might later contribute positively to their communities.
- Scholarships for Underrepresented Groups
These scholarships aim to support individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them pursue education without financial worries.
Examples include scholarships for women, students from developing countries, or those from specific ethnicities or nationalities.
- Scholarships for All International Students
Some scholarships are open to any international students willing to pursue their education, regardless of their background. Offered by private institutions or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), these scholarships have broad and general requirements, not targeting a specific region, minority, or skill.
Read Also: United States Jobs for Immigrants – USA Employment Opportunities
Conclusion
Scholarships are a form of gift aid, meaning you don’t have to repay the money. They are typically awarded based on merit. This makes them similar to study grants, which are usually need-based, but different from student loans, which must be repaid with interest.
However, the scholarship awards listed above are not available for American citizens or immigrants who hold permanent residency in the USA. This fully funded scholarships from foreign country to study in the United States.
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