Studying in the United states of America is a very big achievement for a lot of scholars but the financial cost to achieve such a feat isn’t small. However, if you’re privileged to have access to information like the one contained in this blog, then who knows you might be on your way to the USA for studies at no significant cost to you because of the availability of scholarships, grants, or waivers.
In this article we’re going to disclose all the scholarships that are available for international students in the USA regardless of your region. These scholarships range from government sponsored to university-specific, NGOs and others.
The United States of America (USA) is inarguably the best study destination for most international students due to the availability of plenty of high ranking universities and Ivy league schools like Stanford, Yale, Harvard, and others. A lot of international students would really love to study in the USA but only a small fraction of them can fund the cost of studying there as the financial commitment can be overwhelming. This is where scholarships come in to help you subsidize or eliminate the cost of studying in the USA, so you can focus on your studies without worrying about the humongous tuition fee or living cost.
Why Study in the United States?
Studying in the United States has a lot of benefits that it could give an international student because a lot of opportunities abound here. Your career, standard of living, and every other thing will elevate in this country as the system here rewards hard work or academic excellence unlike some developing countries.
1. World-Class Education and Research Opportunities
US universities are highly ranked among world universities because they offer world-class education and research opportunities. For instance, students from most third-world countries who have completed their undergraduate programs in their home country would still wish to have the opportunity of coming to the USA for masters and even Phd.
2. Diverse Cultural Environment
It’s no longer news that the US is the most preferred destination of most immigrants from around the world and this makes it the nation with the most diverse cultural environment. So, as an international student you will have the chance to socialize and network with colleagues or classmates from different parts of the world with diverse cultural backgrounds.
3. Innovative Teaching Methods and Practical Exposure
American institutions emphasize interactive and experiential learning. Internships, lab work, and project-based assignments prepare students for real-world challenges, making graduates more competitive in the global job market.
4. Career Opportunities and Alumni Networks
Most US universities have a strong and community focused alumni network which can facilitate internships, job placement, and other career aiding opportunities for graduates.
5. Scholarship and Financial Aid Programs
Some of these schools in the USA offer scholarships and financial aid programs to eligible students to ease the financial stress of studying in the US in order to enable them to pay more attention to their books instead of worrying over tuition fees, living cost, or where their next meal is going to come from.
Overview of USA Scholarships for International Students
In this 2025, the types of scholarships available to international students in the USA can be categorized under three (3) major types which are Government-funded scholarships, University-specific, and Private & Non-governmental scholarships.
1. Government-Funded Scholarships
These scholarships are offered by federal and state agencies, often through culturally oriented exchange programs. They usually cover full tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs. Examples include:
Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Perhaps the most prestigious, this program provides opportunities for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the U.S.
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: A non-degree program for mid-career professionals, offering academic and professional enrichment opportunities.
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Many U.S. universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These awards may be merit-based, need-based, or targeted towards students in certain fields. For example:
Miami University Presidential Fellows Program: Designed for outstanding undergraduate applicants, offering full or partial tuition coverage.
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: This scholarship awards full tuition to international students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential.
3. Private and Non-Governmental Scholarships
Private foundations, NGOs, and other non-profit organizations also contribute significantly to funding international education. These awards vary widely in scope and eligibility:
AAUW International Fellowships: Offered by the American Association of University Women for female international students pursuing advanced degrees.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University: Provides full funding for graduate students, along with leadership training and personal development.
Asides the aforementioned 3 major groups of scholarships available for all kinds of international students in the US, there are other varieties of scholarships available to specific groups of international scholars such as scholarships for special students, scholarships for African students, scholarships for financially challenged students etc. All these are provided because the importance of education can never be overemphasized and the USA is trying her best to make sure almost everybody regardless of your circumstances or situation has access to quality education.
Now, we are going to throw more light on the major types of scholarships we discussed earlier which are government-funded, university-specific, and private & non-governmental scholarships.
Government-Funded Scholarship Programs
Below is a few types of government-funded scholarship programs available in the USA
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which is one of the government-funded scholarship programs in the USA, was established immediately after World War II. This was established so that American students can interact with students from other regions (international students).
Key Features:
Key features include the following.
Coverage: Full funding including tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance.
Eligibility: Open to graduate students, young professionals, and artists from over 160 countries.
Application Process
: Involves detailed proposals or statements of purpose, recommendation letters, and interviews.
Impact
: Fulbright alumni include Nobel Prize winners and leaders in various fields.
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
Aimed at mid-career professionals from developing countries, the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree initiative that focuses on leadership and professional development. Fellows are placed in U.S. academic institutions for a year, where they can enhance their knowledge in their respective fields while engaging with diverse cultural perspectives.
Key Features:
Duration: 10 months of academic study and practical experience.
Coverage: Includes a stipend, travel support, and comprehensive health benefits.
Eligibility: Requires several years of professional experience and demonstrated leadership potential.
These programs not only fund education but also facilitate long-term global connections and foster leadership skills among future change-makers.
University-Specific Scholarships
Most universities in the US have set aside funds to finance scholarships for some international students who have recorded some form of academic excellence.
Example:
Miami University Presidential Fellows Program
Miami University, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and diversity, offers the Presidential Fellows Program for international undergraduate students. This prestigious award covers tuition and, in some cases, provides additional stipends for living expenses.
Highlights:
See the overview of the Miami university scholarship below.
Eligibility: High-achieving students with leadership experience.
Benefits: Full or partial tuition coverage, access to university resources, and opportunities for mentorship.
Application: Typically involves a detailed application, including essays, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Other University Programs
Numerous other U.S. institutions offer similar awards:
- Illinois Wesleyan University International Students Scholarships
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University (for graduate studies)
- Berea College Scholarships – Notably, Berea College offers a unique model where international students are provided a full-tuition scholarship coupled with a work-study component.
- University of Oregon ICSP Scholarships – Offering a range of financial awards from partial to full tuition waivers.
Some of these scholarships have different application time, we enjoin you to check their respective website to get the most up to date information about them.
Private and Non-Governmental Scholarships
Private organisations and NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) often target international students from some specific region or discipline to sponsor their education in the US. Whenever you hear about Mastercard scholarships, Chevening scholarships, Shell scholarships and other types of scholarships offered by multinational companies, just know that they fall under the private and non-governmental scholarships we are talking about.
Below are some of the USA scholarships for international students that fall under the private and non-governmental scholarships.
AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers international fellowships specifically for female scholars pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies. These fellowships aim to empower women through education and support research in a broad range of disciplines.
Key Features:
Coverage: Varies by award; may include tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Eligibility: Open to non-U.S. women who are committed to advancing gender equity.
Impact: AAUW fellows have contributed significantly to their fields, often becoming leaders in academia, business, and public service.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
At Stanford University, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for international graduate students. It provides comprehensive funding for graduate studies along with opportunities for leadership development, mentoring, and networking.
Key Features:
Coverage: Full funding for tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Eligibility: Open to students from all countries and across all disciplines.
Program Benefits: Leadership training, community-building activities, and global networking events.
Other Notable Private Scholarships
Several other private scholarships provide substantial support for international students:
The Fulbright Program (as discussed earlier, though it is government-supported, it is often administered in partnership with private entities).
The Davis United World College Scholars Program: This program is the world’s largest privately funded international scholarship program. It is specifically designed for graduates from United World Colleges (UWC) and has paid tuition for over 10,000 students since its inception.
Scholarships for Special Groups
Recognizing the diversity of the international student community, many scholarships are designed for specific groups or demographics. These awards aim to address unique challenges or to promote the inclusion of underrepresented communities.
Scholarships for Women
Women form a significant portion of international applicants, and many scholarships are aimed at empowering female students.
AAUW International Fellowships: These awards provide financial support for women pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies, emphasizing projects that promote gender equity.
Other University-Specific Programs: Institutions like Wellesley College and other women’s colleges often offer exclusive scholarships to female international students, highlighting leadership, community service, and academic excellence.
Other Types of Scholarships Available to International Students in The US
Now that you already know that there are a lot of scholarships available for international students in 2025, we also thought it’s important to share more scholarship opportunities that you can apply to as an international student. Below are some of them.
1 Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Familiar right? Yes, you should be conversant with this scholarship program by now because we talked about it under the three major types of scholarships available for international students. It falls under the governmental scholarship program in the USA.
The Fulbright foreign student scholarship program offers full funding for masters and doctoral students. This covers tuition, living cost, and even health insurance thereby taking almost every financial worry from the student. This program is open to international students from over 160 countries.
Apply via: Fulbright Program
2 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
This scholarship program is suitable for people looking to enroll in a vocational training or a non-degree program in the USA.
According to information gotten from the Huberft H Humphrey official website, the program enhances leadership among international professionals who collaborate to address local and global challenges and foster change for our collective good. This growing global network shares best practices and builds expertise in fields of critical importance to advance societal and institutional capacity, promote human rights, freedoms, ensure sustainable environments, and develop thriving communities.
Enough had been said already. If you wish to apply for this program, you can do so by using the application link below:
Application Link: Humphrey Fellowship
3 Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)
Like the parenthesis, this scholarship program is sponsored by the ever prestigious Stanford University. It offers full funding to graduate students across all disciplines, and it is open to international students from any country of the world.
Application Link: Knight-Hennessy Scholars
4 Yale University Scholarships
Whoever gets to enter Yale should be celebrated very well because this school is one of the top universities in the whole wide world and also a private Ivy league school for that matter. So, it’s not a small feat to gain admission into this school as their acceptance rate is at 5%.
Yale University was founded in 1701, and it’s a private Ivy league research university located in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. It is the third oldest institution of higher education in the US, and it offers scholarships to international students from any part of the world if you meet her requirements.
Give it a try by applying with the application link below:
Scholarships for African Students
There are numerous scholarships programs available for African students who are willing to further their education in the US. Since no country in Africa is rated as tier 1 country by global standard, then their educational system can’t be compared to the one that US universities offer.
Below are some of the available scholarships in the USA specifically for international students of African origin.
1 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Mastercard is an American multinational payment card services corporation headquartered in Purchase, NewYork. This company was founded in 1966, and has grown to become a giant in the financial world. They value education and this is why they fund scholarships for international students who may be from regions where quality education is rarely within reach.
Mastercard has a scholarship program tagged the mastercard foundation scholars program which offers to cover tuition fee, living cost, health insurance, and other bills for international students especially of african descent. You can apply for this scholarship through this link showing blue.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars
2 Wesleyan African Scholars Program
If you are an African student looking to go into university but can’t stand the financial cost, then you should pay keen attention here.
The Wesleyan African Scholars Program offers fully funded scholarships to African students with exceptional academic prowess. You can apply by using the link below:
Quicky glance through this testimony of a beneficiary of this scholarship program. She is a 25 years old lady from Kenya, and if not for the Wesleyan African Scholars, she wouldn’t have stepped her feet in the four walls of any university or college. Read her story below:
“Diana Naiyanoi Kimojino,female, 25, faced with the reality that less than five percent of Kenyan women attend college, she was determined to continue her education, even if it meant going against her family’s wishes and cultural norms. Growing up, my education is always a point of contention with my family and the community. My mother’s emphasis was to train me in the traditional ways of being a good wife and less on pursuing as an academic or perhaps an economist. Now i’m an economics major at Wesleyan, She (my mother) now feels an immense call of duty to bring awareness to her Kenyan community about the benefits of college access for women”
3 Beit Trust Scholarships
This scholarship program is focused on providing funding for international master and PhD students from select african countries like Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to study not only in the US but other developed countries like UK, Ireland, or even South Africa. Apply here at
Beit Trust
Scholarships for Underprivileged Students
Most times, the reason we have a lot of out-of school kids and drop-outs is because of privilege. Most drop-outs, especially those from low income regions, dropped out of school due to financial issues. This is where the following scholarship programs come to help. So, if you’re academically sound but couldn’t further your education because of finance, then this is your time, hurry up and apply to the scholarships programs below:
- Gates Scholarship
A quick glance through the home page of the official website of the Gates scholarships, shows that the program is a highly selective, last dollar scholarship for outstanding minority, high school seniors from low-income house-holds. If this is you, waste no time and apply via the application link below:
Application Link: Gates Scholarship
2 International Peace Scholarship for Women
Provides funding for women from other countries pursuing graduate degrees in the U.S.
Application Link: International Peace Scholarship
3 African Leadership University (ALU) Financial Aid
Offers need-based financial aid for students across Africa.
Apply via
ALU Financial Aid
Strategies to Improve Your Scholarship Application
Every year a lot of people apply for scholarships so that they can study in the USA at no significant cost to them, but not all of them know how to craft a strong application to these scholarships, and this is why most people get rejected by the programs.
In the following guide, we are going to hold you by the hand and show you a step by step guide to improve your scholarship application to increase your chances of winning a mouth watering offer. That being said, below is the step by step guide:
Research scholarships at least a year before applying to ensure you meet all deadlines and you’re up to date. You can do this by checking the official website of the scholarship body of which some of their links were provided in some parts of this blog article.
- Step Two— Write a Compelling Personal Statement
Focus on your achievements, career goals, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to your community. Make sure you put your best while doing this because this is like a CV to a job seeker. So, do not hesitate to sell yourself by highlighting all your academic achievements and excellence.
- Step Three— Secure Strong Recommendation Letters
Ask for letters from teachers, mentors, or employers who know you well. That lecturer or teacher that is always impressed by your intelligence, and the boss that is always happy with your work ethic are some of the best people to approach when looking for a letter of recommendation.
- Step Four— Diversify Your Applications
Apply for both well-known and lesser-known scholarships to increase your chances of winning an award. Tip: check out almost all the scholarship links provided in these blog posts.
Step Five— Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
Most scholarships awarding universities in the USA and other highly educational inclined countries of the world like Canada, Germany, UK, Australia, and others prefer students with leadership qualities and those involved in extracurricular activities in their community.
How to Apply for Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide
Knowing the steps to take in order to win a scholarship is very important if you wish to go study in the USA without any financial constraint by leveraging available USA scholarships for international students. Without saying much, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Research Available Scholarships
Finding the right scholarships is the first and most important step. The more targeted your search, the higher your chances of success. Also, you will need to check if you’re eligible for a specific scholarship before applying, and don’t forget to note that scholarships with high success rate are the best type to consider when making an application.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Most scholarships require official academic records. Ensure they are up-to-date and translated into English if necessary. Some scholarships have a minimum GPA requirement, so check before applying.
Some programs also require scores from tests like:
- SAT/ACT (For undergraduate programs in the U.S.)
- GRE/GMAT (For graduate studies)
- IELTS/TOEFL (For non-native English speakers)
If a test score is required, register early and allow time for retakes if necessary. Some universities also waive test requirements under specific conditions, so check their policies.
Personal Statement/Essay
Your scholarship essay should reflect your achievements, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship. Tips for writing a strong essay:
- Highlight your unique experiences. What sets you apart from other applicants?
- Demonstrate your leadership skills and community involvement.
- Be concise and persuasive. Avoid generic statements and instead tell a compelling story.
- Follow the given prompt. Answer all parts of the question and stay within the word limit.
Letters of Recommendation
Choose referees who know you well and can speak to your abilities and character. These could be:
- Teachers or professors
- Employers
- Community leaders
Provide your referees with sufficient time to write the letter and supply them with details about the scholarship to help them craft a stronger recommendation.
Proof of Financial Need (If Required)
For need-based scholarships, you may need to submit bank statements, income proof, or affidavits. Some scholarships require tax documents or a statement explaining your financial situation.
Additional Supporting Documents
Certain scholarships require extra documents such as:
- A CV or Resume outlining academic and extracurricular achievements.
- A Research Proposal for PhD applicants.
- Portfolio (for arts and design scholarships).
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Ensure you meet the deadline and provide all required documents. Late or incomplete applications are often disqualified. Some applications are online, while others may require mailed documents.
Check for grammar mistakes and clarity. You can use tools like Grammarly or ask a mentor for feedback. Spelling errors and unclear writing can negatively impact your application.
Submitting early helps avoid last-minute technical issues. Some scholarships close applications once they receive a certain number of submissions, so applying early is beneficial as time is of the essence.
Step 4: Prepare for Interviews (If Required)
Some scholarships require an interview as part of the selection process. Here’s how to prepare:
- Research common scholarship interview questions.
- Practice with a mentor or friend.
- Dress professionally and maintain confidence.
Common Questions
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why do you deserve this scholarship?
- How do you plan to contribute to your community after your studies?
- What are your long-term career goals?
Step 5: Follow Up and Stay Positive
Scholarship committees may contact you for additional information or interview requests. Missing a response deadline can result in disqualification. So, we advise you to always check your email regularly.
Apply for Multiple Scholarships
Don’t put all your hopes on one application. The more you apply, the higher your chances of securing funding. Even small scholarships can add up and help cover expenses.
Learn from Rejections
If you don’t succeed, request feedback and improve your application for future opportunities. Many successful applicants faced multiple rejections before securing funding.
Use Scholarship Databases
Several platforms help students find suitable scholarships, including:
Conclusion
In this article we talked extensively on USA scholarships for all international students 2025, and we also urged you to apply as soon as possible to meet the deadline. The USA is a dream country for most people, especially international students as the country offers high quality education coupled with other good things in life like good career prospects for graduates or skilled workers, quality healthcare system etc.
This blog post explains everything you need to know about all the ongoing scholarships in the USA as Q2 of 2025 just began at the time of writing this value-filled article. We outlined all the scholarships available for international students and links to their official websites where you can formally start the application process.
We also explained that USA scholarships for international students fall under three (3) major groups namely: Governmental scholarships, University-specific scholarships, and Non-governmental scholarships. This we did with a detailed explanation of their differences and similarities.
Moving on, other types of USA international scholarships available for international students were also revealed with links to their official website. One of them which targeted African students and had a testimony of a 25 years old Kenyan woman who got the opportunity to go to college which she wouldn;t have had without it— this testimony or true life story was written down boldly on the scholarships official website, see here,
wesleyan african scholarships.
With everything being said, what are you still waiting for? Start applying to all the suitable scholarships programs we provided in this blog.
