The United States has long been a top destination for international students seeking quality education. The opportunity to study in the USA comes with the potential for life-changing experiences, exposure to diverse cultures, and the development of a global network. However, studying in the United States can be expensive, which is why scholarships are a crucial factor in making higher education more accessible for international students. This comprehensive guide explores some of the best scholarship programs available for international students who wish to study in the USA.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious and well-known scholarship programs for international students. Sponsored by the U.S. government, the Fulbright Program offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States.
- Eligibility: Open to students from over 155 countries. Applicants must have completed undergraduate education and meet the specific eligibility requirements of their home country.
- Fields of Study: All fields, except for medical studies that involve patient contact.
- Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
The Fulbright Program emphasizes cultural exchange, with students expected to participate in community activities and share their culture with Americans. The application process is competitive and involves multiple stages, including language proficiency tests, personal essays, and interviews.
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides ten months of non-degree academic study and related professional experiences in the United States. It is intended for mid-career professionals who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to public service in either the public or private sector.
- Eligibility: Open to professionals from developing countries who have a minimum of five years of substantial professional experience.
- Fields of Study: Public policy, law and human rights, public health, education, and others.
- Benefits: Tuition fees, living allowance, accident and health insurance, a book allowance, and travel expenses.
The program aims to enhance the leadership skills of participants, providing them with opportunities to develop professional capacities through academic coursework, professional development activities, and networking.
3. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is aimed at students from developing countries who are applying to a development-related master’s program. The scholarship is a significant resource for those pursuing careers in international development and is offered in partnership with various universities across the world, including several in the United States.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be from World Bank member developing countries, have relevant professional experience, and hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- Fields of Study: Development-related fields, such as economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.
- Benefits: Tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance.
The program supports students who are committed to returning to their home country and contributing to its economic development.
4. American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
The AAUW International Fellowships are awarded to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who wish to pursue full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States. The program has been helping women pursue academic and professional advancement since 1917.
- Eligibility: Women from all countries except the United States. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and plan to return to their home country upon completion of their studies.
- Fields of Study: All fields of study are eligible.
- Benefits: $18,000 to $30,000, depending on the level of study, which can be used for tuition, living expenses, and educational supplies.
The AAUW also offers special awards for women studying in non-traditional fields such as engineering and mathematics.
5. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. The Foundation gives priority to master’s degree programs but is open to doctoral studies if strong reasons are provided.
- Eligibility: Students from specific developing countries with a track record of excellent academic performance.
- Fields of Study: No restrictions, although certain fields like Islamic studies and development studies are given preference.
- Benefits: The scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis and cover tuition fees and living expenses.
The selection process is highly competitive, with an emphasis on applicants who are genuinely in need of financial assistance and are willing to return to their home country to contribute to its development.
6. Global Study Awards
The Global Study Awards is a relatively new scholarship initiative, created in partnership between the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC), British Council IELTS, and StudyPortals. The awards encourage young people to study abroad as part of their academic experience to gain valuable insights and skills.
- Eligibility: Open to students from all countries who have taken an IELTS test and hold a valid ISIC card.
- Fields of Study: All fields of study are eligible.
- Benefits: Up to £10,000 for tuition fees and other expenses.
Recipients are selected based on their motivation to contribute to society through their studies and future careers.
7. Rotary Peace Fellowships
The Rotary Peace Fellowships are awarded to up to 100 individuals each year who are pursuing a master’s degree or professional certificate in peace and conflict resolution. The program operates at six Rotary Peace Centers around the world, including institutions in the United States.
- Eligibility: Open to individuals with a strong commitment to international understanding and peace, demonstrated through professional and academic achievements.
- Fields of Study: Peace and conflict resolution, and related fields.
- Benefits: Tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, and other related expenses.
The fellowship is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about contributing to peace efforts on a global scale.
8. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is one of the most comprehensive and competitive scholarship programs in the United States. It is designed to prepare students to be global leaders who are equipped to tackle complex challenges facing the world.
- Eligibility: Open to students from all countries who are applying to any graduate program at Stanford University.
- Fields of Study: All fields offered at Stanford University.
- Benefits: Full tuition, a stipend for living expenses, and travel grants.
The program also includes leadership development, mentorship opportunities, and experiential learning.
9. Foreign Fulbright Student Program
The Foreign Fulbright Student Program is an initiative of the U.S. government to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. It offers full scholarships to international students for a master’s or PhD program.
- Eligibility: Open to students from over 160 countries who have completed their undergraduate education.
- Fields of Study: All fields, except medical studies.
- Benefits: Full tuition, a living stipend, travel expenses, and health insurance.
The program is highly competitive and emphasizes academic excellence and leadership potential.
10. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships are aimed at Indian students who want to study abroad in the USA, Europe, or the UK. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and one-way airfare.
- Eligibility: Indian nationals who have secured admission to a reputable institution and have not yet begun their coursework.
- Fields of Study: All fields except engineering, computer science, business studies, medicine, public health, and fashion design.
- Benefits: Covers tuition, living expenses, and one-way airfare.
The selection process involves a personal interview and a detailed application, including academic and extracurricular achievements.
11. PEO International Peace Scholarship
The PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada. The aim is to foster peace through education.
- Eligibility: Women from countries other than the United States and Canada who are committed to returning to their home country to make a positive impact.
- Fields of Study: All fields of study are eligible.
- Benefits: Up to $12,500 annually, which is renewable for up to two years.
The scholarship is need-based, with priority given to women who have demonstrated a commitment to their communities.
12. Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship
The Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship supports students from Africa who are applying to Stanford’s MBA Program. The fellowship covers the full cost of tuition and associated fees.
- Eligibility: Citizens of African countries who have demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to contributing to the continent’s development.
- Fields of Study: MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
- Benefits: Full tuition and fees, as well as travel expenses for the program.
Fellows are expected to return to Africa and contribute to the economic and social development of their countries.
13. East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships
The East-West Center offers scholarships and fellowships to students from the Asia-Pacific region and the United States to promote understanding and cooperation between the peoples and nations of Asia, the Pacific, and the United States.
- Eligibility: Open to students from Asia, the Pacific, and the United States who are pursuing a degree or research at the University of Hawaii.
- Fields of Study: All fields offered at the University of Hawaii.
- Benefits: Tuition fees, living expenses, and round-trip airfare.
The East-West Center programs emphasize leadership development and cultural exchange, with a focus on issues that are important to the Asia-Pacific region.
14. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program provides access to quality education for talented but economically disadvantaged students from Sub-Saharan Africa. The program offers scholarships at partner universities in the United States