Looking for scholarships to fund your education in the United States? As an international student, you know how expensive studying abroad can be. But don’t give up hope yet – there are plenty of great scholarships out there if you know where to look. We’ve got the inside scoop on 10 of the best scholarships for international students who want to study in the US.
From prestigious, merit-based awards to scholarships offered by leading companies, we’ll give you the details on application requirements, award amounts, eligibility criteria and more. Whether you’re an undergrad, graduate student or PhD candidate, read on to discover scholarships that can make your American university dreams a reality. With options from top schools and organizations, these scholarships can cover a huge chunk of your costs and open doors to an amazing US education.
Introduction
So you want to study in the US, but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for it? There are scholarships for international students that can help make your American college dream a reality.
Government Scholarships
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers grants for graduate students, young professionals and artists to study and research in the US. The Humphrey Fellowship Program provides funding for mid-career professionals to participate in non-degree programs at US universities.
Private Scholarships
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program provides full tuition, room and board to students from Sub-Saharan Africa who want to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree at select US colleges and universities. The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans covers up to $90,000 in tuition and living expenses for immigrants and children of immigrants who are pursuing graduate degrees in the US.
Merit-Based Scholarships
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program provides up to $40,000 per year for high-achieving students with financial need to attend top US colleges. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program offers funding for high-achieving, low-income minority students to attend US colleges of their choice.
With many generous scholarships available, studying in America may be more affordable than you think. Do your research and apply to all opportunities that match your background and goals. Your US education could be closer than you imagine!
The Top 10 USA Scholarships for International Students
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a prestigious exchange program for international students to study in the U.S. for up to two years. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership qualities, and the ability to act as “cultural ambassadors” between their home country and the U.S. The program offers funding for undergraduate and graduate study in any academic field.
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is offered to up to five international freshmen who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential. Winners receive a full-tuition scholarship and are provided opportunities to enhance their leadership skills through participation in the AU Leadership Program. Applicants must have outstanding high school grades and English proficiency to qualify.
Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships provide funding for immigrants and children of immigrants to pursue graduate study in the U.S. Fellows receive up to $90,000 to cover tuition, living expenses, and other education costs. Applicants must be pursuing their first graduate degree and demonstrate potential for significant future accomplishments and contributions to society. Open to students in any academic discipline, the fellowship aims to support immigrants who will go on to become leaders in their fields.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a prestigious scholarship program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It provides funding for international students to pursue graduate study at U.S. universities. If you’re an international student looking to study in the U.S., the Fulbright scholarship should be at the top of your list.
Every year, the Fulbright program awards around 4,000 foreign students the opportunity to study in the U.S. The scholarships cover tuition, books, airfare, and basic monthly living expenses. Fulbright seeks candidates who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to community service. Successful applicants are eager to gain knowledge and experience in the U.S. that they can apply to improving conditions in their home countries.
To apply, you’ll need to submit an application through the Fulbright Program website, including academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Applicants go through an intensive review process. If selected as a finalist, you’ll interview with a Fulbright committee in your home country.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides a life-changing opportunity to international students. If you have a vision for how you can make a difference in your home country and community, the Fulbright scholarship may help turn your vision into reality. The experience of living and studying in the U.S. for up to two years will expose you to new ways of thinking that you can apply when you return home.
Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is arguably the most prestigious scholarship for international students in the USA. Established in 1902, it funds postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in the UK. The Rhodes Trust offers 100 fully funded scholarships each year for international students from over 60 countries.
To be eligible, you must have exceptional intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service. You’ll need an outstanding academic record, extracurricular activities, a passion for sports, and a desire to make a difference in the world. The selection committees look for students with a proven record of academic achievement, moral force of character, and instincts to lead.
The scholarship covers all university and college fees, provides a stipend for living expenses, and covers travel costs. Scholars can study for up to 3 years to obtain a degree at Oxford such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s or doctorate. Past Rhodes Scholars have gone on to become leaders in various fields like science, law, education, and politics.
If you think you have what it takes to become a Rhodes Scholar, start preparing your application early. Meet with your school’s fellowship advisor and professors for advice and recommendations. Build a compelling personal essay that shows your intellectual interests, character, goals, and motivation for studying at Oxford. Practice for your interview, as the final stage involves an in-person interview in your country. Receiving one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships could be life-changing. The opportunity to study at Oxford is one that shouldn’t be missed.
Marshall Scholarship
The Marshall Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students in the USA.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must be a citizen of a country other than the USA, and hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent by the time you take up your scholarship. You also need a high level of academic achievement, typically a minimum GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0, or equivalent. Leadership abilities and potential for success are also considered.
Benefits
The Marshall Scholarship funds graduate study at any university in the United Kingdom for up to three years. It covers university fees, cost of living expenses, an annual book grant, thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, and fares to and from the United Kingdom.
Application
The application process is highly competitive. You need to submit an online application, including a personal statement, a research proposal, references, and transcripts. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews, held in various locations around the world. Around 50 scholars are selected each year from over 1,000 applicants.
The Marshall Scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at top UK universities, gain new experiences, and build connections and friendships that can last a lifetime. If you have the motivation, skills and ambition, it could be the perfect start to your career as a global leader.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program funds graduate students from around the world to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees at Stanford University. As one of the most prestigious fully-funded scholarships in the U.S., the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program provides tuition, living expenses, healthcare, and professional development funding for up to three years of graduate study.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, a commitment to civic service, and the ability to effect meaningful change in the world. Scholars pursue degrees in any graduate discipline at Stanford, from science and engineering to humanities and social sciences. The program aims to prepare future global leaders with interdisciplinary perspectives and skills to address complex challenges.
If you want to study at one of the world’s top universities with an unparalleled network of distinguished leaders, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program may be for you. But competition is fierce—only 49 Scholars were selected for the program’s inaugural cohort in 2020. Applicants should demonstrate how their Stanford graduate education and experiences as part of the Scholars community will enable them to address pressing global challenges and positively impact humanity.
Schwarzman Scholarship
The Schwarzman Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students in the US. If you’re looking to pursue a master’s degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, the Schwarzman Scholarship is an incredible opportunity.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, accommodation, and provides a generous stipend for living expenses. As a Schwarzman Scholar, you’ll get to study at one of China’s top universities, immerse yourself in the culture, learn Mandarin, and build connections with other young leaders from around the world.
The application process is very competitive, but if selected as a Schwarzman Scholar, you’ll join a lifelong community and network. The scholarship aims to build understanding and relationships between future leaders of China and the rest of the world. So if you’re passionate about international relations, economics, business or public policy and want an all-expenses paid experience in China, the Schwarzman Scholarship could be perfect for you.
Applications open in May for the next academic year. If you meet the eligibility criteria, start preparing your application materials, study for the standardized tests, and work on those interview skills. With hard work and perseverance, the Schwarzman Scholarship could open doors to an life-changing opportunity in China.
Mitchell Scholarship
The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program offers up to 12 scholarships each year for postgraduate study in any discipline offered by an institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland. If you want to study in Ireland, this prestigious scholarship is for you.
As a Mitchell Scholar, you’ll receive a stipend, tuition, and housing allowance for one year of postgraduate study. The Mitchell Scholarship aims to introduce and connect future American leaders to the island of Ireland. Scholars are chosen for their leadership potential and commitment to public service.
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen under 30 years of age at the time of application. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent before beginning the scholarship. While grades and test scores are important, leadership, community service, and personal qualities are also strongly considered.
The application requires several short essays, letters of recommendation, and an interview. The deadline is typically in early October. If selected as a finalist, you’ll be invited for an interview with a regional review committee.
The Mitchell Scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study in Ireland. Take the opportunity to explore your academic interests in a new cultural context and build connections with communities across the Atlantic. Who knows, you may even discover some Irish roots along the way! This prestigious award can open up a world of opportunities. If you’re up for the challenge, the rewards are well worth it.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students to study in the US. Established in 2000 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship funds postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge for students from outside the UK.
As a Gates Cambridge Scholar, you’ll receive funding for the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition and college fees, and a maintenance allowance. The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and leadership potential. If you want to be considered, you must first gain admission to the University of Cambridge. Then you can apply directly to the Gates Cambridge Scholarship program.
The scholarship is open to citizens of any country outside the UK. You must intend to pursue a full-time residential course of study at Cambridge, be applying for your first postgraduate degree, and have not studied or worked at Cambridge before. The scholarship aims to build a network of future leaders from all over the world.
Being named a Gates Cambridge Scholar is a great honor and can open many doors. The program provides opportunities for networking, mentoring, and attending special events. After graduating, scholars join a prestigious community and often go on to become leaders in their fields.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is well worth applying for. Who knows, you could be joining the ranks of notable alumni like Nigerian entrepreneur Chidi Achara, Brazilian scientist Mayana Zatz, or South Korean policy expert Mo Kwon. The opportunity to study at one of the world’s top universities, make lifelong connections, and become part of such an inspiring community is truly life-changing.
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship provides up to $35,000 towards tuition for one academic year of study at American University. This prestigious scholarship is open to international students who demonstrate strong leadership experience and potential.
To be considered for this award, you must be an international student who has shown leadership qualities through academic work, community service, extracurricular activities, or other work experiences. The selection committee will evaluate your leadership potential based on examples of how you have made a meaningful impact on your school, community, or in a professional setting.
As an recipient of this scholarship, you will have the opportunity to participate in AU’s Emerging Global Leaders program. This program provides networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to help you strengthen your leadership skills. Participating in the program will allow you to connect with other globally-minded students and learn from each other.
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship presents an amazing opportunity for future leaders from around the world to study in the U.S. and develop skills to create positive change. If you believe you have the potential to become a global leader, you should consider applying for this prestigious award.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the inside scoop on 10 of the top scholarships available for international students looking to study in the US. From prestigious programs like the Fulbright to niche awards aimed at specific countries or majors, there are tons of ways to fund your American education if you’re willing to put in the time to apply.
While nothing is guaranteed, with smart planning and a polished application, you can absolutely land one or more of these awards. Just focus on finding scholarships that fit your background and interests, get going early, and highlight what makes you a unique, promising candidate. Approach it like a part-time job and you’ll maximize your chances at scoring these selective but life-changing scholarships. If studying in the US is your dream, don’t let finances stop you – take the time to apply to these awards and an American education can be in your reach.