Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in the U.S. for International Students

Pursuing higher education in the United States is a dream for many, offering access to world-renowned institutions and diverse academic opportunities. However, the cost can be a significant obstacle. Fortunately, a range of prestigious, fully funded scholarships are available to exceptional students from around the globe, covering tuition, living expenses, and more.

This guide provides a detailed overview of ten of the most competitive and comprehensive fully funded scholarship programs in the U.S., outlining their benefits, eligibility, and what makes each unique.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Established in 1946, its goal is to build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.

• Awarding Institution: U.S. Department of State, in partnership with bi-national Fulbright commissions and U.S. embassies.
• Level of Study: Master’s and PhD degrees.
• Scholarship Benefits: The scholarship typically covers full tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. The award is for the duration of the degree program.
• Key Details: This is a highly competitive program for graduate students, young professionals, and artists. Applicants apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in their home country. It funds study and research at accredited U.S. universities across all disciplines.

2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is a relatively new but already prestigious initiative designed to develop a community of future global leaders. It is the largest fully endowed scholars program in the world.

• Awarding Institution: Stanford University.
• Level of Study: Graduate degrees (Master’s, PhD, and professional programs like MBA, JD, MD).
• Scholarship Benefits: The award covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition and associated fees, a stipend for living and academic expenses (such as room and board, books, and academic supplies), and a travel grant.
• Key Details: Scholars are selected for their independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset. They engage in a rigorous leadership development program at the Knight-Hennessy Scholars’ King Global Leadership Program, alongside their graduate studies at any of Stanford’s seven schools.

3. Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford

One of the oldest and most celebrated international scholarship programs in the world, the Rhodes Scholarship brings outstanding young leaders from around the world to the University of Oxford.

• Awarding Institution: University of Oxford (UK).
• Level of Study: Postgraduate degrees (Master’s and PhD).
• Scholarship Benefits: The scholarship covers all university and college fees, a living stipend (sufficient for a single student to live in Oxford), and economy airfare to and from Oxford at the start and end of the scholarship.
• Key Details: Selection is based on exceptional academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, leadership potential, and physical energy. Scholars can pursue a wide range of full-time postgraduate degrees.

4. Yenching Academy Scholarship at Peking University

The Yenching Academy of Peking University offers a fully funded, interdisciplinary master’s program in China Studies for outstanding graduates from all over the world.

• Awarding Institution: Peking University (China).
• Level of Study: Master’s degree.
• Scholarship Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living stipend, and round-trip airfare between the scholar’s home country and Beijing.
• Key Details: The one-year residential program (with an optional second year) allows scholars to explore China’s past, present, and future through six research areas: Economics and Management, History and Archaeology, Politics and International Relations, Law and Society, Philosophy and Religion, and Literature and Culture.

5. Schwarzman Scholars Program at Tsinghua University

Designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders, Schwarzman Scholars is a one-year, fully funded master’s program in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

• Awarding Institution: Tsinghua University (China).
• Level of Study: Master’s degree in Global Affairs.
• Scholarship Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition and fees, room and board, in-program travel, a personal stipend, and a laptop and smartphone.
• Key Details: Scholars live and study together on the Schwarzman College campus. The curriculum focuses on leadership, public policy, international relations, and economics, with a strong emphasis on understanding China’s role in the world. Applicants must be at least 18 but not yet 29 years of age as of the start date.

6. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Humphrey Fellowship Program brings accomplished mid-career professionals from designated countries to the United States for a year of non-degree academic study and related professional experiences.

• Awarding Institution: U.S. Department of State, administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
• Level of Study: Non-degree, professional development program.
• Scholarship Benefits: The fellowship provides tuition and fees at a assigned host university, a living stipend, accident and health insurance, a one-time book/supply allowance, and domestic and international travel expenses.
• Key Details: Fellows are placed at a participating U.S. university for a 10-month program. It is not a degree program but focuses on professional development, networking, and cultural exchange. Fellows design their own programs to strengthen their leadership skills and expertise.

7. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

This program provides comprehensive support to academically talented, yet economically disadvantaged young people from Africa, enabling them to complete their education and become transformative leaders.

• Awarding Institution: A partnership with various universities across the U.S., Canada, and Africa.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate and Master’s degrees.
• Scholarship Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition, fees, textbooks, accommodation, and a living stipend. It also includes access to counseling, career guidance, and leadership development support.
• Key Details: The goal is to equip scholars with the skills and knowledge to give back to their communities. Partner universities in the U.S. include Arizona State University, Michigan State University, and the University of California, Berkeley.

8. AAUW International Fellowships

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has a long history of supporting women scholars. These fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

• Awarding Institution: American Association of University Women (AAUW).
• Level of Study: Graduate (Master’s, PhD) and Postdoctoral.
• Scholarship Benefits: Awards range from $20,000 for Master’s/first professional degree, $25,000 for Doctoral, and $50,000 for Postdoctoral. The funds can be used for educational expenses, living costs, dependent child care, and travel to professional conferences.
• Key Details: Fellows are selected for their academic excellence and demonstrated commitment to women and girls. They must intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career. The fellowship is for one year.

9. The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

This unique program honors the contributions of immigrants and children of immigrants to the United States. It supports New Americans who are poised to make significant contributions to U.S. society, culture, or their academic field.

• Awarding Institution: Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships Foundation.
• Level of Study: Graduate (Master’s and PhD) and professional programs (e.g., JD, MD, MFA).
• Scholarship Benefits: Each fellowship supports up to two years of graduate study at any U.S. university and provides up to $25,000 in maintenance stipends per year, in addition to covering up to half of the tuition costs, to a maximum of $45,000 per year.
• Key Details: Applicants must be a “New American,” defined as (1) a naturalized U.S. citizen, (2) a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or (3) a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient. They are selected for their creativity, originality, and initiative.

10. Gates Millennium Scholars Program (U.S. Citizens & Residents Only)

Important Note: The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is only open to U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents. It is included here as a reference for a major, fully funded scholarship, but it is not available to international students.

Established by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this program aimed to reduce financial barriers for outstanding minority students with significant financial need.

• Awarding Institution: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate and Graduate.
• Scholarship Benefits: Covered the full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, and living expenses) not already covered by other financial aid.
• Key Details: This program is a prime example of a need-based, fully funded scholarship for eligible U.S. residents. International applicants should seek other opportunities on this list.

Conclusion

Fully funded scholarships are more than just financial awards; they are gateways to world-class education, transformative experiences, and lifelong networks of leaders and change-makers. The programs listed above represent some of the most generous and prestigious opportunities available, each with a unique mission, from fostering academic exchange to cultivating global leadership or empowering specific communities.

For ambitious students around the world, these scholarships make the dream of studying abroad a reality. By investing in education, these organizations are investing in a more connected, innovative, and equitable future for all.