As an international student, you know that studying in the US can be crazy expensive. Like, we’re talking tens of thousands of dollars per year just for tuition. Yikes! But what if I told you there are fully funded scholarships available that cover your entire cost – tuition, housing, even a stipend? It’s true!
In this article, I’ll walk you through the top scholarships in the US for international students in 2024. We’ll look at programs from the Fulbright Program, foundations like the Gates Scholarship, and university-sponsored awards. I’ll break down eligibility, deadlines, and tips for crafting a winning application. Studying stateside can be affordable if you know where to look. Let’s dive in and find you some free money!
Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA for International Students
Scholarships from Colleges and Universities
Many colleges and universities in the US offer scholarships and grants for international undergraduate students. For example, the Global Leaders Scholarship at Clark University, the International Student Scholarship at Southwestern University, and the Southern Illinois University Carbondale International Student Scholarship are all merit-based and cover full tuition. These are very competitive but worth applying for.
External Scholarships
In addition to scholarships from schools directly, there are many external scholarship programs for international students. Two of the largest are the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which offers full scholarships for students from Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Schwarzman Scholars Program, which covers all expenses for a year of study at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers full funding for international students to pursue graduate study or research in the US. Fulbright scholarships cover tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. The program is open to students from over 160 countries who want to study a wide range of fields. The application requires you to demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership qualities, and the potential for cultural exchange.
Other Private Foundations
There are many private foundations and non-profits that offer scholarships for international students. These include the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, the Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program, and the Global Study Awards from the Danish Center for Culture and Development. While competitive, these scholarships can be very generous, covering full tuition and living expenses. The key is to do thorough research to find programs you are eligible for and that match your interests and background.
With so many options available, international students have a good chance of finding full funding for an undergraduate degree in the US. The key is to apply widely, build a strong application, and never give up! There are many people and programs who want to support your educational dreams.
Fully Funded Graduate Scholarships in the USA for International Students
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides full funding for graduate study in the U.S. for international students. This prestigious scholarship covers tuition, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. To be eligible, you must have a bachelor’s degree and English proficiency. The program is open to students from over 160 countries.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
The AAUW offers graduate fellowships for women from developing countries who want to study in the U.S. or Canada. The fellowship covers tuition, living expenses, books, and round-trip airfare. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and proven commitment to women’s and girls’ issues. Awards are for master’s or doctoral study in any field.
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
If you’ve been a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. for less than five years, you may be eligible for funding from the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships. The fellowship supports graduate study in any field at any American university and covers up to $90,000 in stipends over two years. Applicants must be 30 years of age or younger and already enrolled in a graduate program.
Rotary Foundation Global Grants Scholarships
Rotary International offers scholarships through Rotary Foundation Global Grants for international graduate students. The scholarships cover round-trip transportation, tuition, books, room and board, and related educational expenses. Applicants must study in one of Rotary’s six areas of focus: peace and conflict prevention/resolution; disease prevention and treatment; water and sanitation; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and economic and community development.
Top 10 Universities Offering Full Scholarships for International Students
Harvard University
Harvard University offers generous financial aid to international students based on need. Nearly 70% of Harvard students receive some form of aid. Harvard offers needs-based scholarships, grants, work-study jobs and low-interest loans as part of their financial aid packages. While admission to Harvard is extremely competitive, the university is dedicated to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students.
Yale University
Yale University aims to provide affordable education to qualifying students regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Yale’s financial aid for international students is also entirely need-based. The university promises to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. Yale offers generous scholarships, grants, work-study and student loans to help students fund their education.
Princeton University
Princeton University offers generous need-based financial aid to international students, including scholarships, grants, work-study and loans. Princeton pledges to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, regardless of nationality or citizenship. While admission to Princeton is very competitive, accepted international students with financial need will receive an aid package to make their education affordable.
Stanford University
Stanford University is dedicated to providing education that is affordable and accessible. Stanford offers generous need-based financial aid for international undergraduate and graduate students in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study jobs and low-interest student loans. Stanford promises to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT offers generous need-based financial aid to international students, including grants, scholarships, work opportunities and loans. MIT is dedicated to making education accessible for students from all backgrounds. While admission to MIT is extremely competitive, the university promises to meet the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
The remaining top universities that offer full scholarships for international students are Columbia University, Cornell University, Rice University, University of Pennsylvania, and Amherst College. These private institutions are committed to providing affordable education to students based on financial needs.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA as an International Student
Find Scholarships You’re Eligible For
The first step is to search for scholarships that you actually qualify for as an international student. Many US scholarships specify that applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. However, some private organizations and universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. Do some research on websites like International Scholarships, FastWeb, and Cappex to find ones you’re eligible for based on your country of origin, field of study, GPA, and other factors.
Check the Application Requirements
Make sure you understand all the application materials required for the scholarships you want to apply for. This typically includes things like transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and an application form. Give yourself plenty of time to request transcripts and scores, ask teachers or mentors for recommendation letters, and draft and proofread your essays.
Submit a Strong Application
A competitive application is critical to securing a fully funded scholarship as an international student. Focus on submitting all required materials, and make sure your essays and recommendations effectively convey your achievements, potential, and passion for your chosen field of study. For the essays, tell a story and help the reviewers get to know you. Explain how receiving the scholarship will impact your education and future goals.
Apply for Multiple Scholarships
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply for as many eligible scholarships as possible to increase your chances of being awarded at least one. While the applications require a significant time commitment, multiple scholarship awards can help fund a larger portion or even all of your US education costs. Stay organized by keeping a spreadsheet to track deadlines and requirements for the different scholarships.
Be Ready for Follow-Up
Some scholarships may conduct interviews as part of the selection process. Be ready to expand on the information from your application and convey your enthusiasm and dedication. Come prepared with examples of your relevant experiences, skills, accomplishments, and future ambitions. Make eye contact, smile, and ask questions to show your genuine interest.
Following these steps will maximize your opportunities to secure fully funded scholarships for international students to study in the US. Do your research, focus on strong and timely applications, apply widely, and make the most of any follow-up interviews. With hard work and persistence, you can achieve your goal of a fully paid US education.
FAQs: Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA for International Students 2024
What are the eligibility criteria for international scholarships?
To be eligible for most fully funded scholarships in the US as an international student, you must:
- Be a foreign citizen and not hold a green card.
- Meet the minimum GPA requirement which is usually 3.0 or higher.
- Prove English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- Be admitted to an accredited US university or college. Some scholarships require admission to specific universities or programs.
- Meet any additional criteria like demonstrating financial need or belonging to an underrepresented group.
What types of scholarships are available for international students?
There are several types of scholarships for international students in the US:
- Merit-based: Awarded based on outstanding academic achievement and potential. Very competitive.
- Need-based: For those who need financial assistance to afford studying in the US. Requires proving significant financial hardship.
- Diversity: Aimed at students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds. Promotes diversity and inclusion.
- Athletic: For students with exceptional athletic abilities. Requires being actively recruited by a US sports team.
- Program-specific: Offered by individual colleges and universities for specific majors or programs. Limited to students admitted to that program.
How much funding is available?
The amounts awarded can vary significantly but often cover:
- Partial tuition (25-50%): Reduces the overall cost of attendance but additional funding may be needed.
- Full tuition: Covers the entire tuition cost for the program of study. May or may not include additional funding for living expenses.
- Full funding: Includes full tuition plus a stipend or allowance for living expenses, housing, meals, books, and more. The most generous type of scholarship.
The key is to apply for as many scholarships as possible, including smaller awards, to maximize your chances. Every bit of funding helps make studying in the US more affordable! Stay determined and don’t get discouraged easily. With hard work and persistence, you can win a fully funded scholarship.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the ultimate list of fully funded scholarships for international students in the US in 2024! From prestigious Fulbright scholarships to scholarships offered by top universities and organizations, there are tons of amazing opportunities out there if you know where to look.
The application process may seem daunting, but break it down step-by-step and give yourself plenty of time. With hard work and perseverance, an incredible fully-funded US education can be within your reach. Visualize yourself on that American university campus next year as you put the final touches on your scholarship applications. You got this!