The United States stands as a hub for academic excellence, attracting students from around the world. To support the diversity of its student population, numerous institutions and organizations offer fully-funded scholarships to international students, covering tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs. This following below guide provides an overview of fully-funded scholarship opportunities available for international students in the USA.
1.Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized international scholarship programs offered by the United States government. Administered by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program aims to foster mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the United States and other countries.
Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship
Applicants must be citizens of the participating countries, which are eligible to send students to the United States under the Fulbright Program.
Educational Background
Applicants should have completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent by the start date of the grant. In some cases, relevant work experience may be considered.
English Language Proficiency
Proficiency in English is essential, and candidates may be required to submit scores from standardized English language tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
Leadership and Community Engagement
The program looks for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to community engagement, and a strong interest in promoting mutual understanding between cultures.
Application Process
Country-Specific Application Process
The application process varies by country. Candidates should check the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy website in their home country for specific application instructions and deadlines.
Application Components
Typical application components include a detailed project proposal, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and standardized test scores.
Interviews
Shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in interviews as part of the selection process.
Host Institution Affiliation
Applicants are encouraged to identify and establish contact with a U.S. host institution as part of their application process.
2.Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a prestigious initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State to bring accomplished mid-career professionals from around the world to the United States. Named after the late Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, this fellowship program focuses on leadership development, public service, and mutual exchange.
Eligibility Criteria
Professional Experience
Applicants must have a minimum of five years of full-time, professional experience in the relevant field after completing a university degree.
Academic Background
A first university degree (equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree) is required.
Leadership Potential
The program seeks individuals with a demonstrated record of leadership, a commitment to public service, and the potential for professional advancement.
English Language Proficiency
Proficiency in English is required. Applicants may need to submit standardized test scores such as the TOEFL.
Application Process
Embassy Nomination
Candidates must apply through the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in their home country. Selected candidates receive an official nomination.
Online Application
Nominated candidates complete the online application on the Embark platform, providing detailed information about their professional background, proposed fellowship objectives, and leadership experiences.
Interviews
Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed as part of the selection process.
Host Institution Placement
Finalists are matched with host institutions based on their professional objectives and the expertise of the host institutions.
3.The Knight Hennessy Scholars Program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, hosted at Stanford University, is a prestigious and fully-funded graduate fellowship that aims to prepare a new generation of global leaders with a deep academic foundation and the skills to address complex challenges. Established in 2016, the program seeks to empower scholars to make a positive impact on the world.
Eligibility Criteria
All Nationalities
The program is open to applicants from all countries.
Graduate Study at Stanford
Applicants must apply separately to the graduate program of their choice at Stanford University.
Bachelor’s Degree
Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
First-Time Graduate Study
Generally, applicants should be applying for their first graduate degree.
Broad Set of Achievements
The program seeks candidates with a broad set of achievements, including intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership, and a commitment to impacting the world positively.
Application Process
Graduate Program Application
Apply for admission to your chosen graduate program at Stanford University. Each department may have specific application requirements and deadlines.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program Application
After submitting the graduate program application, eligible candidates can apply to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program separately through its application portal.
Application Components
The application includes components such as essays, transcripts, standardized test scores (if applicable), letters of recommendation, and a video submission.
Review Process
Applications are reviewed based on various criteria, including independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset.
4.Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a prestigious initiative that provides scholarships to individuals from developing countries to pursue graduate studies in development-related fields. Administered by the World Bank, with funding from the Japanese government, the program aims to enhance the capacity of individuals to contribute to the development of their home countries.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Applicants must be nationals of a World Bank member country that is eligible to borrow.
Admission to a Master’s Program
Candidates must have gained admission to a master’s program at a university listed among the preferred institutions.
Development-Related Work Experience
Applicants should have relevant development-related work experience, typically a minimum of three years.
Commitment to Return
Scholars are required to commit to returning to their home countries upon completion of their studies to apply their acquired skills and contribute to development efforts.
Application Process
Selection Process
The selection process is competitive and involves a rigorous review of applications based on academic merit, professional experience, and potential for impact.
Preferred Institutions List
Applicants should choose a master’s program from the list of preferred institutions available on the program’s official website.
Online Application
Candidates apply online through the JJ/WBGSP application portal during the program’s annual application period.
Supporting Documents
Application packages typically include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of admission to a preferred institution.
5.American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships is a program designed to support women scholars and professionals from around the world in pursuing graduate studies, research, and professional development in the United States. With a commitment to gender equity and empowering women, AAUW’s International Fellowships contribute to advancing women’s education and leadership.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Applicants must be women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Degree Status
Applicants must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree and should have applied to their proposed institutions of study by the time of the application.
Commitment to Return
Fellows are expected to return to their home countries upon completion of the fellowship and contribute to the advancement of women and girls.
Application Process
Online Application
Applicants submit their applications online through the AAUW International Fellowships application portal.
Academic Admission
While applicants do not need to be admitted to a U.S. institution at the time of application, they must intend to pursue full-time graduate or postgraduate study or research at an accredited U.S. institution.
Application Components
Typical application components include academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae (CV), three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a proposed budget.
Timeline
The application period usually opens in August, with a deadline in early December.
6.Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship Program
The Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship Program is a prestigious initiative that aims to support outstanding doctoral students conducting innovative research in areas related to computer science, engineering, and related fields. Administered by Microsoft Research, the fellowship program provides financial support, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration with Microsoft researchers.
Eligibility Criteria
PhD Enrollment
Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD program at an institution in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
Research Area
Research should align with topics of interest to Microsoft Research, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction, cloud computing, and more.
Nomination by Institution
Nominations for the fellowship are made by faculty members at eligible institutions. Students cannot apply directly.
Nomination Limit
Each eligible institution can nominate a limited number of students for the fellowship.
Application Process
Nomination by Faculty
Faculty members at eligible institutions nominate outstanding doctoral students for the fellowship.
Nomination Package
The nomination package typically includes the student’s CV, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and details about the student’s research contributions and potential.
Institutional Nomination
Nominations are submitted by the faculty to Microsoft Research by the specified deadline.
Microsoft Research Review
Nominated students and their research proposals are reviewed by a committee at Microsoft Research.
7.Humphrey Visiting Fellows Program
Humphrey Fellowship Program, provides an opportunity for accomplished mid-career professionals from designated countries to engage in a period of non-degree academic study, professional development, and cultural exchange in the United States. Named after the late U.S. Senator and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, the program aims to strengthen leadership skills and promote mutual understanding
Eligibility Criteria
Mid-Career Professionals
Applicants should be mid-career professionals with a record of leadership and a commitment to public service in their home countries.
Relevant Experience
Successful candidates typically have a minimum of five years of substantial professional experience in fields such as public policy, public health, education, journalism, business, or related areas.
English Language Proficiency
Proficiency in English is essential, as the program includes academic coursework, discussions, and professional interactions conducted in English.
Commitment to Return
Fellows are expected to return to their home countries upon completion of the program and apply their enhanced skills to contribute to development.
Application Process
Country-Specific Application Process
Interested individuals apply through the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in their home countries. Application processes and deadlines vary by country.
Application Components
he application typically includes a detailed project proposal, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and standardized test scores (if required).
Interviews
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews as part of the selection process.
Host Institution Affiliation
Applicants may have the opportunity to specify preferences for host institutions, and the program seeks to match fellows with suitable academic and professional affiliations.
8.Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program is a distinctive initiative aimed at providing financial assistance and support to outstanding students from developing countries, particularly those in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Established by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the program aims to foster human development and improve living conditions in the regions it serves.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Applicants must be nationals of the countries where the Aga Khan Foundation has a presence and operates its scholarship program.
Demonstrated Financial Need
The program gives preference to students with limited financial resources who demonstrate genuine financial need.
Admission to Top-Tier Universities
Preference is given to students who have gained admission to reputable universities for their chosen field of study.
High Academic Achievement
Successful candidates typically have a strong academic record and demonstrate exceptional intellectual promise.
Application Process
Country-Specific Application Process
Interested individuals apply through the Aga Khan Foundation’s local offices in their respective countries. Each country may have its own specific application process and deadlines.
Application Components
The application typically includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, proof of admission to a reputable university, and evidence of financial need.
Interviews
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews as part of the selection process.
Host Institution Affiliation
The program seeks to match successful applicants with reputable universities that align with their chosen fields of study.
9.Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a prestigious program offered by Rotary International, aimed at providing individuals with the opportunity to pursue master’s degree studies or a professional development certificate in fields related to peace and conflict resolution. This fellowship is a cornerstone of Rotary’s commitment to fostering peace and resolving conflicts globally.
Eligibility Criteria
Experience and Commitment
Applicants should have relevant work experience in peacebuilding or related fields and demonstrate a commitment to contributing to peace and conflict resolution.
Academic Background
For the master’s degree fellowship, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree. For the professional development certificate fellowship, a strong academic background and significant work experience are required.
Language Proficiency
Proficiency in English is essential, and proficiency in a second language relevant to the fellowship’s target region is highly desirable.
Rotary Membership Not Required
Applicants do not need to be Rotary members to apply for the fellowship.
Application Process
Online Application
Interested individuals submit their applications online through the Rotary International website.
Application Components
The application typically includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume or curriculum vitae.
Selection Process
A multi-stage selection process includes a review by the Rotary district, interviews, and selection by the Rotary Peace Centers.
Host University Matching
Successful candidates are matched with a host university based on their academic and professional background and the university’s expertise.
10.MITACS Globalink Research Internship
The MITACS Globalink Research Internship is a prestigious program that offers undergraduate students from around the world the opportunity to engage in research projects with Canadian faculty members. Administered by MITACS, a Canadian not-for-profit organization, the program aims to foster international research collaborations, promote academic excellence, and provide students with valuable research experience.
Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate Status
Applicants must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at a participating institution in their home country.
Academic Performance
Strong academic performance and a high GPA are typically required for consideration.
Research Interests
Students with a keen interest in research and a desire to explore their chosen field are encouraged to apply.
Home Country
The program is open to students from around the world, making it a truly international research experience.
Application Process
Application Submission
Interested students submit their applications through the MITACS Globalink Research Internship online portal during the designated application period.
Research Project Selection
Applicants can explore available research projects and indicate their preferences during the application process.
Letter of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation from a professor or academic supervisor is typically required as part of the application.
Selection Process
The selection process involves a competitive review of applications, considering academic achievements, research interests, and the fit with available projects.
These fully-funded scholarship opportunities exemplify the commitment of U.S. institutions and organizations to global education and cultural exchange. Prospective applicants are encouraged to thoroughly research each scholarship program, carefully adhere to application requirements, and stay informed about deadlines. Additionally, consulting with educational advisors or mentors can enhance the application process and increase the chances of securing these valuable opportunities for academic and professional advancement in the United States.