USA University Scholarships

Funding your studies in the USA is one of the most important parts of planning your application. The good news is that there are a wide range of scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantships available to international students, covering everything from partial tuition reductions to fully funded awards that include flights, accommodation, and living stipends.

This page gives an overview of the main types of funding available, what they cover, and how to approach your search. If you would like personalised guidance on finding the right scholarship for your background and goals, our advisers are here to help.

Types of Scholarships Available in the USA

Scholarships for international students in the USA are offered across all levels of study, from undergraduate through to doctoral programmes.

They are funded and administered by a range of bodies, including the US government, individual universities, private foundations, corporations, and professional organisations. Understanding the different categories will help you identify which opportunities are most relevant to you.

Government Scholarships and Fellowships

The US government funds several prestigious scholarship and fellowship programmes for international students and professionals. These are competitive, but carry significant prestige and provide comprehensive funding packages.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious international scholarship programmes in the world. It awards approximately 4,000 grants annually to international students to study for a master’s or doctoral degree, or to conduct research, at universities across the United States. Funding typically covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance for the duration of the study period.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship provides 10 months of professional enrichment and non-degree graduate-level study in the United States for accomplished mid-level professionals from designated countries. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree, have a minimum of five years of professional experience, demonstrate leadership qualities, and have a record of public service. It is not a degree programme, but a professional development fellowship that places participants at leading US universities in their field.

University Scholarships

Many US universities offer scholarships and financial aid packages to international students as a way of recognising academic achievement, supporting students with financial need, and building diverse campus communities. These are among the most accessible sources of funding for international students and are well worth researching as part of your university selection process.

University scholarships vary considerably in what they offer. Some cover full tuition, while others provide partial fee reductions, accommodation discounts, or living stipends. They are typically awarded on one of three bases:

• Merit-based awards: Awarded for academic excellence, outstanding test scores, or exceptional achievement in a particular field or activity
• Need-based awards: Assessed on your financial circumstances and your family’s ability to contribute to your education costs
• Combination awards: Take both academic merit and financial need into account

Some universities are particularly well known for their generosity towards international students. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and a number of other highly selective institutions offer need-based financial aid to international applicants, which can significantly reduce the true cost of studying there.

Examples of university scholarship programmes for international students include:

• American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (full scholarship for students from developing countries demonstrating financial need and leadership)
• Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship Program (merit-based, for students with exceptional academic records and leadership experience)
• Clark University Global Scholars Program (merit award for high-achieving international students)
• University of Minnesota Global Excellence Scholarship (recognising academic achievement at undergraduate and postgraduate level)
• Illinois State University and Iowa State University tuition reduction awards for international students

This list is illustrative rather than exhaustive. Thousands of individual universities across the USA offer funding for international students, and the availability of awards changes each year.

Teaching and Research Assistantships (TA/RA)

Postgraduate and doctoral students in particular should explore assistantship opportunities. Many US universities offer Teaching Assistantships (TA) and Research Assistantships (RA) to graduate students, which provide a living stipend and often a full or partial tuition waiver in exchange for teaching or research work alongside your studies.

• Teaching Assistantships: You assist academic staff with undergraduate teaching, labs, or marking. Stipends typically range from $12,000 to $30,000 per year, with tuition waivers at many institutions
• Research Assistantships: You work on a faculty member’s research project, usually in STEM or social science fields. Stipends typically range from $14,000 to $34,000 per year, often with full tuition coverage

Assistantships are competitive and are usually awarded as part of the postgraduate admissions process. They are worth enquiring about directly with departments at the time of application.

Privately Funded Scholarships

A large number of scholarships in the USA are funded by private corporations, foundations, charitable organisations, and philanthropic individuals. These range from broad awards open to all international students to highly specific scholarships tied to particular fields of study, backgrounds, or career interests.

Private scholarships are available at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral level, and can sometimes be combined with university-based funding. Many professional associations in fields including engineering, healthcare, business, and the sciences offer discipline-specific awards to students with strong academic records and a commitment to their chosen field.

Discipline-Specific Scholarships

If you are studying in a specific field, there may be scholarships established by professional bodies, industry associations, or specialist foundations in your area. These tend to reward students who show not only academic ability, but a genuine commitment to contributing to their discipline.

Common fields with strong discipline-specific funding include engineering, medicine, public health, technology, education, and the environmental sciences.

Athletic Scholarships

US universities place considerable value on athletic achievement, and athletic scholarships are available to students who demonstrate outstanding ability in sport alongside a strong academic record. These are awarded through the university admissions process and can cover tuition, accommodation, and other costs.

Competition is high, and the process typically involves engagement with university coaching staff as well as the academic admissions team.

What Do Scholarships Cover?

Scholarship funding varies widely. When reviewing an award, check exactly what is and is not covered:

• Full scholarships: Cover tuition fees, accommodation, flights, living stipend, and health insurance. These are relatively rare and highly competitive.
• Tuition scholarships: Cover some or all of your tuition fees but not living costs.
• Partial awards/fee reductions: Reduce your tuition by a set amount or percentage.
• Living stipends: Provide a monthly or annual allowance to contribute to accommodation and day-to-day expenses, but do not cover tuition.
• Combined packages: Some university awards combine a tuition reduction with a stipend and, in some cases, accommodation support.

Scholarship Eligibility

Eligibility criteria differ between scholarship programmes, but the following factors are commonly assessed across many types of award:

• Academic grades and GPA
• English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
• Standardised test scores (GRE, GMAT) where applicable
• Statement of purpose or personal essay
• Letters of recommendation
• Evidence of leadership, community involvement, or extracurricular achievement
• Financial need (for need-based awards)
• Country of origin (many scholarships prioritise students from developing or under-represented countries)
• Field of study

For competitive government and university scholarships, your academic record and the quality of your written application materials are typically the most important factors.

Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application

• Start your research early. Many scholarship deadlines fall months before the university application deadline, and some close a full year before the programme begins
• Read eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in an application. Not all scholarships are open to students from every country or studying every subject
• Tailor your personal statement or essay to each specific award. Generic applications are less likely to succeed than those that clearly address the scholarship’s values and objectives
• Gather strong letters of recommendation from teachers, lecturers, or employers who know your academic ability and character well
• Demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and real-world impact alongside your academic achievements
• Apply to multiple scholarships. Most successful scholarship recipients apply to several awards and combine different sources of funding
• Use the net price calculator on each university’s website to understand your likely actual cost after aid, which will help you assess whether additional external funding is needed

Find a USA Scholarship with StudyIn

Our advisers work with international students from across the world and can help you identify the scholarship and funding options most relevant to your profile, country, and intended course. Whether you are just beginning your research or are ready to apply, we are here to support you at every stage.

FAQs

Can international students get scholarships to study in the USA?

Yes. Scholarships are available to international students from government programmes, individual universities, private foundations, and professional organisations, at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral level. Competition is high, but a strong academic record and a well-prepared application give you a good chance of securing funding.

What is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program?

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a US government-funded scholarship for international students to pursue a master’s degree, doctoral study, or research at a US university. Around 4,000 grants are awarded annually across more than 155 countries. Applications are submitted through the US Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your home country.

Are Pell Grants available to international students?

No. Pell Grants are a US federal financial aid programme restricted to US citizens and eligible US residents. International students on F-1 visas are not eligible. International students should focus on university scholarships, government fellowship programmes, and private awards instead.

When should I start looking for scholarships?

As early as possible, ideally 12 to 18 months before your intended start date. Some government scholarship deadlines fall a full year before the programme begins. University scholarship deadlines often coincide with or precede the admissions deadline, so early research is essential.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?

Yes, and it is strongly recommended. Most students who receive scholarship funding apply to several awards and combine different sources. Always check whether an individual award prohibits being held alongside other funding before accepting.

Do I need to repay a scholarship?

No. Scholarships and grants are awards, not loans, and do not need to be repaid. However, some awards include conditions, such as a requirement to return to your home country for a set period after completing your studies. Always read the terms of any award carefully before accepting.

What is a Teaching or Research Assistantship?

Assistantships are offered by many US universities to postgraduate students in exchange for teaching or research work. They typically provide a living stipend and a tuition waiver, which can significantly reduce the cost of a master’s or doctoral degree. They are usually awarded through the departmental admissions process and are worth enquiring about when you apply.

Can StudyIn help me find scholarships?

Yes. Our advisers can help you identify relevant scholarships based on your country, subject, and level of study, and support you in preparing a strong application. Arrange a free consultation to find out more.