Top Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International Students to Apply in 2025

Studying in the USA is a dream for millions of international students—but let’s be honest, it’s not cheap. Thankfully, there’s good news! A wide range of fully funded scholarships in the USA for international students are available for 2025. These scholarships cover everything from tuition and living expenses to travel, books, and even health insurance. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, these scholarship programs are designed to attract the world’s most talented students and future leaders. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most prestigious and generous fully funded scholarship programs in the USA and beyond.

Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International Students

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Program is one of the most well-known and respected fully funded scholarships for international students in the USA. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by U.S. embassies worldwide, the program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from around 160 countries to study and conduct research in the United States. This scholarship covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance for the entire duration of the study program. Over 4,000 international students receive Fulbright grants each year, making it a highly competitive but rewarding opportunity. Below are the key details of Fulbright Foreign Student Program: 

Yale University Scholarships

Yale University, one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions in the United States. For international students, Yale offers need-based scholarships for undergraduate programs and merit-based or departmental funding for graduate students. Yale operates on a need-blind admission policy for international undergraduate applicants, which means students are evaluated for admission without considering their financial background.  

Once admitted, Yale guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, making it one of the few U.S. universities where talented students from any economic background can study tuition-free. On average, a Yale scholarship recipient receives more than USD 60,000 per year, and for students from low-income backgrounds, the total package may cover all educational and living expenses. Below are the key details of Yale University: 

Stanford University Scholarships

Ranked consistently among the world’s top 3 universities, Stanford University in California offers generous financial aid packages—including fully funded scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. For undergraduate students, Stanford follows a need-based financial aid model. If you are admitted, Stanford guarantees to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need, regardless of your citizenship.  

This can mean full tuition, housing, and living expenses are covered—especially for students from families earning under USD 65,000 per year. For graduate students, especially in STEM, business, law, and humanities, Stanford offers fully funded research fellowships, teaching assistantships, and external scholarships. Below are the key details of Stanford University Scholarships: 

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is Stanford University’s premier graduate-level scholarship. Launched in 2016, it is considered one of the most prestigious and competitive fully funded scholarships in the world. This scholarship is open to students from all academic backgrounds—from engineering, humanities, and law to public policy, business, education, and medicine. In addition to your main degree program at Stanford, you’ll participate in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), which offers workshops, speaker series, and immersive learning experiences focused on ethical leadership, global citizenship, and problem-solving. Below are the key details of Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program: 

AAUW International Fellowships (USA)

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is an organization committed to empowering women through education and leadership development. Its International Fellowships program is one of the most prominent fully funded scholarships in the USA for international women, supporting those pursuing graduate, doctoral, or postdoctoral studies. The fellowship is exclusively for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and it’s open to all academic fields. 

Whether you’re studying STEM, social sciences, education, or the arts, you’re eligible as long as you’re enrolled in a full-time accredited U.S. institution. Funding can reach up to USD 50,000, which covers tuition, travel, living expenses, books, and health-related costs. Below are the key details of American Association of University Women (AAUW): 

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a U.S. government-funded, non-degree fellowship designed for mid-career professionals from developing countries. Administered by the U.S. Department of State, the fellowship focuses on leadership development, academic enrichment, and professional collaboration. Fellows spend up to a year in the U.S., participating in academic coursework, networking events, internships, conferences, and field experiences.  

It’s an excellent opportunity for professionals working in areas such as public health, education, law and human rights, environmental policy, journalism, finance, and public administration. The fellowship covers tuition and fees at host universities, monthly living allowance, airfare, professional development funds, accident/sickness insurance, and other costs. Below are the key details of Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program: 

Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for professionals who are passionate about building a more peaceful world. Offered by Rotary International, this fellowship supports individuals working in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, international development, or human rights. Each year, up to 130 fellows are selected worldwide to pursue either a Master’s degree or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict studies.  

One of the standout features of this program is its global reach—fellows study at one of six Rotary Peace Centers, including two located in the United States: Duke University and the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill. This fully funded fellowship covers tuition, housing, fieldwork, internships, round-trip airfare, and all academic expenses for up to two years. Below are the key details of Rotary Peace Fellowship: 

ACI Foundation Scholarship

The ACI Foundation Scholarship, offered by the American Concrete Institute, is a specialized, fully funded opportunity for students in the fields of civil engineering, architecture, construction management, and structural design. This scholarship is open to undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and even postdoctoral students, making it one of the most inclusive programs of its kind.  

It’s available to both domestic and international students studying in accredited U.S. universities. The scholarship offers financial support for tuition, housing, educational materials, and student registration at ACI conventions, along with the chance to be paired with industry mentors. Below are the key details of ACI Foundation Scholarship: 

Conclusion

Getting a fully funded scholarship in the USA in 2025 is possible—you just need the right information, the right timing, and a little bit of strategic planning. Whether you’re applying to Ivy League institutions like Yale and Stanford, aiming for a government program like Fulbright, or exploring fellowships like AAUW and Humphrey, the opportunities are truly endless. Start preparing early, customize your applications, and make use of the amazing resources offered by these programs. 

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