International scholarships to study in the US
Studying in the US as an international student is an incredible goal, but the costs can be overwhelming. Funding generally comes from three distinct pools: government-funded programs, private global organizations, and university-specific scholarships (which actually offer the largest amounts of money).
Here is a breakdown of the top international scholarships available to help fund your US education.
1. US Government-Funded Scholarships
These are highly prestigious, fully-funded programs intended to foster international cultural exchange.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program:
What it covers: Full tuition, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
Who it’s for: Graduate students (Master’s/PhD) and young professionals.
How it works: You do not apply directly to a US college for this; you apply through the US Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your home country.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program:
What it covers: Full funding for a 10-month academic and professional stay.
Who it’s for: Experienced mid-career professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills (non-degree program).
2. Global & Private Organization Scholarships
Independent foundations offer financial aid based on gender, region, or field of study.
AAUW International Fellowships:
What it is: Awards ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.
Who it’s for: Non-US women pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the US.
MPOWER Financing Scholarships:
What it is: Multiple monthly and annual scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 (including specialized funds like Women in STEM and Global Citizen awards).
Who it’s for: International or DACA students accepted into or attending one of MPOWER's hundreds of supported US universities.
3. Major University-Specific Scholarships (Institutional Aid)
Many US universities offer massive financial aid packages to attract top international talent. If you are looking for a Bachelor's degree, this is your best route.
| University | Scholarship Name | What it Covers | Degree Level |
| Stanford University | Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Full tuition + living stipend | Graduate (Master's/PhD/JD/MD) |
| American University | AU Emerging Global Leader | Full tuition, room, and board | Undergraduate (Bachelor's) |
| University of Oregon | ICSP Scholarship | Partial to full tuition waiver | Undergraduate & Graduate |
| Emory University | Emory University Scholar Programs | Partial to full-tuition merit awards | Undergraduate (Bachelor's) |
Pro-Tip on "Need-Blind" Admission: A handful of elite US colleges (like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Dartmouth, and Amherst) practice need-blind admission for international students. This means they evaluate your application without looking at your financial situation. If you get in, they guarantee to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need.
Navigating Your Search
When looking for specific awards, always rely on verified databases rather than generic search engine results. The most comprehensive, free portals specifically for international students are:
IEFA (International Education Financial Aid)
InternationalScholarships.com
EducationUSA (The official US government network for international students)