Studying in the United States is a dream for countless students around the world. However, the rising costs of tuition, living expenses, and other fees can make this dream feel out of reach.
The good news is …
Scholarships can turn that dream into reality. Unlike loans, scholarships are financial gifts—you never have to repay them.
These awards may come from universities, nonprofit organizations, private companies, religious institutions, or community groups. They can significantly reduce education expenses, making higher education more accessible than ever.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a comprehensive checklist of fully funded undergraduate, graduate, and fellowship opportunities available for international students in the U.S. in 2026.
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1. Musser Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Studies
The Warren V. Musser Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Studies supports full-time graduate students enrolled in a Penn State Great Valley resident instruction program. A one-time fellowship of $25,000 is awarded to students at the start of their degree.
Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, the fellowship aims to enhance business knowledge, support startup ventures, and foster leadership in emerging firms.
Get more insights2. Fairleigh Dickinson University Scholarships
Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) offers merit-based scholarships for international undergraduates, awarded at admission. These include: FDU International Scholarship, Global Housing Grant, Family Grant, Children of Alumni Grant, and Athletic Scholarships.
Transfer students may qualify for the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship or the International Transfer Scholarship (up to $16,000/year). Awards are renewable annually if students remain full-time, maintain GPA standards, and stay in good standing.
Take a closer look3. University of Mississippi Scholarships
Ole Miss provides International Academic Excellence Scholarships automatically based on high school GPA and English proficiency, with no separate application required. Awards include Mississippi Premier, Champion, Magnolia, and Legacy Scholarships, with additional funding linked to ACT or SAT scores.
Transfer students can access scholarships covering up to full non-resident tuition. Specialized departmental awards and programs such as the Honors College further support international students financially.
Uncover more4. University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
The University of Miami offers merit-based scholarships automatically to incoming undergraduates. International students are eligible, and awards are based on academic achievement.
The UM Within Reach program provides $10,000–$15,000/year for transfer students, while donor scholarships are available with minimum GPA requirements and full-time enrollment.
Unlock full details5. Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship
This fellowship supports outstanding Ph.D. candidates, including international students, in fields like history, law, political science, and sociology. Fellows receive $30,000 stipend for one year (renewable) plus $5,000 in research funds.
Applications require a research proposal, project description, CV, writing sample, bibliography, and recommendations, along with a short op-ed to demonstrate communication skills.
More details to apply6. Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
IWU offers merit-based scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $38,000/year, renewable up to four years. The President’s Scholarships cover full tuition for exceptional students.
Students can submit the CSS PROFILE for additional funding options such as campus jobs or IWU-funded scholarships.
Look for more details7. Cornell University Scholarships for International Students
Cornell University evaluates applicants holistically, considering academics, extracurriculars, essays, and demonstrated interest. Applicants must submit high school transcripts, recommendations, and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo). Some programs require portfolios or interviews.
Check out more details8. Berea College Scholarships
Berea College offers tuition-free education for all admitted students. The application process is holistic, assessing potential and drive beyond grades. International students follow a dedicated application path
Read More details9. Boston University Presidential Scholarship
This merit-based award provides $25,000/year, renewable for four years. It recognizes exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. SAT/ACT scores are optional but highly recommended.
Get more insights10. Clark Global Scholarship Program
Clark University automatically considers applicants for merit-based scholarships, including the competitive Presidential Scholarship. International students may also apply for need-based grants by submitting Clark’s International Student Aid Application or CSS Profile.
Take a closer look11. Rotary Peace Fellowship Program
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a prestigious program designed to develop leaders committed to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Each year, up to 130 fully funded fellowships are awarded for master’s degrees or professional development certificate programs at leading universities worldwide.
The fellowship covers tuition, fees, room and board, travel, and field study expenses. Eligible applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, proficiency in English, and relevant work experience (five years for master’s programs, three years for certificate programs).
Uncover more12. Onsi Sawiris Scholarship
The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program supports Egyptian students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at U.S. universities. Undergraduate scholarships cover full tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.
Eligibility includes Egyptian nationality, limited prior overseas residence, and strong academic performance. Graduate scholarships focus on engineering (excluding computer fields) and business administration, requiring work experience and academic excellence.
Unlock full details13. ACI Foundation Scholarship
The ACI Foundation awards 48 scholarships and fellowships in concrete-related fields for undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants submit a resume, 500-word essay, transcripts, and two endorsements.
Fellowship benefits include $10,000 tuition support, paid travel to ACI conventions, and mentorship. Some fellowships require a 10–12 week summer internship.
More details to apply14. AAUW International Fellowship Program
The AAUW International Fellowship supports women who are not U.S. citizens in full-time graduate or postgraduate study. Eligible degrees include M.A., M.S., M.B.A., M.F.A., Ph.D., and professional doctorates.
Stipends: $20,000 for master’s, $25,000 for doctoral programs, payable in two installments. Applicants must have at least one degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s.
Look for more details15. University of Minnesota Fellowship
The Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs offers graduate programs with merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and summer field experience funding. Programs include MDP, MHR, MPP, MS–STEP, and MURP.
Tuition rates vary by residency status and credit hours, with full-time enrollment encouraged to complete programs within two years.
Check out more details16. University of Memphis Scholarships
The University of Memphis provides merit-based and need-based scholarships through the AcademicWorks portal. Key awards include: Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, Community College Transfer Scholarship, Undergraduate International Merit Scholarship, Adult Scholarship Program and Emerging Leaders Scholarship.
Applicants should review eligibility and deadlines carefully.
Read More details17. University of New Haven Scholarships
Graduate students can access assistantships and scholarships, including: Provost’s Assistantship and Dean’s Scholarship: Up to 50% tuition assistance.
These programs provide financial support while offering experiential learning and professional development opportunities.
Take a closer look18. Yale University Scholarships USA
Yale fully funds Ph.D. programs, including tuition, living stipends, and health insurance. Average support exceeds $500,000 over five years.
Additional opportunities include teaching and research assistantships, with stipends ranging from $5,400 to $10,800 per term. International students can work on campus up to 20 hours/week on F-1 or J-1 visas.
Uncover more19. Stanford University Scholarships
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program cultivates global leaders. Applicants must apply to both the program and a Stanford graduate degree program. Components include online application, resume, transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays.
Eligibility: Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, including recent graduates. DACA and undocumented students are eligible.
Unlock full details20. Fulbright Scholarships USA
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program funds Master’s and Ph.D. studies, research, and FLTA programs in the U.S. Benefits include tuition, travel, health insurance, and academic enrichment.
Eligibility: Non-U.S. citizens, strong academic records, English proficiency, and residence in the country of nomination.
More details to apply21. Harvard University Scholarships
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program is a two-year postdoctoral fellowship supporting early-career social science scholars.
Benefits: $80,000 stipend/year + $5,000 research support. Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. on or after August 1, 2024.
Look for more details22. Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship
This five-month program in Washington, D.C., supports democracy activists, scholars, and journalists. Benefits include a monthly stipend, health insurance, and round-trip travel.
Eligibility: Practitioners from developing/non-democratic countries or scholars with a Ph.D. or equivalent.
Read More details23. Simmons University Kotzen Scholarships
The Simmons Distinguished Scholar Award provides full tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board for four years. Eligibility: GPA ≥ 3.50, college preparatory courses, English proficiency, and community involvement.
Essay required: 300–500 words describing leadership style and potential.Essay required: 300–500 words describing leadership style and potential.
Take a closer look24. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
The AKF International Scholarship Programme supports postgraduate students from developing countries who demonstrate financial need, leadership potential, and academic excellence.
Structure: 50% grant + 50% low-interest loan. Scholarships cover tuition and living expenses but exclude travel, clothing, and family costs.
Uncover more25. International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship
The ICO Fellowship offers training for ophthalmologists worldwide. Applicants select a host institution and submit documents including certificates, recommendations, and proof of English proficiency.
All eligible documents must meet file specifications before submission.
Unlock full details26. Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship
The Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory supports early-career researchers in nuclear physics, materials science, quantum information, and cosmology.
Benefits: Competitive salary, full research support, and potential annual renewal up to three years. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree.
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