Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, and with the rising costs of tuition, fully funded scholarships have become more valuable than ever.
If you are planning to study in the USA for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in 2025, there are several highly competitive and generous scholarships that cover full tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes even health insurance.
In this article, I will walk you through the top fully funded scholarship programs in the USA that are open to international students. These opportunities are perfect for high-achieving individuals who want to study in the United States without financial stress.
Why Choose the USA for Your Studies?
The USA is home to some of the best universities in the world. Institutions like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and many state universities provide top-notch education, research opportunities, and access to global professional networks.
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Aside from academic excellence, the USA offers diverse cultures, student support systems, and global recognition for its degrees. However, the cost of studying can be high. That is why fully funded scholarships are essential, especially for students from developing countries.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Bachelor’s and Master’s Students in the USA
Let’s explore some of the best scholarship programs available for undergraduate and postgraduate students who want to study in the USA in 2025.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, funded by the US Department of State. It supports graduate study for international students from over 160 countries.
What It Covers
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Round-trip airfare
- Health insurance
- Academic support and enrichment programs
Who Can Apply
Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education and should have strong academic records and leadership potential. Each country has specific application requirements and deadlines, usually from February to May.
This scholarship is ideal for master’s and sometimes doctoral students, apply here
Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
Stanford University offers the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, which funds international students for any graduate program, including master’s degrees, at Stanford.
What It Covers
- Full tuition
- Living stipend
- Academic supplies
- Travel grant for one annual trip to and from Stanford
Highlights
This scholarship emphasizes leadership, global impact, and cross-disciplinary study. Applicants must first apply to a graduate program at Stanford and then separately apply to the Knight-Hennessy program.
Applications for 2025 close in October 2024. You are encouraged to begin your application early, check and apply
Yale University Scholarships
Yale is one of the Ivy League universities and offers generous need-based financial aid to international students through the Yale International Scholarship.
Benefits Include
- Full demonstrated financial need covered
- Funding for tuition, room and board
- Support based on family income and student need
Yale does not offer a separate merit-based scholarship for undergraduates but covers the full cost of attendance based on financial need.
For master’s programs, Yale offers fellowships and assistantships that cover tuition and offer a stipend in fields like law, business, and public health.
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
This program partners with select US universities to support students from Africa. Partner schools include the University of California, Arizona State University, and Michigan State University.
Scholarship Package
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
- Laptop and study materials
This scholarship is available for both undergraduate and master’s programs, depending on the university.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need, leadership potential, and a commitment to giving back to their communities, check and apply
Berea College Scholarships
Berea College in Kentucky is one of the few US colleges that offers full-tuition scholarships to all international students admitted to the undergraduate program.
Coverage Includes
- Full tuition (100 percent for the first year)
- On-campus job to help cover living expenses
- Room and board
While students may need to contribute modestly in subsequent years, Berea is one of the most affordable options for international students seeking a tuition-free college experience in the USA. Apply
AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers international fellowships to women pursuing full-time graduate and postgraduate studies in the USA.
Scholarship Amounts
- Master’s students: USD 20,000
- Doctoral students: USD 25,000
To qualify, applicants must have earned the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree and must not be US citizens or permanent residents.
Applications for the 2025–2026 academic year open in August 2024. Apply
University of Oregon International Scholarships
The University of Oregon offers the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) and other tuition-waiver scholarships for international students who demonstrate financial need and academic merit.
Benefits
- Partial to full tuition scholarships
- Leadership and community engagement requirements
The ICSP requires students to complete cultural service hours, sharing their culture with local schools and organizations in Oregon, submit your application
Clark Global Scholars Program
Clark University in Massachusetts offers the Global Scholars Program for first-year undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and leadership.
Scholarship Value
- Ranges from USD 15,000 to USD 25,000 per year
- Additional need-based aid may be offered
Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission. Strong academic records and a personal commitment to global impact are essential, apply for the scholarship here
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship in the USA
Winning a fully funded scholarship to study in the United States is competitive. Here are key strategies to help you succeed:
- Start Early – Some applications open a year before the program starts.
- Research the Requirements – Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Be sure to meet academic and language requirements.
- Prepare Strong Documents – Personal statements, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts should be clear, compelling, and error-free.
- Highlight Leadership and Impact – Many scholarships value extracurricular involvement, community service, and leadership roles.
- Take Standardized Tests Seriously – Exams like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or SAT may be required. Aim for competitive scores.
In-Demand Fields with More Funding Opportunities
Some academic disciplines in the US receive more funding than others. If your field falls under any of the following, your scholarship chances may increase:
- Public health
- Environmental science
- Computer science and AI
- Data analytics
- Economics and finance
- Education and policy studies
- Engineering and technology
Studying in the USA through a fully funded bachelor’s or master’s scholarship is possible if you apply early, prepare thoroughly, and aim high. Whether you choose the Fulbright Program, a university-specific scholarship, or a fellowship designed for women or African students, the options are diverse and accessible.
Start your application journey today by exploring the scholarships that align with your goals. Make sure you check the deadlines, tailor your personal statement, and gather all required documents.
Remember, these scholarships are not just about financial support. They open doors to global careers, leadership training, and personal growth. With the right planning and mindset, your dream of studying in the USA can become a reality in 2025.
Feel free to share this article with anyone who needs guidance on studying in the US without paying tuition. Best of luck with your scholarship applications.