Studying for a degree in the U.S. can be costly, but there’s no shortage of scholarships to support international students.
Nearly every university offers scholarship programs, and most are open to international applicants—though some may require SAT or ACT scores. According to the Fulbright Commission, over 600 U.S. universities provide scholarships of $20,000 or more to international students. These awards are usually based on academic merit, financial need, or extracurricular achievements.
Beyond university scholarships, private organizations and donors also offer funding with varying eligibility criteria.
Sometimes, universities create scholarships for high-demand fields like nursing or healthcare. If you’re unsure what to study, it might help to explore which subjects come with scholarship opportunities and decide from there.
Types of Scholarships
University Scholarships – Most institutions provide financial aid for international students, so your chosen university should be the first place you check for funding.
Financial Scholarships – These are awarded based on a student’s financial situation. While many are reserved for U.S. residents, some universities extend need-based aid to international students.
Merit Scholarships – For high-achieving students, whether academically, athletically, or in community/entrepreneurial work.
Country-Based Scholarships – Often aimed at students from developing nations.
Government-Funded Scholarships – The U.S. government runs multiple scholarship programs for international students (some listed below).
Privately-Funded Scholarships – Businesses or individual donors may sponsor scholarships, frequently targeting developing countries, minority groups, or specific fields of study.
Part Scholarships – These can be a one-time payment toward fees or a larger, staggered amount covering certain university expenses.
Private & Government Scholarships
The Fulbright Commission – Offers substantial scholarships for UK postgrad and doctoral students in any field. Winners get at least first-year tuition plus health insurance, with some qualifying for full tuition waivers or full-degree funding.
The American Association of University Women – Provides fellowships (18,000–18,000–30,000) for non-American women pursuing master’s or PhDs in the U.S. Recipients can reapply annually, with preference given to those advancing women’s rights.
The Next Gen Scholarship – A $1,000+ grant for students (minimum 3.0 GPA) studying in Maryland, Washington, or Virginia. Open to all international applicants, including current students.
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship – Awards up to $12,500 for graduate studies in the U.S.
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship – A limited number of scholarships (50% grant, 50% loan) for outstanding postgrad students from select developing countries.
There are many more scholarships out there, so it’s worth researching what different organizations offer—especially if you’re targeting specific states or subjects.
Scholarships Offered by Universities
American University (Washington DC) – One full-ride scholarship (tuition + board) for an international undergrad; partial scholarships also available.
University of Arkansas – Multiple funding options for international students.
Brandeis University – Covers the “full demonstrated financial need” of scholarship recipients, including annual round-trip airfare.
Berea College – The only U.S. school funding 100% of enrolled international students for their first year. After that, students contribute $1,000/year (summer jobs are provided to help).
Clark University – Automatically considers applicants for merit-based grants, plus additional scholarships (20,000–20,000–25,000/year).
Dartmouth College – Offers scholarships and loans, including travel costs to the U.S.
Emory University – Provides generous aid, but it’s tied to admission—you can’t be rejected for a scholarship and still get in.
Harvard University – Fellowships for up to six UK grad students/researchers, covering tuition, health insurance, and living costs.
Iowa State University – Merit-based scholarships (2,000–2,000–10,000/year); applicants are automatically considered.
Michigan State University – The Global Spartan Leadership Program awards 8,000toundergradswhocompleteleadership/culturaltraining.Studentscanalsowin8,000toundergradswhocompleteleadership/culturaltraining.Studentscanalsowin1,000 by writing about their university experience.
University of Minnesota – Annual grants of 5,000–5,000–10,000, plus other scholarships open to international applicants.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Tuition waivers for academically outstanding students who contribute to extracurriculars.
York University – Wagner Scholarships (partial to full tuition, 25,000–25,000–47,000) for a limited number of students yearly.
University of Oregon – Awards 30–40 annual scholarships (7,500–7,500–30,000) covering tuition; recipients give presentations about their home countries.
Wesleyan University – The Freeman Asian Scholars Programme funds full tuition for 11 exceptional undergrads. About 30 other international students also receive aid.
University of Wisconsin-Superior – Annual undergrad fees as low as £6,523–£7,912.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a great starting point. Always check with your chosen institution for the latest funding options.
Note: All costs and conversion rates were accurate at publication and may change over time.