Top Scholarships for International Students in the US

Scholarships for International Students in the US

The United States offers some of the world’s most prestigious graduate programs, making it a top destination for international students pursuing master's and PhD degrees. With a multitude of scholarships available, the financial burden can be significantly eased, allowing students to focus on their studies and research. Below, you'll find a list of around 20 scholarships, sorted by degree type, along with detailed descriptions to help you navigate the opportunities available.

According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), around 1.1 million international students studied in the U.S. in the 2022-2023 academic year, with a significant portion of these students seeking financial aid.

Understanding U.S. Graduate Programs: Master’s and PhD Degrees

Master’s Degrees:

• Duration: Typically 1-2 years.
• Focus: These programs offer specialized knowledge and skills in a particular field. They can be research-based, involving a thesis, or coursework-based, with more practical applications.
• Entry Requirements: A relevant bachelor's degree, standardized test scores (like GRE or GMAT), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

PhD Degrees:

• Duration: Usually 4-6 years.
• Focus: PhD programs are research-intensive, aiming to contribute new knowledge to the field. They involve coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation.
• Entry Requirements: A master’s or equivalent degree in a related field, strong academic background, research proposal, and sometimes prior research experience.

Field-Specific Funding: 

Many scholarships are geared toward specific fields of study. For example, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is available for students from developing countries to pursue master's degrees in development-related fields. Similarly, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers international fellowships for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in any field in the U.S., with awards ranging from $18,000 to $30,000 per year.
 

Institutional Scholarships: 

Several U.S. universities offer institutional scholarships to international graduate students. For example, Stanford University provides Knight-Hennessy Scholarships that cover full tuition and living expenses for international students pursuing master's or PhD programs. Similarly, Harvard University offers financial aid packages that meet 100% of the demonstrated need for international students.

Growing Need for Aid: 

The demand for scholarships among international students has increased due to rising tuition fees. According to a 2022 survey by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), nearly 70% of international graduate students consider financial aid a crucial factor when choosing a U.S. institution.

Countries with the Most Students Studying in the US:

• China
• India
• South Korea
• Vietnam
• Saudi Arabia
• Canada
• Brazil
• Taiwan
• Japan
• Mexico
• Nigeria
• Nepal
• Iran
• Turkey
• Indonesia
   

Top Scholarships for Masters Degrees in the USA:

There are a lot of scholarships based on different criteria but here we will only focus on general scholarships for Masters programs.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Details: The Fulbright Program offers scholarships for international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in the U.S. It covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.provides full funding for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the U.S. Each year, about 4,000 international students receive Fulbright scholarships to pursue master's or PhD degrees.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving cross-cultural understanding.

Website: Fulbright Foreign Student Program

2. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Details: This program provides scholarships for students from developing countries to pursue development-related master's degrees at universities in the U.S.

Eligibility: Applicants must be nationals of World Bank member countries, have a relevant professional background, and commit to returning to their home country after completing their degree.

Website: Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

3. AAUW International Fellowships

Details: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships for women pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the U.S. These awards support women from all fields of study.

Eligibility: Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s, and are committed to advancing women and girls in their home country.

Website: AAUW International Fellowships

4. Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

Details: Rotary International offers scholarships to fund graduate-level coursework or research in areas such as peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention, and economic development.

Eligibility: Applicants must be endorsed by a local Rotary Club and demonstrate a commitment to Rotary's areas of focus.

Website: Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

5. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Details: The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers scholarships to Indian students for full-time master’s degrees in the U.S. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and one-way travel.

Eligibility: Indian citizens under 30 years of age who have been accepted to a top U.S. institution and demonstrate exceptional talent in their chosen field.

Website: Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

6. The NextGen Scholarship Fund

Details: This scholarship is designed for international students and non-citizens who are attending or planning to attend a U.S. institution. It awards $1,000 annually.

Eligibility: International students or non-citizens enrolled in a U.S. institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Website: The NextGen Scholarship Fund

7. The Obama Foundation Scholars Program

Details: This program offers rising leaders from around the world who are already making an impact in their communities the opportunity to take their work to the next level through an immersive curriculum.

Eligibility: Candidates who have a proven commitment to service and leadership in their community.

Website: The Obama Foundation Scholars Program

8. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

Details: This program provides scholarships to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. The scholarship is awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis.

Eligibility: Citizens of countries where Aga Khan operates and who are accepted into highly regarded graduate programs in the U.S.

Website: Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

9. PEO International Peace Scholarship

Details: This scholarship provides support to women from other countries for graduate study in the U.S. The amount awarded is based on financial need.

Eligibility: Women from any country except the U.S. or Canada, who are enrolled in a full-time graduate program in the U.S.

Website: P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship

10. The Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program

Details: This fellowship provides benefits up to $96,000 over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities for those pursuing careers in the USAID Foreign Service.

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.2, who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in international development or another area of relevance to USAID’s work.

Website: The Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program

Top Scholarships for PhD Degrees:

There are a lot of scholarships based on different criteria but here we will only focus on general scholarships for PhD programs.

11. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Details: This fellowship provides experienced professionals from designated countries with a year of non-degree graduate study and related professional experiences in the U.S.

Eligibility: Mid-career professionals with a proven track record of leadership, public service, and a commitment to their home communities.

Website: Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

12. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future

Details: This program supports women from developing and emerging economies in pursuing PhD studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at leading universities worldwide.

Eligibility: Women from developing countries who demonstrate leadership qualities, academic excellence, and a commitment to teaching and research careers in their home countries.

Website: Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future

13. The Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowship

Details: The Spencer Foundation offers fellowships to PhD candidates whose dissertations will contribute to the improvement of education. The fellowship provides funding for a year of research.

Eligibility: PhD students in the writing stage of their dissertation, enrolled in a graduate program in the U.S., and focused on educational issues.

Website: The Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowship

14. American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Fellowship

Details: This fellowship supports early-career scholars in the humanities and social sciences conducting research for their PhD dissertation.

Eligibility: PhD candidates in the humanities and social sciences who have completed all their requirements except for the dissertation (ABD).

Website: American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Fellowship

15. IBM PhD Fellowship Awards Program

Details: This program awards fellowships to PhD students in the fields of technology, including computer science, electrical engineering, and related areas. The fellowship includes financial support and the opportunity for internships.

Eligibility: PhD students who are nominated by a faculty member and demonstrate excellence in their field of study.

Website: IBM PhD Fellowship Awards Program

16. The AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship

Details: This fellowship provides funding to women pursuing a PhD who are completing the writing of their dissertation.

Eligibility: Women in the final year of their PhD program who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Website: AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship

17. The Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship

Details: This fellowship recognizes outstanding PhD students in computer science and related fields, providing funding and the opportunity to engage with Microsoft researchers.

Eligibility: PhD students nominated by their department who are working on innovative and impactful research.

Website: The Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship

18. The Mellon International Dissertation Research Fellowship (IDRF)

Details: This fellowship provides funding for PhD candidates in the humanities and social sciences to conduct dissertation research outside the United States.

Eligibility: PhD students in the humanities and social sciences who have completed all coursework and exams.

Website: The Mellon International Dissertation Research Fellowship (IDRF)

19. Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship

Details: This fellowship supports PhD candidates from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, providing a stipend for the final year of dissertation writing.

Eligibility: PhD candidates who are U.S. citizens or nationals, demonstrate superior academic achievement, and are committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level.

Website: Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship

20. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

Details: This fellowship supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited U.S. institutions.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents pursuing research-based master's and PhD degrees in NSF-supported STEM disciplines.

Website: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)