Top 10 Scholarships for Studying in the USA

The good news? There are plenty of scholarships out there that can ease the financial burden and make this dream a reality. Whether you’re an international student looking to earn a master’s degree or a high school senior hoping to study in the Ivy League, there's likely a scholarship tailored just for you.

In this post, we’ll explore  fully funded scholarships that help students study in the United States. These aren't just financial awards—they're life-changing opportunities that open doors, build networks, and launch careers.

Let’s dive in.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

If you’ve ever searched for scholarships to study in the U.S., chances are you’ve come across the Fulbright Program. It's one of the most prestigious scholarships out there, funded by the U.S. Department of State.

The Fulbright is designed for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from over 150 countries. It covers full tuition, airfare, living stipends, and health insurance. But it's not just about the money—the program fosters cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and international goodwill.

Why it stands out:
The Fulbright isn’t just a scholarship—it’s a gateway to global networking and lifelong leadership development.

Ideal for:
Ambitious, globally-minded students who want to make an impact in their field and their country.

2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Another gem for mid-career professionals is the Humphrey Fellowship, which is also sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. This one’s a bit different: it's not a traditional degree program. Instead, it offers ten months of non-degree academic study and professional development in the U.S.

Participants build knowledge in public policy, leadership, and technical expertise, while immersing themselves in American society.

Why it stands out:
It blends academic learning with practical experience and is ideal for those working in public service or non-profit sectors.

Ideal for:
Mid-career professionals with leadership potential and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

3. AAUW International Fellowships

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships for women from around the world who want to pursue graduate or postgraduate studies in the U.S.

The scholarship is aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equity. Awards are generous, and fields of study are wide open—whether it's education, engineering, social sciences, or the arts.

Why it stands out:
It’s women-centered and focused on building female leadership globally.

Ideal for:
International women with a strong academic background and a commitment to advancing women and girls in their home countries.

4. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)

If you’re aiming for Stanford, you should definitely look into the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program. It's one of the most competitive and generous scholarships for graduate students.

It covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs—and it goes beyond just funding. Scholars take part in leadership training, global experiences, and high-impact service opportunities.

Why it stands out:
It supports not only academic growth but also personal development and global leadership.

Ideal for:
High-achieving students with a vision to tackle global challenges and a desire to grow as changemakers.

5. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

YYGS is technically a pre-college program, but it’s worth mentioning here because it often sets the stage for future academic opportunities. This summer program brings high school students from around the world to Yale for two weeks of intensive learning in global issues, science, politics, and more.

While not a full scholarship for college, it offers need-based financial aid and can be a powerful stepping stone.

Why it stands out:
It gives students a taste of American university life and helps build a network of like-minded peers early on.

Ideal for:
Ambitious high school students with leadership potential and a passion for global issues.

6. Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

The Rotary Foundation offers Global Grant scholarships to students pursuing graduate-level coursework or research in areas aligned with Rotary’s mission—think peacebuilding, disease prevention, education, and water sustainability.

The funding can be substantial—often over $30,000—and includes tuition, fees, travel, and living expenses.

Why it stands out:
It focuses on making real-world change through service and professional expertise.

Ideal for:
Graduate students interested in fields of social impact and committed to giving back through Rotary’s global network.

7. Gates Scholarship

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, full-ride scholarship for exceptional, Pell Grant-eligible minority students in the U.S. planning to attend college.

It covers tuition, room, board, books, transportation, and even personal costs. The goal is to remove all financial barriers for outstanding students.

Why it stands out:
It offers comprehensive financial support and access to resources that help students thrive in college and beyond.

Ideal for:
U.S. high school seniors from underrepresented communities who show academic excellence and leadership.

8. Clark Global Scholarship Program

Clark University in Massachusetts offers a unique Global Scholars Program aimed at international students applying for their first year of undergraduate study.

The scholarship can be quite generous—up to $25,000 per year—with additional need-based aid possible.

Why it stands out:
It recognizes the contributions of international students and fosters a tight-knit global learning community.

Ideal for:
International students seeking a small liberal arts college environment with strong academic and community support.

9. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

This scholarship is designed for international students who want to make a difference in their communities. Offered by American University in Washington, D.C., the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board.

It’s awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to positive social change.

Why it stands out:
It focuses on leadership and social impact—especially in underserved and underrepresented communities.

Ideal for:
Civic-minded international students with a passion for service and strong academic credentials.

10. Harvard University Scholarships (for International Students)

Harvard has a reputation for excellence—and also for being expensive. But here’s the surprising truth: Harvard offers some of the best financial aid in the world, especially for international students.

If you get accepted, the school guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. And that’s true whether you’re from Boston or Bangladesh.

Why it stands out:
Harvard doesn’t offer merit-based aid—because everyone admitted is exceptional. Instead, it ensures that money is never a barrier.

Ideal for:
High-achieving students who get into Harvard and require financial support to attend.

Final Thoughts

Securing a scholarship to study in the U.S. can feel daunting. There are applications to fill out, essays to write, deadlines to meet—but the rewards are well worth it. These scholarships don’t just provide funding—they connect you with mentors, communities, and life-changing opportunities that will shape your career and character.

If you’re serious about studying in the U.S., start early. Research thoroughly, tailor your application to each program, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, counselors, or former scholars. Remember, the competition might be stiff, but every year thousands of students prove that with the right mix of determination and preparation, anything is possible.

And who knows? The next scholarship winner’s story might just be yours.