Prestigious scholarships for international students in the USA

International students in the USA can access a wide range of scholarships, fellowships and funding programmes, from fully funded government awards such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, to prestigious university scholarships like the Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford, and targeted awards such as the AAUW International Fellowship for women in STEM and the Rotary Peace Fellowship for peace and development professionals. Award values range from 50% tuition coverage to fully funded packages worth USD 100,000 or more. This guide covers the top scholarships available, including eligibility criteria, award values and how to apply.

Table of contents:

• A summary of funding options in the USA
• #YouAreWelcomeHere
• Rotary Peace Fellowship
• AAUW International Fellowships in USA for Women
• More scholarships for international students in the USA
• Frequently asked questions about scholarships in the USA

A summary of funding options in the USA

Before we focus on the specific scholarships on offer, it’s useful to understand what type of financial aid is available in the USA and who provides it. Student financial support comes from three main sources, these are:

• U.S. Government 

  • While international students don’t qualify for Federal financial aid, programmes run by the U.S. government and government-sponsored organisations do provide funding. An example is the Fulbright Scholarship. The U.S. government may also have agreements and arrangements with particular countries to assist students. Always check online consulate or embassy websites for information. 

• Universities 

  • Almost all universities in the USA have dedicated scholarships and financial aid programmes. This will cover different subjects, qualifications, study levels and student profiles. Some will cover the full cost of studying abroad, while others will be partial or stipends to assist with costs. Criteria may range from academic excellence to financial need. Always contact the university's international or financial aid office for more information. 

• External funding and organisations

  • Companies, NGO’s and charities are all known for providing funding to deserving students. Sometimes, this means doing work for the organisation once you have graduated or studying for a specific degree. The funding depends on an alignment of values, ethos and outlook. The funding can be for particular kinds of students, so always check the eligibility criteria carefully. 

Now that you understand the different types of funding, we’ll take a look at specific scholarships that may be suitable for you. 

#YouAreWelcomeHere

Started in 2019, the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship campaign aims to make studying in the USA accessible for high-performing students. The scholarships are offered by more than 35 participating institutions across the USA, from New York to Oklahoma. Usually, two scholarships are available at each participating institution. 

The scholarship is available to undergraduate students and covers a minimum of 50 per cent of the cost of tuition. The scholarship is also renewable for the duration of your degree. This is two years for an associate’s degree and four years for a bachelor’s degree.  You must be a first-time international applicant in any field or degree to qualify. Other criteria for the scholarship are:

• You must not have permanent residency in the USA. 
• You must demonstrate an interest and take initiative in promoting intercultural exchange. 
• Submit a 500 to 1,000-word essay or a five-minute video answering a key question. 
• Your scholarship application must be completed alongside your university application. This should align with the institutional deadline. 

Once you apply, you're notified by your university if you have been successful and will receive the scholarship. 

Discover more about what the USA offers international students. 

Rotary Peace Fellowship 

A popular and prestigious award for postgraduate students is the Rotary Peace Fellowship. It is offered by Rotary International, a non-profit organisation that aims to promote peace, goodwill and collaboration across the globe. Up to 170 fully funded fellowships are offered each year to students who wish to pursue studies focusing on peace and development. The award covers tuition fees, living costs, accommodation, transport, internship and field trip expenses. 

The programme has had more than 1,800 alumni in over 140 countries since its inception in 2002. You can pursue either a master's degree programme of 15 to 24 months or a one-year professional development certificate programme. For the master's degree programme, you will study at one of Rotary's five global Peace Centers: Duke University/University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA), International Christian University (Japan), University of Bradford (England), University of Queensland (Australia), or Uppsala University (Sweden). To qualify for the master's degree fellowship, you must meet key criteria.

• You must have a bachelor’s degree. 
• Demonstrate proficiency in English. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to cross-cultural understanding through professional and academic achievement. 
• Show leadership potential and have at least three years of professional experience working in peace and development. 
• Have a three-year gap between completing your previous degree and your fellowship application. 

If you are successful, your master’s degree will involve academic training, field experience, networking, seminars and workshops. You will also be encouraged to share your work and participate with other Rotary alumni and members. 

Learn more on how to apply to study in the USA. 

AAUW International Fellowships in USA for Women

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships yearly to academically deserving women globally. The award aims to support women pursuing full-time postgraduate or postdoctoral research in the USA. Further, the intention is to equip students with knowledge and skills they can apply when returning home. Alumni of the programme, which has been running since 1917, have become leaders in business, academia, government, art and science. 

The AAUW International Fellowship now specifically supports women pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees in the USA. The fellowship is valued at USD 20,000 for a master's degree and USD 25,000 for a doctoral degree. To qualify you must hold a recognised and verified bachelor's degree and be registered and accepted for your postgraduate degree at your chosen institution. You are evaluated on your academic achievements and your commitment to empowering girls and women. Some other criteria you must meet are:

• You are not a permanent U.S. resident or dual citizen. 
• You must devote yourself full-time to your course of study. 
• You must intend to return to your home country upon completing your qualification. 
• Demonstrate and provide proof of English language proficiency. 
• Your degree must be in a STEM discipline (science, technology, engineering or mathematics).
• Your master's and doctoral degree should be classified as a research degree. 
• The funding is not applicable for distance or online learning.
• You cannot be a previous recipient of an AAUW fellowship or grant. 

Your application is evaluated on numerous criteria, including:

• Your qualifications
• Academic and professional achievement
• The quality and feasibility of your research
• Your country’s need for your research
• Financial need
• Your motivation for studying

More scholarships for international students in the USA

Beyond the three scholarships covered above, there are several other well-known funding programmes open to international students in the USA. The table below summarises seven of the most widely sought scholarships, including their award values, study levels and eligibility. All facts have been verified from official sources.

These are just a few of the scholarships and funding options available. You can search for other scholarships and continue your research into studying in the USA by reading our guides to the grading system, the most in-demand jobs in the USA, and the best student cities in the USA. 

Frequently asked questions about scholarships in the USA

Q1: Can international students get scholarships to study in the USA?

A1: Yes. International students can access a wide range of scholarships in the USA, including government-funded programmes such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, university-specific awards such as the Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford, and external fellowships such as the Rotary Peace Fellowship and the AAUW International Fellowship. Eligibility varies by programme, so always check the official criteria before applying.

Q2: What is the difference between a scholarship and a fellowship in the USA?

A2: A scholarship typically provides financial support for tuition and living costs for undergraduate or graduate study. A fellowship is usually awarded to graduate students or professionals and often includes a research, professional development, or public service component in addition to financial support. Both can be fully or partially funded, and both are open to international students depending on the programme.

Q3: Are there fully funded scholarships for international students in the USA?

A3: Yes. Several fully funded scholarships are available to international students in the USA. These include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, the Rotary Peace Fellowship, the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship, and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme at Stanford University. 'Fully funded' typically means tuition, living costs, health insurance and travel are all covered.

Q4: How competitive are scholarships for international students in the USA?

A4: Competition varies widely by programme. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme at Stanford has an acceptance rate of approximately 1.2%, making it one of the most competitive scholarships in the world. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program awards around 4,000 grants annually across eligible countries. The Rotary Peace Fellowship offers up to 170 fellowships per year. Regardless of the programme, a strong academic record, clear research or professional goals, and evidence of leadership are consistently important selection criteria.

Q5: What scholarships are available for women studying in the USA?

A5: The AAUW International Fellowship is one of the most well-known scholarships specifically for women in the USA. It provides USD 20,000 for a master's degree and USD 25,000 for a doctoral degree, and is now exclusively available for STEM disciplines. Other programmes such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars are open to all genders and also welcome applications from women