Prestigious scholarships for international students in the USA

With the average cost of tuition in the USA ranging between USD 25,000 and USD 55,000 per year for international students, the financial implications are significant. In addition, living costs and additional expenses mean you will need substantial resources to pursue a degree in the country. This is where financial aid, funding and scholarships are critical in ensuring you can achieve your study goals. There are many options for international students, and researching is an essential part of preparing to study abroad. We’ve selected three top scholarships for international students in the USA. You’ll discover the criteria, how to apply and how much they cover. 

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 over 40 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. 130 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 over 1,400 alumni in more than 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. You will study at one of Rotary’s Peace Centers at either Duke University or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 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 fellowship is valued at between USD 20,000 and USD 50,000 per year. Awards for master’s degrees are set at USD 20,000, doctoral degrees at USD 25,000, and postdoctoral at USD 50,000. 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 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

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.