Discover the best funding opportunities for international and domestic students this year
Pursuing higher education in the United States is a dream for many, but the cost often becomes a significant barrier. Thankfully, numerous scholarship programs are available to support both international and domestic students. This updated list of top 10 scholarships in the USA for 2025 will guide you through the most reputable, high-value opportunities. These scholarships cover various academic levels and disciplines and are either fully or partially funded.
Whether you're a high school graduate, a master’s aspirant, or a doctoral researcher, this comprehensive list has something for you.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Level: Master’s and PhD
Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance
Eligibility: Non-U.S. citizens applying for graduate studies or research in the U.S.
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, it enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States.
👉 Deadline: Varies by country (usually between February and October)
👉 Website: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org
2. Harvard University Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Full or partial funding depending on financial need
Eligibility: International and domestic students
Harvard offers generous financial aid to all students who demonstrate need. Around 55% of Harvard undergraduates receive scholarships, and fully funded PhD programs are standard.
👉 Deadline: Early January 2025 (varies by program)
👉 Website: https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid
3. Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Level: Master’s and PhD
Coverage: Full funding for up to three years
Eligibility: All nationalities, must apply to a Stanford graduate program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program develops future global leaders through full financial support and leadership development. It’s ideal for students pursuing graduate degrees at Stanford.
👉 Deadline: October 2024
👉 Website: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu
4. AAUW International Fellowships (For Women)
Level: Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral
Coverage: $20,000–$50,000
Eligibility: Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers international fellowships to women scholars who wish to pursue full-time study or research in the United States.
👉 Deadline: November 15, 2024
👉 Website: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/
5. Yale University Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Up to full tuition based on financial need
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities
Yale is among the Ivy League universities offering robust financial aid packages. For undergraduate students, the average scholarship is over $50,000 per year.
👉 Deadline: Varies (early action in November, regular in January)
👉 Website: https://admissions.yale.edu/financial-aid
6. University of Michigan International Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
Coverage: Merit-based and need-based grants
Eligibility: International students with excellent academic records
The University of Michigan offers several departmental and university-wide scholarships, including the Rackham Graduate School funding for graduate students.
👉 Deadline: February 2025
👉 Website: https://finaid.umich.edu
7. Clark University Global Scholars Program
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: $15,000–$25,000 per year
Eligibility: First-year international students
Clark University provides merit-based financial aid to international students through its Global Scholars Program. An additional $5,000 in need-based aid is also available.
👉 Deadline: February 1, 2025
👉 Website: https://www.clarku.edu
8. Illinois Wesleyan University International Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: $16,000–$30,000 annually
Eligibility: Exceptional international students
These merit-based scholarships are renewable for up to four years. IWU also offers Presidential Scholarships covering full tuition.
👉 Deadline: March 1, 2025
👉 Website: https://www.iwu.edu/admissions/international/
9. Rotary Peace Fellowships
Level: Master’s Degree and Professional Development Certificate
Coverage: Full tuition, travel, internship expenses
Eligibility: Professionals with a background in peace or development work
This globally competitive fellowship supports students pursuing peace and conflict resolution studies at one of Rotary’s partner universities in the U.S. and other countries.
👉 Deadline: May 2025
👉 Website: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships
10. Cornell University Financial Aid for International Students
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Full financial need met for admitted students
Eligibility: International students with strong academic backgrounds
Cornell commits to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted international students, making it one of the most accessible Ivy League schools for global applicants.
👉 Deadline: January 2, 2025
👉 Website: https://finaid.cornell.edu
Final Thoughts
The United States remains a top destination for higher education, and these top 10 scholarships in the USA for 2025 make it more accessible than ever. Whether you're an undergraduate student looking for full tuition support or a graduate researcher in need of a fully funded fellowship, there’s a scholarship tailored to your goals.
💡 Pro Tip: Always apply early, submit strong personal statements, and ensure all required documents are complete. Tailor each application based on the values and criteria of the scholarship provider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can international students apply for these scholarships?
Yes, all scholarships listed above are open to international students unless stated otherwise.
2. Are these scholarships fully funded?
Several scholarships (e.g., Fulbright, Knight-Hennessy, Rotary) offer full funding, while others provide partial tuition coverage.
3. Do I need to take standardized tests like TOEFL or GRE?
Many scholarships and universities require TOEFL/IELTS for English proficiency. GRE/GMAT may be required for graduate-level scholarships.
4. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Absolutely. Applying to multiple programs increases your chances of securing funding.
