Securing a scholarship in the United States can be life-changing for students from abroad. Whether you’re motivated by the desire to engage yourself in a new culture, build a global network, or launch your career on an international stage, studying in the U.S. opens doors that may not exist back home.
In this article, we’ll discuss a range of top-tier USA scholarships for international students covering fully funded options, undergraduate awards, and programmes specially targeted at African students. If you’re ready to turn your ambition into action, this comprehensive guide will walk you through what you need to know and do to access these opportunities.
Fully Funded Scholarships in the U.S. for International Students in 2025
These programmes provide full or nearly full financial support, alleviating tuition, living expenses, travel and more.
1. Humphrey Fellowship Programme
Each year, around 200 fellowship opportunities are offered to mid-career professionals. The benefits include tuition coverage, language training, a generous living stipend, book and computer allowances, international travel, and insurance. The goal is to develop leadership potential and support exchange of knowledge across borders.
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
With approximately 4,000 awards annually, this programme enables international students to pursue postgraduate study or even non-degree research in the U.S. The package typically covers tuition, textbooks, housing, round-trip travel, and health insurance. It is open to a wide range of fields and emphasises cross-cultural engagement.
3. DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship
Designed for students pursuing a Ph.D. in engineering, mathematics, computer science, physical or life sciences, this fellowship provides four years of support: full tuition, required fees, an annual stipend and an academic allowance. Renewal is required each year. Applicants must show strong academic credentials and research potential.
4. Berea College Scholarship
At this liberal arts college, international students receive full funding in their first year covering tuition, fees, board and accommodation. In addition, paid summer employment on campus enables students to earn for subsequent years, helping to maintain the scholarship.
5. East Tennessee State University Scholarship
This award is available to both undergraduate and graduate international students. It covers 50 % of tuition (whether in-state or out-of-state rates) and is awarded to candidates with a minimum GPA of 3.0. It’s more modest in scale but accessible and merit-based.
6. Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
For international students with a strong academic track record and test-scores, Illinois Wesleyan offers merit scholarships ranging from US$10,000 to US$25,000 per year. These awards are renewable for up to four years, making them a strong choice for long-term funding.
7. New York University Wagner Scholarships
NYU Wagner grants merit-based scholarships for international students. Awards may range from US$25,000 to US$47,000 annually, possibly covering full or partial tuition. Selection is competitive and emphasises academic excellence, leadership and contribution to the university community.
8. Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
For incoming international freshmen, Iowa State offers merit scholarships with awards between US$2,000 and US$10,000 annually. Applicants are evaluated on high school grades, ACT/SAT scores and competitiveness of selection. The awards are renewable, providing multi-year support for successful candidates.
9. University of the West Scholarships
At the University of the West, international students demonstrating both excellent academic performance and genuine financial need can receive scholarship support that pays full tuition fees. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria and provide evidence of need.
10. University of Oregon Scholarships
Every year the University of Oregon makes a variety of scholarships and financial aid packages available to international students amounting to millions of dollars. These awards are open for both undergraduate and graduate students, and provide significant opportunities for non-U.S. enrolled learners.
READ: USA Community College Scholarships That Are Easier to Secure
Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students in the U.S.
These scholarships focus specifically on bachelor’s degree seekers, often combining merit, leadership and service criteria.
1. Karsh International Scholarship at Duke University
This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, and provides funding for research, service initiatives and internships. It is aimed at exceptional international undergraduate applicants who demonstrate leadership, academic distinction and global thinking.
2. Yale University Scholarships
At Yale, international students are eligible for need-based financial aid that covers full demonstrated financial need. This includes tuition, room and board, and personal expenses. The financial support allows students from any financial background to access Ivy League education without incurring debt.
3. Simmons University Kotzen Scholarship
The Kotzen Scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, and adds a US$3,000 annual award for research or study abroad. Eligibility is based on academic merit, leadership potential and a strong college preparatory background. International students can benefit from this inclusive offer.
4. University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
This award covers full costs of attendance: tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, plus a US$12,000 enrichment fund for study abroad, internships or research. It’s targeted at high-achieving students with leadership credentials and a commitment to community.
5. Boston University President’s Scholarship
Awarded to outstanding first-year students (domestic and international), this scholarship provides US$25,000 per year for up to four years to those demonstrating high academic accomplishment and leadership involvement. It opens doors for international learners to attend BU affordably.
6. University of Michigan Dearborn Undergraduate Scholarships
At UM-Dearborn, international undergraduate students can access a variety of merit-based scholarships, including the Chancellor’s and Dean’s Scholarships. Awards typically range from US$3,500 to US$10,000 per year depending on academic performance and extracurricular engagement.
7. University of Dayton International Undergraduate Scholarships
For international students at the University of Dayton, annual awards range from US$10,000 to US$25,000. These scholarships emphasize academic achievement, leadership and participation in extracurricular activities. They are renewable and provide multi-year support.
8. University of Alabama President’s Scholarship
This scholarship provides full tuition for up to four years, a US$1,000 annual stipend and an additional US$2,000 for summer research or study abroad. There’s also a US$300 per yearbook award. The scholarship is open to domestic and international students, making it an exceptional opportunity for global applicants with high GPA and strong test scores.
9. Daniels Scholarship Program
The Daniels Scholarship is a national scholarship in the U.S. that can be used at any qualifying nonprofit institution. It covers tuition, room and board, books and materials. It is designed for students who exhibit strong character, leadership and a commitment to community service. International students may be eligible under certain conditions—check eligibility carefully.
10. Boston University Trustee Scholarship
This full-tuition renewable award goes to around 20 of the most outstanding students each year. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic records, leadership and participation in school/community activities. International students are eligible and have an incredible opportunity for full coverage.
READ: Scholarships Before University Admission
Scholarships in the U.S. Specifically for African Students
Recognising the potential of African students, several U.S. scholarship programmes are tailored to applicants from the continent, helping build leadership and change-making capacity.
1. United States Scholarship to Africa
This programme supports African undergraduates and graduates who need financial assistance to complete their studies in the U.S. Recipients benefit from full schooling coverage and an annual stipend (for example US$4,000). Applicants under age 40 are often selected; the application requires an essay reflecting educational ambitions and developmental goals for one’s home country.
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, African citizens can earn a high school diploma or university degree abroad, including in the United States. The objective is to nurture future leaders who will contribute to the continent’s progress. Participating institutions include Stanford University, Michigan State University, University of California, Berkeley, Wellesley College, Duke University and Arizona State University.
3. International Association of Black Actuaries Scholarship
This scholarship is directed at African students or individuals identifying as Black, enrolled in a U.S. university, pursuing actuarial studies/talent in mathematics. Awards of up to US$5,000 per year are available to selected candidates who meet academic and enrollment criteria.
4. ExxonMobil Middle East & North Africa Scholars Program
Offered by ExxonMobil, this initiative provides fully funded scholarships for students from the Middle East and North Africa to study at U.S. universities in science or engineering fields. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline, have GRE scores and an international passport.
5. Miriam J. Kelley Africa Scholarship
Managed by Michigan State University, this scholarship supports female African students admitted to U.S. institutions. Annual grants of up to US$1,000 are awarded to selected recipients through an essay-based application reflecting ambition and community focus.
6. Google Lime Scholarship
Offered by Google in partnership with Lime Connect, this scholarship supports students with disabilities pursuing study in computer science, engineering or related technical fields. Though not limited to Africa, it is highly relevant and inclusive for international applicants as well.
7. PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund
This global initiative offers up to US$12,000 to women from outside North America who seek graduate study in the U.S. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in a qualified degree program; the aim is empowering international women through education and global relationships.
8. Ruby Newhall Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship supports young African scholars whose financial circumstances hinder studying abroad. Awards focus on a wide range of disciplines science, education, agriculture, journalism and more and require recipients to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to retain funding.
READ: Universities That Offer Automatic Scholarships Upon Admission
How to Maximise Your Chances of Winning a U.S. Scholarship
The following list below explain how you can take a chance to win a scholarship in the U.S.
Identify the Right Scholarships
Match your profile (academic record, field of study, leadership experience, origin country) with programmes that fit. Many awards have specific criteria (region, degree level, discipline).
Prepare Thoroughly
Start early: gather transcripts, test scores (GRE/GMAT/SAT/ACT), recommendation letters, essays and CVs. Make sure each component reflects your best self and your vision for the future.
Demonstrate Leadership and Purpose
Scholarship panels often look beyond grades. Showcase how you’ve led initiatives, made an impact in your community or plan to apply your U.S. education to drive change back home.
Write a Compelling Essay
Your personal statement should clearly convey your goals, motivation for studying in the U.S., and how you will benefit and contribute. Tailor your essay to each application and avoid generic statements.
Secure Strong Recommendations
Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic ability, character and potential. Provide them with your achievements and plans to enable a strong, personal letter.
Visit Scholarship Websites Regularly
Deadlines, requirements and terms may change yearly. Monitor official scholarship web pages and your email for updates so you don’t miss application windows.
Stay Organised
Keep a calendar of deadlines, required materials and follow-up tasks. Missing one component can disqualify an otherwise strong application.
Prepare for Interviews
Some scholarships may include an interview. Practice articulating your goals, interest in the U.S., leadership experiences and how you will use the opportunity if selected.
Apply to Multiple Opportunities
Don’t place all your hopes on one scholarship. Apply broadly to increase your odds and refine your application materials through experience.
Studying in the United States presents a unique opportunity not just to earn a degree, but to grow personally, expand your network and position yourself for global impact. The outlined above includes both fully funded programmes and highly competitive awards targeted at undergraduate and African students. If you meet the eligibility criteria, begin preparing now. Having well-crafted applications, strong references and a clear vision for your future will improve your chances substantially. Your ambition can become reality take the first step today.
