Scholarship Opportunities in USA

The most transformative of these are the fully funded scholarships which can cover everything from your tuition and fees to living expenses, health insurance, and even travel. 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through some of the most sought-after fully funded scholarship opportunities available for the 2025-2026 academic year. We’ll explore the key details of each, including the level of study, what the scholarship covers, important deadlines, and the eligibility criteria to help you find the perfect match for your academic journey.

Scholarship Opportunities in USA

1. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized scholarships for international students. It’s designed to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

• Level: Master’s and PhD.
• Coverage: The scholarship is very comprehensive, covering tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
• Deadlines: Application deadlines vary by country, but they typically fall between February and October of the year prior to the start of your program.
• Eligibility Criteria: Open to citizens of over 155 countries. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate a strong academic record and leadership potential. The specific requirements can differ based on the applicant’s home country, so it’s crucial to check with the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your country.

2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

This program at Stanford University is a community of future global leaders tackling complex global challenges. It’s a highly competitive scholarship that values leadership, independent thought, and a civic mindset.

• Level: Graduate (Master’s, PhD, and professional degrees) at Stanford University.
• Coverage: It covers full tuition, a living stipend, academic expenses, and a travel stipend.
• Deadlines: The application for the 2026 cohort will likely be in October 2025.
• Eligibility Criteria: Open to students from all countries who are applying to any graduate program at Stanford University.

3. Yale University Scholarships

Yale University is committed to making its education accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background. They have a need-based financial aid program that extends to international students.

• Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD.
• Coverage: Financial aid awards can range from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year, with the average scholarship being over $50,000. It covers tuition, living expenses, and other costs based on demonstrated financial need.
• Deadlines: Deadlines vary by program, but they typically align with the university’s application deadlines, which are in late fall and early winter.
• Eligibility Criteria: The scholarship is awarded based on financial need, which is determined by the university’s financial aid application process.

4. The Gates Scholarship

A highly selective scholarship for high-achieving minority students with a significant financial need. The program focuses on promoting academic excellence and leadership.

• Level: Undergraduate.
• Coverage: A full scholarship that covers tuition, fees, books, room, and board, and other living expenses not covered by the family’s expected contribution and other financial aid.
• Deadlines: Application typically opens in August and closes in September.
• Eligibility Criteria: For U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. Applicants must be a high school senior from a minority group, have a minimum GPA of 3.3, and demonstrate exceptional leadership skills.

5. Onsi Sawiris Scholarship

This scholarship is specifically for students from Egypt who are looking to pursue a degree in the U.S. It’s funded by the Orascom Construction Foundation.

• Level: Undergraduate and Master’s.
• Coverage: Covers full tuition, a living allowance, travel costs, and health insurance.
• Deadlines: Varies, but typically in the spring of the year prior to enrollment.
• Eligibility Criteria: Exclusively for Egyptian citizens who reside in Egypt. Applicants must meet specific academic and English proficiency requirements.

6. Coca-Cola Scholars Program

One of the largest and most prestigious scholarship programs for high school students in the U.S., based on a combination of academic merit, leadership, and community service.

• Level: Undergraduate (for graduating high school seniors).
• Coverage: A $20,000 scholarship that can be used for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
• Deadlines: The application for the 2026 cohort will be from August 1 to September 30, 2025.
• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident, be a high school senior, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

7. Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships

This university offers a range of scholarships, including a few full-tuition scholarships for international students with outstanding academic achievements.

• Level: Undergraduate.
• Coverage: Scholarships range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year, and two full-tuition Presidential Scholarships are awarded annually.
• Deadlines: Varies by program, but typically in early winter.
• Eligibility Criteria: Merit-based scholarships awarded to qualified international applicants with strong academic performance and test scores.

8. AAUW International Fellowship Program

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents for full-time study or research.

• Level: Graduate and Postdoctoral.
• Coverage: The fellowship amount varies from $18,000 to $30,000 per year, which can significantly contribute to or fully cover educational and living expenses.
• Deadlines: Typically, applications open in August and close in November.
• Eligibility Criteria: Female students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application deadline.

9. ACI Foundation Scholarship

This foundation provides scholarships and fellowships to students pursuing careers in the concrete industry.

• Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral.
• Coverage: Provides a stipend of $10,000 to $15,000 for tuition, residence, books, and materials.
• Deadlines: Application deadlines are typically in November.
• Eligibility Criteria: Varies by scholarship, but generally requires enrollment in a relevant program (e.g., civil engineering, structural engineering, architecture) and a strong academic record.

10. University of Minnesota Fellowship

The University of Minnesota offers various fellowships to attract top graduate students. These fellowships often include a tuition waiver and a living stipend.

• Level: Master’s.
• Coverage: A full fellowship that typically covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.
• Deadlines: Varies by department and program, so check the specific program’s website.
• Eligibility Criteria: Awarded to outstanding Master’s students based on academic merit and potential.

11. University of Oregon ICSP Scholarship

The International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) at the University of Oregon awards scholarships to international students who have financial need and exceptional academic merit.

• Level: Undergraduate.
• Coverage: Covers a portion of the tuition, with amounts varying. The scholarship is renewable.
• Deadlines: January and February of the year prior to enrollment.
• Eligibility Criteria: International students with financial need who demonstrate a commitment to inter-cultural service and communication.

12. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship

This scholarship is for women from other countries to pursue graduate degrees in the U.S. or Canada. The scholarship is based on financial need and is intended for students who will contribute to peace and understanding.

• Level: Graduate.
• Coverage: A need-based award of up to $12,500. While not fully funded on its own, it can significantly supplement other funding and make a fully funded education possible.
• Deadlines: Typically, applications open in September and close in December.
• Eligibility Criteria: Must be a woman from a country other than the U.S. or Canada, have a confirmed admission to a U.S. or Canadian university, and be committed to peace.

13. World Bank Scholarships Program (JJ/WBGSP)

The World Bank’s Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) offers scholarships to professionals from developing countries to pursue a master’s degree in development-related fields.

• Level: Master’s.
• Coverage: The scholarship covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance.
• Deadlines: The application process is typically in two windows, with the first in January-February and the second in March-May.
• Eligibility Criteria: Must be a national of a World Bank member country, have a bachelor’s degree, and have at least three years of professional work experience.

14. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

This program brings experienced professionals from designated countries to the U.S. for a year of non-degree professional enrichment.

• Level: Post-graduate (non-degree).
• Coverage: The fellowship is a full grant that covers all related expenses, including tuition, a monthly stipend, and health insurance.
• Deadlines: Varies by country, so it’s best to check with the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your home country.
• Eligibility Criteria: Experienced professionals with a commitment to public service and leadership potential.

15. Boston University Presidential Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated a strong academic record and are well-rounded individuals.

• Level: Undergraduate.
• Coverage: A renewable scholarship of $25,000 per year off of tuition. While not fully funded, it’s a significant financial boost.
• Deadlines: The application deadline is typically in December.
• Eligibility Criteria: Awarded to students with a strong academic profile and a record of co-curricular achievements.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored, the world of fully funded scholarships is rich with opportunities designed to support ambitious students from all backgrounds. From the prestigious Fulbright Program to institution-specific awards at top universities like Yale and Stanford, there is a scholarship for every kind of academic and leader.

By thoroughly researching each program’s specific requirements and preparing a compelling application that highlights your unique achievements and aspirations, you can significantly increase your chances of securing the funding you need.