Fully Funded and Partially Funded Scholarships in the United States for International Students

The United States offers a wide range of full and partial funding opportunities both in the form of scholarships funded by the government, organizations and universities. Funding is also provided in the form of assistantships which are work study opportunities provided by the university department to graduate students.

The provided funding typically covers tuition fees and living costs with some opportunities providing additional funding to cover accommodation, travel and health insurance.

Below is a list of top fully funded scholarships in the USA, ideal for international students:

1. Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious scholarship opportunities for international students seeking fully funded graduate study, research, or artistic development in the United States. This scholarship is administered through U.S. Embassies and binational Fulbright Commissions, with eligibility and application processes tailored to each country in a bid to promote cross-cultural exchange and global collaboration.

The program awards approximately 4,000 scholarships to international students each year, providing comprehensive funding that typically covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and academic support. This offers a structured pathway to world-class education and impactful global networking opportunities

What it offers:

  • Full tuition coverage
  • Monthly living stipend
  • Airfare (round-trip travel)
  • Health insurance
  • Visa sponsorship
  • Cultural and academic enrichment support

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars – Stanford University

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship designed for outstanding international students and domestic applicants pursuing graduate studies across any of the university’s seven schools. This multidisciplinary leadership program provides up to three years of comprehensive funding, including full tuition coverage, a generous stipend for living and academic expenses, and an annual travel allowance.

Beyond financial support, the scholarship emphasizes leadership development, equipping scholars with the skills, global perspective, and collaborative mindset needed to address complex global challenges. For international students seeking a world-class education combined with transformative leadership training, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program stands out as a highly competitive and impactful scholarship opportunity.

What it offers:

  • Full tuition coverage
  • Living stipend
  • Academic expenses support
  • Travel allowance
  • Leadership development programs

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

3. Yale University Scholarships – Yale University

The Yale Scholarship is a highly competitive, need-based financial aid opportunity offered by Yale University to support undergraduate students, including international students, in accessing world-class education without financial burden. As a gift-based scholarship, it does not require repayment and forms a key part of Yale’s generous funding packages.

Award amounts vary widely depending on demonstrated financial need, ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $80,000 per year, with an average scholarship exceeding $65,000 annually. Additionally, recepients may receive additional funding from endowed scholarships, alumni contributions, and Yale Club awards, further strengthening the overall financial support. For international students seeking substantial funding through a prestigious scholarship, the Yale Scholarship represents a transformative opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading universities.

What it offers:

  • Tuition coverage (depending on need)

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

4. AAUW International Fellowships

The AAUW International Fellowships, offered by the American Association of University Women, are prestigious scholarship opportunities designed to empower women international students pursuing graduate studies in STEM fields in the United States. Established in 1917, this long-standing program provides essential funding to support academically outstanding women who are committed to advancing education, leadership, and gender equity in their home countries and communities.

The scholarship offers financial support, in the form of stipends of up to $20,000 for master’s programs and $25,000 for doctoral studies, helping to cover tuition, living expenses, and academic costs. Open exclusively to non-U.S. citizens, the fellowship targets high-achieving women with a strong academic background and a proven commitment to uplifting other women and girls.

For international students seeking impactful funding and a globally recognized scholarship, the AAUW International Fellowships provide a powerful pathway to academic and professional advancement.

What it offers:

  • Living stipend

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

5. Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Peace Fellowship, offered by The Rotary Foundation, is a prestigious fully funded scholarship designed for international students and professionals committed to advancing peace and development worldwide. Through a combination of academic training, practical experience, and global networking, the program equips fellows with the skills needed to become effective leaders and catalysts for change.

The fellowship provides comprehensive funding, covering tuition and fees, accommodation, round-trip travel, and internship or field-study expenses. Each year, up to 50 master’s degree scholarships and 120 certificate program awards are granted at leading universities across the globe.

For international students seeking impactful funding and a mission-driven scholarship, the Rotary Peace Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to build expertise, expand networks, and contribute meaningfully to global peace efforts.

What it offers:

  • Full tuition coverage
  • Living stipend
  • Round-trip airfare
  • Internship and field-study expenses
  • Professional development support

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

6. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP), offered by the World Bank Group, is a highly competitive scholarship designed for international students from developing countries who are committed to advancing development in their home nations. This fully funded program provides essential funding for selected master’s degree studies in development-related fields such as economic policy, tax policy, and infrastructure management.

The scholarship is applicable to 44 participating master’s programs across 24 universities in regions including the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. To qualify, applicants must secure admission into one of these approved programs and demonstrate relevant professional experience and a strong track record in supporting development efforts. For international students seeking targeted funding and a career-focused scholarship, the JJ/WBGSP offers a valuable opportunity to gain advanced education and contribute to sustainable global development.

What it offers:

  • Full tuition
  • Monthly living allowance
  • Airfare (round-trip)
  • Health insurance

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

7. Clark Global Scholarship Program – Clark University

The Presidential Scholarship at Clark University is a prestigious and highly competitive scholarship designed to recognize exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential among top applicants, including international students. Awarded to approximately five students each year, this fully funded scholarship provides comprehensive funding that covers full tuition, on-campus housing, and meals for all four years of undergraduate study, regardless of financial need.

There is no separate application process, as all admitted students are automatically considered based on the strength of their admission application, with shortlisted candidates invited for a final interview. For international students seeking a merit-based scholarship with extensive funding at a leading U.S. institution, the Presidential Scholarship at Clark University offers a transformative opportunity for academic and personal growth.

What it offers:

  • Full tuition coverage
  • On-campus housing
  • Meals

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

8. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP), offered by the Aga Khan Foundation, is a highly competitive scholarship designed to support outstanding international students from selected countries who lack the financial means to pursue postgraduate education. Established in 1969, this prestigious program provides critical funding to academically excellent individuals with strong leadership potential, professional experience, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

Through a rigorous global selection process, the scholarship targets students admitted to reputable institutions and encourages a balanced funding approach to sustain their studies. For international students seeking meaningful funding and a globally recognized scholarship, the AKF ISP offers a unique opportunity to access advanced education while contributing to long-term social and economic development.

What it offers:

  • 50% funding for tuition and living expenses
  • 50% loan for tuition and living expenses

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

9. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship – American University

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) at American University is a highly prestigious and fully funded scholarship designed for exceptional international students who demonstrate strong academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to social change. This competitive undergraduate scholarship promotes educational access and global diversity by providing full funding that covers tuition, fees, housing, and board for up to four years of study.

Awarded to only one student each year, the AU EGLS brings together top international students who are dedicated to returning to their home countries to improve underserved communities and drive positive civic impact. This scholarship offers a transformative opportunity for international students seeking world-class funding, leadership development, and global engagement in the United States.

What it offers:

  • Full tuition
  • Accommodation
  • Board expenses
  • Leadership development opportunities

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

10. University of Minnesota International Excellence Scholarship – University of Minnesota


The Global Excellence Scholarships (GES) at University of South Florida are competitive, merit-based awards designed to support high-achieving international students pursuing undergraduate studies as freshmen or transfer students. This scholarship provides valuable funding that helps reduce the cost of education, with freshmen receiving between $5,000 and $20,000 annually for up to four years, and transfer students receiving up to $10,000 per year for up to three years, depending on eligibility and enrollment terms.

The scholarship is available to all international students who apply by the specified deadlin, making it an accessible yet highly competitive scholarship opportunity. The Global Excellence Scholarships therefore offers a strong pathway to quality education.

What it offers:

  • Annual stipend

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

11. Illinois Wesleyan University International Scholarships – Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University offers competitive merit-based scholarships for international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and strong performance on required entrance examinations. These scholarships provide valuable funding to support undergraduate study in the United States, with awards of up to $38,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of study.

This scholarship is designed to attract high-achieving international students, and so students are automatically considered as part of the admissions process, requiring no separate application. For international students seeking a merit-based scholarship with substantial funding, Illinois Wesleyan University provides an excellent opportunity to access quality higher education while reducing the financial burden of studying abroad.

What it offers:

  • Annual stipend

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

12. Jefferson Scholars Foundation – University of Virginia

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation, affiliated with the University of Virginia, is a prestigious and highly selective scholarship program that provides exceptional funding opportunities for outstanding students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Recognized as one of the most competitive scholarships in the United States, it identifies high-achieving individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, integrity, and strong civic engagement.

Selected Jefferson Scholars receive comprehensive funding that typically covers full tuition, fees, books, accommodation, and living expenses, along with access to enrichment programs, mentorship, leadership development, and a powerful alumni network.

What it offers:

  • Full tuition
  • Living expenses
  • Enrichment experiences
  • Leadership development

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

13. Truman State University

The Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantship (GTRA) program at Truman State University offers valuable funding opportunities for graduate students, including international students, pursuing master’s degrees in fields such as Accountancy, Athletic Training, Education, English, and Music. This assistantship-based scholarship provides financial support in the form of a cash stipend and a tuition fee waiver of up to nine credit hours per semester, depending on departmental allocation.

In return, students work on a quarter-time basis as teaching or research assistants, gaining practical academic experience while advancing their studies. Positions are renewable for a second year, making it a sustainable funding option for graduate education.

Covers:

  • Tuition fee waiver
  • Cash stipend

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

14. University of Illinois

The Graduate Assistant (GA) and Pre-professional Graduate Assistant (PGA) funding opportunities within the University of Illinois System provide valuable financial support for graduate and international students through tuition and service fee waivers linked to academic employment.

These assistantship-based funding arrangements are typically offered to Teaching Assistants (TAs), Research Assistants (RAs), and Fellows, and may include significant tuition exemptions that reduce the overall cost of graduate study.

Covers:

  • Tuition fee waiver
  • Stipend

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

15. University of Arkansas

The graduate assistantship program within the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Arkansas provides valuable funding opportunities for graduate and international students pursuing advanced degrees while gaining professional experience across a wide range of campus departments. Offering nearly 40 assistantship positions annually, this program includes roles in student affairs, academic advising, admissions, athletics, and campus recreation, with additional opportunities available through other university offices.

These assistantships typically provide comprehensive funding in the form of a full tuition waiver (including in-state, out-of-state, and international tuition), a monthly stipend ranging from $800 to $1,100, and access to health insurance, with some positions also offering housing, meal plans, parking, and professional development support. Designed as 9- to 12-month appointments, graduate assistantships require approximately 20 hours of work per week in exchange for academic credit and financial support.

Covers:

  • Full tuition waiver
  • Stipend
  • health care plan

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

16. University of California Santa Barbra

The graduate funding opportunities offered within the Communication program at University of California, Davis provide comprehensive financial support for graduate and international students through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. Every admitted student receives full funding, ensuring no student enters the program without financial support. This scholarship-style funding package typically covers full tuition, health insurance, and campus-based fees, alongside a monthly stipend paid over a nine-month academic year.

In addition, students may receive summer financial bonuses or paid teaching opportunities. Teaching assistantships are the most common form of support, allowing graduate students to gain valuable academic experience by leading discussion sections, assisting in upper-level courses, and supporting faculty research. For international students seeking reliable funding and a fully supported graduate scholarship experience, this program offers both financial security and strong professional development opportunities.

Covers:

  • Tuition fees
  • Health Insurance
  • Campus based fees

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

17. University of Wiscon-Madison

Graduate assistantships at the University of Wisconsin–Madison provide strong funding opportunities for graduate and international students through structured academic employment appointments. These competitive assistantships offer a comprehensive financial support package that typically includes a monthly stipend, full remission of both resident and non-resident tuition and eligibility for high-quality health insurance coverage.

Designed for students enrolled in academic-year or annual appointments, this scholarship-style funding ensures that graduate and international students can pursue advanced studies with reduced financial burden while gaining valuable teaching, research, and professional experience.

Covers:

  • Monthly Stipend
  • Tuition remission
  • Health Insurance

Explore more; Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today

Scholarship Tips