Studying in the U.S. is a dream for many international students — but it’s no secret that tuition and living costs can add up fast. That’s where scholarships come in. This guide is for students outside the U.S. who are planning to apply in 2025 and want to explore real, reliable funding options.
We’ll walk you through the best scholarships available, how to apply, and tips for standing out. Whether you’re aiming for a full ride or partial support, knowing where to look can make all the difference in turning your dream into reality.
Can International Students Get Scholarships in the USA?
Full vs. Partial Scholarships
Yes—you can score full‑ride scholarships covering tuition, housing, and more, though these are rare and highly competitive. Many award partial scholarships, helping offset tuition or living costs.
The most prestigious awards (like the Fulbright or institutional full‑ride grants) go to top-performing students. Even partial aid—say, $5,000–$20,000 annually—can significantly lighten the financial burden.
Key Stats: Who Actually Gets Aid?
Roughly 40% of international students at over 400 U.S. colleges receive some form of financial aid. On average, international undergrads are awarded about $26,800 per year in institutional aid.
Globally, nearly 60% of college students receive scholarships or grants, illustrating that aid is widespread—even if full awards are rare.
Merit vs. Need-Based Aid
Merit-based scholarships reward academic achievements, test scores, athletics, or talent—no financial need required. Most universities automatically consider international applicants for merit aid during admission.
Need-based aid, on the other hand, depends on your financial situation and is less common for international students. Only select U.S. schools (like MIT, Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, and others) offer need-blind admission and commit to covering full demonstrated need for internationals.
List of Top Scholarships for International Students in 2025
Check out these top U.S. scholarships—ranging from full funding to partial awards—open to international students for 2025 applications. We’ve included eligibility, amounts, and deadlines to help you target your best options.
Comparison Table
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Degree Level | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Full funding | Master’s/PhD | Varies (Feb–Oct) |
| Jack Kent Cooke Foundation | Up to $40,000/year | Undergrad/Graduate | Rolling |
| Stamps Scholarship | $21,600–$300,000 over 4 yrs | Undergrad | Varies |
| Knight‑Hennessy Scholars | Full funding | Graduate | Oct 2025 (est.) |
| MPOWER Financing Scholarships | $1,000–6,000/year | Undergrad/Graduate | Monthly/July 31 |
Undergraduate Scholarships
- Stamps Scholarship – Merit-based, up to $75K/year (avg. $21.6K–$75K), at partner schools like UChicago, Georgia Tech.
- Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer – Up to $40,000/year for community college transfers to top U.S. schools.
- MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship – $1–6K per year for female STEM students at MPOWER-partnered universities; deadline July 31.
- MPOWER Monthly Scholarship Series – 3 $1,000 awards monthly for international students enrolled at MPOWER-supported U.S./Canada schools.
- IAPD Scholarship – Up to $5,000 for international sales/professional studies students with a 3.5 GPA; deadline ~Mar 28.
- “Study a Bachelor’s in the USA” Scholarship – $5,000 for international Bachelor’s students starting Fall 2025; deadline Jun 28, 2025.
- Dr. Elemér & Éva Kiss Scholarship – $500–1,000 for Hungarian students with academic excellence; deadline Sep 1.
- Conflict Conqueror Scholarship – Western Illinois University; deadline July 7, 2025.
Graduate Scholarships & Fellowships
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Covers study/research for Master’s/PhD; deadlines vary Feb–Oct 2025.
- Knight‑Hennessy Scholars – Full funding for graduate study at Stanford; deadline likely Oct 2025.
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP) – $37K stipend + $16K tuition per year for STEM Master’s/PhD studies; due late Oct.
- Schwarzman Scholars – One-year master’s at Tsinghua University in global affairs; full funding, deadline varies.
- AAUW International Fellowship – $18,000–30,000 for women pursuing grad/postdoc; deadline Nov 15.
- Rotary Peace Fellowship – Fully funded master’s/certificate in peace/conflict studies; deadline May 2025.
- MPOWER Graduate Scholarships – Up to $6K/year for international grad students in STEM/Business; deadline Jul 31.
- East-West Center Fellowships – Master’s/PhD in Asia-Pacific studies, includes stipend and travel; deadline Dec.
- Global UGRAD Exchange – Semester-long undergrad exchange with stipend; deadline Dec.
- Illinois Wesleyan University International Scholarships – Broad undergrad aid with Jan–Mar deadlines.
- Fairleigh Dickinson University Scholarships – Bachelor’s level with Jul/Dec deadlines.
- University of Oregon ICSP Scholarships – Undergrad awards with Jan/Feb 2025 deadlines.
Where to Find Scholarships for International Students
University and College Websites
Start with the financial aid pages of the universities you’re applying to. Many schools list scholarships specifically for international students, along with eligibility details and application instructions.
Some even offer automatic merit scholarships—no separate form needed. Bookmark deadlines early, as institutional scholarships often close months before admission decisions are released.
Government and NGO Programs
Several governments offer scholarships for students studying abroad. U.S. programs like Fulbright, USAID, and the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship support international learners.
Additionally, global NGOs such as the Rotary Foundation and AAUW fund students in fields like development, leadership, or peacebuilding. These awards are competitive but can cover full tuition, travel, and living costs.
Private Organizations and Foundations
Many private companies, cultural groups, and philanthropic foundations fund international students. Examples include the MPOWER Financing Scholarships, Inlaks Foundation, and country-specific initiatives. Awards may focus on specific majors, backgrounds, or goals—so tailor your search accordingly.
Scholarship Search Engines
Use global platforms like Scholarships.com, IEFA.org, Fastweb, and Cappex to browse thousands of awards by degree level, country, and field. These tools often include deadline reminders, application tips, and filtering options to match your profile and study plans.
How to Apply for Scholarships as an International Student
6 Key Steps
- Research Scholarships Early
Start your search 12–18 months before your intended start date. Focus on eligibility, deadlines, and application materials. Use official university pages and trusted databases like IEFA.org and EducationUSA to find the best fits for your background and goals.
- Organize Application Materials
Create a checklist: transcripts (translated if needed), standardized test scores, proof of English proficiency, passport copy, and recommendation letters. For competitive scholarships, prepare a financial statement or income certificate showing your need (if applicable).
- Write a Strong Personal Essay
Tailor your essay to each scholarship. Focus on academic achievements, career goals, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to your community or field. Be personal, honest, and specific — avoid clichés. Ask a teacher or mentor to review it.
- Request Recommendation Letters Early
Choose teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak to your strengths. Give them clear instructions and plenty of time — ideally a month in advance. If applying to multiple scholarships, ask for general letters you can reuse.
- Track Deadlines Carefully
Use a spreadsheet or app to manage deadlines and requirements. Some scholarships close months before admission deadlines. Aim to submit at least a week early to account for time zones or technical issues.
- Apply and Follow Up
Submit all materials carefully, double-checking uploads and email confirmations. After applying, monitor your email for updates. Some programs may request interviews or extra documents, so respond promptly and professionally.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
Skills and Qualities to Emphasize
Scholarship committees look for more than just grades. Highlight qualities like leadership, initiative, resilience, and a passion for your field. If you’ve volunteered, started a project, or overcome challenges, make those part of your story.
Emphasize skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability—especially if you’ve worked in multicultural or academic settings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid generic essays that could apply to anyone—be specific about your goals and experiences. Don’t miss deadlines or leave any required sections blank.
Submitting the same materials to every scholarship without adjusting for eligibility or criteria is another common pitfall. Always double-check for grammar and formatting errors.
Standout Application Tips
Tailor each application to the scholarship’s mission. If it supports women in STEM, show your commitment to that field through examples.
Keep your CV clear and achievement-focused. Use stories to show impact, not just lists of activities. Finally, don’t be afraid to apply for lesser-known or smaller scholarships—these often have fewer applicants and better odds.
How to Save Money as an International Student in the US
Live Off-Campus or With a Host Family
University housing can be convenient, but it’s often pricey. Living off-campus—especially with roommates—can save you hundreds each month.
Some students also choose host family programs, which may include meals and utilities, offering both savings and a cultural experience.
Work Part-Time Legally (F1 visa)
International students on F1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic year. This includes jobs in libraries, cafeterias, or academic departments. While it won’t cover all expenses, it can help with daily costs like groceries or textbooks.
Internships with Stipends
Look for paid internships related to your major—some offer monthly stipends or hourly wages. These opportunities not only help financially but also boost your resume. Use your university’s career center or platforms like Handshake to find positions that allow CPT (Curricular Practical Training).
Tuition Waivers and RA/TA Roles
Graduate students may qualify for tuition waivers by becoming research (RA) or teaching assistants (TA). These roles often include a stipend and reduced or free tuition. They’re competitive, so apply early and show strong academic or teaching potential in your field.
Frequently Asked Questions (Scholarships for International Students)
Can international students get full scholarships in the US?
Yes, but they’re highly competitive. Full scholarships—covering tuition, housing, and living costs—are typically awarded by top universities or government programs based on academic excellence, leadership, or financial need. Strong applications and early planning are key.
What is the easiest scholarship to get?
Smaller or niche scholarships with specific eligibility criteria (e.g., by nationality, major, or organization) tend to have fewer applicants, increasing your chances. For example, monthly awards from MPOWER Financing or country-based aid programs often have simpler requirements.
Are Ivy League schools affordable?
Surprisingly, yes—at least for some. Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale offer need-based aid that can cover nearly 100% of demonstrated financial need, even for international students. That said, they remain highly selective and require excellent academic records.
Can I apply for FAFSA?
Unfortunately, most international students are not eligible for federal financial aid through FAFSA. However, you may still need to submit financial documentation for university-based aid or use the CSS Profile for need-based institutional scholarships.
How much is the average scholarship?
The average institutional scholarship for international undergraduates in the U.S. is around $26,000 per year, though it can vary widely. Some students receive just a few thousand dollars, while others receive full funding depending on the program and eligibility.
Final Thoughts + Resources
Links to Key Resources
Need help navigating your scholarship journey? Start here:
• EducationUSA – Official U.S. government resource for international students
• IEFA.org – Scholarship search tool for global students
• Fastweb – Search engine for merit-based and niche scholarships
• Scholarships.com – Filter by degree, background, and deadlines
• Your university’s financial aid office – Often the best source of specific aid options
Final Encouraging Message
Applying for scholarships as an international student takes effort—but it’s absolutely possible. With preparation, persistence, and a little creativity, you can reduce the financial burden of studying in the U.S. Remember: your unique background, story, and goals are your strength. Don’t hesitate to apply boldly—your future self will thank you.
