Securing scholarships as an international student in the U.S. for the 2025–2026 academic year can significantly alleviate the financial burden of higher education. Below is a curated list of prominent scholarship programs available to foreign students:
Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
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Fulbright Foreign Student Program
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Offers full funding for graduate study, research, or teaching assistantships in the U.S.
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Covers tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance.
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Eligibility and application processes vary by country; consult your local U.S. embassy or Fulbright commission.
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Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)
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Provides full funding for graduate studies across all disciplines at Stanford.
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Includes tuition, stipend, graduate program, and leadership development opportunities.
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Yale University Scholarships
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Offers need-based financial aid to international students, potentially covering full tuition and living expenses.
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Average scholarship amounts can reach up to $50,000 annually. Best Fully Funded Scholarships
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Davis United World College (UWC) Scholars Program
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Provides need-based scholarships to graduates of UWC schools attending one of 106 partner U.S. colleges and universities.
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Covers tuition and other educational expenses. Wikipedia
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QuestBridge National College Match
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Matches high-achieving, low-income students with full four-year scholarships to top U.S. universities like Princeton, Stanford, and Columbia.
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Includes tuition, room, and board. CT Insider
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University-Specific Scholarships
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Harvard University: Offers generous need-based financial aid to international students, often covering full tuition and living costs.
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American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: Provides full tuition, room, and board for one international student who will return home to improve under-resourced communities.
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Clark University Global Scholars Program: Offers scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per year, with a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship or research assistantship.
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Illinois Wesleyan University International Student Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships ranging from $16,000 to $30,000 per year for qualified international applicants.
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University of Oregon International Scholarships: Offers the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) scholarship, which awards tuition-waiver scholarships ranging from partial to full tuition.
Exchange and Fellowship Programs
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ASSIST (American Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers): Places international students in U.S. independent secondary schools for one-year merit-based scholarships. Wikipedia
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AFS Intercultural Programs: Offers various scholarships for high school students to study abroad, including the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Program and the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. Wikipedia
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Goodwill Scholarships: Provides scholarships to international students attending Northern Virginia Community College, focusing on those with a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need. Wikipedia
Tips for Scholarship Applications
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Start Early: Many scholarship deadlines are 6–12 months before the academic year begins.
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Research Eligibility: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship, as requirements vary.
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Prepare Required Documents: Common requirements include academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
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Utilize Official Resources: Websites like EducationUSA provide comprehensive information on studying in the U.S., including scholarship opportunities.
If you need assistance finding scholarships tailored to your field of study, country of origin, or academic level, feel free to ask!