The United States is a destination of choice for international students seeking to advance their education and career prospects. Many universities, foundations, and government bodies offer scholarships to attract the brightest minds from across the globe. Here, we explore the top 10 scholarships available for international students wishing to study in the USA in 2024, including details about each scholarship’s benefits, eligibility, and coverage.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Eligibility: Applicants must have completed undergraduate education and hold a degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
- Benefits: Opportunity to pursue graduate studies or research at U.S. universities
- Coverage: Airfare, living stipend, health insurance, and tuition fees
2. Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
- Eligibility: All nationalities are welcome. Candidates need to have received their first/bachelor’s degree in 2017 or later
- Benefits: Join a multidisciplinary community of scholars, receive leadership development, and gain a global perspective
- Coverage: Full funding including tuition, stipend, graduate program and related academic expenses, with additional financial support available
3. Yale University Scholarships
- Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate applicants with outstanding academic records.
- Benefits: Financial support and access to one of the world’s leading private universities.
- Coverage: Partial to full tuition scholarships based on financial need.
4. The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
- Eligibility: Experienced professionals interested in strengthening their leadership skills through a mutual exchange of knowledge and understanding about issues of common concern in the U.S. and Fellows’ home countries.
- Benefits: Non-degree program of academic coursework and professional development activities.
- Coverage: Tuition, airfare, a living allowance, and health insurance.
5. The Gates Scholarship
- Eligibility: Pell-eligible, minority, high school seniors from low-income households
- Benefits: Personal and professional development through academic support
- Coverage: The full cost of attendance not covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by FAFSA
6. The Harvard University Scholarships
- Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students with excellent academic merit.
- Benefits: Study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
- Coverage: Financial aid is determined by need, covering tuition and other fees.
7. AAUW International Fellowships
- Eligibility: Women international scholars who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career.
- Benefits: Support for full-time study or research in the United States.
- Coverage: Awards are worth $18,000 for Masters, $20,000 for PhD, and $30,000 for Postdoctoral applicants.
8. MIT Scholarships
- Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students; needs-based
- Benefits: Study at one of the leading technical universities worldwide
- Coverage: The MIT scholarship covers the full demonstrated need of each admitted student
9. The University of Chicago Scholarships
- Eligibility: Both domestic and international applicants based on merit or financial need
- Benefits: Access to extensive academic and professional resources at a globally recognized institution
- Coverage: Varies; can include full-tuition scholarships and stipends
10. The New York University Wagner Scholarships
- Eligibility: Applicants to NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
- Benefits: Develop skills in public service leadership.
- Coverage: Awards range from partial to full tuition scholarships.
Applying for Scholarships
When applying for these scholarships, it is essential to:
- Start gathering information and preparing application materials well in advance.
- Carefully check each scholarship’s requirements and ensure you meet them.
- Complete all parts of each application meticulously.
These scholarships represent some of the best opportunities for international students to pursue higher education in the United States. They provide not only financial support but also enriching experiences that can shape professional paths and personal growth. Whether aiming for research, professional development, or academic study, these scholarships open doors to a wealth of possibilities in the U.S. educational landscape