Many overseas students consider studying in the United States to be their ideal, but the cost of tuition, living expenses, and other fees might make it seem unachievable. Thankfully, there are fully financed scholarships available in the USA to support aspirational students in achieving their academic objectives. These scholarships pay for living expenses as well as tuition; occasionally, they even include stipends for personal costs. The best fully funded scholarships for overseas students for the 2025/2026 school year are listed here.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA for International Students 2025/2026
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for international students seeking to pursue a master’s or PhD in the USA. It provides full funding, including tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance, and is open to students from over 160 countries.
- Eligibility: International students from participating countries.
- Fields of Study: Open to all fields except for clinical medical programs.
- Application Deadline: Varies by country, but typically between February and October each year.
For more details, visit the Fulbright Program website.
2. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
The JJ/WBGSP is offered to students from developing countries who are pursuing a master’s degree in fields related to development at select universities in the USA. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance.
- Eligibility: Citizens of World Bank member countries.
- Fields of Study: Development-related fields such as economic policy, public health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
- Application Deadline: Usually between March and May each year.
For more information, visit the JJ/WBGSP official page.
3. The Gates Scholarship
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Scholarship is a highly competitive, full-cost scholarship for outstanding minority students from low-income backgrounds. It covers all expenses, including tuition, room, board, books, and travel, for undergraduate students at accredited U.S. institutions.
- Eligibility: U.S. minority students, including African American, Hispanic American, Native American, and Asian Pacific Islander students, with demonstrated financial need.
- Fields of Study: Open to all undergraduate fields.
- Application Deadline: Typically in September of the preceding academic year.
Learn more about this scholarship on the Gates Scholarship website.
4. Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is one of the most prestigious graduate scholarships in the world. It provides full funding for students from all around the world to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford. This scholarship covers tuition, travel, living stipend, and academic supplies.
- Eligibility: International students applying for graduate programs at Stanford.
- Fields of Study: Any graduate program at Stanford.
- Application Deadline: Early October each year.
For more details, visit the Knight-Hennessy Scholars website.
5. Harvard University Scholarships for International Students
Harvard University offers a range of fully funded scholarships for international students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need, ensuring that students from around the world can access a Harvard education without worrying about financial constraints.
- Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic records and demonstrated financial need.
- Fields of Study: All fields of study available at Harvard.
- Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program.
For more information, visit the Harvard Financial Aid Office website.
6. Yale University Scholarships for International Students
Yale University offers need-based financial aid to international students, including full scholarships covering tuition and living expenses. The Yale financial aid package is designed to ensure that students can attend regardless of their financial circumstances.
- Eligibility: International students with demonstrated financial need.
- Fields of Study: All undergraduate and graduate programs at Yale.
- Application Deadline: Varies based on the program.
For more details, visit the Yale Financial Aid Office website.
7. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship at American University is awarded to high-achieving international students who are dedicated to positive civic and social change. It provides full tuition, room, and board for one international student for all four years of undergraduate study.
- Eligibility: International students demonstrating leadership qualities and financial need.
- Fields of Study: Any undergraduate program at American University.
- Application Deadline: December 15 each year.
For more details, visit the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship page.
8. Clark University Global Scholars Program
Clark University’s Global Scholars Program is a fully funded scholarship awarded to first-year international students who demonstrate leadership skills, academic excellence, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
- Eligibility: First-year international undergraduate students.
- Fields of Study: All undergraduate fields at Clark University.
- Application Deadline: January 15 each year.
For more details, visit the Clark University Global Scholars Program page.
9. University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
The Stamps Scholarship at the University of Miami is a merit-based award that provides full tuition, a laptop allowance, study abroad opportunities, and a research stipend. It is awarded to high-achieving students with leadership qualities.
- Eligibility: International and domestic students with exceptional academic and leadership records.
- Fields of Study: All undergraduate programs.
- Application Deadline: Early November each year.
For more information, visit the University of Miami Stamps Scholarship page.
10. Michigan State University International Scholarships
Michigan State University offers a variety of full and partial scholarships to international students based on academic merit and financial need. These scholarships support undergraduate and graduate studies, and cover tuition, room, and board.
- Eligibility: International students with high academic performance.
- Fields of Study: All fields offered at Michigan State University.
- Application Deadline: Varies by program.
These fully funded scholarships offer international students the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams in the USA without worrying about financial burdens. If you are an ambitious student looking to study in the USA for the 2025/2026 academic year, make sure to explore these options and apply early!
