If you're an international student looking to study in the USA in 2025, there are a variety of scholarships available to help cover tuition and living expenses. Here are some prominent scholarships for foreign students in the U.S. for 2025:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
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Overview: One of the most prestigious scholarships, the Fulbright Program provides funding for international students to pursue graduate or doctoral study at U.S. universities.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, and health insurance.
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Eligibility: Open to students from over 160 countries.
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How to Apply: Apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country.
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Deadline: Varies by country, generally in May to October.
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Link: Fulbright Program
2. The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
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Overview: This scholarship is designed for high-achieving international students who are committed to positive civic and social change.
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Coverage: Full tuition, fees, room, and board.
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Eligibility: International students who are committed to returning to their home country after completing their studies.
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How to Apply: Apply directly to American University.
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Deadline: Varies, typically in December.
3. The United Nations (UN) Scholarships
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Overview: The UN provides scholarships to students from developing countries for specific U.S.-based educational programs.
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Coverage: Varies depending on the specific program.
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Eligibility: Must be from a developing country.
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How to Apply: Apply through the specific UN scholarship website or partner institutions.
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Deadline: Varies by program.
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Link: UN Scholarships
4. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
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Overview: A scholarship for students from developing countries who wish to pursue graduate studies at U.S. universities in fields related to development.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
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Eligibility: Applicants must be from eligible developing countries.
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How to Apply: Apply through the World Bank website.
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Deadline: April (Check for annual updates).
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Link: JJ/WBGSP
5. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
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Overview: The program provides non-degree professional development opportunities for foreign students in areas such as public administration, law, education, and others.
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Coverage: Tuition, airfare, living stipend, and professional development.
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Eligibility: Mid-career professionals with leadership potential from developing countries.
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How to Apply: Apply through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
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Deadline: Typically in June.
6. The Rotary Peace Fellowships
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Overview: The Rotary Peace Fellowship provides fully funded academic opportunities for students to pursue a master’s degree or professional development certificate in peace and conflict resolution.
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Coverage: Full tuition, fees, accommodation, and a living stipend.
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Eligibility: Applicants must have a strong commitment to peace and international development.
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How to Apply: Apply through Rotary Clubs in your home country.
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Deadline: Typically in May.
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Link: Rotary Peace Fellowships
7. The Yale University International Scholarship
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Overview: Yale offers a range of scholarships for international students, including need-based financial aid.
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Coverage: Need-based financial aid which may cover full tuition, fees, and living expenses.
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Eligibility: Open to all international students, with financial need taken into account.
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How to Apply: Apply through Yale's admissions portal.
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Deadline: January (Check Yale’s official admissions page for specifics).
8. The Princeton University Fellowships for International Students
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Overview: Princeton offers financial support to international students, particularly those enrolled in graduate programs.
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Coverage: Full tuition, fees, and living expenses.
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Eligibility: Open to all international students, based on financial need.
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How to Apply: Apply directly through the Princeton Graduate School.
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Deadline: December.
9. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
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Overview: The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University offers full funding to students from all over the world.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, and travel allowance.
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Eligibility: Open to graduate students from all disciplines, including international students.
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How to Apply: Apply to Stanford graduate programs and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program.
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Deadline: Typically October.
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Link: Knight-Hennessy Scholars
10. The Chevening Scholarships (For U.S. Students Studying Abroad)
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Overview: Although typically for studying in the UK, some Chevening scholarships allow U.S. students to pursue postgraduate education abroad.
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Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, and a monthly stipend.
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Eligibility: U.S. students who demonstrate leadership and academic potential.
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How to Apply: Apply through the official Chevening website.
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Deadline: Varies by country, but usually in November.
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Link: Chevening Scholarships
11. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
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Overview: While the Gates Cambridge Scholarship primarily supports graduate study at Cambridge University, many U.S.-based students can use it for research and Ph.D. study at various U.S. institutions.
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Coverage: Full tuition, travel allowance, and living expenses.
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Eligibility: Open to international students, including U.S. citizens.
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How to Apply: Apply through the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program.
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Deadline: October.
Application Tips:
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Start Early: Scholarship deadlines often fall months before the academic year begins, so begin your applications well in advance.
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Research Specifics: Carefully read the eligibility criteria and required documents for each scholarship.
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Recommendation Letters: Strong recommendations are critical for many scholarships. Choose recommenders who are familiar with your academic and extracurricular achievements.
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Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Many scholarships require an essay or statement of purpose. Tailor your essays to showcase your passion, career goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
These scholarships are an excellent way to finance your education in the U.S. and pursue your academic goals without the heavy burden of tuition fees. Make sure to apply for as many as possible to maximize your chances of receiving funding!