Are you an international student looking to study in the United States in 2025? The U.S. is home to world-class universities, a diverse student population, and countless opportunities for growth and development. However, the cost of studying abroad can be high, which is why scholarships for international students in the USA are crucial.

In this blog, we’ll explore the various scholarships available for international students pursuing undergraduate and master’s degrees in the USA. We’ll cover the eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply. 

 

The Fulbright Program

 

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students. It aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other nations. The program is open to students from over 155 countries and supports a wide range of academic fields.  Following selection, visa interviews are held until June, and the university application and placement procedure lasts until February.  Depending on the colleges’ reporting deadlines, the departure to the United States starts in July and continues from there.

 

Eligibility Requirements : 

 

• At the time of application, reside in the country of nomination. 
• Have a strong academic record and the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from the United States at the commencement of the program. 
• Be fluent in the English language, as evidenced by a minimum recent score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 79–80 on the internet-based TOEFL (IBT), or 6.5 on the overall score of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); test results can be sent to IIE by mentioning the institutional code 2326 on test day.
• Do not possess U.S. citizenship; dual citizens are not permitted to participate in the program.
• Each country of citizenship has different additional eligibility requirements.

 

How to Apply:

• Apply through the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your home country.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Applications are open in September. The program offers funding for tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.

 

 

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

 

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is for mid-career professionals with a record of leadership and public service. It is a non-degree program that allows students to further their professional development in the U.S. in fields like public health, law, and education. Humphrey Fellows spend at least six weeks completing a professional affiliation at a U.S.-based governmental, non-governmental, private, or international organization in addition to participating in non-degree study at roughly 13 host universities across the United States.

 

Eligibility Requirements : 

• A bachelor’s degree, often known as an undergraduate degree
• a minimum of five years of professional, full-time experience
• Having little to no prior experience in the US
• Proven leadership abilities
• A track record of community service
• Proficiency in the English language

 

How to Apply:

Apply through your home country’s U.S. Embassy or the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program website.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Deadline is around April
• The grant funds tuition, airfare, textbooks, a living stipend, and health insurance.

 

 

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)

 

Global UGRAD is a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program that provides undergraduate students from the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Americas an opportunity to study at a U.S. university for one semester. In addition to living and studying on campus with their American counterparts, Global UGRAD students also participate in full-time undergraduate education, including one course in U.S. Studies, and perform 20 hours of community service during the exchange semester. In Washington, DC, students also take part in an end-of-program workshop to hone their leadership abilities, connect with their international peers, and get ready for re-entry. After completing the program, Global UGRAD students join a global network of more than 3,000 UGRAD alumni and use the new information and skills they have acquired to make positive changes in their communities.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• For Bachelors: Must be enrolled in an undergraduate program in your home country.
• Must have completed at least one year of study at your home institution.
• Must demonstrate strong academic performance (GPA of 3.0 or higher).
• Demonstrated interest in community service and leadership.
• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS may be needed).

 

How to Apply:

• Apply through the U.S. Department of State or the exchange program office in your country.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• The deadline is in December
• The program covers tuition, airfare, living stipends, health insurance.

 

 

The International Student Scholarships at Stanford University

 

Need-Based University Scholarships: 

Stanford provides substantial need-based scholarships to undergraduate students. To apply for financial aid, international students must submit the CSS Profile, which is used to determine their financial need. 

 

Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program

Open to international students as well as U.S. students who are pursuing a graduate degree at Stanford.

For graduate students at Stanford University, the Hennessy fellowship offers a special chance to engage in broad and multicultural activities.  Separate from the Stanford graduate school application process, you must apply for the Knight-Hennessy program via its online portal. The scholarship is open to graduates of any age, gender, nationality, or race.

 

Eligibility Criteria 

• The applicant must be accepted and enrolled full-time in a Stanford graduate program in order to be eligible for the grant.
• The candidate needs to be a recent graduate school enrollee.
• The candidate must have graduated with a bachelor’s degree no earlier than January 2018.
• Applicants who are active or veterans of the United States military must have obtained their degree in January 2015 or later.
• The candidate needs to meet these three requirements:  1) Self-reliance in thought  2) Leadership with a purpose  3) A civic mindset.
• All of Stanford’s graduate programs accept the TOEFL.  But the MBA program also takes the PTE and IELTS.

 

How to Apply:

• Apply directly through the Stanford University admissions portal

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Knight-Hennessy Scholarship program offers full financial support for graduate studies, covering tuition and a stipend, and the application deadline is around October.
• International students pursuing an MBA at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) can apply for need-based fellowships, which can cover up to $35,000 annually.

 

 

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

 

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers scholarships to students from sub-Saharan Africa who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. It supports both undergraduate and master’s degree students.

 

Eligibility Criteria 

• For Bachelors: Applicants must be from sub-Saharan Africa, with a strong academic record. Candidates must be 29 years old or under when they apply.
• For Masters: Open to graduate students with demonstrated leadership and financial need. Candidates must be 35 years old or under when they apply
• Must demonstrate a commitment to community service and leadership.
• Applicants must plan to return to their home country after completing their studies.

 

How to Apply:

• Apply through the U.S. universities that participate in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Tuition, housing, books and other school supplies, leadership development, mentoring, counseling, and, if required, a return ticket to the Mastercard Foundation Scholar’s home country are included.
• Every Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partner establishes their own due date.  For the precise deadline, please visit the Program website of the partner institution or institutions of your choosing.

 

 

The AAUW International Fellowships

 

The AAUW International Fellowships are awarded to international women. It supports both master’s and doctoral students. The fellowships are available for graduate, postgraduate, or professional-level study at accredited institutions in the U.S.

 

Eligibility Criteria : 

• Must be a non-U.S. citizen or hold a nonimmigrant visa if residing in the U.S. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or dual citizens are not eligible.
• Must hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application deadline.
• Should plan to dedicate full-time effort to the academic plan during the fellowship year.
• Must intend to return to their home country to pursue a career after completing their studies.
• Must be proficient in English, confirmed by exams, transcripts from English-speaking institutions, or a statement verifying native language.
• Master’s and doctoral applicants must apply to an accredited U.S. institution and provide official confirmation after award acceptance.
• Fellowships are for master’s or professional programs (e.g., J.D., M.D.) and doctoral degrees (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D.).
• Postdoctoral applicants must hold a research doctorate (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D.).
• Fellowships are for full-time, U.S.-based study; no funding for partial years or distance learning.
• A limited number of awards are available to Graduate Women International members for study abroad, excluding foreign U.S. institutions.

 

How to Apply:

• Apply directly through the AAUW website.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Deadline is around November
• The fellowship rewards vary from $25,000 for doctoral degrees to $20,000 for master’s and professional degrees.

 

 

The University of Iowa International Student Scholarships

 

Merit scholarships are available to transfer and first-year overseas students at Iowa State University.  These scholarships, which provide significant financial assistance as students work toward their academic objectives at Iowa State, are given out in accordance with academic achievement and a track record of achievements. A restricted number of merit scholarships are available to international first-year students. 

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• For first year students ,  High school grades and SAT or ACT scores are reviewed holistically during the very competitive selection process.

• After being accepted and having their international tuition reviewed, incoming international transfer students are required to possess an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 (B).

 

How to Apply:

• Apply through the University of Iowa’s admissions portal.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Merit-based scholarships range from $2,000 to $15,000 annually, and applicants must apply by March . They must also accept the admission offer and pay the acceptance fee by May.

 

Conclusion : 

In conclusion, there are many scholarship opportunities for international students wishing to study in the U.S. in 2025. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements, but with thorough preparation and a strong application, you can enhance your chances of receiving aid. Make sure to explore all available options, meet the necessary criteria, and apply early to make your dream of studying in the U.S. a reality. Best of luck in your scholarship journey!