10 U.S. Scholarships for International Students

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, this flagship scholarship supports international applicants for graduate study or research in the U.S. It covers tuition, living stipend, airfare, insurance, and more. Approximately 4,000 awards are granted annually across over 160 participating countries.

2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship

Ideal for mid-career professionals from developing countries; provides 10 months of non-degree, non-renewable academic study, leadership development, and professional exchange in the U.S.

3. AAUW International Fellowships

For women who are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the U.S. Awards: $20,000 (Master’s) and $25,000 (Doctoral).

4. Knight‑Hennessy Scholars at Stanford

Open to graduate applicants worldwide. Covers full tuition and living expenses at Stanford across disciplines, includes leadership development, mentorship, and grants up to $100,000 for global impact projects.

5. Jefferson Scholarship (University of Virginia)

A highly selective full-ride scholarship for undergraduate studies at UVA. Covers tuition, room, board, summer study, research, and discretionary travel. Scholars receive multi-year funding and leadership development. Admission is by nomination only, with fewer than 30 selected annually.

6. Stamps Scholarship

Merit-based undergraduate awards across partner U.S. universities. Covers full tuition, fees, room and board, enrichment funds for internships, international experiences, and research. U.S. applicants are eligible; some institutions accept international students.

7. Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholarship

Awarded to top U.S. undergraduates or recent graduates for master’s or doctoral studies. Provides up to $50,000 annually toward tuition, living expenses, books, research, and travel. Also offers support for study at Oxford or Cambridge (~$85,000/year). International citizens studying in the U.S. may qualify under certain terms.

8. Clark University Global Scholars Program

Full-tuition scholarships for international students pursuing master’s in areas like environmental science, human rights, and sustainability at Clark University. Application-based; funding is renewable.

9. Merit Scholarships at U.S. Public Universities

Many public universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students, often covering partial to full tuition. Notable programs include FIU’s Ambassador Premier Scholarship and similar schemes at George Mason University and West Virginia University.

10. Schwarzman Scholars

Although hosted in China (Beijing), this program is open to global candidates to pursue a one-year Master’s degree there. It includes leadership training and a U.S. partnership network. Worth noting as an outstanding international scholarship linked to global students.

Quick Comparison

Why These Scholarships Matter

• Excellence & equity: These programs combine rigorous academic selection with leadership development and global impact.
• Financial freedom: Full or near full funding removes economic barriers for international students.
• Global networks: Alumni communities and mentorship are integral—opening doors beyond academics.
• Strategic pathways: Many are directly aligned with global development goals, leadership, and policy innovation.