Top Scholarships in the USA for International Students 2026–2027

The United States is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students due to its world-class education, research opportunities, and global career exposure. Many top institutions and government programs offer fully funded and partial scholarships that support tuition, living expenses, travel, and research costs.

Below is a curated list of the top scholarships available in the USA for international students in 2026–2027, each with its official website and key benefits.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

A flagship US government scholarship for international graduate students, supporting master’s and doctoral study.
Official Website: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/

Benefits:
• Tuition coverage
• Monthly stipend
• Travel allowance
• Health insurance

Eligibility: Academic excellence, leadership potential, solid application.

2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

For experienced mid-career professionals to enhance leadership and professional skills in the USA.
Official Website: https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/

Benefits:
• Tuition and fees
• Living expenses
• Professional enrichment

3. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University)

A competitive global graduate scholarship supporting multidisciplinary study and leadership.
Official Website: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/

Benefits:
• Full tuition
• Stipend
• Leadership development
• Global networking

4. Yale University Scholarships

Need-based financial support for international undergraduate and graduate students.
Official Website: https://finaid.yale.edu/

Benefits:
• Tuition support
• Living expense aid

5. Harvard University Scholarships

Harvard offers need-based and merit support to international students in undergraduate and graduate programs.
Official Website: https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid

Benefits:
• Tuition coverage
• Living assistance
• Research and academic support

6. AAUW International Fellowships

Supports women from around the world pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies in the USA.
Official Website: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-scholarships/

Benefits:
• Tuition support
• Living stipend
• Research funding

7. Clark University Global Scholars Program

Supports academically promising international undergraduate students.
Official Website: https://www.clarku.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate/international/

Benefits:
• Merit-based funding
• Academic mentorship

8. Boston University Trustee Scholarship

One of Boston University’s most competitive full-tuition awards for international undergraduates.
Official Website: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/

Benefits:
• Full tuition coverage

9. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

Supports international students demonstrating leadership and community impact.
Official Website: https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/

Benefits:
• Full or large partial tuition support

10. University of Chicago Scholarships

Merit and need-based awards for international students at all levels.
Official Website: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/cost-aid

Benefits:
• Tuition and living support options

11. Duke University International Scholarships

Competitive scholarships for undergraduate international students at Duke.
Official Website: https://financialaid.duke.edu/

Benefits:
• Merit-based funding
• Comprehensive support

12. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Scholarships

Need-based financial aid for international undergraduates.
Official Website: https://sfs.mit.edu/

Benefits:
• Full tuition assistance
• Stipend options

13. Columbia University Scholarships

Comprehensive financial support for international undergraduate and graduate students.
Official Website: https://www.college.columbia.edu/financialaid

Benefits:
• Tuition coverage
• Housing and living support

14. Knight Foundation Scholarships (University of Miami)

Merit and leadership scholarships for high-achieving international students.
Official Website: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/finaid/index.html

Benefits:
• Tuition and partial support

15. University of California Scholarships

Multiple UC campuses offer funding for international students.
Official Website: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/

Benefits:
• Tuition grants
• Need-based aid

16. New York University Scholarships

NYU offers global scholarships and awards for full-time international students.
Official Website: https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-and-scholarships.html

Benefits:
• Merit and need-based funding

17. Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program (FLTA)

Provides opportunities for international educators to teach language and cultural courses while studying.
Official Website: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/

Benefits:
• Tuition support
• Monthly living stipend
• Professional experience

18. Rotary Peace Fellowship

Supports master’s or professional development certificates in peace and conflict resolution.
Official Website: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships

Benefits:
• Full tuition
• Living expenses
• Travel allowance

19. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

For students from developing countries pursuing graduate studies relevant to development.
Official Website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships

Benefits:
• Tuition
• Monthly stipend
• Travel support

20. American Association of University Women (AAUW) Selected Professions Fellowship

Supports women pursuing graduate degrees in fields where women are underrepresented.
Official Website: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-scholarships/

Benefits:
• Tuition and living support

Eligibility Tips

Most USA scholarships require:

• Strong academic performance
• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
• Statement of Purpose or essays
• Letters of recommendation
• Leadership or community engagement records

Many also require a full university admission offer before scholarship consideration.

How to Maximize Your Chances

✔ Start Early — Applications often open one year in advance.
✔ Prepare Essays and SOP carefully.
✔ Secure strong recommendation letters.
✔ Highlight leadership, impact, and community service.
✔ Apply to multiple scholarships.

Scholarships in the USA offer life-changing opportunities for international students who want to pursue higher education abroad without major financial burden. With careful planning, strong applications, and early preparation, many of these top awards are within reach.