Top External Scholarships for International Students in the USA
By: Asmi Mahajan
Many students around the world aspire to pursue higher education in the United States, but living expenses and tuition costs can be significant obstacles. Thankfully, a number of external scholarships provide international students with full or partial funding. These scholarships, which are given out by organizations, foundations, and governments rather than institutions, allow students to apply to multiple universities.
Here’s a list of some of the best external scholarships that can help fund your education in the U.S.:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Funding: Fully funded (tuition, living expenses, airfare, health insurance)
Who can apply? International students from 160+ countries, including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Indonesia, Egypt, and more
Fields: Open to all fields except clinical medicine
Details: One of the most prestigious scholarships, Fulbright provides full funding for master’s and Ph.D. students. Applicants are expected to return to their home countries after completing their degrees.
Website: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
2. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
Funding: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel expenses
Who can apply? Students from developing countries, including Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Vietnam, Peru, and the Philippines
Fields: Development-related fields such as economics, public policy, and infrastructure
Details: This scholarship supports students committed to contributing to their home countries’ development. Recipients must return home after graduation.
Website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships
3. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University, USA)
Funding: Full tuition, stipend, academic and leadership development funds
Who can apply? Open to all international students, including those from the UK, Canada, Mexico, China, South Korea, South Africa, and more
Fields: Any master’s or Ph.D. program at Stanford
Details: This highly selective program emphasizes leadership, innovation, and global impact.
Website: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/
4. AAUW International Fellowships (For Women)
Funding: $20,000–$50,000 for tuition, books, and living expenses
Who can apply? Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, from countries like Nigeria, Turkey, India, Malaysia, and Colombia
Fields: Open to all fields
Details: This fellowship is awarded to women pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. who demonstrate a commitment to advancing women’s issues in their home countries.
Website:https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/international/
5. Rotary Foundation Global Grants
Funding: Minimum of $30,000 (covers tuition, travel, and other expenses)
Who can apply? Graduate students from eligible countries, including Argentina, Ethiopia, Thailand, Jordan, and Sri Lanka
Fields: Focus areas include peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention, water sanitation, maternal and child health, education, and economic development
Details: This scholarship funds students working on community-driven projects with a global impact. Applicants must be endorsed by a local Rotary club.
Website: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships
6. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Funding: Fully funded (tuition, travel, stipend)
Who can apply? Mid-career professionals from eligible countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Zimbabwe, Chile, and Morocco
Fields: Public administration, law, finance, communications, and more
Details: This non-degree program provides one year of academic and professional enrichment for experienced professionals.
Website: https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/
7. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Funding: Up to $90,000 for tuition and living expenses
Who can apply? Immigrants and children of immigrants in the U.S., from countries like Mexico, India, the Philippines, Iran, and Russia
Fields: Any graduate field
Details: This scholarship is for students who demonstrate creativity, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
Website: https://www.pdsoros.org/
8. The Gates Scholarship (For Undergraduate Students)
Funding: Full cost of attendance, including tuition, room, board, books, and other expenses
Who can apply? High-achieving, low-income students from underrepresented backgrounds, including students from African, Latin American, and Asian countries
Fields: Any field of study
Details: This scholarship is highly competitive and supports outstanding students with strong leadership potential.
Website: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/
Tips for Winning These Scholarships
Start early: Many scholarships have deadlines months before university admissions deadlines.
Write a strong personal statement: Showcase your achievements, leadership skills, and long-term goals.
Get great recommendation letters: Choose mentors or professors who know you well and can write detailed, personalized letters.
Apply to multiple scholarships: Don’t rely on just one—apply to as many as possible to increase your chances.
International students may find studying in the United States more accessible and affordable with the help of external scholarships. These financing options can assist with living expenses and tuition costs, regardless of whether you're pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. Prepare your application documents well, begin your research early, and don't be afraid to ask previous recipients for guidance.
Know any other great scholarships? Drop them in the comments below!
