The United States continues to be a top destination for international students seeking higher education. However, the costs associated with studying in the U.S. can be overwhelming. The good news is, there are plenty of scholarships available to help ease the financial burden. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degree, 2025 offers a wealth of opportunities for students to secure funding for their studies.

In this post, we’ll take you through the top scholarship opportunities in the U.S. that can make your dream of studying in America a reality. Let’s dive in!

USA Scholarship Opportunities in 2025

1. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the world, providing funding for international students to study in the U.S. Sponsored by the U.S. government, it offers opportunities for students to pursue graduate study, research, or professional development in a wide variety of fields.

What It Covers:

• Full tuition
• Living expenses
• Travel costs
• Health insurance

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is highly competitive, but it’s one of the best options for those looking for comprehensive funding for their studies.

Who Can Apply:

• Graduate students, young professionals, and artists
• Must be from a participating country (check the Fulbright website for your country’s eligibility)

2. The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

This program is for mid-career professionals from around the world who want to engage in non-degree graduate study and professional development in the U.S. The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship provides a year of professional enrichment through academic coursework, professional collaborations, and leadership training.

What It Covers:

• Tuition fees
• Monthly stipend for living expenses
• Health insurance
• Travel costs

The program is ideal for individuals in public service or those looking to enhance their leadership skills in fields like education, health, and public policy.

Who Can Apply:

• Mid-career professionals with at least five years of experience in their field
• Applicants must have demonstrated leadership potential

3. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

If you are from a developing country and plan to pursue graduate studies in the U.S., the World Bank Scholarship Program may be an excellent opportunity for you. This scholarship supports students pursuing advanced degrees in fields related to development, including economics, public policy, and international affairs.

What It Covers:

• Full tuition
• Monthly allowance
• Travel costs
• Health insurance

This program is aimed at helping students contribute to the development of their home countries after completing their studies in the U.S.

Who Can Apply:

• Applicants from World Bank member countries
• Students who have been accepted to a graduate program in development-related fields

4. The United Nations Scholarship Program

The UN Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students from developing countries who are studying at select U.S. universities. This scholarship aims to empower individuals who are committed to contributing to their home country’s development in the fields of diplomacy, human rights, and international relations.

What It Covers:

• Full or partial tuition
• Living expenses
• Travel allowance

This program offers opportunities to work in various UN-affiliated agencies and organizations, offering a chance to make a global impact.

Who Can Apply:

• Students from developing nations
• Must be studying in specific disciplines related to global development and human rights

5. University-Specific Scholarships

Many U.S. universities offer their own scholarships specifically for international students. These can be based on merit, need, or other criteria. Some universities provide full tuition coverage, while others offer partial scholarships to help offset tuition costs. Here are just a few examples:

Top Universities Offering Scholarships:

• Harvard University: Harvard offers need-based financial aid to international students, covering full tuition and living costs for those who demonstrate financial need.

• Yale University: Yale has a need-blind admissions policy for international students and offers generous financial aid packages based on family income.

• Stanford University: Stanford provides need-based financial aid for international students and meets the full demonstrated need for all admitted students.

• Columbia University: Columbia provides several merit-based scholarships for international students, especially for graduate programs.

What They Cover:

• Full or partial tuition
• Living stipends
• Travel allowances

Be sure to check with your chosen university for specific scholarship offerings and their eligibility requirements.

6. The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

The American University (AU) Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is a highly competitive, full-tuition scholarship for international students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to social change. This scholarship is designed for students who wish to return to their home countries and apply the skills they gained in the U.S.

What It Covers:

• Full tuition
• Room and board
• Travel expenses

The scholarship is available for undergraduate students and is intended for those who have limited financial resources and intend to return home after graduation to help improve their communities.

Who Can Apply:

• International students from underrepresented countries
• Must demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement

7. The AGA Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

The AGA Khan Foundation offers a limited number of scholarships for postgraduate students from developing countries who wish to study in the U.S. The foundation places particular emphasis on individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving their communities.

What It Covers:

• Tuition
• Travel expenses
• Living stipend (partial)

This scholarship is for students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees and is offered on a competitive basis.

Who Can Apply:

• Students from developing countries with a strong academic and professional background
• Those who have been accepted into a program at an accredited U.S. university

8. The International Peace Scholarship Fund

The International Peace Scholarship (IPS) is a merit-based scholarship offered by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization. This scholarship is designed for women from outside the U.S. and Canada who are pursuing graduate studies in the U.S.

What It Covers:

• Partial tuition support
• Living expenses

Although the IPS Fund does not cover the entire cost of study, it provides significant financial aid to help women achieve their educational goals.

Who Can Apply:

• Women from outside the U.S. and Canada
• Must be accepted into a graduate program at an accredited U.S. institution

9. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program provides scholarships for high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement. This scholarship is available to U.S. students, but international students attending U.S. high schools may also be eligible.

What It Covers:

• $20,000 scholarship
• Leadership development opportunities

Although this scholarship primarily targets U.S. students, international students attending U.S. high schools may still be eligible, making it a great opportunity for future undergraduates.

10. Private External Scholarships

There are also various private organizations that offer scholarships for international students pursuing higher education in the U.S. Some of the most notable ones include:

• The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships: Provides funding for graduate-level students pursuing study abroad in fields related to peace and development.

• The Chevening Scholarship: Sponsored by the UK government, this scholarship is available to international students pursuing a postgraduate degree, and while it’s for the UK, it often leads to other U.S. funding opportunities.

FAQs

Which US university gives 100% scholarship?

It’s important to clarify that “100% scholarship” can mean different things. It might cover:

• Full tuition: Covering only the cost of classes. 
• Full cost of attendance: Covering tuition, room, board, and other expenses.

Also, many US universities offer financial aid that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, but that is not necessarily a “scholarship” in the traditional sense. It’s financial aid tailored to your specific financial situation.

However, here are some universities known for generous financial aid, including opportunities that can cover a substantial portion or all of your costs:

• Ivy League Universities:
  • Universities like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and others are known for their need-based financial aid policies. They often meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, which can result in very substantial aid packages for eligible students.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
  • MIT also provides need-based financial aid that can cover a significant portion of costs.
• Stanford University:
  • Stanford is well known for their financial aid and scholarships.
• Berea College:
  • Berea College is unique in that it provides tuition scholarships to all of its enrolled students.

Key points to remember:

• Need-based vs. merit-based: Some aid is based on financial need, while others are based on academic merit.
• Competition: Full scholarships are highly competitive.
• Application process: Carefully review the financial aid application process for each university.

What GPA is required for full scholarship in USA?

It’s tricky to give a single, definitive GPA that guarantees a full scholarship in the USA. Here’s why:

• Scholarship Variety:

  • Scholarships come from diverse sources: universities, private organizations, and government programs. Each has its own criteria.
  • Some scholarships are primarily merit-based (focused on academic achievement), while others are need-based (focused on financial need), and some look at a combination of factors.

• GPA as One Factor:

  • • Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
    • Extracurricular activities
    • Essays and personal statements
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Community involvement While a high GPA is often essential, it’s rarely the only factor. Scholarship committees also consider.

• GPA Ranges:

  • However, here are some general guidelines:
    • Highly Competitive Scholarships: For prestigious full-ride scholarships, a GPA of 3.8 or higher is often expected. A 4.0 GPA significantly increases your chances.
    • General Scholarships: Many scholarships have a minimum GPA requirement, often around 3.0.
    • Need-Based Aid: For need-based aid, your GPA is less critical than your demonstrated financial need. Top universities that provide need based aid, will often have very high academic standards for admission, thus those students will generally have very high GPAs.

Key takeaways:

• Aim for the highest GPA possible.
• Focus on a well-rounded application that showcases your strengths.
• Research specific scholarship requirements thoroughly.

Conclusion:

Studying in the U.S. in 2025 is an exciting opportunity, but the financial aspect doesn’t have to hold you back. With a wide range of scholarships available, from government-sponsored programs to university-specific awards, there are plenty of opportunities to secure funding for your education.

Be sure to start your research early, stay organized, and meet all deadlines. Applying for scholarships can be competitive, but with perseverance and a strong application, you’ll increase your chances of success. Make 2025 the year you take the first step toward your U.S. educational journey!