The United States’ tertiary institutions have enrolled more than 1.1 million international students in the 2023/2024 academic year.
If you are dreaming of studying in the United States but worried about high tuition fees, don’t worry; you are not alone. Thousands of students aspire to study in America but face a financial burden.
The good news is that top U.S. universities offer fully funded scholarships and financial aid to foreign students. These scholarship programs cover tuition fees, travel expenses, accommodation, insurance, and even living stipends.
If you are interested in studying in the USA in 2025, we have listed the top 10 universities that offer scholarships for foreign students.
Top 10 U.S. Universities That Offer Fully Funded Scholarships to International Students (2025)
| Rank | University Name | Scholarship Name | Type | Coverage | Eligibility | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard University | Harvard Financial Aid for International Students | Need-based | Full tuition, living expenses | Undergraduate & Graduate | harvard.edu |
| 2 | Stanford University | Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | Merit-based | Full funding for any degree | Graduate students | stanford.edu |
| 3 | MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) | MIT Scholarships for International Students | Need-based | Up to full tuition | Undergraduate | mit.edu |
| 4 | Yale University | Yale Need-Based Aid for International Students | Need-based | Full tuition, accommodation | All international students | yale.edu |
| 5 | University of Chicago | UChicago Merit Scholarships | Merit-based | Partial to full tuition | Undergraduate | uchicago.edu |
| 6 | Columbia University | Columbia Global Scholars Program | Need-based | Tuition + stipend | Undergraduate & Graduate | columbia.edu |
| 7 | Princeton University | Princeton Financial Aid Program | Need-based | Full tuition, room & board | Undergraduate | princeton.edu |
| 8 | University of Pennsylvania | Penn World Scholars Program | Merit-based | Full or partial tuition | Undergraduate | upenn.edu |
| 9 | Duke University | Karsh International Scholarship | Merit-based | Full tuition + living expenses | Undergraduate | duke.edu |
| 10 | University of California, Berkeley | MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program | Fully funded | Tuition + housing + airfare | Undergraduate & Graduate (Africa focus) | berkeley.edu |
Harvard University
Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts is among the United States’ leading universities that offers quality education and academic performance to both domestic and foreign students.
The institution has the best financial aid programs for students worldwide. It allows international students to participate in need-based scholarships just like every U.S. citizens.
Harvard and international students work hand in hand to ensure that they receive enough aid to cover their academic programs.
Harvard scholarship financial aid benefits.
- Housing expenses
- Tuition fees
- Personal expenses.
Applicants don’t need to apply separately for financial aid. International students who wish to apply for financial aid must indicate this during the admission process.
Yale University
Yale is among the United States’ top institution that offers quality education and world-class degrees globally. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States.
The institution provides financial aid to international students based on financial need. The financial aid helps international students cover their tuition fees and provides additional support for living expenses, travel, and accommodation.
In 2025, Yale awarded $60,000 scholarships per year to ensure that no qualified students are turned away due to tuition costs.
Stanford offered a limited amount of financial aid for international students. The institution states that international students needing assistance must make that indication on their admission application before eligible applicants can receive assistance from the institution’s funds based on family financial circumstances.
How to apply for Stanford University financial aid for international students.
- International students who want to apply for a university scholarship fund must first obtain a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- International students who do not request financial aid at the time they apply for admission will not be eligible for scholarships or financial aid throughout their undergraduate programs.
- Students with federal student aid eligibility can be considered for a need-based scholarship if their citizenship status changes. These scholarship awards include full tuition, airfare, and a living stipend for the entire programs.
MIT International Students Financial Aid
International students who want to apply for financial aid must first complete the International Student CSS profile. The profile section is where students fill in their parents’ income, assets, and expenses. MIT needs to understand students financial capabilities given the situation of country’s economy.
The institution also provides several merit-based fellowships for graduate students in science, technology, and engineering.
University Of Chicago
The University of Chicago offers both merit and need-based scholarships to foreign students.
The institution offered nearly $20 million in need-based financial aid to international students over the past four years. Students from around the world win fully funded scholarships from the University of Chicago annually.
How to apply for the University of Chicago Financial Aid
To apply for need-based financial aid at the University of Chicago, students must submit a few documents that allow the institution to review their family’s financial situation.
International students are advised to submit the Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the UChicago Financial Aid Worksheet.
For UChicago Financial Aid documents, go to your UChicago portal and upload them.
Students who wish to apply for a student loan may need to complete FAFSA alongside additional documents.
The institution used FAFSA to determine the Federal Student Aid and also asked students to submit these documents annually because students may want to borrow different amounts each year.
Visit the loan page for more information regarding the student loan application process.
Documents Required for Financial Aid Review
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- UChicago Financial Aid Worksheet
- Parent prior-prior year W-2 forms
- Parent prior-prior year tax returns (for 2024-25, use 2022 tax returns; for 2025-2026, use 2023 tax returns.
- Upload these required documents through the UChicago Portal.
Note: UChicago does not entertain or accept the CSS Profile or documents submitted through IDOC.
Additionally, graduate students can apply for fully funded fellowships that cover tuition, stipends, and research funding.
University of California
The University of California, located in Berkeley offers both merit-based and External Awards scholarships to international students.
The institution partnered with top organizations like MasterCard Foundation and Berkeley International Office to award fully funded undergraduate and graduate scholarships.
The MasterCard Foundation focuses on African international students who display academic excellence and leadership potential.
University of California Financia Aid for International Students
UC undergraduate need-based financial aid is for international students only.
This financial aid helped international students who have experienced an unexpected change in their financial situations to complete their course programs. The financial aid award is a temporary support and does not cover full tuition and fees.
Need and Merit-based UC Scholarship Program
The University of California provides need and merit-based scholarships based on students’ financial need and academic achievement. This scholarship is grouped into two sessions: the fall and the spring.
During the fall session, students who fill out the undergraduate Tuition and Fees Grant application will be eligible for this scholarship.
Students can receive this scholarship as many times as possible, and it is not repayable.
Right now, the application is closed. It will open again in early Spring 2026.
Princeton University
Princeton is one of the top-ranked universities in New Jersey. The institution offered fully funded scholarships to international students who demonstrate financial need.
Their scholarship program covers full tuition, accommodation, and personal expenses.
Many students graduated without any student loans. Their commitment to academic excellence ensures that foreign students are treated equally to U.S citizens.
Princeton University Scholarship for International Students
Princeton is one of the top universities in the United States of America that considers U.S citizens and non US citizens alike in the financial aid and admission process.
The institution offers financial aid for international undergraduate students who are in financial need.
Financial Aid
Princeton financial aid is solely based on students’ financial need and doesn’t offer academic or athletic merit scholarships.
The international students’ financial aid process is the same for students from the United States. Every student is treated equally and respectfully.
Note: Princeton’s admission decision is not based on your family’s ability to pay for your University education.
Duke University
Duke University scholarship is based on merit, and it covers tuition, board, room, and other expenses.
The Karsh International Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards for non-U.S. citizens, offering full financial support and funding for research and internships.
Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina. It is among the top-ranked United States universities that offer fully funded scholarships to international students.
New York University
New York University offered merit-based and need-based scholarships or financial aid to international students.
The institution has the highest number of international students in the United States with more than 24,000 foreign students and 130 scholars from 130 countries.
New York University has 42% of international students and offers fully funded programs depending on students’ academic performance and financial need.
NYU Wagner International Scholarships for graduate students offer Partial-tuition scholarships.
Columbia University
Columbia University has one of the most international student-friendly aid systems in the United States.
The University Scholarship for Displaced Students provides full tuition and living assistance for refugees and displaced persons.
For other international applicants, need-based aid covers up to 100% of tuition depending on financial situation.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting USA Scholarships
- To apply for scholarships in the United States, you must apply early because most U.S universities close applications between December and February.
- You must show strong academic performance. Maintain high grades and provide standardized test scores (SAT, GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL).
- Community service and leadership potential are quality traits you must possess because universities love students who make difference in their communities.
- Write a Powerful Essay: Focus on your goals, vision, and how you’ll contribute to society.
- Prepare Financial Documents: Some universities require income proof or bank statements during application.
Conclusion,
International students planning to study in the United States can achieve their dream with our top 10 United States universities offering scholarships to foreign students.
These universities provide international student quality education without financial barriers.
Whether you aim to study engineering at MIT, business at Harvard, or public policy at Duke, there’s a scholarship waiting for you.
Start researching, prepare your documents early, and submit your applications before the deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many U.S. universities offer full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for outstanding international students.
Programs such as the Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford and Harvard’s Need-Based Financial Aid are fully funded.
Top universities include Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale, Princeton, and the University of California, Berkeley are known for generous financial aid and global scholarship programs.
U.S. universities offer both types. Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need (e.g., Harvard, Yale, Princeton), while merit-based awards recognize academic excellence or leadership (e.g., Stanford’s Knight-Hennessy Program, Duke’s Karsh Scholarship)
Eligibility varies by program. Most scholarships are open to international students with strong academic records, leadership qualities, and English proficiency. Some, like the MasterCard Foundation Program, focus on specific regions such as Africa.
Students apply directly through each university’s admission portal. Many institutions consider international applicants for scholarships, while others require a separate scholarship application
Some universities still require standardized test scores, but many have test-optional policies for 2025. Always check the latest admission requirements on the official university website.
Before you begin your application, don’t forget to explore our free academic tools. These tools are designed to help student like you succed. From GPA calcuator to Reference Citation generator, Scholarjoiner academic tools makes your USA scholarship journey easier. Share this post with your friends looking for United States fully funded scholarships.
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