Scholarships for Graduate Students in the USA

Pursuing graduate studies in the United States is an exciting opportunity, but the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses can often be a significant barrier. However, there are many scholarships and fellowships specifically designed to support graduate students, especially those from outside the U.S. If you are considering graduate school in the USA, this article will explore the best scholarships for international graduate students in 2024, along with the eligibility requirements, benefits, and application tips.

1. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious and well-known scholarship programs for international graduate students. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program aims to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other nations.

What It Covers:

• Tuition fees for the duration of your program
• Round-trip airfare from your home country to the U.S.
• A living stipend to cover accommodation, food, and other personal expenses
• Health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the study
• Additional allowances for textbooks and incidental costs

Eligibility:

• Non-U.S. citizens who meet the Fulbright eligibility requirements of their home country.
• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent before starting their graduate program.
• Proficiency in English, with standardized test scores like TOEFL or IELTS often required.

How to Apply:

• The application process is rigorous and involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a research proposal (for those applying for research or graduate study).
• Each participating country has a local Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy, where you can find specific application deadlines and requirements.

2. The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is a non-degree program designed for mid-career professionals who want to enhance their leadership skills and exchange knowledge in areas like public health, law, education, and environmental policy. The program offers opportunities for study at U.S. universities in addition to professional development and networking.

What It Covers:

• Full tuition fees for one year of study
• Living stipend to cover room, board, and other living costs
• Round-trip travel expenses
• Health insurance and professional development opportunities
• Access to a network of other global professionals through seminars and conferences.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least five years of professional experience in a field such as public health, education, law, or environmental management.
• They should demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to public service, and the ability to influence others in their field of work.

How to Apply:

The application process is highly competitive. Interested applicants must submit an online application through the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in their home country. This includes professional recommendations, a statement of purpose, and a resume.

3. The AAUW International Fellowship

The AAUW International Fellowship is an excellent option for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and wish to pursue graduate or postdoctoral studies in the U.S. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is committed to empowering women through education, and this fellowship provides significant financial support to women from all over the world.

What It Covers:

• Fellowships range from $18,000 to $30,000 depending on the program level.
• The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel.
• It also provides funding for research-related costs for postdoctoral fellows.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree before the start of their program.
• Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible.
• Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record, commitment to their field, and future potential for leadership.

How to Apply:

To apply, you need to submit a completed online application along with your academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and recommendation letters. You may also need to include additional materials like a research proposal (for postdoctoral candidates).

4. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship program for graduate students wishing to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. It is one of the top international scholarships available and is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

What It Covers:

• Full tuition fees for your postgraduate program
• Accommodation and living expenses
• Round-trip airfare and visa costs
• Research-related expenses, such as fieldwork costs or laboratory fees
• Personalized mentorship and professional development opportunities

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens and must meet the entry requirements for a graduate program at the University of Cambridge.
• Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

How to Apply:

• The application process involves applying directly to a postgraduate program at the University of Cambridge. Once you’ve been accepted, you can apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship by submitting a scholarship-specific application.

5. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is one of the most prestigious graduate scholarship programs for international students. It aims to develop a community of future global leaders by providing financial support for graduate studies at Stanford, in addition to offering unique opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning.

What It Covers:

• Full funding for tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses for the duration of your graduate program at Stanford.
• Annual stipends for living and personal expenses.
• Travel allowances for international students to cover flights to and from Stanford.
• Access to leadership training and a network of mentors and professionals from diverse fields.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be pursuing graduate studies at Stanford University.
• The program is open to students from all over the world who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to solving global challenges.
• Applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree within the last five years.

How to Apply:

To apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, you first need to apply to one of the graduate degree programs at Stanford. Once you have applied, you can submit the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application. This includes essays, academic transcripts, recommendations, and interviews. The program emphasizes leadership potential and impact, so your application should highlight these aspects.

6. The Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a unique opportunity for graduate students who wish to pursue a career in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and global diplomacy. Funded by Rotary International, this fellowship provides full funding for graduate degrees in peace and conflict resolution at select universities worldwide, including institutions in the U.S.

What It Covers:

• Full tuition fees for a two-year master’s degree or a one-year professional development certificate.
• Living expenses and travel costs for the duration of the program.
• Health insurance during your studies.
• Access to the Rotary network for professional development and internships with international organizations focused on peace and diplomacy.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and international diplomacy.
• A minimum of three years of professional experience in a related field is typically required.
• A strong academic background and a clear plan for how you intend to apply your education to peace-related work are essential.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants must be nominated by a local Rotary club. The application process includes submitting your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a proposal for how you plan to use your degree in peacebuilding after completing the fellowship.

7. The Chevening Scholarship (for Graduate Study in the UK)

While not a U.S.-specific scholarship, the Chevening Scholarship is another prestigious global scholarship available for graduate students who wish to study in the U.K. It is funded by the UK Government and provides full financial support for a one-year master’s program at any university in the United Kingdom.

What It Covers:

• Full tuition fees for the master’s program.
• Monthly living stipend for accommodation, food, and other personal expenses.
• Round-trip airfare and visa costs.
• Travel and networking opportunities with fellow scholars from around the world.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must have at least two years of work experience (2,800 hours).
• You must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country.
• The applicant should demonstrate leadership potential, commitment to public service, and the intention to return to their home country upon completion of the program.

How to Apply:

The application process for Chevening is done online and includes a personal statement, references, and academic qualifications. Be prepared to demonstrate your leadership potential and your plans to make a positive impact on your home country after studying in the U.K.

8. The Google PhD Fellowship Program

The Google PhD Fellowship Program is designed to recognize and support outstanding graduate students who are conducting research in computer science, related fields, or engineering. This fellowship program is particularly competitive, as it provides significant funding and resources for those pursuing a PhD at any recognized university.

What It Covers:

• Tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your PhD.
• An annual stipend for research and personal expenses.
• Opportunity to work with Google researchers and receive mentorship from experts in the field.
• Travel grants to attend conferences and other academic events.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited university.
• The research should be in areas related to computer science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or related fields.
• A high level of academic achievement and an innovative research agenda are required.

How to Apply:

The application process for the Google PhD Fellowship includes submitting your academic transcripts, research proposal, and recommendation letters. In addition, a personal statement outlining your research objectives and why you want to contribute to the field is critical. Successful candidates are typically invited for interviews.

9. The MacArthur Fellowship

The MacArthur Fellowship, often called the “genius grant,” is an award given to individuals who have shown exceptional creativity in their work and the promise for significant future contributions. Although not restricted to graduate students, it provides generous funding for those engaged in graduate-level research or creative work.

What It Covers:

• Unrestricted grant of up to $625,000 paid out over five years.
• No requirement to apply the funding to specific programs—this is an unrestricted award.
• The fellowship is given to individuals, not institutions, so graduate students must have a significant, independent project or body of work.

Eligibility:

• Nominees must be U.S. citizens, but the MacArthur Foundation is open to international candidates who demonstrate creative excellence in their field.
• Nominees must be at least 18 years old and show significant promise in their work, whether in the arts, sciences, education, or public service.

How to Apply:

The MacArthur Fellowship is invitation-only, meaning there is no formal application process. However, candidates are typically nominated by someone familiar with their work, such as a mentor or colleague. If selected, the fellow is contacted directly by the Foundation.

Conclusion

There is a wide range of scholarship opportunities available for graduate students in the U.S. in 2025, whether you’re interested in research, professional development, or leadership programs. The scholarships listed above are some of the most prestigious and competitive awards for international students looking to study in the U.S. and beyond. By understanding the eligibility requirements, preparing your application materials thoughtfully, and demonstrating both academic excellence and leadership potential, you can increase your chances of securing financial aid to pursue your graduate studies.

Start your scholarship search early, stay organized, and tailor each application to showcase your unique strengths, interests, and long-term goals. With persistence and dedication, you can make your dream of studying in the U.S. a reality.