Studying in the United States is a dream for millions of students around the world. The U.S. is home to globally recognized universities, world-class research opportunities, and powerful career pathways. But while the quality of education is high, the cost can be intimidating — international students often face tuition fees of $20,000–$70,000 per year without including housing, books, travel, and insurance.

The good news? You can study in the USA completely for free through fully funded scholarships.
These scholarships cover everything — tuition, accommodation, travel, monthly stipends, health insurance, books, and sometimes even conference funding or laptops.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the top fully funded scholarships in the USA, how to qualify, the application process, the documents needed, and expert tips to boost your chances of winning.

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What Are Fully Funded Scholarships?

A fully funded scholarship is an award that covers all academic expenses for the entire duration of your degree. This usually includes:

• 100% tuition coverage
• Free accommodation or housing allowance
• Monthly living stipend
• Health insurance
• Visa support
• Textbook or research funds
• Round-trip flight tickets
• Access to mentorship and internship programs

Unlike partial scholarships, you pay absolutely nothing after winning a fully funded award.

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Top Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA (2025 Update)

Below are the most competitive and generous scholarships currently available for international students.

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1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship scholarship for international students. It funds Master’s and PhD degrees in almost every field.

What It Covers

• Full tuition
• Monthly stipend
• Airfare
• Health insurance
• Textbooks and supplies
• Conferences and professional development

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong academic performance
• English proficiency
• Leadership potential
• Community service or volunteer experience helps

Why It’s Popular

Fulbright alumni include presidents, Nobel Prize winners, tech founders, diplomats, and global leaders. It is one of the most respected scholarships in the world.

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2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

This fully funded program is designed for mid-career professionals who want leadership training in the U.S.

What It Covers

• Full funding for academic coursework
• Living expenses
• Professional development
• Travel and visa fees

Who Can Apply

• Minimum of 5 years of work experience
• Leadership record
• Public service or NGO professionals
• No formal degree program — it’s a non-degree fellowship but very prestigious

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3. Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Stanford offers one of the most generous scholarships in the world through this program.

What It Covers

• Full tuition
• Travel stipend
• Health insurance
• Monthly living stipend
• Enrichment and leadership training

Eligible Degrees

• Master’s
• MBA
• JD (Law)
• MD (Medicine)
• PhD
• Dual degrees

Why It’s Unique

It focuses heavily on leadership, global impact, innovation, and community involvement.

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4. Harvard University Scholarships

Harvard University automatically provides fully funded financial aid packages to many international students based on merit or financial need.

Coverage

• 100% tuition
• Housing
• Research support
• Stipends
• Full funding for PhD students

Who Can Apply

Anyone applying for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs.

Special Advantage

Harvard has one of the largest scholarship budgets in the world — they fund even middle-income students.

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5. Yale University Fully Funded Scholarships

Yale is another Ivy League school that offers fully funded scholarships for international students.

Coverage

• Full tuition
• Living stipend
• Research and travel funding

Eligibility

• Undergraduate
• Master’s
• PhD applicants

Yale PhD scholarships are automatically fully funded for all admitted students.

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6. MIT Scholarships (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

MIT provides generous scholarships for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Covers

• Full tuition
• Living stipend (PhD students)
• Research funding
• Assistantships

Why MIT is attractive

MIT graduates often secure high-paying jobs and leadership positions globally.

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7. AAUW International Fellowships (For Women)

This scholarship supports women from any country who want to pursue graduate studies in the U.S.

Coverage

• Full tuition
• Living allowance
• Travel
• Research allowance

Eligibility

• Women only
• Graduate programs (Master’s or PhD)
• Strong academic record

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8. Gates Scholarship (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)

For undergraduate students.

This scholarship is extremely competitive but fully funded.

Covers

• Full tuition
• Room & board
• Books
• Transportation
• Personal expenses

Eligibility

• Exceptional high school students
• Leadership and community impact

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9. University of Chicago Fully Funded Scholarships

Chicago offers full funding to graduate students in many programs, especially PhD.

Includes

• Full tuition
• Stipend
• Housing allowance

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10. Rotary Peace Fellowship

This scholarship funds Master’s degrees related to peace, conflict resolution, diplomacy, or leadership.

Benefits

• Tuition
• Living expenses
• Internship
• Field study
• Travel

Who should apply

Those already involved in humanitarian work, social leadership, or peace-building.