by 
Studying in the United States offers a unique opportunity for students from around the world to gain world-class education, experience diverse cultures, and build valuable networks. However, the cost of education in the U.S. can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to help international students offset these costs. This article explores the top international scholarships for studying in the U.S. in 2024, highlighting their benefits, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Overview: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students. It provides funding for graduate study, research, or professional development in the U.S.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
- Travel expenses
Eligibility: Open to international students pursuing graduate degrees or research. Applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership potential.
Application Process: The application process involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Applications are typically due in the fall of the preceding year.
Website: Fulbright Program
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Overview: The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers non-degree graduate study and professional development opportunities to mid-career professionals from designated countries.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
- Travel expenses
Eligibility: Applicants must have a minimum of five years of professional experience and demonstrate leadership potential. The program is aimed at professionals in fields such as public health, education, and environmental science.
Application Process: Candidates must apply through their home country’s Fulbright Commission or U.S. embassy. The application includes a personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation.
Website: Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
3. Rhodes Scholarships
Overview: The Rhodes Scholarships are among the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships. They provide funding for graduate study at the University of Oxford.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Stipend for living expenses
- Travel expenses
Eligibility: Open to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. Applicants must have a strong academic record and significant extracurricular involvement.
Application Process: The application involves a rigorous selection process, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an interview. Candidates must apply through their local Rhodes Trust office.
Website: Rhodes Trust
4. Chevening Scholarships
Overview: Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program, but they also offer opportunities for international students to study in the U.S. through partner institutions.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Travel expenses
- Networking opportunities
Eligibility: Open to students from eligible countries who have leadership potential and a strong academic background. Applicants must have a plan for their study and career path.
Application Process: The application involves an online form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Interviews may be part of the selection process.
Website: Chevening Scholarships
5. The Gates Scholarship
Overview: The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, full-ride scholarship awarded to outstanding minority students with significant financial need.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Living expenses
- Books and supplies
- Travel expenses
Eligibility: Applicants must be from minority backgrounds, demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, and have financial need. The scholarship is aimed at high school seniors entering college.
Application Process: The application includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. A rigorous selection process includes interviews and essays.
Website: The Gates Scholarship
6. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
Overview: The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship provides financial support for Indian students pursuing an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Stipend for living expenses
- Travel expenses
Eligibility: Open to Indian students who have demonstrated leadership potential and have a strong academic background. Candidates must commit to returning to India after graduation.
Application Process: Candidates must apply to Stanford’s MBA program and submit a separate application for the fellowship. The selection includes academic records, recommendation letters, and an interview.
Website: Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
7. The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
Overview: This scholarship is for international students who are committed to positive social change and have demonstrated leadership potential.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Living expenses
- Books and supplies
Eligibility: Applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership in their community. The scholarship is aimed at students from developing countries.
Application Process: Candidates must apply to American University and submit a separate scholarship application, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Website: AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
8. The University of Southern California (USC) International Scholarships
Overview: USC offers various scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Benefits:
- Partial to full tuition coverage
- Living expenses
- Additional support for research or projects
Eligibility: Scholarships are available based on academic merit, financial need, and specific program requirements. Each scholarship has its criteria.
Application Process: Applicants must apply to USC and submit additional scholarship-specific materials, including academic records and personal statements.
Website: USC International Scholarships
9. The University of Miami International Scholarships
Overview: The University of Miami provides a range of scholarships for international students based on merit and financial need.
Benefits:
- Partial to full tuition coverage
- Living expenses
- Additional support for academic or research projects
Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. Specific scholarships may have additional criteria related to field of study or extracurricular achievements.
Application Process: Candidates must apply to the University of Miami and submit additional scholarship applications, including academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Website: University of Miami Scholarships
10. The Rotary Peace Fellowships
Overview: The Rotary Peace Fellowships offer funding for graduate study related to peace and conflict resolution.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Living expenses
- Travel expenses
Eligibility: Open to professionals with a strong background in peace and conflict resolution or related fields. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to peacebuilding.
Application Process: Candidates must apply through a Rotary club or district. The application involves academic records, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Website: Rotary Peace Fellowships
11. The Boren Awards
Overview: The Boren Awards provide funding for U.S. students to study less commonly taught languages and regions critical to national security.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Living expenses
- Travel expenses
Eligibility: Open to U.S. students studying languages and regions critical to national security. Recipients must commit to working in government service.
Application Process: The application includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. A rigorous selection process includes interviews.
Website: Boren Awards
12. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
Overview: The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation provides scholarships to high-achieving students with financial need who wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Living expenses
- Books and supplies
Eligibility: Open to students with exceptional academic records and significant financial need. The scholarship is aimed at high school seniors and undergraduate students.
Application Process: Candidates must submit an online application, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Website: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
13. The PEO International Peace Scholarship
Overview: The PEO International Peace Scholarship provides funding for international women pursuing graduate study in the U.S.
Benefits:
- Partial tuition coverage
- Living expenses
Eligibility: Open to international women who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. The scholarship is aimed at students pursuing graduate degrees.
Application Process: Candidates must submit an application through a local PEO chapter. The application includes academic records, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Website: PEO International Peace Scholarship
14. The International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Overview: The International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia offers scholarships to outstanding international students based on academic merit and leadership potential.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Living expenses
Eligibility: Open to international students with exceptional academic records and demonstrated leadership potential. The award is available for undergraduate studies.
Application Process: Candidates must apply to the University of British Columbia and submit additional scholarship materials, including academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Website: UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
15. The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program
Overview: The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program provides funding for students from
