Studying abroad can give students global exposure, access to different academic systems, and the opportunity to build international networks. For many U.S. students, scholarships can make overseas study more affordable by helping with tuition, living costs, travel, or other study-related expenses.
Scholarship coverage varies by program. Some awards cover only part of the cost of attendance, while others provide substantial funding for tuition, living expenses, insurance, travel, or other required costs.
Below is a list of scholarship programs that may be useful for students from the United States who are considering graduate study abroad.
Scholarships for American Students
If you are a student in the United States seeking overseas scholarships for higher education, you have come to the right place. Let us now explore the details.
1. Ontario Graduate Scholarships, Canada
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 10,000 for two consecutive study terms or CAD 15,000 for three consecutive study terms
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D. | Offered by: Government of Ontario and participating Ontario universities
One scholarship option for U.S. students considering graduate study in Canada is the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. The program supports students at the master’s and doctoral levels at participating schools in Ontario. Each award is jointly funded by the Province of Ontario and the school offering the award.
Ontario’s participating institutions award scholarships based on merit and school-specific criteria. The University of Toronto is one participating institution, and its OGS awards are open to eligible domestic and international students, including international students with a valid study permit by the applicable deadline.
Applicants generally need to be in, or planning to enter, full-time graduate study at the master’s or doctoral level for at least two consecutive terms in the academic year for which they apply. Students should check the deadline and application process at the Ontario university where they plan to study.
2. Rhodes Scholarship
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: Oxford course fees, an annual stipend, and additional support for selected costs
- Eligible Degree/s: Full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford | Offered by: Rhodes Trust and the University of Oxford
For students from the United States who want to pursue graduate study in the United Kingdom, the Rhodes Scholarship is one of the best-known options. The scholarship supports selected students for full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
The Rhodes Scholarship covers Oxford course fees and provides an annual stipend. For the 2025–26 academic year, the stipend is £20,400 per year. The Rhodes Trust also covers selected additional costs, including the Oxford application fee, student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, and two economy-class flights to and from the United Kingdom at the beginning and end of studies.
For the U.S. constituency, applicants must meet the current Rhodes eligibility rules for citizenship or status, age, academic achievement, and Oxford admission. Candidates generally must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or active DACA recipients; meet the applicable age rules; and meet or exceed the entry requirements for their chosen full-time Oxford course.
3. DAAD Scholarship
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: Varies by program; many DAAD awards provide a monthly stipend, insurance support, and a travel allowance
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D., research stays, and other academic programs | Offered by: German Academic Exchange Service
Germany is a popular study destination for international students, and the German Academic Exchange Service, commonly known as DAAD, offers a wide range of scholarships for study and research in Germany. U.S. citizens may be eligible for several DAAD programs, depending on their academic level, field of study, and intended program.
DAAD funding varies by scholarship. Current DAAD examples include monthly scholarship payments of €992 for master’s students and €1,400 for some doctoral programs, along with support such as health, accident, and personal liability insurance and, in many cases, a travel allowance. Applicants should note that DAAD does not always cover tuition fees, so they should check the exact funding rules for the specific DAAD program they plan to apply for.
Eligibility requirements also vary by program. Some DAAD scholarships require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a strong academic record, language proficiency in English or German depending on the course, and other program-specific documents. Some development-related programs require relevant professional experience, but this requirement does not apply to every DAAD scholarship.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: Full scholarships may cover participation costs and contribute to travel, visa, and living costs
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s | Offered by: European Union
Students from the United States who want to study in Europe may consider Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships. These are international master’s programs jointly designed and delivered by groups of higher education institutions. Students usually study at several universities in Europe and sometimes beyond Europe.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters may offer full scholarships to the best-ranked students worldwide. These scholarships cover participation costs and contribute to travel, visa, and living costs. The exact funding package and application process depend on the specific master’s program.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters usually last one to two academic years and carry 60, 90, or 120 ECTS credits. Applicants must generally have a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of bachelor’s study and graduate before the master’s program begins.
Students should apply directly to the institution or consortium running their chosen program and check the Erasmus Mundus course catalog for the latest available programs, requirements, deadlines, and scholarship details.
5. Korean Foundation Scholarship
- Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: Varies by region, country, and local cost of living
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D. | Offered by: Korea Foundation
Another option is the Korea Foundation Scholarship for Graduate Studies, which supports graduate students majoring in a Korea-related field or focusing on a Korea-related research topic at a university located outside Korea.
The program supports master’s and doctoral students in Korean Studies in more than 30 countries, and the number of recipients is approximately 150 students worldwide per year. Support is generally provided for one year, and the amount varies by region, country, and local cost of living.
Eligible applicants are typically M.A. students or Ph.D. candidates in the humanities, social sciences, arts and cultural studies, or another relevant field with a Korea-related research topic. Applicants should check the latest Korea Foundation announcement for their region, since application periods and detailed conditions vary.
FAQs: Scholarship Opportunities for American Students
Which Country Offers the Best Scholarships for US Students?
There is no single best country for every U.S. student. The best option depends on the student’s field of study, degree level, preferred destination, budget, and eligibility. The United Kingdom offers major scholarships such as the Rhodes Scholarship, while Canada, Germany, the European Union, and Korea also offer competitive scholarship opportunities for eligible students.
Students should compare each scholarship’s coverage, eligibility rules, application deadlines, degree restrictions, and post-award conditions before applying. They should also confirm details directly with the official scholarship provider, since award amounts and requirements can change from year to year.
Although studying abroad can be expensive, it can also be a valuable investment in a student’s academic, professional, and personal development. Scholarships and grants may help reduce the cost of studying in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, European Union member states, and Korea.
We hope this article about scholarships for U.S. students is helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Courses for International Students and the Scholarships Page for more information on scholarships and universities around the world!
