Studying in the United States can be affordable, or even free, if you secure the right scholarships. The U.S. offers numerous fully funded and full-tuition scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and more. Many international students have achieved their American education dreams through these opportunities. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to follow in their footsteps, from finding the right scholarship to preparing a winning application, illustrated with real stories of scholarship recipients who made it to the U.S. on scholarships.
How to Study in USA for Free
1. Research Scholarship Opportunities in the U.S.
The first step is to identify and thoroughly research available scholarships that can fund your studies in the U.S. Look for programs that cover full tuition and living costs (full-ride scholarships) or full tuition at minimum. These include U.S. government scholarships (like Fulbright for graduate studies and the Humphrey Fellowship for professionals), university scholarships, and scholarships from organizations and foundations.
Cast a wide net: consider scholarships for your specific degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) and field of study, and note their eligibility criteria and deadlines. Prioritize fully funded scholarships, but also take note of partial scholarships that you could combine with other funding or part-time work on campus.
Use all resources available – official scholarship websites, university financial aid pages, scholarship databases, and even your personal network – to find opportunities. For example, some students discover scholarships through mentors or friends, while others find them through online research.
- Zorica Stamenkovska from North Macedonia focused on a single prestigious award – the Fulbright Foreign Student Program – which fully funded her Master’s in Communications, covering tuition and living expenses so she could focus on her studies. This U.S. government scholarship was the only one she applied for, and it placed her at Towson University.
- Mary Oluwatosin Kaka from Nigeria learned about the AAUW International Fellowship through a friend. She researched the requirements and applied for this program, which provided her with a much-needed $20,000 toward her Ph.D. in Human Genetics in the U.S. This partial scholarship covered her living expenses, which she combined with university funding to fully finance her studies.
- Edvanio Fernandes from Timor-Leste – a medical doctor – discovered the Fulbright program could support his goal to earn a Master’s in Public Health in the U.S. He applied and won a Fulbright Scholarship, allowing him to study at Saint Louis University with all expenses paid. This opportunity was specifically aligned with his field, showing that even students from developing countries or small nations can secure top U.S. scholarships for graduate study.
2. Meet Academic, Test, and Language Requirements
Most full scholarships in the U.S. are merit-based and competitive, so a strong academic profile and relevant experience will greatly boost your chances. Strive for excellent grades (GPA) in your current and previous studies and build a solid foundation in your field. You’ll likely need to demonstrate English proficiency (typically via TOEFL/IELTS exams) and may need to take standardized tests such as the SAT/ACT for undergraduate admissions or GRE/GMAT for graduate programs. Plan well in advance to prepare for these exams. Dedicate time to study, use practice tests, and aim for scores that meet or exceed the requirements. In addition, strengthen any other prerequisites: relevant work or research experience can be crucial, especially for graduate and professional scholarships. Some U.S. scholarship programs (like the Humphrey Fellowship or certain graduate awards) expect several years of work experience or extracurricular leadership. Make sure you understand what is required for each opportunity and take steps to fulfill those requirements before applying.
- Suparit Suwanik from Thailand rigorously prepared for the TOEFL and GRE exams over several months before applying for his Fulbright Ph.D. scholarship. By using practice tests and study guides, he built a strong foundation in quantitative reasoning and analytical writing, achieving competitive scores that strengthened his application. Meeting the test benchmarks was essential for his scholarship to pursue a PhD in Economics at the University of Wisconsin.
- Ednilson Mburine from Mozambique exemplified academic excellence: he graduated with First-Class Honors in Petroleum Engineering. This strong academic background made him a compelling candidate for a fully funded Fulbright Scholarship for his Master’s. Indeed, his stellar grades and technical training helped him secure a Fulbright award to study for an MSc in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Tulsa.
- Zorica Stamenkovska notes that while good grades and test scores are important, factors like soft skills, adaptability, and real-world experience can set you apart from other candidates. In her case, a combination of solid academics and tangible experience in her field made her Fulbright application stand out. Take her insight to heart: work on internships, research projects, or leadership activities in your community. These not only fulfill scholarship requirements but also show that you are a well-rounded applicant, which U.S. scholarship programs highly value.
3. Identify Target Universities and Programs
Next, narrow down the U.S. universities and programs that fit your academic interests and offer the kind of funding or scholarship support you need. Research which universities have generous scholarships for international students or participate in scholarship programs. Some U.S. universities automatically consider international applicants for merit scholarships, while others have specific programs you must apply to. Look for schools that match your field of study and check if they have any special scholarships (for example, honors scholarships, full-ride awards, or graduate assistantships) that you could leverage. It’s wise to make a list of target universities and the scholarships or funding opportunities associated with them. For graduate applicants, identify professors or departments aligned with your research interests – securing a supervisor or admission in a strong program can sometimes be key to landing certain scholarships. Cast a wide net here as well: apply to multiple universities and scholarship programs to increase your chances. Some students receive multiple offers and can choose the best one.
- Zohha Sheikh from Pakistan began by identifying four target universities – Columbia, University of Chicago, Georgetown, and Rutgers – known for their strong programs in public policy and data analytics. She tailored her plans around these universities, which aligned with her interests. After earning a Fulbright Scholarship, the program helped place her at Columbia University. Zohha’s method shows the importance of focusing on institutions that excel in your field and exploring what funding they offer (in her case, Fulbright worked with her list to secure admission and funding).
- Aminta Permpoonwiwat from Thailand applied broadly and strategically – and as a result, she was offered multiple top scholarships. She received offers from the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto), the Freeman Asian Scholars Program (Wesleyan University), the King-Morgridge Scholars Program (University of Wisconsin), and American University’s Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, among others. Ultimately, she chose the Chancellor’s Scholarship at Vanderbilt University to pursue her undergraduate degree in Public Policy. Aminta’s story shows that applying to several programs can pay off; you might end up with more than one full-ride offer and the luxury of choosing your preferred school.
- Darakhshan Nazir from Pakistan targeted a graduate program that not only fit her career goals in Business Analytics but also offered additional funding. She secured a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue her Master’s at Bentley University, and on top of that, Bentley awarded her a Dean’s Leadership Scholarship for her program. By aiming for a university that provides supplementary scholarships to international students, Darakhshan was able to have all her expenses covered. Her example underlines a smart strategy: identify universities that have their own scholarships or assistantships – this way, even if your main scholarship (like Fulbright) doesn’t cover something, the university’s support can fill the gap.
4. Prepare a Strong Application Package
Once you know your target scholarships and programs, it’s time to prepare your application materials. This typically includes your application form, personal essays or statements, letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, test scores, and a resume/CV. Tailor each application to highlight how you meet the specific scholarship criteria and why you’re a strong fit. Craft a compelling personal statement or scholarship essay that tells your story, motivations, and future goals – and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Be authentic and let your passion show through. Have mentors or advisors review your essays and provide feedback. Plan ahead to gather excellent recommendation letters from professors or supervisors who can attest to your strengths. Pay close attention to detail: fill out all forms correctly and honestly, and proofread everything. It’s often helpful to create a checklist and timeline for each application so you don’t miss any components or deadlines. Many past scholarship winners emphasize the importance of starting early and staying organized during the application process.
- Mary Kaka approached her application meticulously. After learning about the AAUW Fellowship, she made a checklist of required documents, consulted with her PhD advisor, and prepared each item well in advance. By the time she submitted her application, she had a polished personal statement and all supporting materials in order. This careful preparation helped her secure the AAUW scholarship, even as a second-year PhD student.
- Zorica Stamenkovska recommends breaking the application into manageable parts and setting personal deadlines for each. For her Fulbright application, she didn’t wait until the last minute – she finished and submitted everything several days before the official deadline. Zorica also sought feedback on her essays and ensured her authentic voice came through. Her organized and proactive approach meant there were no last-minute surprises, a strategy that other applicants can emulate to reduce stress and avoid errors.
- Zohha Sheikh believes what made her Fulbright application stand out was not a long list of achievements, but the honesty and personal insight in her essays. In her personal statement, she told her story sincerely and with purpose, rather than simply trying to impress. This genuine approach resonated with reviewers. Zohha’s success illustrates that a powerful narrative – one that clearly conveys your passion, goals, and individuality – can leave a lasting impression. Don’t just list accomplishments; explain what you learned and why you’re driven to study in the U.S. on this scholarship.
5. Submit Your Applications Through the Proper Channels
Different scholarships have different application processes – following the correct procedure is crucial. For government-funded scholarships like Fulbright, you usually apply through the U.S. Embassy or a Fulbright Commission in your home country, and their timeline and requirements must be followed (often a year before the start of studies). University scholarships might require you to submit a separate scholarship application, or you might be automatically considered when you apply for admission – check each university’s instructions carefully. External scholarships (from organizations or foundations) will have their own online application portals or forms. Always submit your applications before the deadlines, and ensure every required document is included. It’s wise to keep confirmations or records of your submissions. If an interview or additional step is part of the process, be prepared to schedule and attend those as required. Essentially, be diligent and timely: an outstanding application won’t matter if it’s disqualified for being late or incomplete.
- Zorica Stamenkovska applied for the Fulbright Scholarship through her country’s official process. After a thorough selection, the Fulbright program not only awarded her the scholarship but also handled her university placement in the U.S. She trusted the process – focusing on submitting all materials to the Fulbright Commission in North Macedonia – and was ultimately matched with Towson University. Her experience shows that for government scholarships like Fulbright or the Humphrey Fellowship, you should concentrate on the embassy/commission application; they will guide the next steps (like university admission) if you are selected.
- Mary Kaka took an unconventional route in timing: she applied for the AAUW International Fellowship during the second year of her Ph.D. program. The fellowship typically prioritizes students about to start their studies, but Mary still met the criteria and submitted a strong application. Her success demonstrates that you shouldn’t shy away from applying just because your situation is slightly different – as long as you are eligible, follow the application instructions and give it a try. Mary made sure to submit by the deadline and provided all required proof that she was enrolled and doing research in the U.S., which paid off with a funding award.
- Aminta Permpoonwiwat had to manage multiple university and scholarship applications at once. She kept track of various deadlines (for college admissions and separate scholarship forms) across different countries and programs. By staying organized, she successfully submitted all her applications on time and ended up with several offers. When the offers came in, Aminta could choose the best option for her. The takeaway: apply to all the programs that interest you, but stay on top of each application’s requirements and deadlines. A calendar or spreadsheet can help coordinate if you’re juggling many applications like Aminta did.
Tuition-free Options for Bachelor’s Studies in the USA
Here are some full tuition and fully funded Bachelor’s scholarships in the USA for international students!
1. University of Oregon Scholarships
The University of Oregon offers several scholarships for international students through the International Cultural Service Program or ICSP scholarships. These financial aids are renewable after a student completes their first degree and may depend upon their financial need, academic achievement, and capacity to deliver presentations to audiences. The university also offers supplement scholarships to assist students with miscellaneous expenses.
2. Wesleyan University Scholarships
International students from selected Asian and African countries can study for free at Wesleyan University through the Freeman Asian Scholars and African Scholars Program. These programs grant successful applicants financial aid to cover their tuition and fees during their four-year bachelor’s program.
The scholarship is open to nationals of the following countries: Singapore, The People’s Republic of China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Africa’s 54 nations.
3. Brandeis University Scholarships
Lastly, after carefully reviewing and assessing their applicant’s financial documents, international students pursuing a degree at Brandeis University in Massachusetts can receive a full-funded scholarship through the Wien International Scholarship Program.
Applicants with high academic performance and active participation in extracurricular activities and the community are highly considered and prioritized for the Wien Scholarship. Moreover, Brandeis offers merit-based and need-based scholarships like the Humanities Fellowship and the Richard and Barbara Silverman Endowed Scholarship.
Here are some scholarship winners who were able to study a Bachelor’s in United States for free!
- Aminta Permpoonwiwat from Thailand earned the Chancellor’s Scholarship at Vanderbilt University, covering full tuition for 8 semesters plus a one-time summer stipend for an immersive experience, to study a Bachelor’s in Climate Studies and Public Policy.
- Alina Zholaman from Kazakhstan earned the Drexel University Scholarship at Drexel University, covering $46,000 per year, to study a Bachelor’s in Co-op Management.
- Hyun Lee from South Korea earned the Birmingham-Southern College Scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College, covering full tuition, to study a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Applied Computer Science.
Tuition-free Options for Master’s Studies in the USA
Here are some full tuition and fully funded Master’s scholarships in the USA for international students!
1. New York University Graduate Scholarships
New York University also covers graduate degrees through assistantship programs, including the Graduate School’s Tuition Incentive Program. It offers complete to partial tuition scholarships to NYU students in an eligible Ph.D. or master’s program or degree at the Graduate School of Arts and Science, or GSAS.
International students must register for a minimum of six points every semester. To earn tuition credits, they must also fulfill all degree program requirements, as listed in the GSAS Bulletin. The university also offers the Global Citizen Citizenship scholarship to an upcoming M.S. in Global Affairs or M.S. in Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime student, offering partial funding of $5,000 to $10,000.
2. Harvard University Fellowships
Students can also choose Harvard University for their master’s degree. The prestigious school lists several scholarship providers students can choose from depending on their home country.
For instance, through the Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship program, international graduate students from New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom who enroll in Harvard for the ten-month school year receive a stipend covering living expenses, full tuition, and health insurance.
For graduate degree programs with more than one year of study, the scholarship is guaranteed for a maximum of two years at Harvard. This prestigious university can only host up to 30 Knox Fellows in any particular year. It also offers partially funded financial assistance to deserving master’s and Ph.D. students, such as the Real Colegio Complutense Scholarships.
Here are some scholarship winners who were able to study a Master’s in the United States for free!
Tuition-free Options for Ph.D. Studies in the USA
Here are some full tuition and fully funded PhD scholarships in the USA for international students!
1. University of Miami Fellowships
The University of Miami lists several fellowships and scholarship programs for incoming Ph.D. students. The most prestigious of these is the Dean’s Fellowships, which provides a stipend of $40,000 to selected applicants. It includes $3,000 in research travel reimbursements and fully subsidized health insurance through the University of Miami Student Health Center.
In addition to the Dean’s Fellowships, the University of Miami offers other scholarships open to international students, such as the Maytag Fellowship with $20,000 annual assistance and the Wulkan Family American Public Transportation Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund with $2,000 to help pay for their graduate school expenses applied in the fall and spring term.
2. Stanford University Fellowships
Meanwhile, Stanford University guarantees funding to all accepted doctoral candidates. The university covers the cost of attendance, which includes tuition and other living expenses, and provides a fellowship stipend and assistantship salary for successful applicants.
Moreover, graduate students joining the Knight-Hennessy Scholars at any of Stanford’s seven schools can earn a fellowship that covers tuition for up to three or more years and a stipend to cover living and academic costs, depending on their program’s standard funding commitment.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Fellowships
Another prestigious university in the country that offers fellowship grants to international Ph.D. students is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As the institute receives donations from individual donors and private institutes, its Office of Graduate Education provides incoming Ph.D. students with sufficient information about fellowships that can fund their entire postgraduate education.
These fellowships include the Presidential Graduate Fellowship Program and the research and teaching assistantships. However, the Presidential Fellowships don’t accept direct applications from graduate students. The school deans, department, and interdisciplinary program leaders themselves vet the nominees for the fellowship before the President and Provost choose them.
Here are some scholarship winners who were able to study a PhD in the United States for free!
FAQs: Studying in the U.S. as an International Student
Can International Students Study in the U.S. for Free?
International students can study in the USA for free through various methods. First, you can apply and receive a full-ride scholarship to study at an institution in the United States, and if that method doesn’t work for you, you can try to land a partial scholarship and try to cover up the rest through grants, work-study programs, and part-time jobs.
Attending a well-known American university is a dream come true, but getting accepted takes time and careful planning, especially if you lack the financial resources to do so. That’s why it’s best to learn how to enroll in U.S. universities without paying for your tuition fee or other expenses for a more rewarding education there. Looking into scholarships and other financial aid options besides tuition will allow you to learn thoroughly about your chosen program while visiting the country’s many landscapes and famous landmarks.
We hope this article on how to study in the USA for free was helpful. To learn more about learning and program opportunities in the country, make sure to check out the Study in the USA Page and Available Open Courses on our website!
