How to Study in the USA for Free

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 a 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 graduate assistant funding from Purdue University 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 studying, using practice tests, and aiming 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. Karsh International Scholarship Program

• Scholarship Link
• Scholarship Value: Full tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, and more
• Meet the Karsh International Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including M’Lago Morris from New Zealand

The Karsh International Scholarship Program at Duke University is a fully funded undergraduate award for outstanding international students with demonstrated financial need. It covers full tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees, while also providing generous support for up to three summers so scholars can pursue research, unpaid internships, and other academic enrichment. Karsh Scholars are selected for exceptional academic performance, leadership potential, interdisciplinary interests, and a strong commitment to creating positive change, and international applicants who apply to Duke and request financial aid are automatically considered.

2. King-Morgridge Scholars Program

• Scholarship Link
• Scholarship Value: Full tuition, room, board, airplane tickets, and health insurance
• Meet the King-Morgridge Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Lusayo Mwakatika from Malawi and Aminta Permpoonwiwat from Thailand

The King-Morgridge Scholars Program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship for high-achieving international students from low-income backgrounds who are committed to addressing poverty in their home countries. This four-year award covers full tuition, on-campus room and board, health insurance, round-trip airfare, and a stipend for miscellaneous expenses, enabling scholars to focus on both academic excellence and community impact initiatives. Funded through a partnership between King Philanthropies and the Morgridge family, the program selects enterprising and service-oriented students based on their leadership, academic record, and dedication to social change, and requires applicants to first apply for admission to UW–Madison before submitting a separate King-Morgridge scholarship application through the university’s WiSH portal.

Here are some of the students who were able to study a bachelor’s degree in the United States for free!

• Lusayo Mwakatika from Malawi earned the King-Morgridge Scholarship at University of Wisconsin–Madison, a fully funded award covering full tuition, fees, room & board, and annual airfare to study a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Business Management.
• M’Lago Morris from New Zealand earned the Karsh International Scholarship at Duke University, a full-ride scholarship covering full tuition, room & board, and additional funding for research, internships, and travel to study a Bachelor’s in Public Policy and Theatre.
• Aminta Permpoonwiwat from Thailand earned the Chancellor’s Scholarship at Vanderbilt University, a full-tuition scholarship that covers all tuition for eight semesters plus a summer stipend, allowing her to study a Bachelor’s in Climate Studies and Public Policy in the United States at no cost.

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. Fulbright Scholarships

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value.: Roundtrip airfare, full tuition, a monthly living stipend, book and supplies allowance, and health and accident insurance
• Meet the Fulbright Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Mehar Bano from Pakistan and Maria Paula Cortes-Lemos from Ecuador

The Fulbright Scholarships, funded by the U.S. Department of State, provide fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in the United States. This flagship exchange program supports around 4,000 students each year with comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, travel, and living expenses. Selection typically considers strong academics, leadership potential, and a clear plan for how your studies or research will benefit your home country. Because eligibility rules and timelines differ by country, applicants apply through their local Fulbright commission or U.S. embassy, which manages the specific procedures and deadlines.

2. Graduate Assistantships

• Scholarship Link
• Scholarship Value: Varies by university and assistantship type but commonly includes partial or full tuition remission plus a living stipend
• Meet the Graduate Assistantships Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Raphael Onuku from Nigeria and Maham Liaqat from Pakistan.

The Graduate Assistantships at U.S. universities are competitive funding packages that pair part-time teaching, research, or administrative work with financial support for graduate study. Benefits vary widely, ranging from partial tuition and modest stipends of a few thousand dollars per year to full tuition remission plus a substantial stipend and, in some cases, health insurance coverage for graduate assistants. These roles are typically open to full-time Master’s and PhD students in participating departments and are awarded based on academic merit, relevant skills or experience, and departmental needs. In most cases, applicants must first be admitted to a graduate program and then either submit a separate assistantship application or be recommended by their department, with timelines that closely follow the university’s graduate admission deadlines.

Here are some of the students who were able to study a master’s degree in the United States for free!

• Fraz Ahmed from Pakistan earned the Fulbright Foreign Student Program at Carnegie Mellon University, covering full tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance to study a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (Data Analytics and AI Management Track).
• Nawshin Tabassum from Bangladesh earned a Graduate Assistantship at Ohio University, covering full tuition and a stipend to study a Master’s in Communication and Development Studies.
• Felicia Jacinta Ayambire from Ghana earned the AAUW International Fellowship and Competitive Graduate Award (CGA) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), which fully funded her Master of Public Health (MPH) studies in the United States.
• Amna Feroz from Pakistan earned a Need-Based Scholarship at Harvard Law School, covering full tuition to study Master of Laws (LL.M.).

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. PhD Funding at US Universities

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: Typically covers full tuition and a monthly living stipend; many fully funded offers also include health insurance, fee waivers, and additional benefits such as travel or research allowances
• Meet PhD Funding Scholarship Winners: Explore scholarship journeys including Raphael Onuku from Nigeria and Hyun Lee from South Korea

The PhD funding opportunities at US universities bring together university fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, and external awards to help international students complete their doctorate without major financial burden. Fully funded PhD options that cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend, often alongside health insurance and fee waivers. Many of these awards appear in the dedicated list of fully funded PhD scholarships, while the United States Scholarship Winners category showcases real student journeys,highlighting how strong academics, research potential, and well-prepared applications can lead to generous PhD funding packages at top US institutions.

2. Knight-Hennessy Scholarships at Stanford University

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Value: Full funding

The Knight-Hennessy Scholarships at Stanford University are a fully funded graduate program open to outstanding students from all countries. Each year, about 100 scholars receive support to pursue any Stanford master’s, PhD, or professional degree, with funding that typically covers full tuition, generous living expenses (around a total of $120,000 per year), and an annual travel allowance. The program’s mission is to cultivate future global leaders, with roughly one-third of scholars coming from the United States and two-thirds from the rest of the world. Master’s students are usually funded for two years, while PhD scholars can receive support for five to six years, depending on their program. Applicants must submit both a Knight-Hennessy application and a separate application to the relevant Stanford graduate program, and should pay close attention to the distinct deadlines for the scholarship and degree admission.

Here are some of the students who were able to study a PhD in the United States for free!

• Muhammad Ali Falak from Pakistan earned the Fulbright Foreign Student Program at Texas A&M University, a fully funded U.S. government scholarship covering roundtrip airfare, full tuition, monthly living stipend, and health insurance worth around $300,000 to complete his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering.
• Racheal Oluwabukola Asaolu from Nigeria secured a fully funded Ph.D. scholarship at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, covering full tuition, a monthly stipend, and health insurance so she can pursue a Ph.D. in Biology & Biotechnology.
• Maham Liaqat from Pakistan earned the US–Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Fellowship, a fully funded doctoral fellowship supporting her Ph.D. in Chemistry (focus on artificial enzymes, single-atom chemistry, and bio-catalysis) at University of Connecticut, complemented by additional UConn fellowships and assistantships that together cover the full cost of her studies in the United States.
• Hyun Lee from South Korea earned a fully funded scholarship at North Carolina State University, covering tuition, insurance, and a living stipend to study a Ph.D. in Computer Science.

FAQs: Studying in the U.S. as an International Student

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 Programs for International Students on our website!