Scholarships for Non US Citizens 2025-26 (Fully Funded)
Education is a powerful tool that opens doors to a world of opportunities. For non-US citizens aspiring to pursue higher education in the United States, scholarships can be a game-changer. These scholarships not only provide financial relief but also allow students to gain international experience, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and access world-class educational resources. Fully funded scholarships are particularly valuable as they cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs. As we look ahead to the academic years 2025-26, several institutions, organizations, and governments are offering generous scholarships for non-US citizens. This article explores some of the most prestigious and fully funded scholarships available for international students.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most recognized international educational exchange programs. Administered by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers scholarships to non-US students from over 155 countries. The program funds graduate-level study in the U.S., including master’s and PhD programs. It covers tuition fees, travel expenses, health insurance, and a living stipend.
Key Features:
- Available for graduate students, young professionals, and artists.
- Covers full tuition fees, living stipend, and travel expenses.
- Open to students from a wide range of countries.
How to Apply:
The application process typically starts a year in advance. Interested candidates should contact the U.S. embassy or Fulbright Commission in their home country for specific application instructions and deadlines.
2. The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship is a highly competitive, fully funded scholarship established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It is designed for exceptional, high-achieving students from underrepresented groups in the U.S. and international students from select countries. Although it primarily focuses on U.S. students, non-U.S. students from specific regions may be eligible to apply.
Key Features:
- Covers full tuition, fees, room, and board for the entire duration of the program.
- Provides leadership development opportunities and mentoring.
- Exclusively for outstanding students who demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply:
The scholarship typically opens for applications in the fall, and candidates must meet academic and leadership criteria. Visit the official Gates Scholarship website for eligibility and application details.
3. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
For students from developing countries who wish to pursue a master’s degree in a development-related field, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers a unique opportunity. This scholarship is designed to help students gain the skills needed to contribute to the economic development of their home countries.
Key Features:
- Fully funded scholarships for master’s programs in development-related fields.
- Covers tuition, travel costs, and a living stipend.
- Applicants must have professional experience in a relevant field and demonstrate commitment to their country’s development.
How to Apply:
Applications for this scholarship are usually accepted in the summer. Candidates can apply online through the World Bank’s official scholarship portal.
4. The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship is designed for experienced professionals from developing countries who wish to undertake non-degree graduate-level study and professional development in the United States. The fellowship provides a platform for non-U.S. citizens to enhance their leadership potential and address pressing global issues.
Key Features:
- Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Includes a professional development component and networking opportunities with professionals from across the globe.
- Open to mid-career professionals from all fields, including public health, education, and government.
How to Apply:
Candidates should visit the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country for application procedures and deadlines.
5. The Rhodes Scholarship
Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarships. Although it primarily targets students from the Commonwealth nations, the United States, and Germany, it is open to exceptional students from all over the world. The scholarship supports graduate study at the University of Oxford and provides full tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Key Features:
- Covers all expenses for studying at Oxford University, including tuition, fees, and living costs.
- Open to students with exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a difference in the world.
- Highly competitive and requires a rigorous selection process.
How to Apply:
The Rhodes Trust in Oxford manages the application process, which involves interviews, personal essays, and recommendations. Interested students should check the eligibility requirements for their specific region.
6. Yale University Scholarships for International Students
Yale University, one of the Ivy League institutions, offers generous financial aid packages to international students. Although Yale does not provide full scholarships to all international students, it is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for eligible students. The university’s aid packages can cover tuition, room, board, and travel expenses.
Key Features:
- Yale’s financial aid program is need-based and meets the full demonstrated need of international students.
- Covers tuition, room, board, and other expenses.
- Yale is one of the most prestigious universities, offering world-class education in a range of disciplines.
How to Apply:
International students applying to Yale University must submit their financial aid applications as part of their admission process. The university’s website provides detailed instructions on how to apply for financial aid.
7. Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Stanford University offers the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, which is open to international students from all backgrounds who wish to pursue graduate studies at Stanford. The program provides full funding for tuition, living expenses, and travel costs for up to three years, in addition to leadership development opportunities.
Key Features:
- Covers full tuition, fees, and living expenses for graduate study at Stanford.
- Includes mentorship and leadership development.
- Open to students pursuing any graduate degree at Stanford.
How to Apply:
The application process for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is separate from the regular graduate school application. Applicants must apply to both the program and their desired graduate department at Stanford University.
8. University of Cambridge Commonwealth, European, and International Scholarships
The University of Cambridge offers a variety of scholarships for international students, particularly those from Commonwealth countries, Europe, and other parts of the world. These scholarships are typically available for postgraduate programs and are fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel.
Key Features:
- Available for postgraduate students from the Commonwealth and other international regions.
- Covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Offers opportunities for academic and professional development.
How to Apply:
International students interested in applying should visit the University of Cambridge website for detailed information on specific scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
9. The University of Oxford Clarendon Fund
The Clarendon Fund at the University of Oxford provides fully funded scholarships to graduate students from all over the world. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs for students pursuing any full-time graduate program at Oxford.
Key Features:
- Open to all graduate applicants at the University of Oxford.
- Covers full tuition and living expenses.
- Includes funding for travel and other academic-related expenses.
How to Apply:
Students applying to graduate programs at Oxford are automatically considered for the Clarendon Fund scholarships. There is no separate application process, but candidates must meet Oxford’s graduate admission criteria.
10. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
The Emerging Global Leader Scholarship at the American University in Washington, D.C., is aimed at international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. This scholarship covers full tuition, fees, and living expenses for a four-year undergraduate program.
Key Features:
- Provides full tuition, fees, and living expenses for undergraduate study at the American University.
- Open to international students who have demonstrated leadership and service to their communities.
- Emphasizes academic excellence and global citizenship.
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit an application for admission to the university and complete the scholarship application process. The American University website provides specific details on eligibility and deadlines.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 academic year holds numerous opportunities for non-US citizens to pursue higher education in the United States and abroad through fully funded scholarships. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad but also provide a platform for personal and professional growth. By taking the time to research and apply for these prestigious programs, international students can gain access to world-class education, foster global connections, and make a lasting impact in their home countries. For aspiring scholars, the key is to begin preparing early, meet all eligibility requirements, and present a compelling case for why they deserve the scholarship.
