Top Scholarships for International Students in the US 2025

The USA is the largest destination country for international students worldwide, hosting 24% of all international students. 70.4% of international students in the US come from Asia, with China (23.8) and India (21.8) being the top countries of origin. It is the most chosen destination among international students due to its top-tier colleges, high-quality education system, and a history of boasting esteemed professionals. As the USA is considered an expensive country, to make its education reach promising candidates, it promotes numerous scholarships for international students, including undergraduate scholarships for international students and master scholarships in USA. Let’s dive into the best non-government-funded scholarships. 

Why Study in the USA?

Studying in the USA offers a multitude of benefits, including a wide range of academic programs,  access to some of the world’s top universities, and integration with diverse cultures. These advantages not only lead to growth in educational experience but also prepare students for a successful career in a global market. Moreover, the USA also provides scholarships for international students to elevate their financial burdens, which helps students focus on their studies and achieve academic excellence.

Also Read: Top 10 full tuition scholarships for international students | How to apply!

Best Non-government-funded Scholarships for International Students

Non-government-funded scholarships significantly assist international students seeking financial assistance to pursue their education in the United States. Here are some of the best non-government-funded-scholarships for international students:

Global Citizen Scholarship by MPOWER Financing

The Global Citizen Scholarship provides financial support to international students in the United States and DACA students. It is aimed at addressing the education funding gap faced by these students, with eligibility criteria that are broadly defined, allowing for a diverse range of applicants.

Eligibility requirements

• enroll in a full-time degree program at a U.S. or Canadian school that MPOWER supports
• Be an international student who is allowed to legally study in the U.S. or Canada, as applicable
• For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria:
• Has a valid visa that permits study in the U.S.
• Is protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• Is a U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder)

Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Peace Fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for international students in the United States who are committed to peace and conflict resolution. This scholarship covers tuition fees, room and board, and provides additional financial support for field studies and health insurance.

Eligibility requirements

• English proficiency
• Commitment to peace and development
• Leadership potential
• Academic record and compatibility with preferred university program

Fulbright Program for Foreign Students

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students, awarding approximately 4,000 scholarships annually. The amount varies based on specific country and program requirements, making it adaptable to various educational pursuits. This program is geared towards fostering mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other nations through educational exchange1.

Eligibility requirements

• Reside in the country of nomination at the time of application.
• At the time of the program start date, possess the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree with a good academic record.
• Fluency in English, as demonstrated by a recommended recent score of no less than 550 (Paper Based TOEFL), 79-80 (Internet Based TOEFL – IBT), or 6.5(Overall Score International English Language Testing System – IELTS); test scores can be submitted to IIE by indicating the institutional code 2326 on the day of the test.
• Dual citizens or citizens holding two citizenship shall not be covered under this program.
• Additional eligibility requirements are mandated on a country-to-country basis. Please use the drop-down menu below to find information about the Fulbright Program in your home country, including eligibility requirements and application guidelines. 

University Specific Scholarships For International Students

University-specific scholarships in the USA are tailored financial assistance programs that are offered by individual institutions to support students based on various criteria such as merit, need, or specific demographics. Explore the university-specific scholarships for international students below:

Scholarships	Financial Aid provided
Yale University Scholarships	$50,000- $70,000 per year
Boston University Presidential Scholarship	Annual value of 25,000 (merit scholarship for first-year students)
Clark Global Scholarship Program	$15,000 to $25,000 per year for four years
Berea College Scholarships	$2,500 for the first year
Cornell University Financial Aid	“self-help” financial aid program-$5,000 per academic year

Recommended read: Affordable Universities in the USA for International Students

Summary

In this blog, you will get to know the increasing enrollment of international students in the United States, particularly from India, and will provide a comprehensive guide to non-government-funded scholarships available to support their education. It emphasizes the benefits of studying in the U.S., including access to top universities and diverse cultural experiences. The blog also details some of the best non-government-funded scholarships, such as the Global Citizen Scholarship by MPOWER Financing, Rotary Peace Fellowship, and Fulbright Program for Foreign Students, along with university-specific scholarships like those offered by Yale University, Boston University, Clark University, Berea College, and Cornell University. These scholarships provide financial assistance ranging from tuition coverage to living expenses, helping international students in the United States achieve their academic goals. 

FAQs

Ques: Which university offers full scholarships in the USA for master’s?

Ans: There are several universities in the United States that offer full scholarships for master’s degree programs.​ Some of them are Stanford University, Tsinghua University in Beijing, and St. Lawrence University.

Ques: Which is the best scholarship for international students aiming for a master’s in the USA?

Ans: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is considered to be the best scholarship for international students. It provides extensive funding opportunities and a prestigious affiliation.