The USA offers world-class education at some of its finest universities. However, studying abroad is an expensive endeavor, making scholarships crucial for many international students. This guide highlights 10 of the most prestigious and sizeable scholarships available to international applicants seeking to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in the USA in 2024.
1. Rhodes Scholarship
One of the oldest and most renowned international scholarships, the Rhodes Scholarship provides all expenses for up to four years of study at the University of Oxford in the UK. Applicants must demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to service.
Eligibility: Minimum 3 years’ residency for citizenship or green card. Open to students enrolled in graduate programs or between undergraduate studies and graduate school.
Annual Value: Covers tuition, housing allowance of ~$15,000, round-trip travel. Total value over $100,000.
Application Deadline: Varies by country/state, typically mid-September.
2. Fulbright Scholarship
A highly competitive award enabling study, research, or teaching English abroad. Some Fulbrights support international students entering US graduate programs while others allow US students to go abroad.
Eligibility: Fulbrights have country-specific eligibility. Check your country’s Fulbright Commission for details.
Annual Value: Covers tuition, books, room & board, round-trip travel. Stipends vary but are typically upwards of $20,000.
Application Deadline: Late Summer/Fall of the year before the desired program starts. Depends on the country.
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Funded through a donation by Bill and Melinda Gates, this scholarship enables outstanding applicants worldwide to pursue full-time postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility: Demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and impact goals. No nationality or field of study restrictions.
Annual Value: Covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Total value estimated at £50,000-60,000 per year.
Application Deadline: Early November for the following academic year.
4. Mitchell Scholarship
Granted by the US-Ireland Alliance to support one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered at Irish universities. Intended to foster career-launching networking on both sides of the Atlantic.
Eligibility: Demonstrated leadership, community service, and strong academics. Previous ties to Ireland and/or the US not required.
Annual Value: Covers tuition, housing, books, local travel, and cultural activities. Total value upwards of €25,000.
Application Deadline: Typically late October.
5. Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
A full scholarship program for graduate study at Stanford University. Recruits a diverse cohort from any academic discipline based on demonstrated character and leadership excellence.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree conferred by the deadline. No GPA, GRE, or other test scores are required.
Annual Value: Fully funds up to three years of tuition, living expenses, and health coverage at Stanford. Total value up to $225,000.
Application Deadline: Typically early October for the following fall.
6. Schwarzman Scholarship
Offers one-year master’s degrees at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China focused on global trade & finance, sustainability/energy, or data science/cybersecurity. Aims to cultivate relations between future American and Chinese leaders.
Eligibility: Competitive applicants demonstrate excellence, activism, and drive for global impact.
Annual Value: Fully covers tuition, housing, food, internship stipend, travel & academic trips. Estimated value over $100,000.
Application Deadline: September-October for the following fall.
7. Churchill Scholarship
Funded by Winston Churchill’s friends to bring outstanding science and technology students to the University of Cambridge for a one-year master’s degree. Special eligibility for American citizens and green card holders.
Eligibility: Academic excellence and extracurricular leadership in relevant STEM fields.
Annual Value: Covers full tuition, lodging, travel, and additional allowances. Total benefits are estimated £40,000-50,000.
Application Deadline: Late September.
8. Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Completion Fellowship
For advanced PhD candidates in the humanities & humanistic social sciences requiring 6-12 months of full-time writing for dissertation completion. Supports archive research, and language training.
Eligibility: Nomination by the candidate’s graduate institution, confirmed in their 3rd – 5th year of PhD program.
Annual Value: $32,000 living stipend. May be renewed for an additional year.
Application Deadline: Typically mid-October for the following academic year.
9. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships
Awards living expenses for up to two years to undertake graduate study in the US. Aims to attract exceptional students who have overcome educational and economic barriers from any country/background.
Eligibility: Demonstrated strong academics, but not based solely on test scores/grades. Emphasis on life experiences and learning aptitudes.
Annual Value: Up to $90,000 for two academic years to cover expenses like tuition, housing, and books.
Application Deadline: Typically late November.
10. Goldwater Scholarship
For sophomores and juniors majoring in STEM fields and pursuing research careers. Renowned launching pad for prospective mathematicians, engineers, and scientists.
Eligibility: US citizenship, 3.9 GPA minimum, intent to complete STEM PhD. Involves research experience, and recommendations from faculty.
Annual Value: Up to $7,500 per academic year toward tuition, housing, and books.
Application Deadline: Typically early to mid-November.
Conclusion
These 10 scholarships constitute some of the most prestigious and well-funded programs available internationally. Rigorous selection will require sustained excellence, but winners gain world-class education, and invaluable networks – launching future careers of impact. Starting research during undergraduate studies enhances competitive profiles.