25 Scholarships for International Students – 2025
April 7, 2025
According to the IIE’s most recent Open Doors report, there are just over one million international students studying in the US. For many of these students, financing an American education can be a challenge. Because non-US citizens are ineligible for federal student loans and other government funding, international students have to be savvy when looking for resources. Fortunately, many universities offer scholarships and grants for international students. What’s more, there are many organizations whose sole aim is to financially support international students.
Are There Full-Ride Scholarships for International Students?
While most scholarships for international students fall short of a full ride, there are still plenty of financing options available. This includes the chance to renew any scholarships over the course of your degree program. Additionally, some universities may allow you to apply for more than one scholarship, depending on their eligibility requirements.
Please be advised that some scholarships require additional applications. In this case, students will be required to submit a letter or letters of recommendation, a resume, or even an essay. In most cases, it is advised that students submit applications early. However, some universities do not require separate applications, and all incoming students will be automatically considered for the scholarships. In this case, students may still have to meet certain eligibility requirements, like qualifying test scores and GPA. As you begin applying to universities, make sure to double-check all guidelines and requirements to ensure you remain eligible.
The following list contains examples at both specific schools and more generalized scholarships. The general scholarships for international students are not necessarily tied to a specific university.
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University-Specific Scholarships for International Students in the US
1) Rochester Institute of Technology
The Rochester Insitute of Technology (RIT) offers an $8000/year scholarship to freshman applicants with outstanding high school academic performance. RIT awards up to twenty of these scholarships per year. What’s more, this scholarship is renewable on an annual basis if the recipient maintains a cumulative RIT grade point average of 2.8 or higher each year. While it may not be combined with other RIT merit scholarships, but may be awarded along with need-based scholarships, grants, loans, or employment as part of a comprehensive financial aid award. What’s the catch? Applicants need to have participated in a FIRST robotics competition during high school.
2) University of Tulsa
I know what you’re thinking — Tulsa? Oklahoma? You’d be surprised at the funding opportunities available to international students at this private college in the American heartland. The most prestigious is the Presidential Scholarship, which is a five-year, full-tuition scholarship. Applicants for this scholarship should have either a 4.0 GPA or be in the top 5% of their graduating class.
This isn’t the only scholarship available to international students. The University of Tulsa also offers academic scholarships ($6,000 – $15,000/year depending on GPA and IELTS/TOEFL score); the Global Ambassador Scholarship ($10,000-$20,000/year); the International University Partnership Scholarship ($13,500/year); and the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (50% of tuition). Though the University of Tulsa’s tuition is steep, a savvy international student might come away with a free undergraduate degree (but then again, you have to live in Tulsa).
3) Boston University
Though not eligible for need-based funding, international students are eligible for the Trustee and Presidential scholarships at Boston University. BU’s Trustee Scholarship covers full tuition and fees for 20 students and is renewable if certain criteria are met. According to BU’s website, these scholars “are intellectually and creatively adventurous and demonstrate viewpoints, experiences, or achievements beyond the usual.” Applicants should complete the Trustee Scholarship essay on the Common Application.
International students should also consider the Presidential Scholarship. While only a half-tuition scholarship, applying is easy — just submit your BU application by December 1.
4) Brandeis University
Given the number of funding opportunities for international students, perhaps it’s no surprise that in 2023, 21% of Brandeis’ student population came from outside the U.S. Most generous is the Wien International Scholars Program, which meets the full demonstrated financial need of 20 students every year. What’s more, there’s no separate application — you can do it through your Common Application or Coalition Application.
Other funding opportunities abound. This includes the Malkin Israeli Endowed Scholarship (full tuition and fees), the Davis United World College Scholars Program ($10,000), as well as several other country-based scholarships.
5) Andrews University
As the flagship university of the Seventh-Day Adventist school system, Andrews University’s students come from all over the world. Unsurprisingly, Andrews offers substantial financial support to its international student body. All undocumented and international students are eligible for the Andrews Partner Scholarship, which provides up to $14,000 per year to qualifying applicants. The scholarship amount will depend on SAT or ACT scores as well GPA.
6) Columbia University
Though Columbia University doesn’t offer any specific scholarship to its international students per se, it is committed to meeting demonstrated need for every admitted student, regardless of citizenship. With an average aid package of $79,375 (grants and work-study — no loans!), international students should definitely keep Columbia on their short list of possible schools.
7) Emory University
Though international students are ineligible for need-based financial aid, Emory hopefuls can apply to one of three, merit-based Emory University Scholars Programs. These include the Woodruff Scholar program, the Oxford College Woodruff Scholar program, and the Goiueta Scholar program. Each of these programs covers all tuition ($67,080/year), housing, and fees for four years of study. There’s no separate application process for these programs, but make sure to get your Emory financial aid application in by Nov. 1.
8) University of Chicago
Like Columbia, the University of Chicago is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need with a loan-free financial aid package. So while there are no specific scholarships for international students, any international student accepted will have their financial need met (including tuition, housing, health insurance, a meal plan, and estimates for additional costs like books and personal expenses).
9) Illinois Institute of Technology
Based on its name alone, you might not expect Illinois Tech to be located smack dab in the middle of downtown Chicago. Befitting its cosmopolitan location, Illinois Tech offers substantial financial support to international students. Its most prestigious award is the M.A. and Lila Self Leadership Academy Scholarship, a full tuition scholarship that includes a certificate in “leadership studies.”
Students can also apply for the Illinois Tech World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Scholarship. To be eligible, students need to have participated in at least one full season during your junior or senior year on a WRO team.
10) Georgetown University
Georgetown University offers several scholarship opportunities to international students through its Global Human Development (GHD) Program at the Walsh School of Foreign Service. These include at least one full-tuition scholarship and several partial scholarships for GHD students from sub-Saharan Africa, the Fr. Bienvenido Nebres S.J. Scholarship (full tuition) for a student from the Philippines, as well as the Beeck Latin America Scholarship (50% tuition).
11) Case Western University
Like other colleges and universities on this list, Case Western offers merit-based scholarships to international students. Some of these scholarships include: the Andrew and Eleanor Squire Scholarship (full tuition), the A.W. Smith Innovation Scholarship (2 full tuition awards), the Louis Stokes Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship (full tuition), as well as many other partial tuition scholarships.
12) Syracuse University
Though Syracuse doesn’t offer any scholarships that are specific to international students, it offers a host of merit-based funding. International students are eligible for the Full Tuition 1870 Scholarship as well as several smaller, partial tuition scholarships. These include the Founder’s Scholarship, the Chancellor’s Scholarship, and the Dean’s Scholarship.
13) Iowa State University
Iowa State offers two scholarships that are specifically for international students. They are the Award for Achievement ($5,000-$10,000 / year) and the Award of Distinction ($2,000 -$4,000 / year). Only first-year students are eligible for these awards. Scholarship selection is based on a holistic view which factors standardized test scores and GPA into account.
Further, to be considered for this scholarship for international students in the US, students must submit a separate OneApp scholarship application. Students who have been offered admission and are not receiving financial sponsorship through their home country’s government are eligible to apply.
14) Michigan State University
A $25,000 grant will be awarded to a select group of international undergraduate students yearly. This award is eligible for renewal across eight semesters.
This scholarship is awarded to students who are committed to bridging intercultural divides. Furthermore, students must submit supplementals to be considered for this scholarship. A separate application is required.
15) University of Oregon
The ICSP is a partial scholarship awarded to students based on financial need and academic achievement. Interestingly, students must also possess the ability to make presentations to diverse groups of people.
This scholarship for international students contains a cultural service component that requires students to give presentations about their home country. This award is renewable up to the completion of the degree.
16) UMass Dartmouth
At this institution, students can receive a variety of scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $15,500 to help cover the cost of tuition. At the moment, standardized test scores are not required. However, tests of English proficiency must be submitted. Requirements vary by program.
17) University of Memphis
This scholarship for international students is awarded to newly admitted degree-seeking international undergraduates. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must not be dual citizens.
Additionally, students must have a score of at least 25 on the ACT or 1200 on the SAT. Students must also have the equivalent of a 3.25 GPA. To maintain this award, students must continue to be enrolled full-time and maintain GPA requirements.
18) University of Missouri-Columbia
International students admitted for on-campus study are automatically considered for these awards. For the merit scholarship, students are awarded $5,000 per year. To earn this award, students must have at least a 1260 on the SAT or a 27 on the ACT.
For the honors scholarship, students are awarded $10,000 per year. To earn this award, students must have at least a 1330 on the SAT or a 29 on the ACT.
19) Oklahoma State University
For students interested in achieving these scholarships, there are varied levels of funding awarded. However, the highest amount awarded is $40,000 ($10,000 over 4 years).
This is one of the many scholarships for international students in the US that requires certain eligibility requirements. For example, students must achieve a score of 115-120 on the TOEFL, 30 on the ACT, or 1360 on the SAT. Additionally, students at any level of the scholarship must have at least a 3.25 GPA.
General Scholarships for International Students in the US
20) MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to female international/DACA students who are currently studying full-time in a STEM program. Examples of fields include biology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and chemistry. Further, those looking for a scholarship for international students in the US will be happy to know that studying in the United States or Canada at a university affiliated with MPOWER makes them eligible.
The grand prize is a $3,000 grant. Additionally, 2 runners up will receive payment.
21) OAS Academic Scholarships
Students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program are eligible for this award. Ideally, students will apply during their last two years of study. Eligible students are current citizens or residents of OAS Member States of the English-speaking Caribbean and Suriname.
Additionally, students must provide 2 letters of recommendation and a curriculum vitae as part of other required documents.
22) E.O. International Scholarships
Firstly, the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund is intended for women who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens. This scholarship is intended to be administered to students who are seeking higher education.
The highest awarded amount is $12,500. However, lesser amounts in the form of additional awards may be administered as well.
23) Fulbright Foreign Student Program
For international students looking to conduct research in the United States, this program allows the opportunity to do just that. In sum, graduate students and young professionals from over 150 countries have been supported through this student program.
Program eligibility varies by country.
24) AAUW International Fellowships
Since 1917, this program has supported women pursuing full-time graduate study in the United States. This award is eligible for students who are not U.S. citizens. Recipients are selected based on their academic achievement and commitment to women and girls. Lastly, awards range from $20,000 to $50,000.
25) MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
Like the MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship, the Global Citizen Scholarship is open to international and DACA students enrolled in one of the over 500 universities that MPOWER supports. The grand prize is $8000, with a first and second runner-up receiving $2000 and $1000 respectively. Applicants need to write a 200-500 word essay explaining how your international education will empower your positive impact, whether locally or globally.
Additional Resources
In conclusion, we hope that you have enjoyed reading this article about scholarships for international students and have found it useful. For even more information for international students, please check out these related articles:
