Studying in the US can seem out of reach for many international students due to high tuition costs. However, numerous scholarships exist that can make achieving your American education dreams possible. Unknow to a lot of people, there are scholarships for international students in Europe and North America.
In this extensive guide, we will outline the top 30 scholarship programs available specifically for international students looking to study in Europe and North America.
We have compiled prestigious, generous scholarships across undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels, offered by various universities, government programs, organizations, and foundations.
By applying to these fantastic scholarships highlighted below, you can fund your tuition, living costs, travel, and other expenses involved with achieving a world-class US education.
Here are the top 30 scholarships for international students wanting to study in Europe and North America:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
One of the most prestigious scholarships for international students, the Fulbright program provides full funding for graduate study and research in the US for up to one year. Fields range from arts to sciences.
Benefits include tuition, stipend, health insurance, and travel. Applicants need to submit a proposed research project along with undergraduate transcripts and recommendations.
2. University of Michigan Stamps Scholarship
The Stamps Scholarship covers the entire cost of attendance at UMich for exemplary international and domestic undergraduate students. The awards are extremely competitive – only 5 students are selected each year.
Applicants should show outstanding academic and leadership abilities. The scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years.
3. Yale Young Global Scholars Program
This summer enrichment program at Yale offers outstanding high school students from around the world a chance to participate in an intensive academic session. All costs are covered, including travel, room, and board.
Applicants must have exceptional academic achievements and an interest in global issues. Admissions are need-blind.
4. Karsh International Scholarships, Duke University
Awarded to first-year international students at Duke University, the Karsh Scholarship includes full funding for four years of study. Recipients are selected based academic merit and financial need.
Interested students must apply via the Duke admissions process. Eligible majors include arts, sciences, engineering and more.
5. Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship Program
This Fulbright sponsored program brings mid-career professionals from developing nations to the US for a year of non-degree graduate study, leadership training, and professional collaboration.
Fields include public policy, journalism, community development, educational planning, public health, technology, and more.
6. Knight-Hennessy Scholars, Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program offers up to three years of graduate education at Stanford to prepare international leaders to address complex challenges. 100 high-achieving students are selected annually.
The award covers tuition, room and board, health insurance, an annual stipend, and more. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree and demonstrate leadership abilities.
7. Harvard Full Aid Initiative
As part of its needs-blind admissions policy for international applicants, Harvard offers full financial aid to admitted students from families with annual incomes below $65,000.
Over 20% of Harvard undergraduates receive need-based scholarships. Amounts vary by financial circumstances.
8. Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
This program allows talented young people from Sub-Saharan Africa to complete their Master’s degrees at certain universities abroad with full funding. Popular destinations include US, Canada, UK, and Australia.
The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, travel, necessities, internships, leadership training and more. Applicants must exhibit academic talent, motivation and community mindedness.
9. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
This flagship scholarship at AU offers high-achieving international students up to $25,000 annually toward undergraduate study. 13-15 students are selected each year based on their grades, test scores, essays, and recommendations.
Applicants must be proficient in English and meet admissions requirements. The scholarship is renewable annually.
10. Denys Holland Scholarship, University College London
University College London awards this prestigious scholarship annually to overseas students beginning full-time PhD programs in any subject available at the university. The award fully covers tuition and provides a £17,285 annual stipend.
To apply, you’ll need a PhD offer at UCL. Assessment criteria include academic excellence and ambassadorial skills.
11. University of Westminster International Scholarships
Awarded based on academic excellence, these full scholarships support students from selected countries to pursue full-time Master’s study in diverse subjects at the University of Westminster in London.
The scholarships cover tuition fees, partial maintenance grants, field trips, lab fees, thesis costs, and bench fees where applicable. An IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
12. University of Melbourne MacKenzie Scholarship
This scholarship supports high achieving international students to complete undergraduate or graduate study at the University of Melbourne. The award covers full tuition fees, airfares, living and establishment allowance.
Applicants should have an outstanding academic record. Financial need is also considered.
13. Chevening Scholarship Program
Chevening offers two types of prestigious UK government scholarships – Chevening Scholarships for one year Master’s degrees, and Chevening Fellowships for 3-9 month research stays at any UK university. Fields range from law, economics, technology, and more.
Both scholarships fully fund tuition fees, stipend, travel costs and other expenses. Applicants should have excellent academic background and at least 2 years work experience.
14. University of Queensland Diamantina Undergraduate Scholarship
This UQ scholarship provides up to $16,000 AUD per year for international students from partner countries to complete undergraduate programs in Australia. The scholarships are renewable annually for up to 4 years based on satisfactory performance.
Applicants are assessed based on prior academic achievement, motivation, leadership skills and career aspirations.
15. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Offered to high-achieving international scholars from over 180 countries, these prestigious Swiss scholarships fund advanced research at Swiss universities in all academic fields leading to a PhD or postdoctoral qualification.
The award covers living allowance, health insurance, tuition fees, lodging, etc. Intensive research experience and strong motivation are expected.
16. Students from Developing Countries Scholarship, Curtin University
This Curtin University scholarship offers 50% off tuition fees for students from developing countries pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degrees at Curtin campuses in Australia and Singapore.
Applicants must demonstrate financial disadvantage and not hold any concurrent scholarships. The scholarship is renewable annually.
17. University of Strathclyde Young People’s Chances Foundation Scholarship
This undergraduate scholarship covers international students’ full tuition fees for 3-4 years of study at Strathclyde. 100 scholarships are offered annually across STEM subjects, business, humanities and social sciences.
Applicants must have an undergraduate offer from Strathclyde and show academic talent and ambassadorial abilities.
18. Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program
This scholarship by the Asian Development Bank and Government of Japan fully funds select scholars from ADB member countries to complete their PhD studies at designated universities in economics, engineering, social sciences and other development-related fields.
The award covers tuition, stipend, travel, insurance, and other costs. Applicants must have 2 years work experience in development and admittance to an approved PhD program related to development.
19. Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University
Among the oldest international scholarship programs, the Rhodes Scholarships fully fund 2-3 years of postgraduate study at Oxford in areas like development, computer science, health sciences, education, law, and more.
Scholars are selected based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and ambassadorial abilities. Benefits include all educational expenses, travel, accommodation, and stipend.
20. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Awarded to outstanding international students wishing to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at Cambridge University, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships fully funds your study and living expenses at Cambridge.
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership qualities.
21. Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship
This fellowship by the US Department of State funds graduate study at Georgetown, Howard, Harvard and more for minority groups interested in international affairs careers with the US Foreign Service.
Benefits include full tuition, room, board, books, stipend etc. for up to 2 years. Applicants must be college seniors or graduates with excellent leadership abilities and GPA of at least 3.2
22. Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program
This Fulbright exchange program brings young teachers from overseas to improve their teaching skills, increase language proficiency, and expand their knowledge of the US while teaching their native language at US schools. Opportunities exist for over 60 languages.
Benefits include round trip travel, orientation, cultural enrichment, monthly stipend, health insurance, and more. Applicants should have interest in teaching their native language.
23. University of Queensland Research Scholarships
UQ provides tuition fee sponsorship and living allowance for international students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees in various fields. Scholarships are granted based on academic achievement and research potential.
The award covers tuition, health insurance, yearly stipend of $27,596 AUD, Thesis Allowance and more. English proficiency is required.
24. University of Twente Scholarships
The University of Twente offers excellent scholarship opportunities for highly talented international students from both EU and non-EU countries. Scholarship amounts range from €5000 to €25000 for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs in fields like engineering, math, IT, behavioral and social sciences.
Application is made along with your study program application. Minimum GPA criteria applies.
25. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences International Undergraduate Scholarships, National University of Singapore
This scholarship by NUS offers between S$5,000 to S$10,000 to outstanding international students starting undergraduate degrees at the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences in areas like economics, psychology, social work, communications, and more.
Applicants should demonstrate holistic achievements in academics, extracurricular activities, and leadership.
26. Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships
The University of Amsterdam offers scholarships between €10,000-€25,000 for talented students outside the EEA pursuing eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s programs at the University.
To be eligible, you must have outstanding study results and meet admission requirements. The scholarship application must be submitted along with your program application.
27. Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Undergraduate Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship offered at Sciences Po university in France provides up to €12,000 annually to top international students applying to the undergraduate dual degree or early admission tracks.
Applicants need an outstanding academic profile and acceptance to the B.A. program. Social engagement and financial need are also considered.
28. EOI Spanish Government Scholarships
The Spanish Ministry of Education offers EOI scholarships for international students to enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs at universities in Spain. Funding is provided towards tuition fees, maintenance, travel, and other study costs.
Applicants are selected based on merits which include academic record, Spanish proficiency, research proposal, motivation and more.
29. DAAD Scholarships in Germany
Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD funds graduate study and research across diverse fields for international students at German universities. Scholarship types include full graduate scholarships, short term research grants, and more.
Benefits vary by program but generally provide a monthly stipend of €750 along with health insurance, travel allowances, and tuition coverage. Strong academic profile expected.
30. University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships
This prestigious scholarship supports outstanding international PhD candidates across disciplines ranging from arts, education, science, law, business, and more. The award covers up to 3 years of doctoral study at the University of Auckland in New Zealand.
Applicants should have an excellent academic background including a Master’s degree and admittance into a Doctoral program at Auckland.
Conclusion:
We hope this guide provides an extensive overview of some of the most generous and prestigious funding opportunities available for international students aspiring to study in the United States.
These fantastic scholarships can cover your entire tuition costs and living expenses or at least provide partial financial assistance. Each scholarship has its own eligibility and application requirements – so find ones that best match your background and interests.
With diligent applications, outstanding international students can make their dreams of a high quality American education a reality without being hindered by costs. Check out the various application timelines and get started!
FAQs
Here are some common questions about scholarships for international students:
Q: What are some top universities that offer scholarships to international students?
A: Some top universities with great scholarships for international students include Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, Princeton, Columbia, University of Chicago, NYU, University of Michigan, Duke, University of Pennsylvania, Caltech, Johns Hopkins etc.
Q: What factors determine scholarship eligibility for international students?
A: Typical eligibility factors include academic merit, test scores, extracurricular involvement, leadership skills, ambassadorial abilities, financial need, country of origin, chosen field of study, specific diversity criteria, and English proficiency.
Q: How can international students find scholarships to study in the US?
A: Strategies include researching university websites, scholarship databases, government portals, foundations, corporate scholarships, networking, studying abroad sites like IIE, EducationUSA, consulting education agents, and directly reaching out to admissions offices.
Q: What documents are required for international scholarships applications?
A: Common documentation needs include official transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, proof of English proficiency, passport copy, essays, resume/CV listing extracurriculars and awards, financial statements demonstrating need, and supplementary materials like artwork portfolio, research proposal etc.
Q: How much scholarship funding can international students expect to receive?
A: Scholarship amounts can range from $500 to covering your full costs. Partial scholarships usually range from $2,000 to $10,000. Full cost scholarships can provide over $50,000 per year at some universities. The amount depends on factors like financial need, academic merit, program tuition, cost of living etc.