What scholarships are available for international students studying in the USA?

Scholarships for international students in the USA are competitive but available. Here is a breakdown:

US Government Scholarships:

Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Full funding for graduate study or research in the USA. Administered by the US Embassy in your home country. Apply through your country's Fulbright Commission. Very prestigious and competitive.

Humphrey Fellowship Program: For mid-career professionals — 10 months at a US university. Field-specific. Apply through your country's Fulbright Commission.

USAID scholarships: Country-specific programmes.

University Merit Scholarships:
Many US universities offer merit-based scholarships to international undergraduates:
- Macaulay Honors (CUNY) — need-based for NYC residents
- Case Western Reserve, Tulane, Northeastern, and many others offer substantial merit awards
- Research individual university financial aid policies — look specifically for "merit scholarships for international students"

Need-based Aid at Top Universities:
Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT, and Amherst are notable for meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, including internationals. If you are academically exceptional and financially in need, these schools can be more affordable than many.

Graduate Assistantships (TA/RA):
At master's and PhD level, many departments offer Teaching Assistantships (TA) or Research Assistantships (RA) that cover tuition and provide a stipend. These are not "scholarships" but are functionally similar. Very common in STEM PhD programmes.

External scholarships:
Aga Khan Foundation, AAUW (for women), and many country-specific government scholarships.

Start 12–18 months early — most deadlines are far before the programme starts.