Beyond the most popular and competitive U.S. undergraduate scholarships, several American universities and colleges also offer generous merit-based and need-based funding specifically open to international students.
These additional opportunities are often less crowded, university-specific, and still provide strong tuition coverage, housing support, or full financial aid.
If you’re aiming to study in the United States for a Bachelor’s degree, exploring these extra scholarships can significantly improve your chances of securing funding.
International Student Undergraduate Scholarships USA
Here are the Top 10 Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA for International Students, all from U.S. universities or programs, including benefits, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and direct application links where available. These include fully and partially funded opportunities for international applicants seeking Bachelor’s degrees in the United States:
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) — Fully & Partial Funded
Institution: American University, Washington DC, USA
Funding: Full undergraduate tuition, fees, room & board (full awards) + up to $40,000/year partial awards for other finalists
Deadline: 15 January 2026 (for Fall 2026 entry)
Eligibility:
- International students (non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents)
- Current high school students graduating by June 2026
- Strong academics, leadership, community service, and English proficiency
Benefits:
✔ Full undergraduate tuition, fees, housing & meals (full award)
✔ Renewable up to 4 years
✔ Partial scholarships for up to 8 students (~$40,000/year)
Requirements:
- Apply via Common App & AU international admissions
- Scholarship essay + additional documentation
- English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Apply: https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-apply.cfm
-
Clark University Global Scholars / Merit Awards — Partial to Full Tuition Support
Institution: Clark University (Worcester, Massachusetts)
Funding: Merit scholarship of $15,000–$25,000 per year (renewable) + possible additional aid; Presidential Scholarship may cover tuition & room/board for some students.
Deadline: Applications vary by entry term (Regular Decision ~Jan 15, 2026)
Eligibility:
- International undergraduate applicants
- First-year (not transfer) with strong academic performance & leadership
Benefits:
✔ Annual awards of $15,000–$25,000 (up to ~$100K over 4 years)
✔ Potential Presidential Scholarships covering full tuition & more
Requirements:
- Apply to Clark undergraduate program (Common or Coalition Application)
- Submit financial documentation and CSS Profile for need-based aid.
Apply: https://www.clarku.edu/financial-aid/apply/international-students/
-
Yale University Need-Based Scholarships — Full & Partial Funding
Institution: Yale University
Funding: Meets 100% demonstrated financial need for all admitted students regardless of nationality.
Deadline: Typical application of financial assistance deadlines ~ January 2026 (varies)
Eligibility:
- Admission to the Yale undergraduate program
- Demonstrated financial need via CSS Profile and/or financial documentation
Benefits:
✔ Full tuition coverage + room & board + living costs based on need
✔ World-class academic resources & networking
Requirements:
- Strong academic record and competitive admission profile
- Submission of financial aid forms (CSS Profile, tax docs)
Apply: https://admissions.yale.edu/financial-aid-international-applicants
-
Karsh International Scholarship at Duke University — Merit + Need-Based
Institution: Duke University
Funding: Full tuition, lodging & other benefits (varies by award)
Deadline: Tied to Duke undergraduate admission cycle (usually Early/Regular decision deadlines)
Eligibility:
- Outstanding academics & leadership potential
- International applicants to Duke University
Benefits:
✔ Full or near-full tuition support
✔ Additional funds for research, internships & activities
Requirements:
- Apply for undergraduate admission at Duke
- Usually no separate scholarship form (considered automatically)
Apply: https://scholars.duke.edu/
-
Boston University Presidential Scholarship — Partial Funded
Institution: Boston University
Funding: ~$25,000 per year (renewable for up to 4 years)
Deadline: Varies with BU undergraduate admissions cycle
Eligibility:
- Exceptional academic performance and leadership
- International undergraduate applicants
Benefits:
✔ Annual award of $25,000 (renewable)
Requirements:
- Apply to BU undergraduate program and financial aid materials if needed
Apply: https://www.bu.edu/
-
Michigan State University International Scholarship — Partial Funded
Institution: Michigan State University
Funding: ~$18,000-$25,000 per year (renewable)
Deadline: Varies with MSU admission cycles
Eligibility:
- High–achieving international undergraduate applicants
Benefits:
✔ Renewable merit awards payable toward tuition expenses
Requirements:
- MSU undergraduate application + scholarship application portal
Apply: https://admissions.msu.edu/
-
Simmons University Kotzen Scholarship — Full Tuition
Institution: Simmons University
Funding: Full tuition + room & board + ~$3,000 research funds
Deadline: Varies with Simmons admission (check admissions portal)
Eligibility:
- Strong academic record & leadership
- International applicants welcome
Benefits:
✔ Full tuition + living support + research allowances
Requirements:
- Undergraduate application to Simmons University
Apply: https://www.simmons.edu/
-
University of Minnesota Global Excellence Scholarship — Partial to Full Tuition
Institution: University of Minnesota
Funding: Merit scholarship up to full in-state tuition equivalent (varies)
Deadline: Aligns with UMN admissions and scholarship application dates
Eligibility:
- International freshman applicants with excellent academic credentials
Benefits:
✔ Annual award covering part or full tuition based on merit
Requirements:
- Apply to UMN + scholarship application (separate portal may apply)
Apply: https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/
-
Davis United World College (UWC) Scholars Program — Need-Based Support through Partner Colleges
Program: Davis UWC Scholars – private award supporting UWC graduates studying in the U.S.
Funding: Full to significant scholarships (institutional grants via partner universities)
Deadline: Varies by UWC and partner college application cycle
Eligibility:
- Graduate from a United World College (UWC) school
- Apply to one of the partner U.S. universities
Benefits:
✔ Need-based award covering tuition & expenses as provided by partner institution
Requirements:
- UWC diploma + admission to a partner college
Apply: https://www.davisuwcscholars.org
-
Merit & Need-based Scholarships at Other U.S. Universities
Many U.S. universities (e.g., Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford) offer need-based financial aid covering full demonstrated need for international students. edu4world
Note: Application procedures and deadlines are tied to each college’s undergraduate admissions cycle and financial aid forms (CSS Profile, institutional forms).
- University of Miami Stamps Scholarship — Fully Funded
Institution: University of Miami, Florida, USA
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Award Amount:
- Full tuition
- On-campus housing & meals
- Health insurance
- Textbooks
- $12,000 enrichment fund (research, internships, study abroad)
Eligibility:
- International undergraduate applicants
- Exceptional academic achievement
- Strong leadership, community service, and extracurricular involvement
Requirements:
- Apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Miami
- Competitive academic transcripts
- Strong personal essays
- English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Deadline:
- Usually Early January 2026 (aligned with admission deadlines)
Application Link: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/stamps/index.html
-
New York University (NYU) Wagner International Scholarship — Partially Funded
Institution: New York University, USA
Funding Type: Partial Funding
Award Amount:
- Up to $25,000 per year (renewable)
Eligibility:
- International undergraduate applicants
- Strong academic record
- Demonstrated leadership and global outlook
Requirements:
- Apply to NYU undergraduate programs
- Submit scholarship essays
- Academic transcripts and recommendations
Deadline:
- Varies by NYU school (typically December–January)
Application Link: https://www.nyu.edu/
-
University of Alabama International Presidential Scholarship — Partial to High Tuition Coverage
Institution: University of Alabama, USA
Funding Type: Partially Funded
Award Amount:
- $28,000–$32,000 per year (based on academic merit)
Eligibility:
- International first-year undergraduate students
- High GPA and standardized test scores (SAT/ACT optional in some cases)
Requirements:
- Admission to the University of Alabama
- Official academic transcripts
- English language proficiency
Deadline:
- May 1, 2026 (estimated; varies by intake)
Application Link: https://scholarships.ua.edu/
-
Emory University Need-Based Financial Aid for International Students — Fully or Partially Funded
Institution: Emory University, Georgia, USA
Funding Type: Need-Based (Partial to Full)
Award Amount:
- Covers up to 100% of demonstrated financial need
- Tuition, housing, meals, and other costs depending on need
Eligibility:
- International undergraduate applicants
- Admitted to Emory University
- Demonstrated financial need
Requirements:
- CSS Profile submission
- Financial documentation
- Strong academic profile
Deadline:
- January 2026 (financial aid deadline)
Application Link: https://studentaid.emory.edu
-
Illinois Wesleyan University International Merit Scholarships — Partial Funding
Institution: Illinois Wesleyan University, USA
Funding Type: Partial Funding
Award Amount:
- $16,000–$30,000 per year (renewable up to 4 years)
Eligibility:
- International undergraduate students
- Excellent academic performance
Requirements:
- Undergraduate admission application
- Academic transcripts
- Optional scholarship interview or essay
Deadline:
- February–March 2026 (varies)
Application Link: https://www.iwu.edu/international/scholarships.html
FAQs
-
Can international students get fully funded undergraduate scholarships in the USA?
Yes, international students can get fully funded undergraduate scholarships in the USA, but they are highly competitive. Fully funded options are usually offered by top U.S. universities such as American University, Duke University, Yale University, Emory University, and the University of Miami. These scholarships may cover tuition, accommodation, meals, health insurance, and living expenses, often based on merit, leadership, or financial need.
-
Which U.S. universities offer undergraduate scholarships for international students?
Many U.S. universities and colleges offer undergraduate scholarships for international students. Notable examples include American University, Clark University, Duke University, Yale University, Boston University, University of Alabama, University of Miami, Emory University, NYU, and Illinois Wesleyan University. These institutions provide merit-based, need-based, partial, and fully funded scholarships for Bachelor’s degree programs.
-
What are the requirements for undergraduate scholarships in the USA for international students?
Common requirements for international undergraduate scholarships in the USA include:
- Strong academic transcripts
- English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
- Personal statement or scholarship essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of financial need (for need-based scholarships)
- Leadership, extracurricular activities, or community service
Specific requirements vary by university and scholarship type.
-
When is the deadline for undergraduate scholarships in the USA for international students?
Most undergraduate scholarship deadlines in the USA for international students fall between November and March, depending on the university and admission cycle. Many scholarships share the same deadline as undergraduate admission applications, while others require separate scholarship forms. It is recommended to apply at least 6–12 months before your intended intake.
CHECK THESE OUT:
Fully Funded International Doctoral Scholarships 2026 for PhD Students Worldwide
Doctoral Scholarships Canada 2026: Fully Funded PhD Opportunities for International Students
Top 10 Doctoral Scholarships in Europe 2026: Fully Funded Opportunities
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)
