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Top Scholarships in USA for International Students (2025–2026 Guide)
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in USA
| Scholarship Name |
Covers |
Eligible Levels |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program |
Full tuition, travel, stipend |
Master's, PhD |
| Humphrey Fellowship |
Tuition, housing, airfare, insurance |
Mid-career professionals |
| AAUW Fellowship (for women) |
Full tuition + living expenses |
Master’s, PhD (Women only) |
| Stanford Knight-Hennessy |
Tuition, stipend, housing |
Graduate programs |
| Yale University Scholarships |
Full or partial based on need |
UG, PG |
Types of Scholarships Available
| Type |
Examples |
Notes |
| Government-funded |
Fulbright, Hubert Humphrey |
Prestigious and fully funded |
| University-specific |
Stanford, Yale, MIT, Harvard |
Based on academic merit + need |
| Private/Foundation Grants |
AAUW, Rotary Peace, Joint Japan/World Bank |
Niche fields, competitive |
| STEM-focused |
SMART, Generation Google, NSF |
For Engineering, Tech, Data Science |
Many top scholarships are need-based or merit-based and often don't require separate applications if you apply early.
Popular Scholarships for Nepali Students in the USA
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Covers: Tuition, airfare, stipend, health insurance
- For: Master's or PhD in any field
- Eligibility: Nepali citizenship, strong academics, English proficiency
- Deadline: Feb–May each year
🔗 Learn more: Fulbright Nepal
2. AAUW International Fellowships
- For: Women pursuing PG or Doctorate
- Value: Up to USD 50,000
- Deadline: Nov each year
- Notes: Must return to home country post-study
3. Yale University Scholarships
- Covers: Full tuition + accommodation (need-based)
- Open to: UG & PG international applicants
- Notes: Competitive, but strong need-blind policy
4. Knight-Hennessy Scholarship – Stanford
- Covers: Full tuition, living, and travel
- For: All graduate-level programs
- Requirement: Must separately apply to Stanford
- Deadline: Oct–Dec annually
5. Clark University Global Scholars Program
- For: Undergraduate students
- Value: $15,000–$25,000 per year
- Renewable: Yes, for 4 years
- Deadline: Jan–Feb (UG admission deadline)
How to Win a US Scholarship as an International Student
Maintain high academic records (GPA matters)Submit a strong SOP & LORsAce English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) — or check if waivedApply early — scholarships are limitedResearch colleges offering need-blind or full-ride aid
Key Deadlines (2025–2026)
| Scholarship |
Deadline (Approx.) |
| Fulbright Foreign Student |
May 2025 |
| AAUW Fellowship |
November 2025 |
| Knight-Hennessy (Stanford) |
October 2025 |
| Yale/Harvard/MIT Scholarships |
Jan–Feb 2026 |
| Clark Global Scholars Program |
Jan–Feb 2026 |
Conclusion
Scholarships in the USA are highly competitive but absolutely achievable — especially for students from Nepal with strong profiles.
AECC Nepal helps you:
- Choose the right universities
- Build SOPs and scholarship essays
- Prepare for deadlines and documentation
Get in touch today — we'll help you maximize your chances of getting funded.
Can Nepali students get full scholarships in USA?
Yes. Fulbright, Knight-Hennessy, and some Ivy League universities offer 100% funding.
Do I need to apply separately for scholarships?
Some yes (e.g., Fulbright); others consider you automatically during admission (e.g., Yale).
Which tests are required?
Typically: IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT (for PG). Many UG programs now waive SAT.
Are there scholarships for non-STEM students?
Yes. Many programs cover humanities, social science, and business (e.g., AAUW, Fulbright).
How competitive are US scholarships?
Very. But strong academics + leadership + early application boost your chances.
About the author
AECC Nepal
Meet the creative minds behind AECC Nepal's vibrant blog—your go-to resource for all things study abroad! Our talented team of writers crafts compelling articles that make your journey from classroom to international campus a breeze. We're here to demystify visas, decode scholarship options, and dive into diverse cultures. With a flair for making complex topics relatable, we're passionate about helping you unlock a world of possibilities. Trust us, if wanderlust had a syllabus, we'd be your favorite subject! Let AECC Nepal's blog be your study guide to a brighter, global future.
