AdminStudying in the United States is an exciting opportunity, but the cost of tuition, living expenses, and additional fees can be overwhelming. While many international students are aware of well-known scholarships like the Fulbright Program and Rhodes Scholarships, there are countless other underrated scholarships that can provide full funding for your education. These lesser-known programs often have fewer applicants, making them more accessible and competitive.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the secret scholarships in the US that offer full funding. These hidden gems offer opportunities for international students to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs, making them an excellent choice for those seeking financial support while studying in the US. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or PhD programs, these scholarships might be your ticket to studying at top US institutions.
1. The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
The Emerging Global Leader Scholarship at the American University is a prestigious scholarship that offers full funding for international students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to social change. This scholarship is specifically designed for students who are dedicated to improving underprivileged communities.
- Eligibility: International students from countries with developing economies who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree at American University.
- Coverage: Full tuition, fees, housing, and travel expenses.
- Field of Study: All undergraduate programs at American University.
- Special Note: Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership qualities and a desire to contribute positively to their home country upon graduation.
This scholarship is highly competitive and is ideal for students who want to make a difference in the world. It provides a full package of financial support, ensuring that recipients can focus on their studies without worrying about their finances.
2. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is one of the most generous and underrated scholarships for graduate students. It aims to develop a diverse community of future global leaders by providing full funding for graduate studies.
- Eligibility: Open to graduate students from any country who are applying for master’s or PhD programs at Stanford University.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, and a stipend for books, travel, and other costs.
- Field of Study: All graduate programs at Stanford University, with particular emphasis on leadership development.
- Special Note: The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program offers a unique opportunity for recipients to receive mentoring, leadership training, and global exposure during their studies.
This scholarship is often overshadowed by other more prominent programs, but its comprehensive funding package makes it one of the most attractive options for graduate students worldwide.
3. The University of Chicago International Scholarships
The University of Chicago offers a number of scholarships for international students, including the International Scholarships program. These scholarships aim to attract top talent from around the world and provide full funding to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Eligibility: International students who are applying for undergraduate or graduate programs at the University of Chicago.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, and travel expenses.
- Field of Study: All programs offered at the University of Chicago.
- Special Note: The University of Chicago is known for its rigorous academic environment, and this scholarship ensures that talented students can attend without the financial burden.
Though it is not as widely recognized as some other programs, the University of Chicago’s International Scholarships offer substantial funding for those who are accepted into the university, making it a hidden gem for international students.
4. The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is an underrated scholarship that provides fully funded opportunities for experienced professionals from developing countries. The program focuses on leadership development and offers students the chance to study at one of the leading US universities for one year.
- Eligibility: Professionals with at least five years of professional experience and a commitment to public service.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, and other allowances.
- Field of Study: Public policy, economics, education, health, and other fields related to leadership and development.
- Special Note: The Humphrey Fellowship Program is ideal for those looking to advance their careers in public service or leadership roles.
Though not a traditional academic scholarship, the Humphrey Fellowship provides an excellent opportunity for international professionals to further their education and develop leadership skills. The fellowship is an outstanding program for those seeking to create positive change in their home countries.
5. The University of Oregon International Student Scholarships
The University of Oregon offers a range of international student scholarships, including the Global Education Oregon Scholarship. This program is designed to help students from around the world fund their studies in the US.
- Eligibility: International students who are applying for undergraduate or graduate programs at the University of Oregon.
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition, living stipend, and travel allowances.
- Field of Study: All programs offered at the University of Oregon.
- Special Note: This scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, so applicants must demonstrate strong academic records and leadership potential.
The University of Oregon International Student Scholarships are often overlooked by many international applicants, but they provide substantial funding for students seeking to study at a prestigious university on the West Coast.
6. The Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is an underrated but incredibly impactful scholarship for students committed to promoting peace and conflict resolution. It offers full funding for graduate studies related to peace-building and conflict resolution at partner universities around the world, including several in the US.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have a strong commitment to peace and conflict resolution, with at least three years of professional experience in related fields.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, travel expenses, and a stipend for other costs.
- Field of Study: Peace and conflict resolution programs at partner universities in the US and around the world.
- Special Note: The fellowship offers extensive professional development opportunities, including internships and fieldwork experiences related to peace-building.
This fellowship is ideal for individuals who are passionate about peace and social justice. It provides an invaluable opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in international relations or peace studies.
7. The AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers International Fellowships for women who are pursuing graduate or postdoctoral studies in the US. The fellowship provides funding for tuition, living expenses, and other educational costs.
- Eligibility: Women who are not US citizens or permanent residents and who wish to pursue graduate or postdoctoral study in the US.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel stipends.
- Field of Study: All graduate fields, with a focus on women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
- Special Note: The AAUW International Fellowship is an excellent option for women who wish to make a significant impact in their field of study.
Although the AAUW International Fellowships are widely regarded within the US, they are often overlooked by international students. The fellowship supports talented women from all around the world and helps them make a significant contribution to their fields.
8. The Fullbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students, offering full funding for students to pursue master’s or PhD studies at US universities. However, while the program is well-known, many students overlook its availability and the wide range of fields it covers.
- Eligibility: International students from over 160 countries with strong academic credentials and leadership potential.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, travel allowances, and health insurance.
- Field of Study: All fields of study are eligible.
- Special Note: The Fulbright Program is one of the most competitive and highly regarded scholarships, and it offers a wealth of professional development opportunities.
Though many students apply for the Fulbright Scholarship, the application process is rigorous, making it essential for applicants to showcase their academic excellence and leadership capabilities.
9. The American Indian Graduate Center Scholarships
The American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC) offers scholarships to indigenous students, including Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students who are pursuing graduate or professional degrees at accredited institutions in the US. This scholarship provides full funding to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses.
- Eligibility: Open to Native American students pursuing graduate or professional degrees at accredited US institutions.
- Coverage: Full tuition, fees, living expenses, and travel allowances.
- Field of Study: All fields of graduate study.
- Special Note: The AIGC focuses on supporting indigenous students in their academic and professional development.
This scholarship is often overlooked by international students from indigenous communities, but it provides vital financial support for those seeking to further their education in the US.
10. The Illinois Wesleyan University International Scholarships
Illinois Wesleyan University offers a range of scholarships for international students. The International Student Scholarship is available to undergraduate students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and leadership potential.
- Eligibility: International students applying for undergraduate studies at Illinois Wesleyan University.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel allowances.
- Field of Study: All undergraduate programs.
- Special Note: This scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and leadership potential, making it a valuable opportunity for international students.
Although this scholarship may not be as widely known as others, it offers significant funding for international students studying at a respected institution in the Midwest.
Conclusion
While well-known scholarships like the Fulbright and Rhodes are highly competitive, there are many underrated scholarships available in the US that provide full funding for international students. From prestigious programs like the Knight-Hennessy Scholars and Rotary Peace Fellowship to university-specific awards such as those from Illinois Wesleyan University and American University, these hidden gems can be the key to funding your education in the US.
By researching these lesser-known scholarships and preparing a strong application, you can access incredible opportunities that allow you to study in the US without the financial burden. Start your scholarship search early, tailor your application to each program, and you could be on your way to securing a fully funded education in the US.
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