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Universities that offer full scholarships to international students in the U.S.

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Finding ways to fund your education can be one of the biggest challenges of choosing to study abroad in the United States. While U.S. tuition costs can be high, many universities offer full education scholarships to international students, covering tuition – and sometimes even housing, meals and other expenses.

These international scholarships open doors for talented students worldwide, making it possible to earn a degree without accumulating major debt. In this article, we’ll explore where you can find full scholarships, what they usually cover and what to do if international scholarships don’t cover everything.

How full scholarships for international students work

Universities that offer full scholarships usually base awards on merit, leadership, community service, financial need or a combination of factors. Unlike study loans for international students in the U.S., scholarships don’t require repayment, making them a highly sought-after source of financial support for international students in the U.S.

Common types of full scholarships include:

  • Merit-based scholarships: Awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements, leadership experience or other exceptional qualities
  • Need-based scholarships: For students demonstrating significant financial need
  • Athletic scholarships: Offered by some universities for exceptional international student athletes
  • Specialized scholarships: Targeted toward specific regions, fields of study or backgrounds

Full scholarships typically cover:

  • Tuition and mandatory fees
  • Room and board
  • Health insurance (in some cases)
  • Books and personal expenses (occasionally)

However, availability varies by institution and competition is often very intense.

An international student in a dorm room cheering after receiving a full scholarship email, surrounded by global flags, family photos, and study supplies.

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Top universities that offer full scholarships to international students

Several universities* are especially known for providing generous funding packages for international students. Here’s a sampling:

1. Harvard University

Offers need-based scholarships for international students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Harvard guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.

2. Yale University

Known for its generous need-based aid program for international students. Awards can cover full tuition, housing and other fees based on financial need assessments.

4. Duke University

Duke offers a limited number of full-ride merit scholarships for international students, especially for outstanding leadership or academic achievements.

6. Illinois Wesleyan University

Provides merit-based scholarships ranging from partial to full tuition awards for outstanding international applicants.

*Schools mentioned in this post do not endorse MPOWER’s loans and MPOWER is not affiliated with the schools noted in this message.

What to do if international scholarships aren't enough

Even if you win a generous scholarship, it may not cover all your costs – like travel, insurance or living expenses. In that case, you still have options:

Explore education loans for international college students

Private lenders – such as MPOWER Financing – offer no-cosigner student loans specifically for international students. These study loans for international students in the U.S. can fill gaps not covered by scholarships.

Seek additional financial support

Many universities have emergency grants, work-study programs and research assistantships that offer financial support for international students in the U.S. Check with your school’s financial aid office for available options.

Budget wisely

The cost of living can vary dramatically based on location. Studying in a smaller city can reduce housing and transportation costs significantly compared to major metropolitan areas.

Use scholarship search engines

Websites like EducationUSA, IEFA.org and university financial aid portals frequently update available awards and deadlines.

A diverse group of international students proudly holding scholarship certificates at an “International Scholars Award Ceremony,” dressed in semi-formal attire with country pins and sashes.

MPOWER Financing: Helping you fill the funding gap

Winning a full scholarship is life-changing – but sometimes, unexpected costs still arise. MPOWER Financing offers no-cosigner student loans tailored to international students studying in the U.S. or Canada, helping you cover tuition, housing and personal expenses that scholarships might not fully fund.

MPOWER makes international education accessible by offering private student loans designed around your potential – not your past.

Traditional loans MPOWER Financing
U.S. cosigner required ❌ No cosigner or credit history needed
Collateral-based approval ❌ No collateral required
Variable interest rates ✅ Fixed-rate loans which are inflation-proof
Domestic focus ✅ 500+ approved schools across U.S. and Canada
Loan only ✅ Scholarships + career + visa support

And unlike traditional lenders, MPOWER offers:

  • Monthly scholarships for international students, including Women in STEM and Global Citizen awards
  • Loan flexibility with amounts between US$2,001 and US$100,000 based on what you need and with predictable repayment plans
  • Additional interest rate discount when you set up automatic payments

If you’ve been accepted but are unsure how to fund your education, MPOWER helps you bridge that gap on your terms.

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A loan based on your future earnings

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FAQs

Which universities offer the most full scholarships for international students?

Top universities like Harvard, Yale, and Duke offer significant need-based or merit-based scholarships to international students.

Can scholarships cover all expenses including living costs?

Some scholarships cover full tuition, room, board and sometimes even personal expenses. However, others may only cover tuition, requiring additional funding for living costs.

What happens if I don’t get a full scholarship?

If you don’t secure a full scholarship, you can still look into partial scholarships, campus jobs and loans for international college students to bridge the gap.

Is it common for international students to receive full scholarships?

While it’s possible, full scholarships are highly competitive. Many international students rely on a combination of scholarships, family contributions and student loan programs for international students in the U.S..

Where can I find a list of  the U.S. universities for international students that offer scholarships?

University websites, EducationUSA resources and scholarship databases provide up-to-date listings. Some platforms even sort schools by generosity toward international applicants.


*Rates as low as 9.99% (11.16% APR). This interest rate and APR includes a 0.25% discount for automatic recurring payments.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

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