Pursuing a PhD in the USA is a dream for many international students, but the financial burden can be a significant barrier.
USA PhD Scholarships for International Students 2025/2026
Thankfully, there are a number of fully funded PhD scholarships available for the 2025/2026 academic year, providing substantial financial assistance. These scholarships enable students from all around the world to pursue their academic objectives by paying for tuition, living expenses, and frequently research support.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. It offers full funding for international students to pursue a PhD in the USA. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.
This program is open to students from over 155 countries and supports a wide range of disciplines. Fulbright recipients are selected based on academic merit and leadership potential.
For more information and to apply, visit the Fulbright Foreign Student Program page.
2. AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fully funded fellowships to women from around the world pursuing graduate and doctoral studies in the USA. The fellowship covers tuition, living costs, and research expenses. The AAUW International Fellowship is available for students across all fields of study, with a focus on empowering women in academia.
For more information and to apply, visit the AAUW Fellowships page.
3. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
Stanford University offers the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, which provides full funding for PhD students. This prestigious scholarship is open to students from all disciplines and focuses on developing leaders who are committed to making a positive global impact.
The program covers tuition, living expenses, and academic-related costs. Scholars also participate in leadership development programs throughout their studies.
For more information and to apply, visit the Knight-Hennessy Scholars page.
4. Yale University Graduate Scholarships
Yale University offers several fully funded scholarships for international PhD students. The funding typically covers tuition, health insurance, and provides a stipend for living expenses. Yale’s commitment to supporting international students ensures that PhD candidates from all over the world have access to top-tier education and research opportunities.
For more information, check out the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences page.
5. Clark Fellowship Program at Cornell University
The Clark Fellowship Program at Cornell University is another option for international students seeking full funding for a PhD in the USA. The fellowship is offered to students in various fields, and it provides comprehensive funding, including tuition and a living stipend. In addition to financial support, the program offers professional development opportunities.
For more information and to apply, visit the Clark Fellowship page.
6. The Gates Scholarship
Though primarily known for undergraduate funding, The Gates Scholarship also offers funding for exceptional international students pursuing PhDs in specific fields. The Gates Foundation provides full financial support, covering tuition, fees, and living expenses, for students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership.
For more information, visit the Gates Scholarship page.
7. University of Chicago Graduate Aid
The University of Chicago provides generous financial support to international PhD students across all disciplines. The university’s fully funded scholarships cover tuition, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance. The University of Chicago also offers research and teaching assistantships, which provide additional financial support and valuable academic experience.
To learn more, visit the University of Chicago Graduate Aid page.
8. Columbia University Doctoral Fellowships
Columbia University offers a range of fellowships and scholarships to fully fund international students pursuing a PhD. These scholarships cover tuition and provide a living stipend for students in various academic fields. Columbia’s PhD programs are research-intensive and designed to train students for leadership roles in academia and beyond.
For more information, visit the Columbia Graduate School of Arts and Sciences page.
9. Harvard University PhD Scholarships
Harvard University provides full funding to all admitted PhD students, including international students. This includes tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. Harvard also offers additional research funding and fellowships to support PhD students throughout their studies.
For more information and to apply, visit the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences page.
10. Princeton University Fellowship Program
Princeton University offers fully funded PhD scholarships to international students across various academic disciplines. The scholarships cover tuition, health insurance, and provide a stipend for living expenses. Princeton also offers fellowships and research assistantships for additional financial support.
For more information, visit the Princeton Graduate School page.
With these fully funded PhD scholarships in the USA, international students can pursue their academic dreams without the financial burden. Apply early and thoroughly review the eligibility requirements to increase your chances of securing a scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year.
