Study in The USA For Free: A Guide for Indian and International Students

The United States has a world-renowned education system, offering a vast array of Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral Degree programs and specializations across diverse fields. From groundbreaking research in STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to rich traditions of the Humanities, there’s a path waiting to be explored for every curious international student mind. But the cost of a US education can be a major hurdle. What if we were told that studying in the USA for free – significantly less – is free in a real possibility? This blog will help you reach your full higher education potential. We’ll help you through scholarships, grants, financial aid options, and the best University, making your dream of a US education a realistic and rewarding possibility.

Type of Scholarship	Fully Funded (Free)
Scholarships For	Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Ph.D. degree programs
Location	USA
Target Audience	Indian / International Students
Duration	Full-Time or Varies
Funding Amount	Full

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List of Scholarships to Study in The USA for Free

Here is a list of scholarships that will cover all your expenses to study for free in the USA. However, there are many scholarships and grants available that can significantly reduce the financial burden. Here are some of the most prestigious scholarships to target International students to study in the USA for free.

Scholarship Name	Provided By	Eligibility	Coverage	Focus
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	US Department of State	Graduate students, non-degree postgraduate programs, researchers	Tuition, living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and more	Varies by program
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program	US Department of State	Experienced professionals from non-US countries	Full tuition, living allowance, travel costs, health insurance	Public policy, law, economic development
AAUW International Fellowships	American Association of University Women (AAUW)	Women scholars pursuing postgraduate degrees	Tuition and fees, living expenses, books	Varies by program (typically humanities and social sciences)
Gates Cambridge Scholarships	University of Cambridge	Outstanding international students for postgraduate study	Full cost of attendance (tuition, college fees, living expenses, airfare)	All subjects
Rhodes Scholarship	Various donors	Outstanding students for postgraduate study at University of Oxford	Full tuition, college fees, living expenses, travel to and from Oxford	Varies by program
YSE (Yale School of Environment) Master’s Fellowships	Yale University	Outstanding students in environmental fields	Full tuition, living stipend, health insurance	Environmental fields
MIT Knight-Schlesinger PhD Fellowship	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Women pursuing PhDs in STEM fields	Full tuition, health insurance, stipend	STEM fields
Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program	Stanford University	High-achieving students with a demonstrated commitment to creating a better world	Full tuition, fees, stipend, travel	All subjects
The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program	Onsi Sawiris Foundation	High-achieving international students (undergrad & masters)	Full tuition, living allowance, travel, health insurance	Varies by partner university
Aga Khan University International Scholarships	Aga Khan University	Students from developing countries demonstrate financial need	Full or partial tuition, living stipend	Varies by program

Also Read: Tips to Help You Find and Win Scholarships

Scholarships Details to Study in The USA for Free

The dream of studying in the US can be fueled by prestigious scholarships offering comprehensive financial support for international students. Thankfully, prestigious scholarships exist to bridge that gap to study in the USA for free. Here are five incredible scholarship opportunities to turn that dream into reality.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program (FFSP)

This US Department of State program offers a chance to pursue graduate studies, non-degree postgraduate programs, or research in the US. Imagine being fully supported while delving into your academic passions for your higher studies. The FFSP provides benefits like full tuition, a living stipend for your time in the US, health insurance, airfare, and even program-specific funding. To be eligible, you’ll need to show academic excellence, leadership potential, and language proficiency like IELTS or TOEFL. The application deadlines vary by country, so be sure to research the specific requirements for yours. While coverage can vary depending on the program, it can cover all your essential expenses.

Particulars	Details
Coverage	full tuition, living stipend, health insurance, airfare, and program-specific funding.
Eligibility	Competitive selection is based on academic merit, leadership potential, and language proficiency.
Application Deadline	varies by country, typically October-November

Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

This program, also from the US Department of State, is designed for experienced professionals from non-US countries who are passionate about public service leadership. If you have at least five years of experience in relevant fields like public policy, law, or economic development, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Selected fellows receive full tuition, a living allowance to cover your expenses while in the US, travel costs, health insurance, and even access to professional development opportunities. The application deadlines vary by country, typically falling in late spring or early summer. This program is a ten-month non-degree experience, and during that time, you’ll be fully supported financially.

Particulars	Details
Coverage	Full tuition, living allowance, travel costs, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.
Eligibility	Open to mid-career professionals with 5+ years of experience in relevant fields like public policy, law, and economic development.
Application Deadline	Varies by country, typically late spring/early summer.

AAUW International Fellowships

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is dedicated to empowering women scholars pursuing postgraduate degrees in the US. If you’re a woman from a non-US country aiming for a research or doctoral degree in the humanities or social sciences, this fellowship could be your key to success. AAUW International Fellowships provide full tuition and fees, a living stipend to cover your living expenses while studying, and even a book allowance for the duration of the fellowship. The application deadline is typically in early November, so be sure to plan and submit your materials well in advance. Once selected, you’ll receive full financial support for the entire fellowship program.

Particulars	Details
Coverage	Full tuition and fees, living stipend, and book allowance for the duration of the fellowship.
Eligibility	Open to women scholars from non-US countries pursuing research or doctoral degrees in the humanities and social sciences.
Application Deadline	Early November

YSE (Yale School of Environment) Master’s Fellowships

Yale University recognizes the importance of environmental leadership and offers these prestigious fellowships to brilliant students committed to making a difference. Imagine being fully supported while pursuing a Master’s degree in an environmental field. YSE Master’s Fellowships provide full tuition, a living stipend to cover your living expenses, health insurance, and even access to valuable professional development opportunities. The application deadlines vary by program, so be sure to research the specific program you’re interested in. Typically, applications are due in December or January. If selected, you’ll receive full financial support for your Master’s program in environmental studies.

Particulars	Details
Coverage	Full tuition, living stipend, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.
Eligibility	Highly competitive selection based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to environmental causes.
Application Deadline	Varies by program, typically December-January

MIT Knight-Schlesinger PhD Fellowship

This Massachusetts Institute of Technology fellowship empowers women who are passionate about pursuing PhDs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.  Imagine being fully supported while conducting groundbreaking research and earning your PhD. The MIT Knight-Schlesinger PhD Fellowship provides full tuition and fees, health insurance, and a generous annual stipend to help with living expenses. Selection for this highly competitive program is based on academic merit, your research potential, and a clear commitment to advancing the role of women in STEM fields. The application deadline is typically in early November, so be sure to research the program and prepare your application materials well in advance. If chosen, you’ll receive full financial support for your PhD program in a STEM field.

Particulars	Details
Coverage	Full tuition and fees, health insurance, and a generous annual stipend.
Eligibility	Highly competitive selection based on academic merit, research potential, and a commitment to advancing women in STEM fields.
Application Deadline	Early November

Top Universities in The USA for International Students To Study in The USA for Free

While there are a number of universities in the USA that will completely cover all your expenses for free, there are several prestigious universities that offer generous financial aid packages to international students. Here are some of the top universities in the USA for international students, considering factors like scholarship opportunities, international student support services, and academic reputation.

University Name	Scholarship Name	Coverage	Focus
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	MIT Scholarships for International Students (various)	Varies, can be full tuition and fees	All disciplines
Harvard University	Harvard Financial Aid for International Students	Varies, can be full financial aid packages	All disciplines
Stanford University	Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (highly competitive)	Full tuition, fees, stipend, travel	All subjects, with a focus on creating a better world
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	Caltech Financial Aid for International Students	Varies, can be full tuition and fees	Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Princeton University	Princeton International Students Financial Aid	Varies, can be full financial aid packages	All disciplines
Yale University	YSE (Yale School of Environment) Master’s Fellowships	Full tuition, living stipend, health insurance	Environmental fields
University of Pennsylvania	Penn International Student Financial Aid	Varies, can be full financial aid packages	All disciplines
Columbia University	The Eliahu Stolen Scholarships (limited number awarded)	Full tuition and fees	Varies
Duke University	The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program (highly competitive)	Full tuition, room and board, fees, travel	All disciplines, with a focus on leadership
University of Chicago	The Odyssey Scholarship Program (full-tuition for select international students)	Full tuition	All disciplines

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