Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA for International Students 2026-27

Embarking on an undergraduate degree in the USA is a world-class opportunity, yet the high cost of attendance often seems like a significant barrier for international students. Fortunately, a diverse array of scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year exists to make this dream a reality, ranging from merit-based to need-based awards. These financial aid packages offer varying degrees of coverage, from partial tuition waivers to coveted “fully funded” benefits that often include tuition, mandatory fees, room, board, and even stipends for books and travel. While awards are available across virtually all specializations—including STEM, humanities, and the arts—they are highly competitive, prioritizing academic excellence and demonstrated leadership potential.

In this blog, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the top undergraduate scholarships, detailing their application requirements, specific benefits, and strategies to secure funding for your American education.

Types of Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA

Selecting the right funding is an important part of planning your undergraduate studies in the USA. Scholarships generally fall into three major categories based on their criteria and source, each with specific advantages. Here is a table summarizing the different types of undergraduate scholarships available in the USA for international students, categorized by the main criterion for receiving the award and the source of the funding.

Category	Type of Scholarship	Important Criterion	Coverage & Benefits
By Criteria	Merit-Based	Academic Excellence, talent, or leadership potential.	Partial to full tuition; sometimes includes room/board (often highly competitive for full funding).
	Need-Based	Demonstrated Financial Need (inability to afford the Cost of Attendance).	Varies, often aims to cover the difference between cost and Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
	Need-Aware	Applicants’ financial need is considered during the admissions decision.	Aid offered if admitted, but admission may be harder if seeking substantial aid.
	Need-Blind	Applicants’ financial need is not considered during the admissions decision (very rare for international students).	Full need met if admitted (only a handful of schools).
By Source	Institutional/University	Funded directly by the specific college or university (can be Merit or Need-Based).	Dominant source of funding; can range from small grants to full scholarships.
	Private/External	Funded by foundations, corporations, non-profits, or home country governments.	Varies widely; often small awards, but some large foundations offer full scholarships.
	Government/Home Country	Funded by the student’s home country government or a specific international agreement.	Often covers tuition, living expenses, and travel, with a service requirement post-graduation.
By Focus	Athletic	Exceptional athletic talent (for recruited athletes, predominantly in NCAA/NAIA schools).	Often full-ride (tuition, fees, room, board, books) in Division I/II schools.
	Major/Departmental	Focus on a specific field of study (e.g., STEM, Arts, Engineering).	Usually smaller, supplementary awards provided by a specific academic department.

List of Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA for International Students

Securing an undergraduate scholarship in the USA as an international student is highly competitive, and the most generous awards typically come from the universities themselves. Scholarships fall into two main types: Need-Based (full-funding for those who qualify) and Merit-Based (partial funding for high achievers).

Below is a list of some of the most prestigious and generous scholarships for international undergraduates, including their typical coverage and important eligibility criteria for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Full-Funding Need-Blind Institutions

A handful of elite universities offer Need-Blind Admissions for international students and promise to meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students. This essentially functions as a full-funding scholarship for those who qualify financially.

Institution (Scholarship Model)	Coverage & Benefits	Eligibility Criteria
Harvard University	100% Demonstrated Need Met. Covers tuition, fees, room, board, and travel expenses for families earning less than a certain threshold (e.g., $85,000/year). Packages vary by income.	Admission is Need-Blind for all students (including international). Must demonstrate financial need via the CSS Profile/University forms.
Yale University	100% Demonstrated Need Met. No-loan financial aid policy. Aid package includes grants, scholarships, and a student employment expectation.	Admission is Need-Blind for all students. Must demonstrate financial need via the CSS Profile/University forms.
Princeton University	100% Demonstrated Need Met through grants, replacing loans. Covers full cost of attendance (COA) for many low and middle-income families.	Admission is Need-Blind for all students. Must demonstrate financial need via the CSS Profile/University forms.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	100% Demonstrated Need Met through grants and scholarships (no loans). Aid varies based on demonstrated financial need.	Admission is Need-Blind for all students. Must demonstrate financial need via the CSS Profile/University forms.
Amherst College	100% Demonstrated Need Met via scholarship grants. Loan-free financial aid policy.	Admission is Need-Blind for all students. Must demonstrate financial need.
Berea College (Kentucky)	Full Tuition Grant. Every admitted student receives the $48,000+ Tuition Promise Scholarship, covering 100% of tuition. Students are required to work on campus.	High academic ability and extreme financial need (preference for students from Appalachian or developing countries). Very small number of spots for international students.

Merit-Based and Institutional Scholarships

Many other highly-ranked universities offer Merit-Based Scholarships to attract top international talent, though these are typically not fully funded (full-ride).

Scholarship Name / University	Coverage & Benefits	Eligibility Criteria
Clark University Global Scholars Program	Scholarship of at least USD 20,000 to USD 25,000 per year (towards tuition), plus a guaranteed USD 2,500 stipend for a paid internship.	Exceptional academic record (top 10% of high school class), proven commitment to community service/leadership. Must apply for admission by a priority deadline.
Boston University Presidential Scholarship	USD 25,000 per year renewable toward tuition.	Outstanding academic achievement (usually top 5-10% of high school class, high test scores). Automatically considered during the admissions review.
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS)	Full Tuition, Fees, Room, and Board. (Highly selective; only one winner per country).	International student showing outstanding leadership potential and commitment to social/civic change in their home country. Must return to their home country for career placement after graduation.
Illinois Wesleyan University Merit Scholarships	Awards range from USD 16,000 to USD 30,000 per year (up to two full-tuition scholarships awarded each year).	Superior academic achievement (GPA, test scores), extracurricular involvement, and potential contribution to the campus. Automatically considered upon admission.
University of Southern California (USC) Merit Scholarships	Full-Tuition (Trustee Scholarship) or Half-Tuition (Presidential Scholarship).	Must be an incoming freshman. Selection is based on superior academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Requires application by the early deadline.

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International Students

Details of Top Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA

Below are detailed summaries for some of the most generous and well-known undergraduate scholarships available to international students seeking admission for the 2026-2027 academic year, focusing on their unique benefits and stringent eligibility criteria.

1. Harvard University Financial Aid (Need-Blind Policy)

Harvard University offers one of the most generous and rare financial aid systems globally, practicing Need-Blind admissions for all applicants, including international students, and committing to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need through grants and scholarships. This means applying for aid does not negatively affect the admissions decision, and admitted students receive a financial aid package (which includes grants, not loans) covering the full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, travel, and personal expenses) for families earning under a specified income level (historically around $85,000 to $100,000 annually), with significant aid available for families earning up to $200,000 or more depending on assets and circumstances. Eligibility is strictly based on the family’s verified financial need as documented through the CSS Profile and institutional forms, making it a highly competitive aid program where admission itself is the important hurdle.

Benefits	100% Demonstrated Need Met (Grants, no loans). Covers full COA: Tuition, Fees, R&B, Travel, and Books for low-income families.
Eligibility	Admission is Need-Blind for all. Must demonstrate verified financial need via required forms (CSS Profile). Superior academic and extracurricular record is mandatory for admission.
Application Process	Complete the Common App/Coalition App and submit all required financial aid documents (CSS Profile, IDOC).
Deadlines	Early Action: Nov 1, 2025. Regular Decision: Jan 1, 2026. CSS Profile/IDOC: Align with admission deadlines.
Official Link	https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/international-applicants

2. Berea College Tuition Promise Scholarship

Berea College in Kentucky is unique as the only institution in the USA that provides 100% funding to 100% of all enrolled international students from the moment they are admitted. The centerpiece of this aid is the Tuition Promise Scholarship, which covers the entire cost of tuition (over $48,000 annually). Furthermore, a combination of additional grants and the mandatory Student Work Program (where students work 10-15 hours per week on campus) offsets the costs of housing, meals, and fees, essentially creating a fully-funded educational opportunity. Eligibility is restricted to students who demonstrate both strong academic potential and extreme financial need, with preference given to those from low-income families, making the selection process intensely competitive for the limited number of international places available each year.

Benefits	Full Tuition Grant for all students. Additional grants and mandatory work-study cover Housing, Meals, and Fees (effectively a full ride for most).
Eligibility	Strong academic potential. Must demonstrate extreme financial need (preference for students from developing nations/low-income backgrounds). Required to participate in the Student Work Program.
Application Process	Submit Berea’s specific application form and required financial documentation (Declaration of Finances).
Deadlines	Historically Nov 1 or Jan 15 (Confirm for 2026-27).
Official Link	https://www.berea.edu/costs-and-financial-aid-for-international-students

3. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS)

The AU EGLS is a highly competitive, full-scholarship program designed to support outstanding international students who are committed to positive civic and social change and plan to return home to improve under-resourced, underserved communities. The award covers all billable expenses—including full tuition, mandatory fees, and on-campus room and board—for four years, though recipients must cover non-billable costs like health insurance and travel (estimated at around $4,000 per year). To be eligible, applicants must be non-U.S. citizens requiring a student visa, be graduating secondary school by June 2026, possess a strong academic record (typically a 3.8 GPA equivalent), demonstrate significant leadership and community service, and submit both the admission application and a separate AU EGLS application by the strict deadline (historically January 15th).

Benefits	Full Billable Costs (Tuition, Fees, Room & Board). Up to eight partial scholarships ($\approx$40,000/$yr) also available.
Eligibility	Must be a non-U.S. citizen. Strong academic record (3.8 GPA equivalent+). Demonstrated commitment to leadership and returning home to serve the community.
Application Process	Complete the Common App/Coalition App for admission AND submit the separate AU EGL Scholarship application via the applicant portal.
Deadlines	Application: Jan 15, 2026. Common App/Coalition App: Jan 15, 2026 (Recommended Regular Decision).
Official Link	https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-apply.cfm

4. University of Southern California (USC) Merit Scholarships

USC offers several competitive, merit-based scholarships automatically considered during the admissions process, most notably the Trustee Scholarship (covering Full Tuition) and the Presidential Scholarship (covering Half Tuition). Unlike need-based aid, these scholarships are awarded based purely on comprehensive academic excellence, leadership, talent, and service, irrespective of an international student’s financial need; however, they do not cover non-tuition costs (room, board, fees). To be considered for these highly selective awards, international students must submit their complete freshman application by the early admission deadline (historically early December), and while USC is technically need-aware for international students, these merit awards serve as an important path for outstanding students to significantly reduce their financial burden.

Benefits	Trustee: Full Tuition. Presidential: Half Tuition. (Highly competitive; does not cover R&B/fees).
Eligibility	Outstanding academic achievement, leadership, creativity, and service. No minimum eligibility, but recipients are typically top-tier students.
Application Process	Apply for freshman admission via the Common Application. Automatic consideration—no separate scholarship application is required.
Deadlines	Priority/Scholarship Deadline: Early Dec 2025 (Exact date TBC).
Official Link	https://admission.usc.edu/cost-and-financial-aid/scholarships/

Tips for a Successful Undergraduate Scholarship Application in the USA

Applying for scholarships as an international undergraduate student is highly competitive. Success requires a strategic approach that goes beyond just high grades. Here are important tips to maximize your chances for the 2026-2027 cycle:

• Start Early & Target Carefully: Begin research now (Nov 2025 for 2026-27 cycle) and prioritize scholarships that match your profile (merit or need) and major, focusing on institutional aid first.
• Aim for Need-Blind Schools: If you require substantial aid, prioritize applying to the few universities (e.g., Harvard, Yale) with a Need-Blind policy for international students.
• Excel Academically: Maintain a near-perfect GPA and take the most rigorous courses available (IB, AP, etc.), as top grades are the foundation for nearly all merit awards.
• Maximize Standardized Test Scores: Submit high SAT/ACT scores (even if test-optional) to strengthen your profile for merit scholarships and demonstrate readiness for US academics.
• Craft Unique Essays: Avoid generic statements. Tailor each essay to the scholarship’s mission (e.g., leadership, global change) and use compelling anecdotes to showcase your impact.
• Quantify Your Achievements: In your application, list extracurriculars and accomplishments using metrics and data (e.g., “Increased club membership by 50%” or “Mentored 12 students”).
• Secure Strong Recommendations: Ask teachers and mentors who know you well to write letters that speak specifically to your intellectual promise and unique character, not just your grades.
• Be Meticulous with Financial Forms: Complete the CSS Profile and institutional financial forms accurately and well ahead of the deadline, as gathering the required international documentation takes time.
• Meet Early Deadlines: Apply by the priority or early decision deadline (often November to early December) whenever possible, as this is typically required for automatic consideration for major institutional merit scholarships.
• Focus on Global Impact: Highlight your commitment to returning home or solving a global issue in your essays, as many international scholarships look for future leaders committed to civic and social change.

Why Study Undergraduate in the USA?

Studying for an undergraduate degree in the USA offers international students a transformative educational and professional experience unmatched by most other countries. The combination of academic flexibility, global prestige, diverse environment, and post-graduation opportunities makes it a highly sought-after destination.

• Global Prestige & Recognition: A US degree is instantly recognizable and respected by employers and graduate schools worldwide, enhancing career prospects.
• Academic Flexibility: The unique Liberal Arts model allows students to explore various subjects before declaring a major, promoting well-rounded education.
• Top-Tier Universities: Access to the world’s highest-ranked universities and the latest academic resources and technology.
• Cutting-Edge Research: Opportunities for undergraduates to participate in pioneering research alongside leading faculty in their field of study.
• Diverse Program Options: A vast selection of majors, minors, and double-major possibilities, allowing for a highly personalized education path.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): Eligibility for post-graduation work authorization (12-36 months) in the USA, providing invaluable professional experience.
• Strong Career Focus: Close ties between universities and industry facilitate extensive internship and networking opportunities.
• Development of Soft Skills: Emphasis on critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork through interactive classroom styles.
• Unmatched Diversity: Exposure to a multicultural campus environment with students from across the globe, broadening global perspective.
• Vibrant Campus Life: Rich extracurricular activities, sports, and clubs that support personal growth and a dynamic student experience.

Also Read: Requirements for Scholarships in USA for International Students

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