Dreaming of studying in the USA without the financial burden? You’re in luck—there are countless fully funded undergraduate scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and more for international students in 2026–2027. In this post, we’ll walk you through top opportunities at top-tier universities and explain how to apply.
Many of these scholarships include a monthly stipend (around $1,000), along with health insurance and travel allowances—making the dream of a U.S. education more accessible than ever.
1. Clark University – Global Scholars Program
- Institution: Clark University (Worcester, Massachusetts)
- Coverage: $15,000–$25,000 per year for four years, renewable based on academic performance
- Notes: Admission automatically includes consideration—no separate application required (OYA Opportunities).
2. Yale University Scholarships
- Institution: Yale University (New Haven, Connecticut)
- Coverage: Fully funded scholarships for undergraduate (plus Master’s and PhD), averaging over $50,000/year; families earning under $65,000 pay zero tuition, room, and board. This financial aid model is truly need-based—Yale meets the full demonstrated need.
3. University of Memphis Scholarships
- Institution: University of Memphis (Tennessee)
- Coverage: Covers the difference between international and in-state tuition rates for qualified undergraduates and master’s students.
4. Boston University – Presidential & Trustee Scholarships
- Institution: Boston University (Boston, Massachusetts)
- Coverage:
- Trustee Scholarship: Full tuition and fees for top applicants
- Presidential Scholarship: Half tuition ($25,000/year), renewable for 4 years
- Notes: No extra essays; automatic consideration upon admission by December 1 (Boston University).
5. Berea College Scholarships
- Institution: Berea College (Berea, Kentucky)
- Coverage: 100% tuition, room, and board for all enrolled international undergrads during the first year. Students work on campus to cover personal expenses (~$2,000/year).
6. Cornell University Financial Aid
- Institution: Cornell University (New York)
- Coverage: Need-based financial aid available for admitted international undergraduates who demonstrate financial need (Wikipedia).
7. Onsi Sawiris Scholarship
- Institutions: Stanford, University of Chicago, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania
- Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, travel, and health insurance for undergraduate and master’s programs.
8. Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
- Institution: Illinois Wesleyan University (Illinois)
- Coverage: Competitive full-tuition scholarships, ranging from $16,000 to $30,000/year.
9. Horatio Alger Scholarship (USA-focused)
- Coverage: $25,000 for undergraduate students—primarily U.S. citizens.
10. QuestBridge Scholarships (USA-focused)
- Coverage: Full four-year scholarships worth over $200,000 for high school seniors attending participating U.S. universities.
11. The Gates Scholarship (USA-focused)
- Coverage: Comprehensive scholarships for exceptional U.S. students, including tuition, fees, living expenses, books, and transportation.
12. The Cameron Impact Scholarship (USA-focused)
- Coverage: Full tuition, fees, and books for U.S. students at accredited colleges.
13. Milton Fisher Scholarships (USA-focused)
- Coverage: Up to $20,000 per year in tuition assistance for U.S. undergraduate students.
Quick Comparison Table
| Scholarship | Institution(s) | Coverage Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Clark Global Scholars | Clark University | $15K–$25K/year (4 years) |
| Yale University Scholarships | Yale University | Need-based; average $50K+/year, full support for low-income |
| Univ. of Memphis Scholarship | University of Memphis | Covers IN-STATE vs INTL tuition gap |
| BU Presidential/Trustee | Boston University | Half or full tuition for strong applicants |
| Berea College Scholarship | Berea College | 100% tuition, room, board (year 1) + work-study |
| Cornell Financial Aid | Cornell University | Need-based aid for international undergraduates |
| Onsi Sawiris Scholarship | Multiple elite institutions | Full coverage plus living, travel, insurance |
| Illinois Wesleyan Scholarships | Illinois Wesleyan Univ. | $16K–$30K/year tuition discount |
How to Apply (General Steps)
- Choose your target scholarship/institution based on eligibility and interest.
- Review official requirements and deadlines (usually found on the university’s financial aid page).
- Submit your admission application (Common App, Coalition, or university-specific).
- Submit any required financial aid forms—CSS Profile, institutional forms, etc.
- Include test scores, recommendations, and essays as needed.
- Watch your email for scholarship decisions, and follow up promptly.
Final Thoughts
These fully funded undergraduate scholarships make U.S. education surprisingly accessible. Each program has unique strengths—some focus on merit, some on need, and others on holistic potential. Choose the ones that match your profile, prepare your application, and take it step by step.