Obtaining a fully funded undergraduate scholarship for international students can be a life-changing opportunity for those seeking to pursue higher education abroad.
Scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden of tuition and living expenses but also provide an avenue for academic and personal growth. The aspiration to study in a reputed international institution is a dream for many.
However, the cost can often be a significant barrier. Thanks to several organizations and universities, a number of fully funded scholarships are available for international students.
In this guide, we will dive deep into the top 10 fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students in 2024, specifically focusing on opportunities in the USA.
What is the Undergraduate Fully Funded Scholarship for International Students in the US?
A fully funded undergraduate scholarship for international students in the US covers, at minimum, tuition fees.
However, many such scholarships go beyond this and also cover accommodation, books, health insurance, and sometimes even living stipends.
These scholarships are designed to attract the brightest students from around the world and provide them with an opportunity to study in the US without the burden of financial stress.
Top 10 Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students 2024:
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students in 2024, detailing their offers and requirements.
Here are the top 10 fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students in 2024:
1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students
- Description: The Swiss government provides scholarships for international students to pursue undergraduate studies in Switzerland.
- Requirements: Varies by country. Typically, strong academic performance and language proficiency are required.
- Award: Full tuition, living allowance, health insurance, and airfare.
2. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- Description: This scholarship is for students from developing countries to study in Japan in fields related to development.
- Requirements: Applicants must be under 45 years old and have relevant work experience.
- Award: Full tuition, monthly allowance, travel expenses, and more.
3. The Gates Scholarship
- Description: Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship is for minority students in the United States who are pursuing an undergraduate degree.
- Requirements: Must be a high school senior, eligible for federal Pell Grants, and have a strong academic record.
- Award: Covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.
4. Commonwealth Scholarships
- Description: The Commonwealth Scholarships are for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK.
- Requirements: Varies by country. Typically, applicants need to have a strong academic background and meet English language requirements.
- Award: Full tuition, living expenses, and airfare.
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Description: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a prestigious scholarship program that provides funding for graduate study and research in the United States. The program is open to students from over 140 countries and offers a variety of benefits, including full tuition and living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.
- Requirements: To be eligible for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must be proficient in English. They must also be planning to return to their home country after completing their studies.
- Award: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides full tuition and living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.
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6. Chevening Scholarships
- Description: The Chevening Scholarships are a global scholarship program funded by the UK government. The program is open to students from over 140 countries and offers a variety of benefits, including full tuition and living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.
- Requirements: To be eligible for the Chevening Scholarships, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must be proficient in English. They must also have at least two years of work experience and must be planning to return to their home country after completing their studies.
- Award: The Chevening Scholarships provide full tuition and living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.
7. Eiffel Excellence Scholarships
- Description: The Eiffel Excellence Scholarships are a program of excellence that offers full funding for master’s and doctoral programs at leading French universities. The program is open to students from all countries and offers a variety of benefits, including full tuition and living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.
- Requirements: To be eligible for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must be proficient in French. They must also have a strong academic record and must be planning to return to their home country after completing their studies.
- Award: The Eiffel Excellence Scholarships provide full tuition and living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.
8. DAAD Scholarships
- Description: The DAAD Scholarships are a program of scholarships and funding opportunities offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The program is open to students from all countries and offers a variety of benefits, including full tuition waivers, partial funding, and research grants.
- Requirements: To be eligible for the DAAD Scholarships, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must be proficient in German or English. They must also have a strong academic record and must be planning to pursue graduate studies or research in Germany.
- Award: The DAAD Scholarships provide a variety of benefits, including full tuition waivers, partial funding, and research grants.
9. Inlaks Scholarship Program
- Description: The Inlaks Scholarship Program is a program of scholarships and grants offered by the Inlaks Foundation. The program is open to students from all countries and offers a variety of benefits, including full tuition and living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.
- Requirements: To be eligible for the Inlaks Scholarship Program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must be proficient in English. They must also have a strong academic record and must be planning to pursue graduate studies or research in the arts, humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences.
- Award: The Inlaks Scholarship Program provides full tuition and living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.
10. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
- Description: The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme is a program of scholarships offered by the Aga Khan Foundation. The program is open to students from all countries and offers a variety of benefits, including full tuition and living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.
- Requirements: To be eligible for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must be proficient in English. They must also have a strong academic record and must be planning to pursue graduate studies or research in a variety of fields.
- Award: The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme provides full tuition and living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.
How Much GPA is Required to Get a Full Scholarship in the USA?
The GPA requirement varies among scholarships and institutions. For prestigious scholarships and top-tier universities, a GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0 is often the benchmark.
However, many scholarships consider holistic aspects of a student’s application, such as leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays. It’s essential to research each scholarship’s specific requirements.
Can I get a full Scholarship for Undergraduate Studies in the USA?
Yes, as an international student, you can get a full scholarship for undergraduate studies in the USA. The scholarships listed above are proof of the numerous opportunities available.
Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, maintain a strong academic record, demonstrate leadership potential, and submit a compelling application.
Conclusion
Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, but it can also be expensive.
Fortunately, there are a number of fully funded undergraduate scholarships available to international students, making it possible to pursue their academic dreams without breaking the bank.
The scholarships listed in this blog post are just a few of the many opportunities available to international students.
With careful planning and preparation, you can find the scholarship that is the right fit for you and your goals.
FAQs
Q: Are there scholarships for specific nationalities?
Yes, there are many scholarships available specifically for students from certain nationalities or regions.
These scholarships are often funded by governments, institutions, or organizations that aim to support education and promote cultural exchange.
Scholarships for specific nationalities can vary widely in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and application processes.
Q: Do I need to give an English proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL for these scholarships?
Yes, most scholarships for international students require you to take an English proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL.
This is because English is the language of instruction in most universities in the United States, so you need to demonstrate that you have the English language skills to succeed in your studies.
Q: Can I work while studying on a scholarship in the US?
- On-campus employment
- If you are on an F-1 student visa, you can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks and vacations. You don’t need authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work on campus.
- Off-campus employment
- If you want to work off-campus, you will need to apply for authorization from the USCIS. T
Q: How do I apply for these scholarships?
Applying for scholarships, whether they are specific to your nationality or region or open to international students, can be a competitive and multifaceted process.
To navigate this journey successfully, start by researching available opportunities through online resources, official government websites, or your country’s diplomatic channels.
Carefully review each scholarship’s eligibility criteria and gather the necessary documents in advance, which often include transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, and language proficiency test scores.
Keep an eye on application deadlines and ensure that you meticulously complete the application forms while tailoring your personal statement or essay to highlight your achievements and alignment with the scholarship’s mission.
Q: Do these scholarships renew every year?
Whether scholarships renew every year depends on the specific scholarship program and its terms and conditions.
Scholarships can vary widely in terms of their duration, renewal criteria, and whether they are one-time awards or ongoing support. Here are some common scenarios:
- One-Time Scholarships: Some scholarships are designed as one-time awards, meaning they provide funding for a single academic year or a specific period.
- Annual Renewal Scholarships: Other scholarships are awarded on an annual basis, with the expectation that recipients will reapply each year. Renewal criteria often include maintaining a certain GPA, making satisfactory academic progress, and meeting any other stipulated requirements.
- Multi-Year Scholarships: Some scholarships are awarded for multiple years upfront, covering the entirety of an undergraduate program.
- Conditional Renewal: Some scholarships may offer conditional renewal, where recipients must meet specific conditions, such as community service, research projects, or other activities, to continue receiving funding for subsequent years.