Discover top USA scholarships for international students in 2025 with no application fees! Find fully funded undergraduate, MBA, MPH, and master’s programs, plus information on low fee universities in the USA for international undergraduate students. Apply now and study in top U.S. universities for free!
Dreaming of studying in the United States this year but worried about the high costs and application fees? You’re not alone. Thousands of talented students around the world face that same dilemma every year.
Fortunately, 2025 brings a wave of new hope with USA scholarships for international students that are fully funded and require no application fee.
This write-up breaks down everything you need to know to get a full scholarship in the USA without spending a dime on application fees (no jokes).
Why Choose the USA for Higher Education in 2025?
The United States remains a global leader in higher education, with prestigious universities, state-of-the-art facilities, and unparalleled research opportunities. Studying in the U.S. offers access to:
- World-renowned universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford
- Diverse, multicultural learning environments
- Career opportunities through OPT and CPT programs
- Cutting-edge fields including tech, business, public health, and more
In 2025, many fully funded MPH programs in USA and fully funded MBA programs in USA continue to attract ambitious students from every corner of the globe.
Benefits of Scholarships with No Application Fee
Why should you prioritize scholarships with no application fee? Here are key reasons:
- Zero Financial Risk: Apply without worrying about costly fees
- Apply Broadly: Increases your chances of success across multiple institutions
- Fair Access: Encourages applications from students in developing countries
Many US universities which offer scholarships for international students are also eliminating application fees to promote global inclusivity.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International Students (2025)
Here are some of the most prestigious and fully funded scholarships that also waive application fees:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Host: U.S. Government
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Benefits: Tuition, living stipend, health insurance, travel
- Eligibility: Students from 155 countries
2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)
- Level: Graduate
- Benefits: Full tuition, stipend, leadership training
3. Yale University Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
- Benefits: Up to $70,000 annually
- No application fee for many graduate departments
4. Clark Global Scholarship Program
- Level: Undergraduate
- Benefits: $15,000 to $25,000 per year
5. AAUW International Fellowships (For Women)
- Level: Graduate and Postdoctoral
- Benefits: Up to $50,000
- Focus: Supports scholarships for foreigners in USA, especially women
6. University of New Haven Scholarship
- Level: Master’s
- Benefits: Tuition assistance, experiential learning
7. Harvard University Scholarships
- Level: All levels
- Features: Harvard is among the US universities with best scholarships for international students
8. Rotary Peace Fellowship
- Level: Master’s
- Focus: Conflict resolution and peace studies
These are just a few from the list of US universities offering scholarships to international students with fully funded master’s scholarship in USA included.
List of US Universities Offering Scholarships with No Application Fee
Here are top universities that either waive application fees or offer free scholarships for degree in USA:
Top U.S. Scholarships & Universities with No Application Fee
1. Clark University – Global Scholars Program
- Level: Undergraduate
- Application Fee: Waived
- Funding: $20,000–$25,000 per year, plus need-based aid
Clark University Global Scholars
2. Berea College Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate
- Application Fee: None
- Funding: 100% of tuition; includes work-study requirement
Berea College International Admissions
3. Amherst College – Need-Based Financial Aid
- Level: Undergraduate
- Application Fee: Waived for international students
- Funding: Full demonstrated need met without loans
Amherst College Financial Aid
4. Wellesley College Scholarships (Women Only)
- Level: Undergraduate
- Application Fee: Waived with financial aid application
- Funding: Full need-based aid packages
Wellesley Admissions
5. Trinity College (Connecticut)
- Level: Undergraduate
- Application Fee: Waived via Common App or request
- Funding: Merit scholarships + full-need aid
Trinity College International Admissions
6. Colby College Financial Aid
- Level: Undergraduate
- Application Fee: None
- Funding: 100% of demonstrated need; no student loans
Colby Admissions
7. Illinois Wesleyan University – Merit Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate
- Application Fee: Waived for international applicants
- Funding: $16,000–$30,000 per year
IWU Scholarships
8. University of the People
- Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
- Application Fee: No tuition or application fee
- Funding: Scholarships available for minimal exam fees
University of the People
9. Ashesi University & MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
(U.S. University Placement for African Students)
- Level: Undergraduate
- Application Fee: Waived
- Funding: Full tuition, travel, and living expenses
MasterCard Scholars Program
10. Minerva University
- Level: Undergraduate
- Application Fee: None
- Funding: Need-based aid up to full cost of attendance
Minerva Admissions
Others
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Stanford University
- Clark University
- Berea College
- Amherst College
- Colby College
- University of Mississippi
- Dartmouth College
- University of Iowa
Many of these institutions are also US schools with scholarships for international students that cover tuition, housing, and living costs.
How to Apply for These Scholarships (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Choose Your Program: Research universities that align with your academic goals
- Prepare Required Documents: Transcripts, SOP, recommendation letters, standardized test scores (if required)
- Look for Fee Waivers: Check each university’s application portal or email admissions for waivers
- Write a Strong Scholarship Essay: Tailor each one to reflect your passion and purpose
- Submit Early: Avoid last-minute issues by applying well before deadlinesRemember, USA fully funded master’s scholarships often have early deadlines. Planning ahead can be the key to success.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning a USA Scholarship
- Maintain a High GPA: Academic excellence matters
- Demonstrate Leadership: Show involvement in community and school projects
- Write Compelling Essays: Make your story unforgettable
- Secure Strong References: Choose mentors who can vouch for your potential
- Apply Widely: Don’t rely on just one or two options
FAQs
Q1. Can I get a full scholarship in the USA without IELTS?
Yes, some universities accept alternatives like Duolingo, TOEFL, or waive English tests if you studied in English.Q2. Are there fully funded MBA programs in USA?
Absolutely. Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton offer competitive funding options.Q3. Which universities provide scholarships without application fees?
Clark, Berea, Colby, and Yale are excellent examples.Q4. Are there scholarships specifically for master’s degrees?
Yes. Many universities offer fully funded master’s scholarships in USA.Final Thoughts: Studying in the U.S. doesn’t have to be a financial burden. By targeting universities that waive application fees and offer substantial scholarships, you can apply to top schools with more confidence and less financial pressure without paying any application fees.
Whether you’re pursuing scholarships for international PhD students in USA or searching for a fully funded MPH program in USA, this list can help you begin your journey. Many of these US universities with best scholarships for international students offer competitive funding opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.