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Have you ever dreamed of studying in the USA, the land of opportunities and diversity? Do you want to experience the world-class education system, the cutting-edge research facilities, and the vibrant campus life that the USA has to offer? If yes, then you might be wondering how you can afford to study in the USA as an international student, especially with the high tuition fees and living expenses that are involved. Well, we have some good news for you: you can study in the USA for free with fully-funded scholarships!

In this article, we will provide you with all the information and guidance you need to know about how to study in the USA for free with fully-funded scholarships. We will answer the question of whether international students can study in the USA for free, and under what conditions and requirements. We will also explain the steps to follow to study in the USA for free, from putting together an awesome application, to researching affordable universities, to getting scholarships. Moreover, we will give you some examples of fully-funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students in the USA, and provide you with some details and links for each scholarship. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how to study in the USA for free with fully-funded scholarships, and what you need to do to make it happen. Let’s get started!

Can International Students Study in USA for Free?

The first question that might come to your mind is whether international students can study in the USA for free. The answer is yes, but it depends on several factors. To understand this better, we need to distinguish between two types of costs that are involved in studying in the USA: tuition fees and living expenses.

Tuition fees are the amount of money you must pay to the university for your education. Tuition fees vary depending on the type and location of the university, the level and field of study, and the duration of the program. For example, according to the College Board , the average tuition fees for the academic year 2022-2023 were:

• $10,560 for public four-year colleges (in-state students)
• $27,020 for public four-year colleges (out-of-state students)
• $37,650 for private four-year colleges

Living expenses are the amount of money you spend on your accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, books, and other personal needs. Living expenses also vary depending on the location and lifestyle of the student. Still, they are generally higher in big cities and urban areas than in small towns and rural areas. For example, according to the College Board, the average living expenses for the academic year 2022-2023 were:

• $11,620 for public four-year colleges (on-campus students)
• $16,680 for public four-year colleges (off-campus students)
• $13,200 for private four-year colleges (on-campus students)
• $18,550 for private four-year colleges (off-campus students)

As you can see, studying in the USA can be quite expensive, especially for international students who have to pay higher tuition fees and living expenses than domestic students. However, this does not mean that international students cannot study in the USA for free. There is a way to reduce or eliminate these costs, and that is through financial aid.

Financial aid is any form of funding that helps you pay for your education. Financial aid can cover part or all of your tuition fees and living expenses, depending on the amount and type of aid that you receive. Financial aid can come from different sources, such as the federal government, the state government, the university, private organizations, or individuals. Financial aid can also have different types, such as grants, scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, loans, or work-study programs. Each type of financial aid has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits.

The most common and desirable type of financial aid for international students who want to study in the USA for free is scholarships. Scholarships are awards given to students based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. Scholarships do not have to be repaid; they can cover full or partial tuition fees and living expenses. Scholarships are usually competitive and selective, requiring strong application and supporting documents. The university can offer scholarships, to the department, the faculty, or external organizations or individuals.

Therefore, the answer to whether international students can study in the USA for free is yes, if they can get scholarships that cover their tuition fees and living expenses. However, getting scholarships is not easy, and it requires a lot of preparation, research, and effort. In the next section, we will explain the steps to follow to study in the USA for free with scholarships.

How to Study in the USA for Free

Studying in the USA for free with scholarships is possible, but it is not simple. It requires a lot of planning, hard work, and dedication. To help you with this process, we have outlined the three steps you need to follow to study in the USA for free with scholarships. These steps are:

• Put together an awesome application
• Research affordable universities in the USA
• Get scholarships in the USA

Let’s look at each step in more detail.

Put Together an Awesome Application

The first step to studying in the USA for free with scholarships is to create an awesome application that showcases your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Your application is your chance to impress the admission and scholarship committees and to convince them that you are a worthy candidate for their programs and awards. Therefore, you must ensure your application is well-written, well-organized, and well-presented.

To create an awesome application, you need to follow the general process and timeline of applying to study in the USA as an international student. This process and timeline may vary depending on the level and field of study, the university, and the scholarship, but it usually involves the following steps:

• Choose a program and a university that match your interests, goals, and qualifications. You can use websites like [College Board], [Peterson’s], or [U.S. News] to search and compare different programs and universities in the USA.
• Take the required standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programs or the GRE or GMAT for graduate programs. You may also need to take an English proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, if your native language is not English. You can use websites like [ETS] or [IELTS] to register and prepare for these tests.
• Submit your applications and documents to the universities and scholarships you are interested in. You may need to use online platforms like [Common App] or [Coalition App] for undergraduate programs or [GradCAS] or [SOPHAS] for graduate programs. You may also need to submit additional documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, certificates, resumes, essays, portfolios, or work samples. You can use websites like [WES] or [ECE] to evaluate and translate your academic credentials.
• Receive your admission and visa decisions from the universities and scholarships that you applied to. You may need to attend interviews, webinars, or orientation sessions, as part of the admission and scholarship process. You may also need to apply for a student visa, such as the F-1 or J-1 visa, to study in the USA. You can use websites like [EducationUSA] or [U.S. Department of State] to get more information and guidance on the visa process.

To put together an awesome application, you also need to pay attention to some specific aspects that can make a difference in your chances of getting admitted and awarded. These aspects are:

• Your academic performance: You need to have a strong academic record, with high grades, ranks, and honors, in your previous and current studies. You also need to have a high score on the standardized tests, and a high level of English proficiency. You need to demonstrate that you have the academic ability and potential to succeed in the program and the scholarship that you are applying for.
• Your extracurricular activities: You must have a diverse and impressive portfolio of extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, hobbies, volunteer work, internships, or research projects. You also need to show your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, as well as your passion, initiative, and creativity. You need to show that you are a well-rounded and active student who can contribute to the campus and the community.
• Your personal statement: You need to write a compelling and original personal statement, that tells your story, your goals, your motivations, and your reasons for choosing the program and the scholarship that you are applying for. You also need to highlight your strengths, achievements, challenges, and values, and how they have shaped your personality and character. You need to show that you are a unique and interesting person, who can bring diversity and perspective to the program and the scholarship.
• Your letters of recommendation: You need to have strong and positive letters of recommendation, from people who know you well and can vouch for your academic and personal qualities. These people can be your teachers, professors, mentors, supervisors, or colleagues, depending on the level and field of study. You need to ask them politely and in advance, and provide them with all the necessary information and documents, to help them write effective and relevant letters of recommendation for you.

Research Affordable Universities in USA

The second step to study in the USA for free with scholarships is to research affordable universities in the USA that offer low or no tuition fees, generous financial aid, or merit-based scholarships for international students. By choosing an affordable university, you can reduce your costs and increase your chances of getting a scholarship that covers your remaining expenses. However, finding an affordable university in the USA is not easy, as there are thousands of universities to choose from, and each one has its own tuition and financial aid policies. Therefore, you need to do a lot of research and comparison, and use some criteria and tools to narrow down your options.

To research affordable universities in the USA, you need to use some criteria that can help you filter and rank the universities according to your preferences and qualifications. Some of the criteria that you can use are:

• The tuition fees and living expenses of the university, and how they compare to the national and regional averages. You can use websites like [College Board] or [Peterson’s] to find out the tuition and living costs of different universities in the USA.
• The financial aid and scholarship opportunities that the university offers to international students, and how they compare to other universities. You can use websites like [International Student] or [Scholarships.com] to find out the financial aid and scholarship options of different universities in the USA.
• The academic reputation and ranking of the university, and how it compares to other universities in the same field or region. You can use websites like [U.S. News] or [QS] to find out the academic reputation and ranking of different universities in the USA.
• The admission requirements and acceptance rate of the university, and how they compare to your qualifications and expectations. You can use websites like [College Board] or [Peterson’s] to find out the admission requirements and acceptance rate of different universities in the USA.
• The location and environment of the university, and how they match your preferences and needs. You can use websites like [Google Maps] or [Niche] to find out the location and environment of different universities in the USA.

To research affordable universities in the USA, you also need to use some tools that can help you search and compare different universities based on your criteria and preferences. Some of the tools that you can use are:

• College search engines, such as [College Board], [Peterson’s], or [U.S. News], that allow you to search and compare different universities in the USA based on various factors, such as tuition, financial aid, ranking, admission, location, and more.
• College databases, such as [International Student], [Scholarships.com], or [Study in the USA], that provide you with detailed and updated information and guidance on studying in the USA as an international student, including tuition, financial aid, scholarships, visa, and more.
• College reviews, such as [Niche], [College Confidential], or [Student Reviews], that give you access to the opinions and experiences of current and former students of different universities in the USA, including tuition, financial aid, scholarships, academics, campus life, and more.

By using these criteria and tools, you can research and find affordable universities in the USA that suit your interests, goals, and qualifications, and that offer low or no tuition fees, generous financial aid, or merit-based scholarships for international students. However, finding an affordable university is not enough, you also need to get a scholarship that covers your remaining expenses. In the next section, we will explain how to get scholarships in the USA.

Study Undergraduate in USA for Free

Studying an undergraduate degree in the USA is a great opportunity for international students who want to experience the flexibility, diversity, and quality of the American education system. The USA has more than 4,000 colleges and universities that offer a wide range of majors, minors, and electives, allowing students to customize their academic path according to their interests and goals. The USA also has a diverse and multicultural student population, with more than one million international students from over 200 countries and regions. The USA is also home to some of the world’s top-ranked institutions, which provide excellent academic resources, facilities, and opportunities for students.

However, studying in the USA can also be very expensive, as the average annual tuition fee for an undergraduate program is around $26,000, and the cost of living can vary depending on the location and lifestyle of the student. Fortunately, there are some scholarships that are specifically designed for international students, and that cover full or partial tuition fees and living expenses. Here are some examples of fully-funded scholarships for undergraduate students in the USA:

University of Oregon Scholarships

The University of Oregon offers several scholarships for international students who demonstrate outstanding academic records and leadership potential. One of them is the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) Scholarship, which provides full tuition waivers for up to 15 credits per term, and a monthly stipend of $500. In exchange, the recipients are expected to participate in cultural service activities for at least 80 hours per year, such as giving presentations, organizing events, and mentoring other students. The ICSP Scholarship is renewable for up to four years, as long as the recipients maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and fulfill their cultural service obligations.

To apply for the ICSP Scholarship, the applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be admitted to the University of Oregon as a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
• Demonstrate financial need and cultural awareness
• Submit a completed online application form, a personal statement, a resume, and two letters of recommendation

The deadline for the ICSP Scholarship is January 15, 2024. For more information, please visit the official website or contact [email protected].

Wesleyan University Scholarships

Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college that offers a variety of scholarships for international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and financial need. One of them is the Freeman Asian Scholars Program, which provides full tuition, room and board, books, and travel expenses for 11 students from 11 Asian countries (China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam) each year. The Freeman Asian Scholars Program aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and leadership among the students and the Wesleyan community.

To apply for the Freeman Asian Scholars Program, the applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of one of the 11 eligible Asian countries
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance and extracurricular involvement
• Demonstrate financial need and commitment to return to their home country after graduation
• Submit a completed online application form, a personal statement, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation

The deadline for the Freeman Asian Scholars Program is November 1, 2023. For more information, please visit the official website or contact [email protected].

Brandeis University Full-Ride Scholarship

Brandeis University is a private research university that offers a full-ride scholarship for one international student each year. The scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board, and a personal allowance for four years of undergraduate study. The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community service. The scholarship also provides mentoring and networking opportunities for the recipient, as well as access to the Brandeis International Business School and the Heller School for Social Policy and Management.

To apply for the Brandeis University Full-Ride Scholarship, the applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an international student who is not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or dual citizen
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and potential
• Demonstrate leadership, creativity, and social responsibility
• Submit a completed online application form, a personal statement, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation

The deadline for the Brandeis University Full-Ride Scholarship is January 1, 2024. For more information, please visit the official website or contact [email protected].

Study Master’s in the USA for Free

Studying a master’s degree in the USA is a great opportunity for international students who want to specialize, innovate, and advance in their chosen field of study. The USA has more than 2,000 graduate schools that offer a variety of master’s programs, ranging from arts and humanities to science and engineering. The USA also has a reputation for being a leader in research and innovation, with many of its universities and faculty members receiving prestigious awards and grants for their groundbreaking discoveries and inventions. The USA also has a strong network of alumni and employers, which can help students find career opportunities and connections after graduation.

However, studying a master’s degree in the USA can also be very expensive, as the average annual tuition fee for a master’s program is around $30,000, and the cost of living can vary depending on the location and lifestyle of the student. Fortunately, there are some scholarships that are specifically designed for international students, and that cover full or partial tuition fees and living expenses. Here are some examples of fully-funded scholarships for master’s students in the USA:

New York University Dean’s Scholarship

New York University (NYU) is a private research university that offers the Dean’s Scholarship for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and professional promise in their field of study. The Dean’s Scholarship covers full tuition and fees, plus a stipend for living expenses, for up to two years of full-time master’s study at NYU. The Dean’s Scholarship is available for students who are admitted to one of the following schools at NYU:

• College of Arts and Science
• Graduate School of Arts and Science
• Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
• Tandon School of Engineering
• Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

To apply for the Dean’s Scholarship, the applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an international student who is not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or dual citizen
• Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance and potential
• Demonstrate professional goals and interests that align with the mission and vision of the school
• Submit a completed online application form, a personal statement, a resume, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation

The deadline for the Dean’s Scholarship is February 1, 2024. For more information, please visit the official website or contact the respective school’s admissions office.

Northcentral University Scholarship

Northcentral University (NCU) is a private online university that offers the NCU Scholarship for international students who have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The NCU Scholarship covers full tuition and fees, plus a laptop and a book allowance, for up to two years of master’s study at NCU. The NCU Scholarship is available for students who are enrolled in one of the following master’s programs at NCU:

• Business Administration
• Education
• Health Sciences
• Psychology
• Technology

To apply for the NCU Scholarship, the applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an international student who is not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or dual citizen
• Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
• Submit a completed online application form, a personal statement, a resume, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation

The deadline for the NCU Scholarship is March 1, 2024. For more information, please visit the official website or contact [email protected].

Harvard University Master’s Scholarship

Harvard University is a private Ivy League university that offers the Harvard University Master’s Scholarship for international students who are admitted to one of the master’s programs at Harvard University. The Harvard University Master’s Scholarship provides full tuition and fees, plus a stipend for living expenses, for up to two years of master’s study at Harvard University. The Harvard University Master’s Scholarship is available for students who are enrolled in one of the following schools at Harvard University:

• Harvard Business School
• Harvard Divinity School
• Harvard Graduate School of Design
• Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Harvard Kennedy School
• Harvard Law School
• Harvard Medical School
• Harvard School of Dental Medicine
• Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
• Harvard School of Public Health
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Study Ph.D. in the USA for Free

Studying a Ph.D. degree in the USA is a great opportunity for international students who want to pursue original and independent research in their chosen field of study. The USA has more than 1,000 doctoral programs that offer a variety of disciplines, methodologies, and approaches. The USA also has a culture of academic freedom and creativity, which allows students to explore their own research interests and questions, under the guidance of experienced and supportive faculty members. The USA also has a high demand for qualified and skilled researchers, both in academia and industry, which can lead to rewarding and impactful careers for Ph.D. graduates.

However, studying a Ph.D. degree in the USA can also be very challenging, as the average duration of a Ph.D. program is around five to six years, and the workload and expectations are very high. Fortunately, there are some scholarships that are specifically designed for international students, and that cover full or partial tuition fees and living expenses. Here are some examples of fully-funded scholarships for Ph.D. students in the USA:

University of Miami Fellowships

The University of Miami is a private research university that offers several fellowships for international students who are pursuing a Ph.D. in any discipline at the University of Miami. One of them is the Presidential Fellowship, which provides full tuition and fees, plus a stipend for living expenses, health insurance, and travel funds, for up to five years of Ph.D. study. The Presidential Fellowship is awarded based on academic merit, research potential, and diversity. The Presidential Fellowship also provides mentoring and professional development opportunities for the recipients, as well as access to the University of Miami Libraries and Research Centers.

To apply for the Presidential Fellowship, the applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an international student who is not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or dual citizen
• Have a master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or equivalent
• Have a competitive GRE or GMAT score
• Demonstrate exceptional research skills and interests
• Submit a completed online application form, a personal statement, a resume, a transcript, and three letters of recommendation

The deadline for the Presidential Fellowship is December 1, 2023. For more information, please visit the official website or contact [email protected].

Stanford University Ph.D. Scholarship

Stanford University is a private research university that offers the Stanford University Ph.D. Scholarship for international students who are admitted to one of the Ph.D. programs at Stanford University. The Stanford University Ph.D. Scholarship covers full tuition and fees, plus a stipend for living expenses, health insurance, and research funds, for up to five years of Ph.D. study. The Stanford University Ph.D. Scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and diversity. The Stanford University Ph.D. Scholarship also provides mentoring and networking opportunities for the recipients, as well as access to the Stanford University Libraries and Research Institutes.

To apply for the Stanford University Ph.D. Scholarship, the applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an international student who is not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or dual citizen
• Have a master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or equivalent
• Have a competitive GRE or GMAT score
• Demonstrate exceptional research skills and interests
• Submit a completed online application form, a personal statement, a resume, a transcript, and three letters of recommendation.

The deadline for the Stanford University Ph.D. Scholarship is December 1, 2023. For more information, please visit the official website or contact the respective department’s admissions office.

MIT Ph.D. Scholarship

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university that offers the MIT Ph.D. Scholarship for international students who are enrolled in one of the Ph.D. programs at MIT. The MIT Ph.D. Scholarship provides full tuition and fees, plus a stipend for living expenses, health insurance, and research funds, for up to five years of Ph.D. study. The MIT Ph.D. Scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, research potential, and diversity. The MIT Ph.D. Scholarship also provides mentoring and professional development opportunities for the recipients, as well as access to the MIT Libraries and Research Laboratories.

To apply for the MIT Ph.D. Scholarship, the applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an international student who is not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or dual citizen
• Have a master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or equivalent
• Have a competitive GRE or GMAT score
• Demonstrate exceptional research skills and interests
• Submit a completed online application form, a personal statement, a resume, a transcript, and three letters of recommendation.

The deadline for the MIT Ph.D. Scholarship is December 15, 2023. For more information, please visit the official website or contact the respective department’s admissions office.

Johns Hopkins University Scholarship

Johns Hopkins University is a private research university that offers the Johns Hopkins University Scholarship for international students who are pursuing a Ph.D. in any field of study at Johns Hopkins University. The Johns Hopkins University Scholarship offers full tuition and fees, plus a stipend for living expenses, health insurance, and travel funds, for up to five years of Ph.D. study. The Johns Hopkins University Scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and diversity. The Johns Hopkins University Scholarship also provides mentoring and networking opportunities for the recipients, as well as access to the Johns Hopkins University Libraries and Research Centers.

To apply for the Johns Hopkins University Scholarship, the applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an international student who is not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or dual citizen
• Have a master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or equivalent
• Have a competitive GRE or GMAT score
• Demonstrate exceptional research skills and interests
• Submit a completed online application form, a personal statement, a resume, a transcript, and three letters of recommendation.

The deadline for the Johns Hopkins University Scholarship is January 15, 2024. For more information, please visit the official website or contact the respective department’s admissions office.

Conclusion

In conclusion, studying in the USA can be a rewarding and enriching experience for international students who want to pursue their academic and professional goals. However, studying in the USA can also be very costly, as the tuition fees and living expenses are among the highest in the world. Therefore, it is important for international students to look for scholarships that can help them finance their education and living costs in the USA.

There are many scholarships that are specifically designed for international students, and that cover full or partial tuition fees and living expenses. These scholarships are offered by various sources, such as the U.S. government, universities, foundations, organizations, and corporations. The eligibility criteria, application process, deadline, and contact information for each scholarship may vary, so it is advisable for international students to do their research and apply for the scholarships that best suit their needs and qualifications. By securing a scholarship, international students can enjoy the benefits of studying in the USA without worrying about the financial burden.