In this post, we tell you about the full ride scholarships for international students that are available in the U.S and other countries. These scholarships cover your tuition and living expenses for your entire stay in the country.
What Is Full Ride Scholarship?
A full ride scholarship is a scholarship that covers all of the costs of attendance, including tuition, room, and board at a particular school or program. The U.S. government and many private organizations offer full-ride scholarships for international students. These scholarships are usually awarded to international students who have excellent academic records and demonstrate strong financial needs.
Full-ride scholarships are very competitive. To be considered for one of these scholarships, you will need to have excellent grades and test scores. You should also have extracurricular activities and leadership experience.
What Are Fully Funded Scholarships?
Fully funded scholarships are scholarships that completely cover the cost of education of the applicant. The amount of funding is more than sufficient to cover costs of tuition, room and board, books, and other related expenses.
Is There a Difference Between Full Ride and Fully Funded Scholarships?
No! Both phrases are used interchangeably to refer to a scholarship that covers the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies and equipment, travel, etc.).
The main difference between these two phrases is the perception of the student and the applicant.
A student who is offered a full-ride scholarship often thinks that their financial burden of attending college is taken care of. They may not realize that they still need to pay for other expenses such as transportation, entertainment, and personal expenses. Receiving a fully-funded scholarship means that the student knows that a scholarship is not a substitute for working and is perfectly fine with covering the remaining costs themselves.
Full Ride Scholarships for International Students
The U.S. government and many private organizations offer full-ride scholarships for international students. These scholarships are merit-based, awarded to students with excellent academic records.
There are also need-based scholarships available. These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
If you are looking to study abroad, but do not have the funds to cover the entire cost of a degree, then a full-ride scholarship might be the perfect option for you. A full ride scholarship can be a great way to study in another country without worrying about how you will pay for your education. Full ride scholarships are typically available to international students with good grades, a high GPA, and strong test scores.
Top 15 Full Ride Scholarships for International Students
1. Stamps Scholarships
Stamp Scholars is a scholarship program run by The American Association of University Professors. They are dedicated to supporting and helping students with their educational expenses.
To be considered for this scholarship, you must apply to a partner college of the Stamps Scholarship, which will result in automatic consideration. This full-ride scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate either leadership qualities or potential for leadership.
This scholarship covers tuition and fees, room and board, and a $10,000 enrichment fund for junior and senior school years for students who demonstrate leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service, and innovation.
2. Johnson Scholarship
Johnson Scholarship provide a financial benefit compared to any ordinary scholarship, especially when you consider that this type of funding lasts four years. The scholarship also includes a $7,000 stipend for summer activities, such as internships, volunteer activities, and research projects.
Suppose you are chosen as a finalist in the Johnson Scholarship competition. In that case, you will be provided all the financial aid that you need to go to graduate school at Washington and Lee University. So, your plane ticket and expenses for food and lodging will be taken care of while studying there.
3. Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is a two-year scholarship that provides full-tuition, room and board, and a stipend for books and other expenses to selected students. The program is designed to develop leaders who will make a difference in the world.
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a high school senior or a student transferring from another college. You must also demonstrate leadership potential and be committed to community service and public service.
4. Morehead-Cain Scholarship
Full ride scholarships are very important and helpful to students who want to go to college but do not have the means to do so. The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is a full ride scholarship covering all expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States.
The deadline for the 2022 Morehead-Cain Scholarship is October 15, 2021. If you are an international student and meet the eligibility requirements, I encourage you to apply for this scholarship. It could be the opportunity of a lifetime!
5. Cunniffe Presidential Scholarship
The Cunniffe Presidential Scholarship is a full ride scholarship for international students that provides $20,000 over four years. This scholarship is available to high school seniors planning on attending an accredited college or university in the United States.
The Cunniffe Presidential Scholarship is renewable for up to four years, and recipients may receive additional funding for study abroad opportunities. In order to be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be involved in extracurricular activities.
The Cunniffe Presidential Scholarship is one of the most generous scholarships available to international students. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and community involvement. Applicants must submit an application form and essay to be eligible for the scholarship.
6. Alfond Scholars Program
The Alfond Scholars Program provides full ride scholarships for international students to attend colleges and universities in the United States. The program was established in 2020 by the late Harold Alfond, a philanthropist, and successful businessman.
The scholarships are worth up to $68,000 per year, and they cover the cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses. The program is open to students from any country, and it is need-based. In order to be eligible, students must submit an application that includes essays and letters of recommendation. The application deadline is March 1.
Alfond Scholarships are life-changing opportunities for international students who want to pursue higher education in the United States. These scholarships will provide recipients with financial support.
7. Banneker/Key Scholarship
The Banneker/Key Scholarship is a full ride scholarship for international students worth $12,000. The scholarship is open to students from any country who are enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States.
The scholarship is renewable for up to four years of study, and recipients can use the funds to cover tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses.
The Banneker/Key Scholarship was established in 2006 by the Banneker Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes educational opportunities for young people of color. Applications for the scholarship are due by April 1 each year.
8. Wells Scholar Program
The Wells Scholar Program at Indiana University Bloomington provides full tuition and a $25,000 stipend to many high-achieving international students.
Scholars also receive support for housing, travel, and other expenses. The program is named for the late Indiana University president Herman B Wells, who was a strong advocate for international education.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, and personal character. Recipients must be enrolled full-time at I.U. Bloomington and maintain a 3.5 GPA in order to remain in the program.
The Wells Scholar Program is an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue their studies at one of the world’s leading research universities.
9. Belk Scholarship
As an international student, the Belk Scholarship is a great way to finance your education. The scholarship provides two $3,000 stipends that can be used for tuition, room and board, books, and other education-related expenses.
In addition to financial assistance, the Belk Scholarship also provides access to a network of resources and support services. These services include academic advising, career counseling, and social and cultural programming.
If you are an international student who is interested in pursuing a college education in the United States, the Belk Scholarship is an excellent option to consider.
10. Park Scholarships
The Park Scholarships program at North Carolina State University awards $15000 scholarships to outstanding international students every year.
The scholarships are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, and they cover the cost of tuition, room, board, books, and other expenses. In addition to financial support, Park Scholars receive mentorship from faculty members, opportunities to engage in leadership development activities, and access to a worldwide network of alumni.
The Park Scholarships program is highly competitive, and it is open to students from all countries who meet the eligibility requirements. If you are an international student with a strong academic record and a commitment to service, you should definitely consider applying for this prestigious scholarship.
11. Richmond Scholars Program
The Richmond Scholars Program offers full ride scholarships to international students admitted to the University of Richmond. The scholarships cover tuition, room and board, and other fees for four years of study.
The Richmond Scholars Program is one of the most generous scholarship programs available to international students. It provides an excellent opportunity for students worldwide to receive a top-quality education.
In addition, the scholarships provide $181,000 over four years to help cover the cost of books, travel, and other expenses.
12. Jefferson Scholarships
The Jefferson Scholarship is a full ride scholarship for international students worth $71,000. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study and covers the cost of tuition, room, and board, books, and fees. It also provides a stipend for living expenses and travel.
The scholarship is open to students from any country who are entering their first year of college. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must submit an essay, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
The Jefferson Scholarship is highly competitive, and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. For more information about the Jefferson Scholarship, visit the Institute of International Education website.
13. Ingram Scholarship Program
The Ingram Scholarship Program provides full ride scholarships for international students attending Vanderbilt University.
The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, room, and board and a $5,000 stipend for living expenses. The program is open to students from any country who meet the academic and English Language requirements.
The deadline to apply for the Ingram Scholarship Program is March 1.
To be eligible, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit a 500-word essay describing their personal and academic goals. For more information, please visit the Vanderbilt University website.
14. Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship
The Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship for international students that provides full tuition, room, board, and a stipend for travel and other expenses.
The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and show great promise for leadership and success in their chosen field.
The scholarship was established in 2007 by the Cornelius Vanderbilt Foundation and has since helped hundreds of international students pursue their dreams of getting a top-notch education.
The Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship is just one of many full-ride scholarships available to international students, making it easier than ever to get the education they need to succeed.
15. John B. Ervin Scholars Program
The John B. Ervin Scholars Program offers full ride scholarships for international students. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, room and board, and a $2,500 stipend for books and supplies.
The program is open to undergraduates enrolled in an accredited four-year institution in the United States. International students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrate financial need. The deadline for the scholarship is March 1.
16. Emory Scholars Program
The Emory Scholars Program awards $2,000 scholarships to a select number of international students each year. The program is designed to provide full financial support for four years of undergraduate study.
In addition to the scholarship, Emory Scholars also receive priority consideration for on-campus housing and are eligible to participate in a number of enrichment programs.
The program is highly competitive, and only a small percentage of applicants are selected each year. However, those who are chosen have the opportunity to receive a world-class education at one of the top universities in the United States.
17. DAAD Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers full ride scholarship recipients each year. Not only does the German Academic Exchange Service covers tuition, but they also throw in 850 euros for living expenses. Furthermore, that is just for one person. If you bring a family with you, they will take care of them.
So if you are looking for a fully-funded scholarship to study in Germany, the DAAD Scholarships are worth considering.
With 850 euros in your pocket each month, you will be able to cover your rent, food, and other living expenses with ease. Moreover, best of all, you will be able to focus on your studies without worrying about financial burdens.
18. Chevening Scholarship
Sponsored by the British government, the Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious award that provides full financial support for one academic year of study in any discipline at any U.K. university.
The scholarship is available to citizens of select countries worldwide and is awarded based on merit and potential.
For many international students, the Chevening Scholarship is the perfect way to finance their studies in the U.K. In addition to tuition and living expenses, the scholarship also provides additional funds for travel and other costs. Each year, over 1600 scholars are selected from more than 12000 applicants.
19. MEXT Scholarships
MEXT Scholarships are full ride scholarships for international students covering tuition, a monthly stipend of $1200, and travel costs. The Japanese government awarded the scholarships and are available for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral study.
In order to be eligible for a MEXT Scholarship, students must be enrolled in a Japanese university and have a strong academic record. The scholarships are highly competitive, and only a limited number of students are awarded the scholarships each year.
Students interested in applying for a MEXT Scholarship should contact their local Japanese embassy or consulate for more information.
20. Fulbright Scholarship
The Fulbright Scholarship is a full ride scholarship for international students covering tuition, room and board, books, and travel expenses. The scholarship is $2300 per month for up to 10 months. Fulbright Scholarships are available to students from all countries.
However, preference is given to students from developing countries. Students must be enrolled in a degree program at a U.S. university or college. They must also have a strong academic record and be proficient in English. The Fulbright Scholarship is an excellent way for international students to finance their education in the United States.
FAQs
How Can I Get Full Ride Scholarships?
Full ride scholarships are awarded on a highly competitive basis, so you need to be an outstanding student with excellent grades, test scores, and/or extracurricular activities. If you do not have these qualifications, it is unlikely that you will qualify for any scholarships.
How Do International Students Qualify to Get These Fully Ride Scholarships?
International students must have earned a high school diploma or equivalent and pass a standardized test in order to qualify for a fully ride scholarship.
The institutions that give full-tuition scholarships are always very selective. These scholarships are not given easily. The school will want to make sure you are a good fit for the institution. You need to match or even exceed the academic standards for admissions for U.S. colleges. Moreover, you need to be able to show that you have a good chance of succeeding.
Many universities also require students to submit an essay expressing their interest in attending the school and why they are the best candidate for the scholarship.
You will need a high score on English proficiency exams like TOEFL and IELTS to be eligible for scholarships and appropriate tests such as SAT/ACT for undergraduate students and GRE for graduate students.
How Many Universities in the United States Offer Full-Ride Scholarship Programs?
There is no easy answer when it comes to how many universities in the United States offer full-ride scholarship programs for international students. The truth is that it depends on many factors, including the university’s budget and the student’s academic and athletic achievements.
However, a few schools stand out as being particularly generous when it comes to providing full-ride scholarships. For example, Harvard University offers full-ride scholarships to all students who demonstrate financial need, and Princeton University provides full-tuition scholarships to all students, regardless of their financial situation.
Meanwhile, other schools, such as Yale University and Stanford University, offer a limited number of full-tuition scholarships each year. So while the exact number of universities that offer full-ride scholarships for international students varies, there are definitely a number of schools that provide this type of financial aid.
What Are the Minimum Requirements to Receive a Full-Ride Scholarship in the United States?
A full-ride scholarship covers the costs of tuition, room, and board, and books for a student’s entire undergraduate career. That means it is a pretty big deal.
So what are the minimum requirements to receive one of these coveted scholarships?
First and foremost, you will need to be an excellent student. Most full-ride scholarships are reserved for students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. You will also need to be involved in extracurricular activities, such as community service or leadership roles.
And finally, you will need to demonstrate financial need. If you meet all of these criteria, you will have a strong chance of receiving a full-ride scholarship to study in the United States.
What Kind of Schools Offer Full-Tuition Scholarships?
There are a few factors to consider when it comes to full-ride scholarships for international students. For one, the type of school you attend can play a role in whether or not you are eligible for a full-tuition scholarship.
Private colleges and universities are more likely to offer full-ride scholarships than public ones. Additionally, schools with large endowments are more likely to offer full-tuition scholarships.
Another factor to consider is your field of study. STEM majors tend to be more competitive when it comes to full-ride scholarships, as fewer scholarships are available overall.
However, there are still a significant number of full-ride scholarships available for non-STEM majors. The key is to research all of your options and apply to as many schools as possible.
Where Should You Look for a Full-Ride Scholarship?
There are a few key places to look for full-ride scholarships for international students. First, check with your home country’s educational ministry or embassy. They may have information on scholarships available to students from your country interested in studying abroad.
You can also search online databases such as the Fulbright Scholarship Program or the International Student Scholarships website.
Finally, reach out to the financial aid offices of the colleges or universities you are interested in attending. They may have information about scholarships that are specific to international students.
By doing your research and taking advantage of all the resources available to you, you will be sure to find a full-ride scholarship that will help you achieve your academic goals.
Conclusion
There are a number of colleges and universities in the United States that offer full-ride scholarships for international students. To be eligible for one of these scholarships, you will need to be an excellent student with a strong GPA.
You will also need to be involved in extracurricular activities and demonstrate financial needs. If you meet all of these criteria, you will have a strong chance of receiving a full-ride scholarship to study in the United States.