Top Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in USA for International Students

So, you’ve got your sights set on earning a PhD in the USA — exciting, right? But then reality hits: tuition, research costs, living expenses, and a whole lot more. The good news? You don’t have to shoulder it all alone. The U.S. offers some amazing fully funded PhD scholarships that can cover everything from tuition fees and monthly stipends to research support and health insurance.

In this guide, we’re diving into some of the top scholarships in USA for international students that don’t just offer funding — they open doors. Whether you’re aiming for a globally renowned program like Fulbright, a women-exclusive fellowship like AAUW, or something more specialized like the Hertz or IBM PhD Fellowships, we’ve got it all covered here. Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s explore your options!

Prestigious and Widely Known Scholarships in USA

Let’s face it — getting into a top PhD program in the U.S. is a huge accomplishment in itself. But scoring a fully funded scholarship from a globally recognized program? That’s a total game-changer. This category includes some of the most competitive and prestigious PhD scholarships in the USA for international students. What makes them stand out? First, the financial coverage is incredibly generous — we’re talking full tuition, monthly stipends, airfare, health insurance, and often extra support for research, conferences, or even housing. Second, they’re often tied to top-tier institutions and research bodies across the U.S., so the credibility and exposure you gain are unmatched. Below are some prestigious and widely known scholarships in USA: 

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

If you’re dreaming of doing your PhD in the USA without worrying about tuition, living expenses, or even research costs, then the Fulbright Foreign Student Program might just be your golden ticket. Run by the U.S. Department of State, this program supports bright international students like you from over 160 countries. So what do you get? A lot, honestly.  

The scholarship covers your full tuition, gives you a monthly stipend (somewhere between $1,000 to $2,500, depending on where you live in the U.S.), pays for your round-trip airfare, health insurance, and even throws in support for research and conferences. Each year, about 4,000 students around the world win this scholarship. Following are the key details of Fulbright Foreign Student Program: 

AAUW International Fellowships

AAUW International Fellowships, offered by the American Association of University Women, this scholarship is exclusively for women from around the world.  What makes this fellowship so special? First off, it’s one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarship programs for women globally, running since 1917.  

The fellowship provides up to $50,000 per year for PhD-level studies — which can go a long way in covering tuition, housing, books, research expenses, and even childcare if needed. Even better? You don’t need to be from a specific academic background. Whether you’re working on tech, arts, economics, or science, all disciplines are welcome. Following are the AAUW International Fellowships: 

Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship

Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship is prestigious and super-selective fellowship built for PhD students in applied physical, biological, and engineering sciences. Here’s the exciting part — this isn’t your average scholarship. The Hertz Fellowship fully covers your tuition and gives you a personal stipend of up to $38,000 per year. That means you can study at top U.S. research universities without stressing about fees or rent.  

The support continues for up to five years, which is rare and incredibly valuable in a PhD program. The Foundation even gives you the flexibility to combine the fellowship with other awards (like NSF or NDSEG), so you’re in control of your academic journey. Below are the key details of Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship: 

IBM PhD Fellowship Award Program

The IBM PhD Fellowship Award Program is designed just for top-performing PhD students who are working in computer science and related fields. Whether your thing is AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, or cloud computing, IBM is ready to back your potential. The fellowship includes full tuition and fees for two years, along with a generous living stipend.  

But the real cherry on top? You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with IBM’s world-class research team. What sets IBM apart is how closely it aligns with what’s actually happening in tech today. Their fellowship isn’t just about writing papers — it’s about making breakthroughs that change industries. Below are the key details of IBM PhD Fellowship Award Program: 

Other Notable PhD Scholarships in USA

Now, while the big names like Fulbright and AAUW often steal the spotlight, there’s a whole world of other fully funded scholarships that are just as powerful — especially if you’re looking for support based on your background, goals, or area of research. 

These scholarships may not always make the headline lists, but trust us — they’re incredible opportunities, especially for students from developing countries, underrepresented communities, or those researching niche or socially impactful fields. Below are the key details of other notable PhD scholarships in USA.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

If you’re from a developing country and dreaming of a world-class PhD in the USA — but funding feels like a roadblock — the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship is for you. Here’s how it works: this program covers tuition and living expenses for bright students who have no other means to finance their education. But there’s a twist — the scholarship is structured as 50% grant and 50% loan, which means part of the amount is repayable (but at a super low interest rate, and often with very flexible terms). Following are the key details of Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: 

Campbell Fellowships for Transformative Research

Campbell Fellowship offered by the School for Advanced Research (SAR), this fellowship is specifically designed to support female scholars from developing countries who are researching women’s roles, challenges, and progress in their communities. Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend, free housing, and access to world-class academic resources and libraries — all while living and working in an intellectually vibrant setting in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The fellowship lasts up to nine months, giving you dedicated time to focus on your research, collaborate with peers, and publish your work. Following are the key details of Campbell Fellowships for Transformative Research: 

Texas A&M Hertz Fellowship

Texas A&M Hertz Fellowship is the university’s own version of the nationally recognized Hertz support system, and it’s built for PhD students in science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines. What makes this program awesome? For starters, it comes with full tuition coverage — no surprise bills or hidden lab fees. On top of that, recipients get a generous annual stipend, exclusive access to research labs, and dedicated mentorship from faculty and experts who genuinely care about your growth. Following are the key details of Texas A&M Hertz Fellowship: 

Conclusion

And there you have it — a complete list of some of the most powerful fully funded PhD scholarships in the USA for international students. These programs aren’t just about the money (though, let’s admit, that helps a lot!). They’re about backing brilliant minds, supporting global talent, and helping students like you thrive at some of the best universities in the world. Need help with housing, scholarship advice, or just planning your big move? Reach out to University Living today — we’re here to make your study abroad dream smooth, secure, and totally stress-free. 

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