Travel_abroadStudying in America can feel out of reach. Tuition, rent, health insurance, books—it adds up fast. But here’s the truth: there are grants for international students in USA that cover those costs. These aren’t loans. You don’t pay them back. They’re real grants and fellowships funded by the U.S. government and global organizations.
In this guide, you’ll find the top U.S. grants for international students in 2025, who’s eligible, what they cover, and the exact steps to apply.
Comparison Table: Grants for International Students in USA (2025)
| Grant / Fellowship | Level of Study | Coverage | Best For | Deadline (Typical) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Master’s / PhD | Tuition, living stipend, travel, health insurance | Graduate students from 160+ countries | Varies by country (usually Feb–Oct) | Apply |
| Humphrey Fellowship Program | Professional (Non-degree) | Tuition, living stipend, travel, insurance | Mid-career professionals with 5+ yrs experience | Oct annually (via U.S. embassies) | Apply |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Master’s / PhD / Postdoc | $20,000–$50,000 grants | Women from outside the U.S. | Nov annually | Apply |
| P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) | Graduate | Up to $12,500 annually | Women pursuing graduate study in U.S./Canada | Dec–Mar annually | Apply |
| Rotary Peace Fellowship | Master’s | Tuition, housing, travel, internship expenses | Professionals in peace/conflict/development | May annually | Apply |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Programme | Master’s / PhD | 50% grant + 50% loan for tuition/living | Outstanding students from developing countries | March annually | Apply |
Top Grants for International Students in USA (2025)
Here’s the factual list of grants—not scholarships, not discounts—actual grants and fellowships international students can apply for.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The most recognized U.S. government grant for international students.
- Institution: U.S. universities (via Fulbright Commission in each country)
- Study in: United States
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
- Covers: Tuition, living stipend, airfare, health insurance
👉 Click here for application process
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
A non-degree grant for mid-career professionals to boost leadership and professional skills.
- Institution: Designated U.S. universities
- Study in: United States
- Level of Study: Professional Fellowship (non-degree)
- Covers: Tuition/fees, living stipend, travel, health insurance
👉 Click here for details
3. AAUW International Fellowships (for Women)
Grants that support women worldwide to study in the U.S.
- Institution: U.S. universities
- Study in: United States
- Level of Study: Master’s / Doctoral / Postdoctoral
- Covers: Tuition + living ($20,000–$50,000 depending on level)
👉 Click here for details
4. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS)
Partial grant for women outside the U.S. and Canada to pursue graduate studies.
- Institution: U.S. & Canadian universities
- Study in: United States / Canada
- Level of Study: Graduate
- Covers: Up to $12,500 annually toward tuition/living costs
👉 Click here for details
5. Rotary Peace Fellowship
A fully funded fellowship grant for international students pursuing peace and conflict resolution degrees.
- Institution: Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (U.S.), plus others worldwide
- Study in: United States
- Level of Study: Master’s
- Covers: Tuition, accommodation, airfare, internship costs
👉 Click here for details
6. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
A competitive program offering 50% grant + 50% loan for students from developing countries.
- Institution: U.S. universities (and select institutions globally)
- Study in: United States
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
- Covers: Tuition + living (50% non-repayable grant)
👉 Click here for details
Requirements for Nigerians Applying for U.S. Grants
If you’re applying from Nigeria, here’s what you must prepare:
| Requirement | What It Means for Nigerians |
|---|---|
| Degree | For Master’s: at least Second Class Upper (2:1). Some accept 2:2 with strong work or leadership experience. |
| Transcripts | Request early—Nigerian universities often delay processing. |
| WAEC/NECO | Needed for undergrad applicants; for graduate-level grants, your Bachelor’s is the main requirement. |
| IELTS/TOEFL | Required by most U.S. universities, unless waived with an English Proficiency Letter. |
| Work/Leadership Experience | Essential for Humphrey, Fulbright, Rotary. |
| Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) | Often required for visa processing. |
| Passport | Must be valid for at least 18–24 months. |
Action Tip : Register for IELTS/TOEFL early (slots in Lagos/Abuja fill up fast) and start transcript requests 6 months ahead of deadlines.
Got your documents? Good. Now here’s the exact roadmap to move from ‘interested’ to ‘accepted.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for U.S. Grants (2026)
Here’s how to move from “interested” to “accepted.”
- Identify the Right Grant
- Fulbright = degrees.
- Humphrey = non-degree professionals.
- AAUW = women.
- Rotary = peace/conflict.
- Aga Khan = developing countries.
- Check Eligibility
- Degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.).
- Work experience (often 2–5 years).
- Language requirement (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Prepare Documents
- Transcripts, certificates, IELTS/TOEFL results.
- CV (academic or professional).
- Personal statement/essays.
- Recommendation letters (2–3).
- Passport + PCC.
- Apply Online
- Use official portals (never agents).
- Upload PDFs under 2MB.
- Submit before deadline.
- Prepare for Interviews
- Many grants shortlist candidates for interviews.
- Be ready to discuss leadership, community impact, and future plans.
- Wait for Selection
- Fulbright results: usually 6–9 months.
- AAUW & P.E.O.: ~6 months.
- Rotary & Humphrey: varies by country.
Actionable Tips to Win a U.S. Grant
- Apply Early: Deadlines close a year in advance. For 2025 intake, most deadlines are in 2024.
- Apply for Multiple Grants: Don’t rely on one. Combine Fulbright, AAUW, Rotary.
- Polish Your Essays: Use STAR Method (Situation → Task → Action → Result). Show leadership and community impact.
- Get Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who can speak about your achievements, not just attendance.
- Join Alumni Groups: Fulbright Nigeria Alumni or AAUW forums provide essay tips and mock interview practice.
You probably have the same burning questions every other applicant asks—let’s clear them up now.
FAQs About Grants for International Students in USA
1. Can Nigerians apply for Fulbright and other U.S. grants?
Yes. Nigerians are among the largest awardees in Fulbright and Rotary.
2. Do I need IELTS/TOEFL for grants?
Usually yes, unless your Nigerian university issues an English Proficiency Certificate and the program accepts it.
3. Can undergraduates apply for these grants?
Most are for Master’s/PhD. Exceptions: P.E.O. supports graduate women; Berea College (not a grant, but full funding) covers undergrads.
4. Do these grants cover living expenses?
Yes. Fulbright, Rotary, and AAUW cover both tuition and living stipends.
5. Can I apply for more than one grant at once?
Yes—and you should. Many students apply for Fulbright + Rotary + AAUW simultaneously.
So there you have it—the programs, the requirements, the process, and the hacks. The only question left: are you going to apply?
Conclusion
The cost of U.S. education is high—but grants for international students in USA can erase that barrier. With programs like Fulbright, Humphrey, AAUW, P.E.O., Rotary, and Aga Khan, you can study or train in the U.S. with tuition, stipends, and travel fully covered.
Your action steps today:
- Pick the grants that fit your profile.
- Gather documents early (transcripts, IELTS, references).
- Apply directly via official portals before deadlines.
A grant doesn’t just pay your bills—it puts you in a network of global leaders.
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