20 Fellowships in the USA for Graduate International Students – Open Every Year

There are different fellowships available in the United States for international students. This is to help them reduce the cost of education, especially for post-graduate studies. It is a generally known fact that although education is important, it is also expensive. Quality education is even more expensive. Unfortunately, many people are unable to afford the cost of education and it pushes them to settle for less, especially if they are unaware of the various ways that they can receive funding to help subsidize the cost of their education. In this article, we’ll explore 30 different fellowship programs available in the U.S. and the steps you should take to apply for them. 

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What are fellowships?

According to the US News and World Report, fellowships exist to reduce the cost of education for postgraduate students.  It is a form of funding awarded to a student to help reduce the cost of education in their academic pursuit.  Although fellowships are also most applicable in a post-graduate setting, undergraduate schools often employ the term too.

Additionally, organizations can offer scholarships to students whole fellowships are solely offered by colleges, universities, government agencies, and foundations. 

Also, it is important to note that a fellowship is different from an assistantship and a scholarship. 

While a fellowship is mostly applied to postgraduate education, it is typically merit-based and often provides multiple years of funding. Scholarship on the other hand can be need-based or merit-based, offered by the private sector, provides one year of funding, and is mostly applicable for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Assistantship however avails students the opportunity to take up professional responsibilities in exchange for educational funding.

Types of fellowships

There are different types of fellowships available to students to help them ease the cost of their education thereby making it more affordable. They include: 

Academic Fellowships

These types of fellowships are often streamlined in the academic areas. There are three types of academic fellowships and they include:

1. Graduate fellowships

This type of fellowship covers the cost related to the applicant’s graduate school expenses. Graduate fellowships will cover the tuition and sometimes it may include health insurance, the cost of academic conferences, and some amount of pocket money. It is open for Master’s and doctoral study for graduate students. 

2. Research Fellowships

Research fellowships exist to provide funding for research-related activities. It could be academic or clinical research and can be undertaken by an undergraduate, graduate, scholar, or scientist with a PhD. It is important to note that some of these research fellowships are targeted at professionals who want to practice. 

3. Postdoctoral fellowships

Postdoctoral fellowships are open to individuals who recently completed their Ph.D. but who want more time and resources to continue further research. It is often referred to as a “postdoc”. Some of the postdoc fellowships provide scholars the opportunity to dive deep into narrow academic disciplines to become experts. 

4. Medical fellowships

Medical fellowships are typically for medical practitioners who have completed a residency in their medical field. They are doctors who are seeking further training to be an expert or a master in a preferred medical specialty.

Professional Fellowships

Professional fellowships in the U.S. offer graduates the opportunity to develop themselves career-wise. They are synonymous with temporary full-time jobs that offer a certain amount with payment with other benefits attached while the professional gets to work in the organization. 

Additionally, it might also avail funding to enable the graduate to pursue a self-designed professional project, have the opportunity to attend conferences, and receive mentorship/coaching where necessary. They can come in different forms to include:

• Fellowships for early-career professionals and recent graduates who have up to 5 years of work experience. 
• Fellowships for mid-career and executive professionals for professionals with up to 10 years or more work experience. 
• Summer Fellowships are open to students or recent graduates and provide internship opportunities for them to contribute to their growth and experience. 

20 Fellowships in the USA for Graduate International Students

We have compiled a list of fellowship programs in the United States for international students. They are: 

1. University of Minnesota Fellowship

The University of Minnesota Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship for international students who want to pursue their master’s degree at the university

• Application deadline: December 15, 2023 
• Benefits offered: Fully funded 
• Duration: 2 years
• Eligibility: International students seeking to study at the University of Minnesota
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here

2. Google PhD fellowship program 

The Google PhD Fellowship is aimed at supporting graduates as they pursue their PhD and to connect them to a Google Research Mentor. This fellowship seeks to recognize outstanding students who are embarking on innovative and impact-driven research in the computer science field and other related areas. 

• Application date: March 2024
• Benefits offered: $30K which covers stipend and other research-related activities and travel expenses including overseas travel. 
• Duration: 3 years
• Eligibility: Graduate students from Africa
• Application criteria: Students must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program for the duration of the award.
• Google employees and their family members are not eligible
• Students who are already receiving support from a private company are not eligible.
• Past awardees from Australia and New Zealand, East Asia, India, and Southeast Asia are not eligible.

To know more about the requirements, click here.  

3. American Association of University Women International Fellowships

This fellowship is given to women who aren’t United States citizens or permanent residents. They are awarded for full-time studies or research programs. The AAUW will provide more than $6 million in funding to 285 fellows and grantees for the 2023-24 award year

• Application deadline: November 15
• Benefits offered: $20,000–$50,000
• Duration: – 
• Eligibility: The fellowship is open to women in all fields of study in an accredited institution for postdoctoral fellows research.
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

4. Fulbright Program for Non-US Students

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is open for students pursuing their doctoral degree or PhD in any university in the United States or other appropriate institutions. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a research program funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in New York.

• Application deadline: February 1 to June 1 
• Benefits offered: The grant covers airplane fees, allowance, monthly stipends, housing allowance, book and supplies allowance, computer allowance, and basic health insurance.
• Duration: – 
• Eligibility: it is open to Postgraduate students from eligible countries including Nigeria.
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

5.  Meta Fellowship Program

The Meta Fellowship Program is open to full-time PhD students (domestic and international) enrolled during the current academic year and studying computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, system architecture, or a related area

• Application deadline: September 20, 2023
• Benefits offered: The grant covers two years of paid tuition and fees, a $42,000 annual stipend to cover living costs, different opportunities to engage with Meta researchers, and an invitation to the annual Fellowship Summit. 
• Duration: 2 years
• Eligibility: It is open to PhD students at universities globally. 
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

6. Mandela Washington Fellowship

The Mandela Washington Fellowship seeks to bring about 700 young leaders across different African countries for a comprehensive executive-style program that aims at building their skills and empowering them to lead in their various fields and areas of expertise. 

• Application deadline: September 13, 2023
• Benefits offered: The fellowship gives its participants the opportunity to the following benefits;

• Participate in a 6-week leadership institute in the US
• Explore other industries
• Participate in a summit with other young African leaders
• Meet with U.S. Government, civic, and business leaders.
• Join the global alumni network

• Duration: unspecified 
• Eligibility: It is open to young leaders across Africa
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

7. Rotary Peace Fellowships

The Rotary Peace Fellowship seeks to sponsor 90 peace and development leaders from around the globe to pursue a Professional Development Certificate Program or master’s Degree Program related to peace and conflict resolution and prevention at one of the participating peace centers around the world (USA, Japan, UK, Australia, Sweden, Uganda)

• Application deadline: 15 May 2023 (annual)
• Benefits offered: The fellowship covers tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses.
• Duration: unspecified 
• Eligibility: It is open to young professionals who have work experience in international development or peace and conflict prevention and resolution.
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

8. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is for international students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the US and are dedicated to positive civic and social change.

• Application deadline: 15 Dec 2023/15 Jan 2024 (annual)
• Benefits offered: The scholarship covers (full tuition, room and board). The scholarship does not cover non-billable expenses such as mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, and miscellaneous expenses (approximately U.S. $4,000). It is renewable for a total of four years of undergraduate study, based on continued satisfactory academic performance.
• Duration: 1 year (renewable) 
• Eligibility: It is open to international students
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

9. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is open to emerging leaders globally and guides them to collaborate, innovate, and communicate as they prepare to address the complex challenges facing society. 

• Application deadline: 11 Oct 2023 (Annual)
• Benefits offered: The fellowship covers tuition. Living stipend, air flight ticket fee, and relocation stipend among other benefits.
• Duration: 3 years
• Eligibility: It is open to young professionals globally
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

10. Hubert Humphrey Fellowships 

The Humphrey Fellowship Program is targeted at experienced professionals who have an interest in strengthening their leadership skills through the mutual exchange of knowledge and understanding about issues that are of common concern in the US and their home countries. 

• Application deadline: before 1 Oct (annual)
• Benefits offered: The fellowship covers tuition, allowance, one-time settling-in allowance, accident coverage, book allowance, and others. 
• Duration:-
• Eligibility: It is open to young professionals in Africa, South and Central Asia, Europe, and the Western Hemisphere
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

11. Illinois Wesleyan University International Students Scholarships

Illinois Wesleyan University International Students Scholarships is open to students who are applying to enter the first-year bachelor’s program offered by the University. In addition to the merit scholarship, students may be eligible for IWU-funded scholarships, loans, and campus employment opportunities.

• Application deadline: 15 March (Annual)
• Benefits offered: The fellowship covers full tuition and other benefits
• Duration:1 year (renewable for up to 4 years)
• Eligibility: Open to international students who are highly intelligent
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

12. Iowa State University of Science and Technology Scholarships

Iowa State University of Science and Technology International Students  Scholarships is open to students who are applying to enter the first-year bachelor’s program offered by the University. Selection is based on a holistic review of the SAT or ACT scores and high school grades. Students must complete the OneApp scholarship application to be considered for the award.

• Application deadline: Sep. 19, 2023 – Feb 8, 2024
• Benefits offered: $16,000 to $40,000
• Duration:8 semesters or up till the completion of their degree
• Eligibility: Open to international students who are highly intelligent in their first-year
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

13. University Of California Berkeley African Legal Impact Scholarship 

The University Of California Berkeley African Legal Impact Scholarship is developed to encourage African students who are interested in studying at the University of California, Berkeley.

• Application deadline: 1st Nov to 18th Dec
• Benefits offered: Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition. Recipients will however take care of travel expenses and living expenses. 
• Duration: 1 year
• Eligibility: Open to students from African countries
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

14. PEO International Peace Scholarships

Members of P.E.O. believe that education is fundamental to world peace and understanding. The scholarship is based upon demonstrated need; however, the award is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses.

• Application deadline: 15 December, 2023 (annual)
• Benefits offered: Maximum of $12,500
• Duration: –
• Eligibility: Open to international students
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

15. ICSP Scholarships

This scholarship is open to students who apply for the International Cultural Service Program based on merit. The ICSP scholarship has a cultural service component that requires students to give presentations about their home country to children, community organizations, and UO students, faculty, and staff.

• Application deadline: 15 January 2023 (annual)
• Benefits offered: The scholarship covers the tuition cost
• Duration: –
• Eligibility: International students facing financial constraints
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

16. Berea College Scholarships for International Students

Students in this college receive full-tuition scholarships to international students in the first year of enrollment. The inclusion of financial aid further removes the costs of room, board, and other fees. 

• Application deadline: 15th Oct-15th Jan(annual)
• Benefits offered: The scholarship covers the tuition cost
• Duration: –
• Eligibility: International students who want a bachelor’s degree from the university
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here.  

17. Yale University Scholarships

Yale University Scholarships is open to undergraduate and graduate students who want to study at Yale University. It is a fully-funded scholarship that is worth as much as $70,000 for the need-based scholarship. 

• Application deadline: 15 Dec 2023(annual)
• Benefits offered: 100% fully funded
• Duration: –
• Eligibility: International students seeking to study at Yale University
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here. 

18. Clark University Scholarships 

Clark University Scholarships for international students cover $15,000 to $25,000 per year for four years, contingent upon meeting academic standards for renewal. It is for students who want to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at the university

• Application deadline: November 15, 2023 / January 1, 2024
• Benefits offered: 100% fully funded
• Duration: 4 years
• Eligibility: International students seeking to study at Clark University
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here. 

19. Naed/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship

The NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship is a fellowship in the U.S. for international students that offers them the opportunity to embark on research in the areas relevant to improving their education. It is a highly competitive fellowship that aims to identify talented researchers who are conducting education-related research. 

• Benefits offered: $27,500 fellowship stipend for one academic year and access to 2 professional development retreats led by senior scholars
• Application date: currently closed 
• Duration: 1 year
• Eligibility: program is open to all applicants regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

The application is currently closed but to know more about the requirements, click this link.

20. ACI Foundation Scholarship

The ACI Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship offered to undergraduate and graduate students. It provides $10,000 to $15,000 for tuition, books, materials, and other fees. Additionally, ACI is a non-profit establishment set up by the American Concrete Institute to support advancement, innovation, and cooperation. 

• Application deadline: November 1, 2023 
• Benefits offered: $10,000 to $15,000
• Duration: 1 year (renewable)
• Eligibility: International students
• Application criteria:  To know more about the requirements, click here

Start with us

Do you desire to start a career in STEM? The first thing is to pursue a degree in STEM. Wondering how to go about pursuing a postgraduate degree in STEM courses abroad? We can guide you through your journey and make your dreams come true. Reach out to us at EdXtra to access opportunities that will help you on your journey. 

Enrolling in the top universities in the world can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to study abroad due to the current economic crisis. But this shouldn’t limit you as there are other options you can explore to enhance your career. 

MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require any cosigner or collateral before application. At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process. We also provide educational consultancy services for international students to help make your journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey. 

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