We all want to study in the world’s best universities. But life does not favour us all to get into most of them.
But you don’t have to think about it if you have a good GPA and can pass the criteria smoothly, because many universities are looking up to having you. If you are valuable, they don’t want to let you go. So, all you need to do is prove yourself.
Just know where to look and how to narrow down the best scholarships for you or your fellow students.
If you don’t know where to look for the best US undergraduate scholarships, we are here to help.
International students can apply for several fully funded scholarships in the United States of America.
How to find the best US scholarships for undergraduates
Studying abroad and especially in a country like the US is something we all look forward to. However, many of us get stuck on the first phase, which is to find the right scholarships. Now, where to look for the open scholarships? Here are some of the ways you can find the list of scholarships offered by many institutes in the USA:
- Free resources
There are various websites available online, such as US News. This is one of the websites, that offers a huge database of available scholarships. Use this scholarship finder and you can land to best options as you need.
- University Websites
Universities like Boston and Yale also post online about their programs. You can visit the websites and directly reach out to officials for further information.
- Get in touch with your alumni
You can get in touch with your local alumni for such scholarships. Look online on linkedin to connect with people. Ask your teachers or other people who can provide you all the information you need for the available scholarships.
- Look for country-specific scholarships
Look for country-specific scholarships, probably mentioned on your government’s official pages. For example, for Pakistani students, there is a Fulbright scholarship to study in the US. They provide you with complete assistance and also help you calculate the fee and the value of the scholarship you can get based on your previous record.
Merit-Based vs. Need-Based Scholarships and Eligibility Criteria: What’s the Difference?
The scholarships for international students in the U.S. are divided into two main types:
- Merit-based Scholarships
- Need-based Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships 2025:
These are given to students who have done really well in school or in other activities like sports, leadership, or the arts. These scholarships are meant to reward students for their hard work and talent, not based on how much money they have.
Eligibility criteria:
To get a merit-based scholarship, students usually need good grades (a high GPA), high scores on exams like the SAT, ACT, or GRE, Strong recommendation letters from teachers or mentors, and extra achievements, like leading a school club, winning competitions, or creating great artwork.
- Need-based scholarships
need-based scholarship grants for students that are who don’t have enough money to pay for college. The goal is to help smart and hardworking students go to school, even if their families can’t afford it. These scholarships can cover part or all of the expenses of the students.
Eligibility criteria:
The students usually have to show proof of their financial condition. This might include documents like their family’s income, bank statements, and tax returns. In some countries, students may also need to fill out special forms.
Sometimes, the students need to reapply every year in order to keep receiving the scholarship.
Students are offered scholarships by the government, while others are provided by colleges and private institutions.
Scholarship Application Tips to Win It
Scholarship application tips start by looking at the deadline: Is it due next week? Next year?
It all depends on how a student can complete it on the last day and focus on other scholarships.
- How to write a winning scholarship essay:
Start by researching the organisation and scholarship, as it varies. Make sure to write your essay in a specific manner.
- How to build a strong application:
Make sure to add all the required material, which includes transcripts and a letter of recommendation. Also include a resume or portfolio, which will highlight who you are. Proofread your application to avoid errors.
- How to follow up on scholarship applications:
Reach out to the scholarship provider to track your application status through the website or either email. Consider sending a thank-you note to the scholarship provider after you are done with the process.
How to get fully funded scholarships in America
When we first met the Study USA team, we were overjoyed to learn about this, because everyone’s biggest dream for many years was finally going to become true. The team explained to me how to apply and everything about it.
- Application process
When you start the application, the site has complete guidance, and it makes it very easy for me to apply. The application asks many questions regarding your field. Try to be as honest as possible in the application.
- Visas, Documentation, and Expenses
To get this, you have to get some documentation from college or any other institution where you were studying before. This whole thing would be very time-consuming and confusing, it guides you step by step and makes everything easy for you.
Every college has its expenses, depending on your tuition, and some colleges also include health insurance, which differs for different colleges.
- Interview and results
After applying for all the required information, after a few weeks, you will receive an email saying that you have been invited to an interview. They take the interview face-to-face, and after finishing the interview, they give you a date and time for the results.
Top Undergraduate Scholarships in the USA
Want to know some of the best scholarships in the USA? Here are the top 3:
- IAPD Scholarship
Candidates are selected on the basis of their extracurricular activities and academic history. A GPA of at least 3.5 is required of candidates.
In addition to completing the online application, candidates must send in a current, unofficial transcript and a 500-word essay. The school, not the student, will receive payment for all scholarships.
Who is Eligible?
Students who are enrolled in a professional sales program (major, minor, or concentration), work for an IAPD member company, or are the child of an IAPD member company employee.
The maximum amount is $5,000.
- MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship.
To address educational inequality and support women in STEM, MPOWER Financing established this STEM scholarship for DACA and international students. Your scholarship money will be sent straight to your university if you are eligible.
Who is eligible?
Students who have been accepted or enrolled in a full-time degree program at a U.S. or Canadian institution funded by MPOWER. You must be legally permitted to study in Canada or the United States.
The total amount is $1,000 and $6,000.
- Yale University scholarship USA
For international students, the Yale University Scholarship offers full funding. Undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students are eligible for this scholarship, which ranges in value from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 annually; the average
The total amount of the Yale need-based scholarship is $50,000.
Conclusion
Getting undergraduate education scholarships is about more than just saving money; it’s about opening doors, making connections around the world, and becoming a part of a movement of changemakers.
There is a path out there waiting for you, regardless of whether you choose to apply for a fully funded government fellowship, a need-based grant, or a merit-based award.
