The United States offers a diverse array of scholarships, fellowships, and grants to support students, researchers, and professionals across various disciplines. Below is a list of major providers:
1. Fulbright Program: Scholarships and Opportunities
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is a flagship international educational exchange initiative sponsored by the U.S. government. It offers grants to individuals—students, scholars, and professionals—to undertake research, study, or teaching abroad, fostering mutual understanding between nations. The program operates in over 140 countries worldwide. Read More
2. Rhodes Scholarship Eligibility: Are You the Next Scholar?
The Rhodes Scholarship, founded in 1902, is among the most prestigious international scholarship programs. It enables outstanding students from around the world to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Each year, 32 scholars from the United States are selected based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to service. Read more
Established by the British government in 1953, the Marshall Scholarship finances young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom. Up to 50 scholars are selected annually based on academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential. Read more
4. Ultimate Guide to the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship was established in 2000. It offers full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. Read more
5. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Launched in 2016, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University aims to develop a community of future global leaders. It provides full funding for graduate study in any discipline at Stanford, along with leadership development and experiential learning opportunities. Read more
Commonly known as the “Genius Grant,” the MacArthur Fellows Program awards unrestricted fellowships to individuals who have shown exceptional creativity in their work and the promise for future contributions. Recipients are nominated anonymously and receive a substantial stipend to use as they see fit. Read more
7. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
The NSF GRFP supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Fellows receive a three-year annual stipend and educational allowance for tuition and fees, providing flexibility in choosing research topics and institutions. Read more
8. American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers International Fellowships for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. These fellowships support full-time graduate or postgraduate studies in the United States across various disciplines. Read more
9. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
This program provides mid-career professionals from designated countries with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills through a year of non-degree graduate-level study and professional development in the United States. Read more
10. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students from World Bank member countries to pursue development-related master’s programs at selected universities worldwide, including prominent U.S. institutions. Read more
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship supports 300 students, covering the full cost of attendance not already covered by other financial aid and expected family contributions. Read more
12. National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Approximately 7,500 finalists receive scholarships each year based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments. Read more
13. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors in the United States. Each year, 150 scholars are selected to receive a $20,000 scholarship. The program recognizes students for their leadership, service, and commitment to making a significant impact in their schools and communities. Read more
14. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
The Society of Women Engineers offers scholarships to support women pursuing careers in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science. In 2024, SWE disbursed approximately 290 new and renewed scholarships valued at over $1,200,000. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Read more
15. American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program
The ACS Scholars Program provides renewable scholarships to underrepresented minority students who want to enter chemistry or chemistry-related fields. Scholarships of up to $5,000 are awarded to qualified students, with the aim of building awareness of the value and rewards associated with careers in chemistry. Read more
16. United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships
UNCF is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. Each year, it awards more than $100 million in scholarships to students attending over 1,100 schools across the country, including its network of 37 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Read more
17. Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
The Horatio Alger Association offers one of the largest need-based college scholarship programs in the U.S., providing financial assistance to students who have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. Since 1984, the association has awarded more than $265 million in college scholarships to approximately 37,000 students. Read more
18. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarships
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation provides scholarships to high-achieving students with financial need. Its programs include the College Scholarship Program for high school seniors, the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship for community college students, and the Graduate Scholarship for those pursuing advanced degrees. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $175 million in scholarships to nearly 2,300 students. Read more
19. QuestBridge National College Match
QuestBridge is a national nonprofit organization that connects high-achieving, low-income students with leading colleges and universities. Through the National College Match program, students can receive full four-year scholarships to partner institutions. In 2024, a record number of 2,627 students were matched with colleges, receiving scholarships covering tuition, room, and board. Read more
20. National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA)
The NSPA is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to supporting scholarship and student support professionals. With over 600 organizational members, including some of the largest foundations and institutions in the nation, the NSPA cultivates and empowers the scholarship community with knowledge, skills, and resources. Read more
These organizations represent a selection of the major scholarship providers in the United States, each playing a pivotal role in supporting students’ educational journeys through financial assistance and programmatic support.
Scholarship & Career 