Pursuing a PhD in the United States is a significant academic and professional milestone, often providing access to cutting-edge research opportunities, global networking, and high-caliber education. However, the financial burden of PhD programs can be daunting, particularly for international students. Fortunately, many universities and organizations in the U.S. offer fully funded PhD scholarships to support talented individuals in their doctoral studies. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living stipends, and research expenses, alleviating financial concerns and allowing students to focus on their academic work.
In this article, we highlight the top 10 fully funded PhD scholarships in the USA, offering opportunities across various disciplines for both domestic and international students.
1. The Rhodes Scholarship
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Offered by: University of Oxford (with U.S. affiliates)
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Funding: Full tuition, living stipend, and travel expenses
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Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or citizens of other eligible countries
While the Rhodes Scholarship is most often associated with undergraduate and master’s level study, it also offers funding for certain PhD programs. This prestigious award allows students to study at the University of Oxford, one of the world’s most renowned institutions. The scholarship includes full coverage of tuition, a generous living stipend, and travel allowances. Students pursuing doctoral research at Oxford can benefit from the Rhodes Scholarship’s vast networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and academic excellence.
2. The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship
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Offered by: National Science Foundation (NSF)
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Funding: $34,000 per year (up to 3 years) plus full tuition
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Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) provides funding for graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. PhD candidates in these disciplines are eligible to apply for a fully funded fellowship that offers a $34,000 annual stipend, tuition support, and a $12,000 cost-of-education allowance. This fellowship is especially valuable for students pursuing research in fields such as physics, chemistry, engineering, and computer science.
3. The Ford Foundation Fellowship Program
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Offered by: The Ford Foundation
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Funding: Full tuition, stipend for living expenses, and travel expenses
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Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents
The Ford Foundation Fellowship is designed to increase the diversity of the nation’s faculty by supporting students from underrepresented groups in academia. This fellowship is available to students pursuing PhDs in a wide range of fields, including the social sciences, humanities, and engineering. It provides full tuition, a generous stipend, and other expenses, such as travel costs. The Ford Foundation Fellowship also offers an opportunity for professional development and networking within academia.
4. The Truman Scholarship
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Offered by: The Harry S. Truman Foundation
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Funding: Full tuition, fees, and living expenses
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Eligibility: U.S. citizens with a career goal in public service
The Truman Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships for U.S. students planning to pursue graduate studies in fields related to public service. While the scholarship is most commonly awarded at the graduate level, it can be utilized for PhD programs that focus on policy, law, international relations, and similar disciplines. The award covers tuition, fees, and living expenses, enabling students to pursue their academic interests in the public sector without financial concern.
5. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
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Offered by: Stanford University
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Funding: Full tuition, living stipend, and research funds
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Eligibility: U.S. and international students
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University provides fully funded PhD scholarships for exceptional students from around the world. This highly competitive program not only covers full tuition but also provides a living stipend, health insurance, and funding for research projects. Scholars benefit from mentorship opportunities with Stanford’s top faculty and can engage in interdisciplinary research across various fields. This program is ideal for students aiming to make an impact in areas such as healthcare, engineering, business, and public service.
6. The Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Completion Fellowship
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Offered by: American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS)
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Funding: $30,000 for one year
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Eligibility: U.S. and international PhD students in the humanities and social sciences
The Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Completion Fellowship is specifically for students in the humanities and social sciences who are nearing the completion of their doctoral dissertation. This fellowship offers $30,000 for one year, enabling students to focus solely on completing their dissertation without the distraction of financial worries. The award is open to both U.S. citizens and international students who have completed all their PhD coursework and are in the final stages of their research.
7. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
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Offered by: University of Cambridge
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Funding: Full tuition, stipend for living expenses, and airfare
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Eligibility: U.S. and international students
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarship programs for graduate students. Though it is traditionally aimed at master’s and doctoral students studying at the University of Cambridge, it is open to U.S. and international students pursuing PhD programs in a variety of disciplines. The scholarship covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel to Cambridge, along with additional funding for research activities. This scholarship is ideal for academically accomplished students seeking to pursue innovative research in science, engineering, humanities, or social sciences.
8. The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship
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Offered by: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
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Funding: Full tuition, travel expenses, and a living stipend
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Eligibility: U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in international development fields
The Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship is designed to support students pursuing a career in international development. The fellowship offers funding for PhD studies related to development topics, including foreign service, political science, public health, and environmental studies. The scholarship covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs, with the added benefit of providing fellows with a pathway to employment with USAID after completion of their doctoral program.
9. The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG)
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Offered by: U.S. Department of Defense
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Funding: Full tuition, stipend, and fees for up to three years
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Eligibility: U.S. citizens and nationals pursuing PhDs in STEM fields
The NDSEG Fellowship is a fully funded program for U.S. citizens pursuing doctoral research in STEM fields, including engineering, mathematics, physics, and computer science. The fellowship provides full tuition, stipend, and research funding for up to three years. This prestigious award is highly competitive and is ideal for students who wish to pursue cutting-edge research in areas relevant to national security and defense.
10. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship
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Offered by: American Association of University Women (AAUW)
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Funding: Up to $30,000 for international students
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Eligibility: International women pursuing graduate or PhD programs in the U.S.
The AAUW International Fellowship provides funding for women from outside the U.S. who are pursuing graduate or PhD studies at accredited U.S. universities. This fellowship offers up to $30,000 to help cover tuition, living expenses, and other academic costs. The program is designed to support women who are committed to advancing gender equality and women’s rights through their research and academic pursuits.