Top $100,000 Scholarships for International Students in the U.S.

Studying in the United States opens doors to world-class education, vibrant campus life, and career-launching networks — but it comes at a price.

That’s why $100,000+ fully funded scholarships are life-changing for international students.

In this post, you’ll discover:

• The top U.S. scholarships worth $100,000 or more

• Exactly what they cover

• How to qualify and apply

• Real stories of students who won them

Let’s dive in.

Why U.S. Scholarships Are So Competitive (and Valuable)

The U.S. is home to over 1 million international students — but only a fraction receive large, prestigious scholarships.

Why?

• Many scholarships are reserved for U.S. citizens

• Large awards like $100,000+ are limited and highly competitive

• Schools only award top performers with strong leadership, academics, or financial need

Still, every year thousands of students win fully funded scholarships covering 4 years of study, housing, travel, and more.

What Does a $100,000 Scholarship Cover?

A scholarship worth $100,000 typically pays for:

Many are renewable annually, meaning you receive ~$25,000 per year.

Who Can Apply for These Scholarships?

International students from all regions (Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe) can apply if they:

• Are applying for undergraduate or graduate degrees

• Demonstrate strong academic performance

• Show financial need or leadership potential

• Have a strong personal statement and recommendations

• Meet English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) and SAT/ACT if undergrad

Some scholarships require early applications or nomination by your school or embassy.

Top $100,000+ Scholarships for International Students in the U.S. (2025)

Here are the most prestigious and valuable scholarships that cover $100,000 or more:

1. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• Value: Up to $120,000 (tuition, living, travel)

• For: Graduate students or researchers

• Covers: Master’s, PhD, or non-degree study

• Eligibility: Citizens from 155+ countries

• Apply Through: Your country’s U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission

• Visit Fulbright Website

2. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program – Stanford University

• Value: Over $100,000 per year

• For: All graduate degrees at Stanford

• Includes: Full tuition, stipend, leadership training, relocation costs

• Open To: All nationalities

• Visit Website

3. Yale University – Yale Young Global Scholars (Undergrad Prep + Scholarships)

• Value: $100,000+ packages over 4 years

• Open To: High-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds

• Includes: Need-based financial aid and merit awards

• Yale Undergraduate Admissions

4. Harvard University Financial Aid (Need-Based)

• Value: Up to $75,000/year (~$300,000 over 4 years)

• For: Undergraduates from low-income families

• No separate application — fill out the CSS Profile and FAFSA equivalent

• Harvard Admissions

5. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

• Value: Full funding (tuition, housing, travel, allowance)

• Partner Schools in U.S.: Stanford, Arizona State University, University of Michigan

• Focus: African students with leadership potential

• MasterCard Scholars Page

6. Amherst College Financial Aid for International Students

• Value: $100,000+ over 4 years

• Covers: All demonstrated need, including travel

• Open To: Admitted students from any country

• Amherst College Aid Info

7. The Robertson Scholars Program – Duke University & UNC Chapel Hill

• Value: Over $100,000 in tuition and living expenses

• Open To: Domestic and international undergrads

• Includes: Leadership development, summer internships, dual enrollment

• Robertson Scholars Website

8. Clark University Presidential LEEP Scholarship

• Value: $100,000+ over 4 years

• Eligibility: First-year international students

• Includes: Tuition, housing, leadership programs

• Clark LEEP Info

9. ICSP Scholarship – University of Oregon

• Value: $120,000+

• Award: Partial to full tuition, renewable for 4 years

• Requirements: Cultural service (presenting about your home country)

• ICSP Scholarship Link

10. Illinois Wesleyan University Merit Scholarships

• Value: $100,000+ (up to $30,000/year)

• Criteria: Academics + leadership

• No separate application required

• IWU Scholarships

How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a proven path to winning one of these scholarships:

Step 1: Choose Your Target Universities

Focus on those offering need-based aid or large merit scholarships.

Step 2: Meet Testing Requirements

Prepare for and submit:

• TOEFL or IELTS

• SAT or ACT (for undergraduates)

• GRE/GMAT if required (for grad programs)

Step 3: Gather Strong Documents

You’ll need:

• Academic transcripts

• English test scores

• Personal statement/essay

• Recommendation letters

• Financial documents (for need-based scholarships)

Step 4: Apply Early

Some deadlines begin as early as October or November 2024 for Fall 2025 intake.

Step 5: Apply for the Scholarship

Some require separate scholarship forms; others are automatic with your admission.

How to Write a Winning Application

Your personal story is your superpower. Keep these in mind:

• Highlight what makes you unique

• Show impact in your community, school, or family

• Be authentic, honest, and reflective

• Explain why you chose the U.S. and how you’ll give back

Also, use clear structure:

• Opening story/hook

• Academic goals

• Life challenges + triumphs

• How the scholarship will change your life

Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing deadlines
• Generic personal statements
• Submitting incomplete applications
• Choosing universities that don’t offer aid to internationals
• Weak recommendation letters

Stories From Previous $100K Scholars

“I won a full ride to Amherst College from Ghana. I didn’t know anything about financial aid until a teacher helped me apply. Now I’m debt-free and graduating soon.” — Aisha, Ghana

“I got the MasterCard scholarship to study engineering at Stanford. I’m the first in my family to attend college abroad.” — Brian, Kenya

“Clark’s LEEP program paid for everything. I was able to intern in Boston and now work at a tech startup.” — Marisol, Mexico

Final Thoughts

Getting a $100,000 scholarship to study in the U.S. is not just possible — it’s happening every year.

If you:

• Start early

• Apply to the right schools

• Tell your story with purpose

• Seek help from mentors or counselors

…you can join the thousands of international students who are studying in America for free.