If you're aiming for a PhD in the USA, you're probably aware of how expensive it can be. Fortunately, there are several scholarships that can help make your dream of studying abroad a reality.
Why do you need a PhD scholarship?
A PhD requires significant investment in terms of both time and money. Scholarships can cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and even research costs.
Why should you apply for PhD scholarships in the USA?
Many scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even additional costs like travel.
The best universities in the U.S. offer these scholarships and give you access to world-class resources and research programs.
Scholarships often come with research funding, which lets you explore your field of study with the necessary resources.
These scholarships provide financial support and valuable exposure to high-quality research.
Types of PhD Scholarships in the USA for International Students
If you're planning to pursue a PhD in the USA, there are several scholarship options available to help reduce the cost of your education. Here are the main types:
Fully Funded PhD Scholarships: These fully-funded programs cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes additional costs like travel and research materials.
University-Specific PhD Scholarships: Many universities offer their own scholarships for PhD students, often based on merit or research focus.
Government-Funded Scholarships: These scholarships are provided by the USA government agencies or your home country’s government to support international students.
Private and Research Foundation Scholarships: Many private organizations and research foundations offer scholarships for specific fields of study or research topics.
Top PhD Scholarships in the USA for International Students
If you’re an international student looking to pursue a PhD in the USA, there are some incredible scholarship opportunities available.
Overview Table: Top PhD Scholarships in the USA
Scholarship Name
Funding Coverage
Eligibility
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Full tuition, living stipend, travel costs
International students with strong academic and leadership background
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)
Full tuition, stipend, leadership development funds
Open to all disciplines; strong leadership and innovation potential required
Yale University PhD Funding
Full tuition, annual stipend, health insurance
Admission to Yale’s PhD programs; academic excellence required
Harvard University PhD Scholarships
Full tuition, living stipend, research funding
Must be admitted to Harvard’s PhD program
MIT Presidential Scholarships
Full tuition, competitive stipend, research grant
Outstanding PhD applicants in STEM and related fields
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Full tuition, living allowance, travel costs
Exceptional students pursuing PhD at Cambridge University
University of Chicago Graduate Scholarships
Full tuition, stipend, research and travel grants
Available to admitted PhD students at UChicago
Columbia University PhD Scholarships
Full tuition, annual stipend, research support
Awarded to doctoral students based on academic merit
National Science Foundation (NSF) Doctoral Scholarships
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students pursuing a PhD in the USA. It is funded by the U.S. government and aims to promote cross-cultural exchange and academic excellence.
Funding Coverage:
Full tuition waiver
Monthly living stipend
Travel costs (round-trip airfare)
Health insurance
Research and conference allowances
Eligibility:
Open to students from over 155 countries.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree (depending on the program).
Demonstrated leadership skills and academic excellence.
Application Process:
Submit academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and a research proposal.
Appear for an interview with the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country.
Application deadlines vary by country, usually 10–12 months before program start.
2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University funds exceptional PhD students who show leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change in the world.
Funding Coverage:
Full tuition
Living stipend for housing, food, and personal expenses
Professional development funds for research, travel, and networking
Eligibility:
Open to all international students applying for a PhD at Stanford.
Applicants must show academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to impact.
Must apply separately to both Stanford PhD programs and the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship.
Application Process:
Submit a personal statement, resume, LORs, and research proposal.
Appear for a series of interviews with faculty and program representatives.
Deadline: Typically in October for the following academic year.
3. Yale University PhD Funding
Yale University provides automatic full funding for all PhD students across disciplines. This ensures that PhD candidates can focus on their research without financial burdens.
Funding Coverage:
Full tuition waiver for the entire PhD duration
Annual living stipend (varies by department)
Health insurance and research funding
Eligibility:
Open to all international students who receive admission to a Yale PhD program.
No separate application for funding—PhD admission includes full financial support.
Application Process:
Apply directly to a Yale PhD program through the university’s online portal.
Submit academic transcripts, SOP, LORs, GRE scores (if required), and a research proposal.
Admission deadlines vary by department, typically December–January.
4. Harvard University PhD Scholarships
Harvard University offers generous funding to PhD students through various fellowships and research assistantships. Almost all admitted PhD students receive full financial support for the duration of their studies.
Funding Coverage:
Full tuition waiver for up to five years.
Annual living stipend (varies by program, typically around $40,000–$50,000 (₹33–₹42 lakhs) per year).
Research and conference travel grants.
Health insurance coverage.
Eligibility:
Open to all international students admitted to a Harvard PhD program.
No separate application required—funding is included with PhD admission.
Application Process:
Apply directly to a Harvard PhD program.
Submit academic transcripts, research proposal, SOP, LORs, and standardized test scores (if required).
Deadlines vary by department but typically fall between December and January.
5. MIT Presidential Scholarships
The MIT Presidential Scholarships is one of the most competitive funding options for PhD students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is awarded to outstanding students across disciplines who show academic excellence and leadership potential.
Funding Coverage:
Full tuition waiver for the entire PhD duration.
Generous living stipend of approximately $45,000–$55,000 (₹37–₹46 lakhs) per year.
Additional funding for research projects and travel.
Eligibility:
Open to all newly admitted MIT PhD students.
Selection is based on academic merit, research potential, and leadership qualities.
No separate application is needed—admissions committees nominate candidates for the scholarship.
Application Process:
Apply for an MIT PhD program through the university’s online portal.
Submit a research proposal, academic records, SOP, LORs, and test scores (if required).
Admission deadlines typically fall between December and January.
6. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (PhD at Cambridge via US-Based Funding)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international PhD scholarships, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It supports exceptional students from outside the UK to pursue fully funded PhDs at the University of Cambridge.
Funding Coverage:
Full tuition and college fees at Cambridge University.
Annual stipend of approximately £20,000 (₹21 lakhs) per year.
Round-trip airfare to and from the UK.
Additional grants for research, conferences, and fieldwork.
Eligibility:
Open to international students, including those from India and the USA.
Must be applying for a PhD program at Cambridge in any field.
Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
Application Process:
Apply for a PhD at Cambridge University and select "Gates Cambridge Scholarship" in the funding section.
Submit a research proposal, personal statement, LORs, and academic transcripts.
Shortlisted candidates undergo a final interview round.
Deadline: Usually in early December for US-based applicants.
The University of Chicago offers generous funding to PhD students through various fellowships, assistantships, and research grants. The university ensures that most PhD students receive full financial support throughout their study period.
Funding Coverage:
Full tuition waiver for up to five years.
Annual stipend of $35,000–$45,000 (₹29–₹37 lakhs) per year.
Health insurance coverage.
Research and travel grants for fieldwork and conferences.
Eligibility:
Open to all international PhD applicants.
Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, and faculty recommendations.
No separate application is required—funding is included with PhD admission.
Application Process:
Apply for a PhD program at the University of Chicago through their online portal.
Submit a statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation (LORs), academic transcripts, and standardized test scores (if required).
Application deadlines vary by department but typically fall between December and January.
8. Columbia University PhD Scholarships
Columbia University offers full funding for most PhD students across various disciplines. The university provides multi-year fellowships and research assistantships to cover tuition and living expenses.
Funding Coverage:
Full tuition coverage for up to five to six years.
Annual stipend ranging from $40,000–$50,000 (₹33–₹42 lakhs) per year.
Health insurance and additional funding for research.
Teaching or research assistantship opportunities for additional financial support.
Eligibility:
Open to international students applying for full-time PhD programs at Columbia.
Selection is based on academic excellence, research background, and faculty recommendations.
No separate application for scholarships—PhD funding is awarded with admission.
Application Process:
Apply for a PhD at Columbia University through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences portal.
Submit a research proposal, SOP, LORs, academic transcripts, and test scores (if required).
Deadlines vary by program but typically fall between December and January.
9. National Science Foundation (NSF) Doctoral Scholarships
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is one of the most prestigious research-based scholarships for PhD students in STEM fields. It funds high-achieving students conducting groundbreaking research in fields like engineering, computer science, physics, and environmental sciences.
Funding Coverage:
Annual stipend of $37,000 (₹30 lakhs) for up to three years.
Tuition and fees covered (up to $12,000 per year).
Research and conference travel grants.
Exclusive access to NSF-funded labs and projects.
Eligibility
Open to PhD students in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
Applicants must submit a research proposal showcasing innovation and potential impact.
Highly competitive, requiring a strong academic record, research experience, and faculty recommendations.
Application Process:
Submit an application via the NSF online portal before the annual October deadline.
Provide academic transcripts, SOP, research proposal, and three LORs.
Many top-tier universities in the USA offer fully funded PhD programs, covering tuition, research expenses, and living costs. Let’s look at some of the best:
Princeton University PhD Scholarships
Full tuition waiver and annual stipend of $40,000–$50,000 (₹33–₹42 lakhs).
Funding available for up to five years.
Open to students in engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
Teaching or research assistantships available for additional funding.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) PhD Scholarships
100% tuition coverage and stipends up to $45,000 (₹37 lakhs) per year.
Opportunities for fully funded research fellowships in physics, AI, aerospace, and data science.
PhD students work with NASA, JPL, and top research organizations.
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) PhD Scholarships
Multi-year PhD funding packages covering tuition and living expenses.
Stipends range from $35,000–$45,000 (₹29–₹37 lakhs) per year.
Research funding for STEM, law, business, and humanities.
Additional financial aid through teaching and research assistantships.
Fully Funded vs. Partial PhD Scholarships in the USA: What’s the Difference?
PhD scholarships in the USA fall into two main categories: fully funded and partially funded. Fully funded scholarships cover all major expenses, and allow students to focus entirely on their studies. Partial scholarships, while helpful, require additional funding through assistantships, grants, or personal savings.
Comparison of Fully Funded and Partial PhD Scholarships
Criteria
Fully Funded PhD Scholarship
Partial PhD Scholarship
Tuition Fees
100% covered
Partially covered (e.g., 25%–75%)
Living Expenses (Stipend)
Monthly stipend provided
Usually not included or very minimal
Health Insurance
Covered under university/student plans
May or may not be covered
Research & Conference Costs
Often covered, including international travel for research
Limited or not included
Teaching/Research Assistantship
Required in most cases
May be optional or required
Competitive Level
Highly competitive, limited spots
More widely available
Financial Security
No personal funding required
May require external funding, part-time work, or grants
Additional Grants & Benefits
Often includes extra grants for travel, equipment, or special projects
Limited funding for additional expenses
Commitment Requirement
May require working as a TA or RA for funding
Fewer obligations, but funding must be supplemented
Which One Should You Apply For?
If you want full financial security, a fully funded PhD is the best option, though highly competitive.
If you have other sources of funding, a partial scholarship can still help significantly reduce costs.
Some universities offer a mix of both—covering tuition while expecting students to work as teaching assistants (TA) or research assistants (RA) for a stipend.
Maximizing Your Funding
Apply to multiple universities to increase your chances of full funding.
Look for external grants from organizations like the Fulbright Program, AAUW, and NSF.
Secure a teaching or research assistantship to cover additional expenses.
Other Financial Aid Options for PhD Students in the US
Did you know that nearly 30% of PhD students in the USA receive some form of financial aid, whether it’s through assistantships, grants, or scholarships? Here are the main ways you can secure funding while studying in the USA:
Graduate Assistantships: Many PhD students receive funding through assistantships. These include:
Teaching Assistant (TA) positions, where you help teach undergraduate courses.
Research Assistant (RA) positions, where you assist faculty with research projects.
External Research Grants and Fellowships: These are additional funding opportunities provided by government agencies, private organizations, and research foundations to support your PhD research.
University-Specific Financial Aid: Some universities offer need-based or merit-based financial assistance to international students, which can help cover tuition and living expenses.
How upGrad Abroad Can Help You Secure a PhD Scholarship in the USA
Application Support: SOPs, LORs, and Research Proposals
upGrad Abroad provides structured guidance to help you create compelling application documents.
University Shortlisting – Find fully funded PhD programs. Application Guidance – Get expert help with SOPs, LORs, and research proposals. Scholarship Assistance – Explore financial aid options.
Start Your PhD Application with upGrad Abroad
Explore fully funded PhD programs, apply for scholarships, and get expert support through upGrad Abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do all PhD programs in the USA offer full funding?
Not all PhD programs offer full funding, but many research-focused universities provide tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance through scholarships, teaching assistantships (TA), or research assistantships (RA).
2. How competitive are PhD scholarships for international students?
PhD scholarships are highly competitive, especially in top-tier universities. Selection is based on academic performance, research potential, publications, and recommendation letters.
3. What are the minimum academic requirements to get a PhD scholarship?
Most universities require a strong academic background (GPA 3.5+/4.0 or equivalent), GRE scores (if applicable), research experience, and a well-written statement of purpose (SOP).
4. Do I need a research proposal before applying for a PhD scholarship?
Yes, most PhD programs require a detailed research proposal that outlines your research interests, methodology, and expected contribution to the field.
5. How do I increase my chances of receiving a PhD scholarship in the USA?
Maintain a high GPA and relevant research experience.
Publish papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Connect with potential supervisors before applying.
Write a strong SOP and research proposal.
Apply early to maximize funding opportunities.
6. Can I work while pursuing a PhD with a scholarship?
Yes, but work hours are often limited. Most PhD students work as teaching or research assistants, which is included in their funding package. Off-campus work may require additional authorization.
7. Are there specific scholarships for STEM PhD students in the USA?
Yes, organizations like NSF (National Science Foundation), Fulbright, and individual universities offer dedicated funding for STEM PhD students.
8. How do I find university-specific PhD funding opportunities?
Check the university’s graduate school website or department page for assistantships, fellowships, and external scholarships.
9. What is the average stipend amount for fully funded PhD scholarships?
Stipends vary by university and field, but typically range from $20,000–$40,000 per year (₹16–₹33 lakhs).
10. Can I apply for multiple PhD scholarships at the same time?
Yes, applying to multiple funding options increases your chances of securing financial support.
11. Do PhD scholarships cover dependents or family expenses?
Most PhD scholarships do not cover dependents, but some universities provide additional allowances for married students.
12. Are there scholarships available for non-STEM PhD programs?
Yes, funding is available for humanities, social sciences, and business PhD programs through Fulbright, Mellon Foundation, and university fellowships.
13. What documents are required for PhD scholarship applications?
Academic transcripts
CV/Resume
Research proposal
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
GRE/TOEFL/IELTS scores (if required)
14. Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory for PhD scholarships in the USA?
Yes, most universities require IELTS (6.5–7.5) or TOEFL (90–100+), unless you have completed a degree in an English-speaking country. Some universities may waive this requirement for applicants from select institutions.
With over a decade of expertise in international education, Jyotsna has held impactful roles at the British Council, Unilodgers, a prominent UK university, and IDP Education, empowering countless students by not only enhancing their educational experiences but also by offering them guidance in securing essential scholarships and financial aid. She is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals through tailored guidance and financial support.
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