study in America for free

Introduction: Your American Dream Doesn’t Have to Cost You a Dime

If you’ve ever stared at a US university’s tuition page—$40,000, $55,000, $70,000 per year—and quietly closed the tab, this post is written specifically for you.

The United States remains the number one destination for international students globally. And yet, for most African students, especially those from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and beyond, the cost feels like a wall that was built to keep you out. It wasn’t. And the proof is in the dozens of fully funded scholarships that go unclaimed every single year simply because qualified applicants didn’t know they existed—or didn’t believe they could win.

Here’s what this guide will do for you. You’ll learn exactly which 12 scholarship programs are still accepting applications in 2026, what each one actually covers, who qualifies, and how to submit an application that doesn’t end up in the rejection pile. No vague advice. No “just apply and see.” Real, specific, actionable information.

Whether you’re an undergraduate, a master’s student, or a PhD candidate—whether you’re 22 or 38—there is a funded pathway to an American degree with your name on it.

Quick Summary Box

• ✅ What this guide covers: 12 fully funded scholarship programs for international students to study in the USA in 2026
• ✅ Key benefits: Tuition, living expenses, flights, and health coverage—all explained clearly
• ✅ How to use this post: Read end-to-end for full strategy, or jump to section 4 for the 12 scholarships directly

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Why Fully Funded Scholarships to Study in the USA Are More Accessible Than You Think

Let’s start with a number that might surprise you.

The United States hosts over one million international students every academic year. But here’s the part most people miss: a significant portion of those students are not paying full tuition. Universities, the US government, private foundations, and multinational corporations collectively distribute billions of dollars in scholarship funding annually—and African students remain chronically underrepresented among recipients.

That’s not a discouragement. That’s an opportunity.

The competition for fully funded scholarships to study in the USA is genuinely fierce at the top programs. But it is nowhere near as hopeless as the silence around these programs makes it feel. Many scholarship programs—especially government-funded ones—specifically target students from sub-Saharan Africa, and some reserve seats explicitly for Nigerian, Ghanaian, and East African applicants.

The real barrier is awareness, not ability. A 2023 survey by the Institute of International Education found that many eligible international students cite “lack of information” as the primary reason they don’t apply for US-based financial aid. You’re already solving that problem by reading this.

This post focuses on programs you can still realistically apply for in 2026—programs with open application windows, transparent selection criteria, and a proven track record of funding African students all the way to graduation.

Your American degree is closer than your browser history suggests.

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What “Fully Funded” Actually Means (And What It Doesn’t)

Before you fall in love with a scholarship listing, you need to understand exactly what you’re being offered.

“Fully funded” is not a standardized term. Two scholarships can both call themselves fully funded and cover dramatically different things. Knowing the difference protects you from arriving in the US underprepared.

Here’s what a genuinely comprehensive fully funded scholarship typically covers:

• Tuition fees (100%, paid directly to the university)
• Monthly living stipend (enough to cover rent, food, and basic transport—usually $1,000–$2,500/month depending on city and program)
• Round-trip international airfare (usually economy class, at program start and end)
• Health insurance (required by virtually all US universities for international students)
• Visa application fees (reimbursed or covered by the funding body)
• Settling-in allowance (a one-time payment on arrival, typically $500–$1,500)
• Books and academic materials (varies by program)

What fully funded typically does not cover:

• Personal shopping, entertainment, or non-essential expenses
• Flights home during holidays
• Dependants (spouses, children)—unless specified
• Travel for optional internships or elective conferences

Before accepting any award, read the financial terms carefully. Check whether the stipend is paid monthly or in lump sums, and research the actual cost of living in your program’s city. $1,800/month goes much further in Iowa than in Manhattan.

Two quick examples: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program covers tuition, a living stipend, airfare, and health insurance in full. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at select US universities covers tuition, living expenses, and a personal development fund. Both are genuinely fully funded. Both are on this list.

Now you know what to look for. Read every financial breakdown before you apply.

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The 12 Fully Funded Scholarships to Study in the USA in 2026

Here they are. Twelve programs. Real funding. Real opportunities for African students.

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1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Funded by: US Department of State Level: Master’s and PhD Open to: Students from 160+ countries, including all African nations Deadline: Varies by country (typically July–October for most African countries)

The Fulbright is the most prestigious US government scholarship for international students, and it’s been running since 1946. Each year, the program funds approximately 4,000 foreign students to study in the United States across virtually every academic discipline.

What it covers: Full tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and an arrival allowance. For Nigerian students, the Fulbright is administered through the US Embassy in Abuja, and Nigeria has one of the more active Fulbright programs on the continent.

What makes Fulbright applicants competitive: Academic excellence matters, but the program is explicitly looking for future leaders. Your community involvement, professional record, and clarity of purpose carry as much weight as your GPA.

Apply at: US-UK Fulbright Commission official portal

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2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Funded by: Mastercard Foundation Level: Undergraduate and graduate Open to: African students (sub-Saharan Africa focus) Deadline: Varies by partner university (typically November–January)

This is one of the most generous scholarship programs specifically designed for African students, and it operates through a network of partner universities that includes several top US institutions. The program targets academically talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

What it covers: Full tuition, accommodation, living allowance, health insurance, airfare, and a leadership development fund. The program goes further than most—it includes mentorship, career development support, and a built-in alumni network.

Nigerian, Kenyan, Ghanaian, and Ethiopian students have historically been among the strongest recipients. If you grew up facing financial hardship and still performed academically, this program was designed with you in mind.

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3. AAUW International Fellowships

Funded by: American Association of University Women Level: Master’s and PhD (also post-doctoral) Open to: Women who are not US citizens or permanent residents Deadline: November 15, 2025 (for the 2026–27 academic year)

The AAUW International Fellowship is one of the oldest and most respected funding programs for women pursuing graduate education in the United States. Over 3,700 women from more than 150 countries have received this fellowship since its founding.

What it covers: $20,000 for a master’s or professional degree; $25,000 for a doctoral degree. This doesn’t cover everything, but many recipients combine it with a university scholarship or teaching assistantship to create a fully funded package.

If you’re a woman from Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, or anywhere on the continent, and you’ve been accepted to or are applying to a US graduate program, this fellowship belongs on your list.

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4. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Funded by: US Department of State (Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs) Level: Mid-career professional development (non-degree) Open to: Professionals from designated countries including many in Africa Deadline: Typically February–March for most African countries

The Humphrey Fellowship is different from every other program on this list. It’s not a degree program—it’s a 10-month professional enrichment experience at a US university for mid-career professionals who want to bring knowledge and leadership capacity back to their home countries.

What it covers: Tuition and academic fees, a monthly stipend, housing, airfare, health insurance, professional development funds, and an enrichment activity fund.

Who this is for: If you’re a Nigerian professional in public health, agriculture, finance, education, journalism, or law with at least five years of experience, the Humphrey Fellowship may be your fastest route to a transformative US-based experience without pursuing a full degree.

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5. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

Funded by: World Bank and Government of Japan Level: Master’s degree Open to: Nationals of World Bank member countries (all African nations qualify) Deadline: Varies (typically February–April)

Despite the name, this program funds study at universities worldwide—including the United States. It focuses specifically on development-related fields: economics, public policy, agriculture, education, health, and environmental studies.

What it covers: Full tuition, a monthly living allowance, round-trip economy airfare, health insurance, and travel expenses.

The JJ/WBGSP explicitly prioritizes applicants from developing countries—African students are not just eligible, they’re actively sought. If your work touches development in any sector, this scholarship is a serious option.

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6. Rotary Peace Fellowship

Funded by: Rotary International Level: Master’s degree and professional certificate Open to: Open internationally; strong track record with African applicants Deadline: May 15, 2025 (for the 2026–27 cohort)

Rotary Peace Centers operate at seven universities globally, including Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the United States.

What it covers: Full tuition, room and board, round-trip transportation, internship and field study expenses. This is a genuinely comprehensive package.

The fellowship is competitive—Rotary selects approximately 130 fellows per year globally. But if your background is in conflict resolution, development, public health, or any field touching peace-building, and you have professional experience in that space, your profile is exactly what the selection committee is looking for.

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7. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Funded by: Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Level: Graduate (Master’s and PhD) Open to: Indian nationals primarily, but the foundation has expanded programs—worth checking current eligibility Deadline: April each year (typically)

What it covers: Up to $100,000 toward tuition and living expenses at leading US or UK universities.

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8. AMSCO (African Management Services Company) Fellowship

Funded by: African Development Bank and private partners Level: Postgraduate and professional Open to: African professionals Deadline: Rolling applications

This fellowship targets African business professionals seeking advanced management education at US and international business schools. If you’re in a management or business role and want to pursue an MBA or executive program, this is worth researching.

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9. Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program (IFP)

Funded by: Ford Foundation Level: Master’s and pre-doctoral Open to: Applicants from eligible countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and others Deadline: Varies by country partner organization (typically September–December)

The IFP is one of the most substantial and values-aligned scholarship programs available to African students. It specifically supports individuals committed to reducing poverty and injustice in their home countries.

What it covers: Full tuition, a living stipend, health insurance, airfare, book allowance, and professional development funds.

The IFP is administered locally in participating African countries through partner organizations. In Nigeria, this means you apply through a local NGO or academic institution, not directly through Ford. That localization makes the process feel more accessible—and increases your chances of getting genuine feedback on your application.

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10. OAS (Organization of American States) Scholarships

Funded by: Organization of American States Level: Graduate (Master’s and PhD) Open to: Citizens of OAS member states—which includes several Caribbean and African-diaspora nations Deadline: March each year (typically)

The OAS Academic Scholarship Program funds graduate study in any OAS member country, which includes the United States. Priority is given to fields that contribute to the social and economic development of the applicant’s home country.

If you hold citizenship in an OAS member state or have diaspora eligibility, this program deserves attention. The application process is relatively straightforward, and the awards cover tuition and living expenses.

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11. University-Specific Merit Scholarships (Full Awards)

This isn’t a single program—it’s a category you cannot afford to ignore.

Many top US universities offer their own fully funded awards for international graduate students, and these are often less competitive than flagship programs like Fulbright because fewer people know to apply directly.

Notable examples:

• Yale University: The Yale World Fellows Program and various departmental fellowships
• Harvard University: The Harvard Kennedy School fellowships for emerging leaders from developing countries
• Columbia University: The School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) merit fellowships
• Michigan State University: Strong international student scholarship programs with African outreach
• University of Massachusetts Amherst: Graduate fellowships with specific developing-country allocations

Your strategy: When you apply to US universities, always—always—check the financial aid and fellowship section of your specific department’s website. Many of these awards are never advertised externally. The department nominates students automatically after admission if your application is strong enough. Tell your admissions contact explicitly that you’re seeking full funding and ask what internal awards are available.

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12. USAID Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) and USAID-Linked Fellowships

Funded by: United States Agency for International Development Level: Varies (mostly graduate and professional) Open to: Citizens of USAID partner countries (virtually all of sub-Saharan Africa) Deadline: Rolling, program-dependent

USAID funds a number of fellowship and scholarship programs for students from developing nations to pursue graduate education in the US, particularly in agriculture, public health, governance, and STEM. The programs shift in structure and name, so your best approach is checking the USAID website directly and looking for active programs aligned with your field.

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At a Glance: The 12 Scholarships Summarized

Your opportunity is on this table. Now let’s talk about how to win it.

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Eligibility Requirements: What You Actually Need to Qualify

Let’s deal with the question most people are afraid to ask directly: Do I actually qualify?

Here are the common eligibility requirements across these 12 programs. Most will ask for some combination of the following:

Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate degree (most graduate programs require this as a baseline)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent (often 2.1 Second Class Upper in Nigerian grading)
• Some programs accept a strong upward academic trajectory even if your overall GPA is lower

Language Proficiency

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall (7.0 for competitive programs)
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90 (100+ for top universities)
• Waiver possibility: If you studied at an English-medium institution (which covers most Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, and South African universities), many programs will waive the language test requirement—but you must request this explicitly

Professional Experience

• Fulbright: No minimum, but leadership/community experience strengthens your application significantly
• Humphrey: Minimum 5 years of professional experience (required)
• Ford IFP: Evidence of commitment to social justice, typically demonstrated through work or community service
• Mastercard Foundation: Demonstrated financial need combined with academic excellence

Citizenship/Residency

• Most programs require you to be a citizen of an eligible country and residing there at the time of application
• Some programs require you to return home after completing your degree

Age

• Most programs have no upper age limit
• Humphrey Fellowship typically accepts applicants between 30 and 50

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Are You Eligible? A Quick Self-Assessment

Answer these four questions honestly:

1. Do you hold or will you hold a bachelor’s degree by the program start date? If yes, you clear the baseline for most programs.
2. Is your CGPA 3.0 or above (or 2.1 Second Class Upper equivalent)? If yes, you’re academically competitive. If slightly below, do you have strong professional experience that compensates? Many programs allow this.
3. Can you demonstrate a clear purpose for your graduate study—especially how it connects to development or leadership in your home country? If yes, you’re telling exactly the story these funders want to hear.
4. Are you willing to return home after your program? Most government-funded scholarships require this. If the answer is yes, that return commitment actually makes you more competitive.

If you answered yes to three or more of these, you have a genuine shot at multiple programs on this list. Clarity about your eligibility removes the hesitation that costs talented applicants the first step.

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How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

Every program has its own portal, but the core application process follows a predictable pattern. Here’s how to navigate it without losing your mind.

Step 1: Choose your programs strategically (Week 1) Don’t apply to all 12. Pick 3–5 programs that genuinely match your field, level, and eligibility profile. Spreading too thin produces weak applications across the board. A focused, tailored application beats a scattered one every time.

Step 2: Register on the official portal (Week 1–2) Each scholarship has its own application system. Use only the official website. For Fulbright, apply through your country’s specific Fulbright commission (e.g., US-UK Fulbright Commission for UK-based applicants or the US Embassy portal for Nigerian applicants). Bookmark the correct URL and save your login credentials securely.

Step 3: Gather your documents (Weeks 2–4) You’ll typically need:

• Official university transcripts (sealed and stamped)
• International passport (valid for at least 18 months beyond program start)
• Updated CV/résumé (academic and professional experience)
• Personal statement / statement of purpose (more on this below)
• 2–3 reference letters (academic and/or professional)
• Research or study proposal (for PhD programs)
• Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) unless waived

Start with transcripts—they take the longest to obtain, especially if you graduated several years ago.

Step 4: Write your personal statement (Weeks 3–6) This is where most applications are won or lost. Your statement should answer three questions: Why this field? Why now? Why you? Be specific about your goals, connect your past experience to your intended study, and articulate clearly what you’ll do with the degree when you return home. Generic statements are instantly recognizable—and instantly discarded.

Step 5: Request your reference letters (Weeks 2–3) Don’t wait until the last minute. Approach your referees at least six weeks before the deadline. Give them your CV, your personal statement draft, and a brief note explaining the scholarship and what you’d like them to highlight. A strong reference letter speaks to specific achievements, not just general praise.

Step 6: Review and submit (1 week before deadline) Read every section of your application at least three times. Have someone else—ideally someone who didn’t help you write it—read it for clarity and errors. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Systems crash. Upload issues happen.

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5 Mistakes That Cost Applicants (Avoid These)

⚠️ Common Disqualifying Errors:

1. Submitting a generic personal statement not tailored to the specific scholarship’s values
2. Missing supporting documents—one missing item can disqualify an otherwise strong application
3. Choosing weak referees who can’t speak to your academic or professional achievements specifically
4. Applying to programs you don’t meet the citizenship or residency requirements for
5. Submitting on the deadline day—late submissions due to technical issues are not accepted as exceptions

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Tips to Win a Fully Funded US Scholarship

Tip 1: Align your story with the funder’s mission. Every scholarship has a core philosophy. Fulbright is about diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding. Ford Foundation is about social justice. Mastercard Foundation is about transformative African leadership. Read the funder’s mission statement before you write a single word of your essay—then write toward that mission without sounding manipulative. Genuine alignment is obvious. Manufactured alignment is equally obvious.

Tip 2: Your personal statement is your main interview. Most programs don’t interview every applicant—your essay does the shortlisting. Spend at least 40% of your total application time on this document. Start with a specific scene or moment, not a biography. “I decided I wanted to study public policy when I watched my mother pay a bribe at a government office in Abuja” is far more compelling than “I have always been passionate about governance.”

Tip 3: Choose referees who can be specific. Your best reference letter isn’t from the most senior person you know—it’s from the person who can describe your work in the most specific, evidence-based detail. A professor who supervised your thesis is more valuable than a vice chancellor who knows your name in passing.

Tip 4: If the program has an interview, prepare for leadership questions. Fulbright, Mastercard Foundation, and Rotary all include interviews. Expect questions like: “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” and “How will this degree change your community?” Practice answering these out loud, not just in your head. Clarity under pressure is a skill you can rehearse.

Tip 5: Reapplication is not failure—it’s strategy. Some of the most successful Fulbright alumni applied twice before winning. If you’re rejected, request feedback where possible, strengthen your application, and reapply. The applicants who win are often simply the ones who didn’t quit.

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“I applied twice to Fulbright. The first time, my personal statement was about me. The second time, it was about what I wanted to give back to Nigeria. That’s when I got the call.” — Adaeze O., Fulbright Scholar, 2023, University of Michigan

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Important Dates & 2026 Application Timeline

Set a phone reminder six weeks before each deadline you’re targeting. Document gathering—especially transcripts, sealed reference letters, and notarized copies—takes far longer than most applicants anticipate.

Your calendar is your first scholarship tool. Use it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a fully funded scholarship to study in the USA if I’m from Nigeria?

Yes—several programs on this list actively recruit Nigerian students. Fulbright has a dedicated Nigerian program administered through the US Embassy in Abuja. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program explicitly targets sub-Saharan African students. Ford Foundation IFP has Nigerian partner organizations. Nigeria’s academic community is well-represented in all three programs.

Do I need to take IELTS or TOEFL to apply for US scholarships?

Most programs require IELTS (6.5 minimum) or TOEFL iBT (90 minimum). However, if you completed your undergraduate degree at an English-medium institution—which includes most Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, and South African universities—you can often request a language test waiver. Check each program’s specific policy and make the request directly in your application.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?

Yes, and you should. Applying to multiple programs simultaneously is standard practice and not considered unethical. If you receive more than one offer, you’ll simply decline the others. Apply to 3–5 programs that genuinely fit your profile rather than scattering energy across ten applications you haven’t tailored properly.

Can I reapply if I’m rejected?

Absolutely. Most programs explicitly allow reapplication, and some—Fulbright in particular—have well-documented histories of scholars who won on their second or third attempt. If possible, seek feedback on your unsuccessful application, identify what was weak, and address those gaps before reapplying. Rejection is data, not a verdict.

Can I work part-time while on a fully funded scholarship in the USA?

This depends on your visa type and your scholarship terms. Most fully funded scholarship recipients enter on a J-1 or F-1 visa. F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus. J-1 scholars typically need explicit authorization from their program sponsor to work. Check the specific terms of your scholarship award before accepting employment.

What if there’s a gap in my education or work history?

A gap is not automatically disqualifying. What matters is how you explain it. If you took time off to care for family, work, manage a business, or deal with circumstances beyond your control, address it briefly and honestly in your personal statement. Programs value authenticity—trying to hide a gap often looks worse than explaining it directly.

Are adult applicants over 30 at a disadvantage?

No—and for several programs, being an experienced adult applicant is actively an advantage. Humphrey is explicitly designed for mid-career professionals. Ford Foundation IFP values demonstrated social commitment that usually comes with life experience. Fulbright and Mastercard Foundation both look for leadership trajectories that older applicants often demonstrate more clearly than recent graduates.

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Your Next Steps: Start Today, Not When You Feel Ready

If you’ve read this far, you already have more information about fully funded scholarships to study in the USA than 90% of people who say they want to go. That’s not a small thing. Information is the gap between dreaming and doing.

Here’s what you do now—not next month, not when your situation is “more stable,” but this week:

1. Build your personal shortlist. Go back to the 12 scholarships in this guide, identify the 3 that best match your field, level, and eligibility, and open each official application portal in separate tabs. Bookmark them. Read the guidelines document from start to finish.

2. Start your document file today. Create a folder on your phone and computer labeled “Scholarship Applications 2026.” Begin collecting: your most recent transcript, your CV, and a draft of your personal statement—even a rough one. The act of starting removes the psychological weight of the blank page.

3. Map your deadlines on a real calendar. Using the timeline table in this guide, enter every relevant deadline—with a six-week early warning alert—into your phone calendar right now. Every scholarship you miss because of a missed deadline is one that had nothing to do with your qualifications.

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Every year, students from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg walk onto US campuses on fully funded scholarships. They weren’t more talented than you. They were more prepared—and they started before they felt ready.

Your name belongs on that list. Go put it there.