Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in the US for African and International Students (2025 Update)

Introduction
Are you an ambitious African student dreaming of studying in the United States, but worried about the cost? Good news — several fully funded scholarships are available for international students, including those from Rwanda and across Africa. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, airfare, and sometimes even stipends for books and personal costs.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 fully funded US scholarships for African students in 2025 and how you can apply for them.

1.    1.Fulbright Foreign Student Program

 ·       Description:  U.S. government-sponsored international exchange program that enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from other countries to study and conduct research in the United States.

• What it covers: Full tuition, airfare, living stipend, health insurance.
• Who it's for: Graduate students, young professionals, and artists from over 155 countries.
• Apply through: U.S. Embassies or Fulbright Commissions in your home country.
• Website: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
•  

2. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

 

·       Description: The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive support, including financial, academic, and psychosocial assistance, to enable young people from under-represented backgrounds to access quality education and transition into meaningful work.

• Partner universities: Includes Stanford, Arizona State University, and UC Berkeley.
• Focus: Undergraduate and Master’s degrees.
• Eligibility: Students from Sub-Saharan Africa with strong academic background and financial need.
• Website: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/

 

3. Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS)

 

·       Description: a free, intensive academic and enrichment program for African secondary school students who aim to pursue higher education and make a positive impact on the continent.

• Who it's for: High-achieving African secondary school students planning to study in the US.
• Covers: Tuition, accommodation, meals, and travel stipends for summer academic programs.
• Bonus: Access to mentorship and college prep.
• Website:https://africanscholars.yale.edu/

 

4. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

 ·       Description: it is a highly competitive, full-tuition scholarship for international students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to positive social change

• Covers: Full tuition and room & board.
• Target group: High-achieving international students committed to leadership and community service.
• Website:https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-apply.cfm

5. Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship

 ·       Description: The Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship provides full tuition and associated fees to African citizens with financial need who wish to pursue an MBA at Stanford's Graduate School of Business

• For: African students with financial need admitted to the Stanford MBA program.
• Covers: Full tuition (~$160,000).
• Condition: Must return to Africa to work for at least 2 years.
• Website: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/mba/tuition-financial-aid/types-aid

6. AAUW International Fellowships

 ·       Description: AAUW International Fellowships provide funding to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents to pursue full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the United States.

• For: Women from outside the US pursuing graduate or postdoctoral studies.
• Funding: $18,000–$30,000 per year.
• Focus: Gender equality and female leadership.
• Website:https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/funding-opportunities/international-fellowships/

 

7. Harvard University Financial Aid

 

·       Description: it is need-based and aims to make the university accessible to all admitted students, regardless of their financial background. The program covers 100% of demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants, scholarships, student employment, and loans (if desired

• Type: Need-based aid — 100% of demonstrated need is covered.
• Applies to: Undergrad and graduate programs.
• Fun fact: Over 90% of international students receive some financial aid.
• Website:https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid

 

8. Clark Global Scholars Program

 

·       Description: it a merit-based scholarship designed to support international students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

• Institution: Clark University, Massachusetts.
• Scholarship amount: $15,000–$25,000 per year for four years + possible full ride.
• Ideal for: First-year undergraduates from outside the US.
• Website:https://www.clarku.edu/offices/financial-aid/prospective-students/international-students/first-year-scholarships/

 

9. United World Colleges (UWC) + Davis UWC Scholars Program

 

·       Description: it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarship program, supporting graduates of United World Colleges (UWC) schools to attend partner universities in the United States.

• Benefit: Davis Scholarship funds students who graduate from UWC schools and attend partner US universities.
• Funding: Up to full tuition.
• Website:https://www.davisuwcscholars.org/about-us/scholars

 

10. Obama Foundation Scholars Program

 ·       Description: is a fully funded, nine-month residency program at Columbia University that empowers rising leaders from around the world to accelerate their impact.

• Offered at: Columbia University, NYC.
• For: Young emerging leaders from Africa and other regions.
• Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, health insurance, air travel.
• Website:https://www.obama.org/programs/scholars/

 

How to Prepare a Strong Application

1. Start early — some deadlines are 10–12 months before admission.
2. Write a compelling personal statement — focus on leadership, community impact, and future goals.
3. Get strong recommendation letters — from teachers, mentors, or community leaders.
4. Take standardized tests early — GRE, TOEFL, IELTS (some waived).
5. Stay organized — track deadlines in a spreadsheet or calendar.

 

FAQs

Q: Can I apply to multiple scholarships at once?
Yes! In fact, you should. Applying widely increases your chances.

Q: What if I don’t have TOEFL or IELTS?
Some programs waive English tests if your previous instruction was in English or via interview.

Q: Are these scholarships competitive?
Yes, but preparation and a strong story can make you stand out.

 

Final Thoughts

Studying in the United States doesn’t have to be a distant dream. With these scholarships, your tuition, housing, and even daily expenses can be fully covered. Apply early, stay focused, and never underestimate the power of your story!

 

Need help with writing your scholarship essay or getting references? Let me know in the comments!

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