Study in USA for Free: Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students (2026)

Study in USA for Free: Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students (2026)

Study in USA for Free: 10 U.S. Universities Offering Full Scholarships for International Students in 2026

Discover 10 U.S. universities offering full scholarships and graduate assistantships for international students in 2026. Learn about acceptance rates, funding options, deadlines, and English test waivers to kickstart your American study journey.

Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students. However, the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses can make this dream seem impossible. The good news? Several universities in the U.S. provide 100% scholarships and graduate assistantships for international students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels.

In this guide, we highlight 10 universities (plus a bonus) where international students can study for free or at a significantly reduced cost in 2026. We’ll cover acceptance rates, scholarship details, application deadlines, fees, and English proficiency requirements.

Scholarships vs. Assistantships: What You Need to Know

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand the difference between Study in USA for Free Scholarships and Assistantships:

• Scholarships (Undergraduate students): Free funding provided by universities to cover tuition and sometimes additional expenses.
• Assistantships (Graduate students – Master’s & PhD): Paid work opportunities (up to 20 hours per week) that cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend to pay for rent, food, and other living costs.

This combination makes higher education in the U.S. financially achievable for international students.

1. University of Vermont – Burlington, Vermont

• Acceptance Rate: 59.8%
• Scholarships: $25,000 for undergraduates; assistantships for graduates
• Deadlines: Fall (June 24), Spring (November 8)
• Application Fee: $65
• English Test Waiver: Nigerians and Ghanaians

2. Florida International University – Miami, Florida

• Acceptance Rate: 63.9%
• Scholarships: Full tuition for undergraduates; assistantships for graduates
• Deadlines: Fall (February 15), Spring (August 1)
• Application Fee: $30 (lowest on the list)
• English Test Waiver: Nigerians and Ghanaians

3. Mississippi State University – Starkville, Mississippi

• Acceptance Rate: 75.2%
• Scholarships: $25,000 for undergraduates; assistantships for graduates
• Deadlines: Fall (May 1), Spring (October 1)
• Application Fee: $80
• English Test Waiver: Nigerians and Ghanaians

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4. University of Maryland, Baltimore County – Maryland

• Acceptance Rate: 80.6%
• Scholarships: 50% tuition for undergraduates; assistantships for graduates
• Deadlines: Program dependent
• Application Fee: $50
• English Test Waiver: Available

5. University of Nevada – Reno, Nevada

• Acceptance Rate: 85.6%
• Scholarships: Graduate assistantships only
• Deadlines: Program dependent
• Application Fee: $95 (highest on this list)
• English Test Waiver: Available

6. University of Findlay – Findlay, Ohio

• Acceptance Rate: 86%
• Scholarships: $24,000 for undergraduates; assistantships for graduates
• Deadlines: Fall (June 20), Spring (November 10)
• Application Fee: $75
• English Test Waiver: Ghanaians (Nigerians may submit university-issued English proficiency letters)

7. University of Arizona – Tucson, Arizona

• Acceptance Rate: 86.8%
• Scholarships: Global Wildcat Award up to $23,000 for undergraduates; assistantships for graduates
• Deadlines:
  • Fall (August 1 – June 30)
  • Spring (May 6 – November 1)
• Application Fee: $85 (undergraduates), $90 (graduates)
• English Test Waiver: Available

8. Miami University – Oxford, Ohio

• Acceptance Rate: 87.9%
• Scholarships: $122,000 for undergraduates; assistantships for graduates
• Deadlines: Program dependent
• Application Fee: $50
• English Test Waiver: Available

9. Kent State University – Kent, Ohio

• Acceptance Rate: 88%
• Scholarships: $177,000 for undergraduates; assistantships for graduates
• Deadlines: Program dependent
• Application Fee: $70
• English Test Waiver: Nigerians and Ghanaians

10. Missouri State University – Springfield, Missouri

• Acceptance Rate: 92.6%
• Scholarships: $5,500–$10,000 for undergraduates; assistantships for graduates
• Deadlines: Fall (May 1), Spring (October 1)
• Application Fee: $50 (varies for graduate programs)
• English Test Waiver: Available

Study in USA for Free Bonus: Western Kentucky University – Bowling Green, Kentucky

• Acceptance Rate: 96.9% (highest on this list)
• Scholarships:
  • $7,500 Freshman Scholarship
  • $99,500 TIP Scholarship
  • Graduate assistantships available
• Deadlines: Program dependent
• Application Fee: $95
• English Test Waiver: Available

Application Tips for International Students

1. Apply to multiple universities. Submitting applications to at least five schools increases your chances of admission and shows visa officers you are serious.
2. Respect deadlines. Early applications (especially for fall) give you more time to prepare documents and process your visa.
3. Use fee waivers. Application fees can add up, but many universities allow qualified students to apply for free.
4. Request English test waivers. If your degree was taught in English, ask your university for a proficiency letter to save money on TOEFL or IELTS.

Final Thoughts

Studying in the U.S. doesn’t have to mean taking on massive debt. With these universities offering full scholarships and graduate assistantships, international students can pursue world-class education while managing their living expenses.

If you’re planning to study in the U.S. in 2026, start your applications early, explore fee waiver opportunities, and keep this list handy when choosing where to apply. Your academic journey in America may be closer than you think!