Top 18 PhD Scholarships in the USA for 2024-25

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Are you dreaming of getting into doctoral research but worried about the cost? The USA boasts a treasure trove of scholarships waiting to fuel your academic journey. From full funding to program-specific awards, there's a golden ticket with your name on it. You can explore big-time scholarships like Stanford University, Facebook, Yale, and many more. So, grab your research proposal, and get ready to explore the top 18 PhD scholarships in the USA for 2024-25! 

1. Yale University Scholarships USA

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD

Program Period: 2 to 5 years

Deadline: December 15, 2024

Offered by: Yale University

Yale University offers a wide range of PhD scholarship in the USA for both domestic and international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, financial need, and diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. TOEFL scores must meet the following minimums:

• Internet-based TOEFL: 100
• Paper-based TOEFL: 600
• Computer-based TOEFL: 250

2. IELTS scores should be 7 or above, while Pearson Test scores must be 70 or higher.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Yale University scholarship covers 100% of demonstrated financial need.

2. Parent's income, assets, and finances are considered for scholarship assessment.

3. Scholarship amount ranges from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 annually.

4. Students with parents earning under $65,000 annually pay no tuition, room, or board fees.

2. Fulbright Scholarships

Level of Study: Masters, PhD

Program Period: 12 months

Deadline: Varies February - October 2025

Offered by: USA Universities and Academic Institutions

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program facilitates PhD scholarships in the USA from overseas to pursue studies and research at American universities or academic institutions. Scholars from 155 nations worldwide partake in this initiative annually.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or nationality, excluding permanent residents. Dual citizens should review specific award criteria.

2. A conferred bachelor's degree or equivalent is mandatory before the grant period commences.

3. In creative and performing arts, four years of professional training suffice. Arts applicants lacking a BA should email to confirm eligibility.

4. Language proficiency matching award requirements is essential for project completion and adaptation to the host country.

5. Holding a J.D. at the time of application is acceptable.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Tuition exemption

2. Financial support for living expenses

3. Health insurance for illness and accidents

3. AAUW International Fellowships

Level of Study: Graduate, Postgraduate

Program Period: 1 year

Deadline: November 15, 2025

Offered by: The American Association of University Women

The AAUW International Fellowships, among the most established and expansive global PhD scholarships in the USA, have a rich tradition of aiding women in their pursuit of education. Its dedication to empowering women and fostering international cooperation renders it an unparalleled and invaluable opportunity for its beneficiaries.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Former recipients of AAUW national fellowships or grants (excluding local awards or Community Action Grants) are ineligible for International Fellowships.

2. AAUW board members, committees, staff, and interns can't apply for fellowships.

3. Women, including those who identify as women, from any field can apply for International Fellowships at accredited institutions.

4. Must be citizens of countries other than the U.S. or hold nonimmigrant visas if in the U.S. Dual citizens with the U.S. are ineligible.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Master’s/first professional degree: $20,000

2. Doctoral: $25,000

3. Postdoctoral: $50,000

4. Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate

Program Period: 1 year

Deadline: 27 November, 2025

Offered by: Google

Aligned with Dr. Anita Borg's vision, this PhD scholarship in the USA was founded to advance women in STEM. It embraces Anita's ideals, encouraging global student engagement in addressing gender equality in technology.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Women showcasing outstanding technical abilities and academic achievements.

2. Studying courses like computer science or computer engineering.

3. Enrolled as full-time students in accredited universities.

4. Recent graduates from the previous academic year.

Scholarship Coverage:

Award amount: 7,000 Euros

5. Franklin Mosher Baldwin Memorial Fellowship

Level of Study: Masters, PhD

Program Period: 2 years

Deadline: February 2025

Offered by: Leakey Foundation

This fully funded scholarship targets students hailing from countries with restricted access to advanced education in human origins research. These PhD scholarships in the USA enable scholars to pursue studies or training either domestically or abroad.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Associated or employed with an organization in their native land.

2. Conditional admission (or proof of application) to the host institution.

3. Monetary support from the host institution.

4. Plans to go back and contribute to their home country after finishing the program.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Cover costs for tuition, travel, and living expenses

2. Include student fees, insurance, and book expenses

3. Account for other relevant spending categories

6. Josephine de Karman Fellowship Trust

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD

Program Period: 1 year

Deadline: January 31, 2025

Offered by: Pasadena Community Foundation 

Started in 1954 by the late Dr. Theodore Van Karman, this PhD scholarship in the USA was his initiative to support students who shared his values and academic pursuits. It assists high-achieving students with their educational endeavors.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Only students currently attending a U.S. university are eligible.

2. PhD candidates must plan to defend their dissertation within two years.

3. Undergraduates entering their senior year can also be considered.

Scholarship Coverage: 

A grant of $25,000/year.

7. NCITD International Trade Scholarships

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD

Program Period: 2 years

Deadline: April 26, 2025

Offered by: The National Council on International Trade Development

Started in 2010, this PhD scholarship in the USA targets students at various educational levels, who exhibit a passion for international trade. This dedication is evidenced by their academic pursuits, work engagements, volunteerism, or relevant extracurricular involvements.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program related to international trade studies

2. Enrollment must be at an accredited U.S. college or university

3. Undergraduates should have at least "junior" status for the 2023-2024 academic year

4. Demonstrated interest or experience in international trade required

5. Open to both U.S. and Non-U.S. students at accredited U.S. institutions

6. Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent required

Scholarship Coverage: 

Covers the tuition fee of whichever institution you’re enrolled in.

8. Campbell Fellowships for Transformative Research

Level of Study: PhD

Program Period: 6 or 9 months

Deadline: 10 December, 2024

Offered by: Campbell Foundation

The School for Advanced Research (SAR) offers PhD scholarships in the USA for every academic year. These awards, known as Campbell Fellowships, are bestowed upon diligent, skilled, and deserving students.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Restricted to female applicants

2. Open to candidates of any nationality

3. Research must focus on improving women's health, well-being, and prosperity in developing nations

4. Requires a completed doctorate in anthropology, economics, geography, history, law, political science, psychology, sociology, or an interdisciplinary field combining two or more of these areas.

Scholarship Coverage: Will receive $4,500 per month.

9. IBM PhD Fellowship Awards Program

Level of Study: PhD

Program Period: 1 year

Deadline: August, 2025

Offered by: IBM

This PhD scholarship in the USA is a highly competitive global initiative that recognizes outstanding doctoral candidates aspiring to innovate in emerging and transformative technologies. These types of PhD scholarships in the USA are a gateway to a brilliant academic career for students.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Nomination by a doctoral faculty member is required; self-nomination is not permitted.

2. Full-time enrollment in a PhD program during the award year is mandatory.

3, Nominees must have at least two years left in their program to apply for the fellowship to the final year.

4. Nominees must remain in the same program throughout the award duration.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Within the US, students awarded fellowships during school will receive a stipend covering living costs, travel expenses, and conference attendance.

2. Internationally, fellowship recipients during their academic years will receive a competitive stipend for living expenses, travel, and conference participation.

10. Texas A&M University’s Hertz Fellowship

Level of Study: PhD

Program Period: 5 years

Deadline: November, 2025

Offered by: Texas A&M University

The primary goal of these PhD scholarships in the USA is to offer distinctive financial aid and fellowship opportunities to exceptional doctoral candidates.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Candidates must be either college seniors, first-year graduate students, or in a gap year gearing up for graduate school applications.

2. They should have the intention to pursue a PhD in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering.

3. Their academic focus should align with addressing significant societal challenges.

4. Applicants must hold citizenship or permanent residency status in the United States.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Offers help for up to 5 years.

2. Also includes a stipend of $34,000 for every 9 months.

11. University of lowa’s PhD Programs

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD

Program Period: 5 years

Deadline: January 1, 2025

Offered by: University of Iowa

Iowa hosts a substantial graduate student population of 7,667, providing 119 graduate programs, including 13 online options. It is one of the best PhD scholarship in USA for international students.

Eligibility Criteria:

Aspiring graduate students need to have completed a bachelor's degree program with a GPA of 3.00 or higher out of 4.00.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Complete coverage of tuition fees

2. A stipend of at least 9 months (around $20,041, with yearly updates)

3. Extensive health insurance (90% covered for students)

12. Stanford University Scholarships

Level of Study: Masters / PhD

Program Period: Up to 3 years

Deadline: 09 October, 2025

Offered by: Stanford University

International students can apply for the fully financed PhD scholarship in the USA at Stanford. This award is available to students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees. This scholarship covers all academic costs, living expenses, travel expenses, and tuition fees. Scholarships are available to pursue Graduate (PhD) degree programs in arts, engineering, or social sciences to professional degrees in business, law, or medicine.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. A minimum TOEFL score of 100iBT or 600PBT.

2. First/Bachelor’s degree received in 2018 or Later; for enrolling in 2025.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Complete coverage of tuition fees.

2. A travel allowance intended to pay one annual economy-class ticket to and from Stanford.

3. Supplemental funds to support academic endeavors.

13. Facebook PhD Fellowship

Level of Study: PhD

Program Period: 2 years

Deadline: September 20, 2024

Offered by: Facebook

The Facebook Fellowship Program provides a fully financed grant for international students. This PhD scholarship in the USA is intended for a PhD research study. The grant includes two years of tuition and fees, an annual stipend, and conference travel assistance. Fellowships are available in computer science, engineering, or a related field. The PhD fellowship USA recipients are entitled to two years of study and tuition, an annual stipend, and conference travel assistance.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Full-time PhD students who are enrolled in an accredited university in any country.

2. Students must be enrolled during the academic year(s) the Fellowship is awarded.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. $42,000 grant during each academic year.

2. Up to $5,000 in conference travel support.

14. Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program

Level of Study: PhD

Program Period: 8 months

Deadline: February 28, 2025

Offered by: World Bank

The World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowship Program provides fellowships to Ph.D. candidates from developing countries to pursue creative, development-related PhD studies. The Robert S. McNamara Fellowship provides a fully financed PhD scholarship in the USA for international students. This fund is open for PhD studies and awards up to $42,750 net per fellow for an eight-month fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. No more than 35 years of age.

2. Available to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the fellowship.

3. Nationals of World Bank WBG member countries, with preference to nationals of developing countries.

Scholarship Coverage:

Totaling $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month fellowship.

15. IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program

Level of Study: PhD

Program Period: 4 years

Deadline: May 31, 2025

Offered by: International Mathematical Union

The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program provides fully financed PhD scholarships in the USA. The International Mathematical Union Scholarship is worth up to USD 10,000 per year and covers tuition, accommodation, travel, and living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. The student must be a resident and a citizen of a developing country.

2. Nomination for women students is strongly encouraged.

3. The fellowship will be sanctioned for one year at a time and is renewable annually.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Full tuition fee and a $10,000 grant every year.

2. Accommodation expenses.

16. ACI Foundation Scholarship

Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / PhD / Postdoctoral

Program Period: 4 years

Deadline: January 2, 2025

Offered by: Cornell University

ACI Foundation Scholarships are fully paid scholarships or fellowships for international students. This award is available for undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral studies. This financial aid is awarded to those who apply for financial aid and have demonstrated financial need to receive Cornell University scholarships for PhD.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Test requirements such as SAT or ACT.

2. Applicants must submit a TOEFL IBT minimum score of 100

3. Submit at least 3 years of high school records.

Scholarship Coverage:

$10,000 – $15,000 US grant every year.

17. Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowships

Level of Study: Doctoral & Post Doctoral

Program Period: 2 years

Deadline: August 1, 2025

Offered by: Kellogg Institute for International Studies

Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowships are available to international students who wish to pursue PhD and post-doctoral studies in the United States. Since 1983, the Kellogg Institute for International Studies has offered visiting PhD scholarships in the USA as part of a supportive academic society to encourage interdisciplinary global studies.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Scholars with an established record of scholarly excellence

2. Accomplished policymakers, journalists, and other practitioners whose knowledge and experience can link policy and scholarship.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Stipend

2. Travel expenses

3. Medical insurance benefits

18. Schlumberger Foundation Fellowships

Level of Study: Doctoral & Post Doctoral

Program Period: 1 year

Deadline: November 08, 2025

Offered by: Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future

The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship is a financed grant for international students. This scholarship is worth a maximum of USD 50,000 per year for a PhD and USD 40,000 for a Post-doc, and it can be renewed until the end of studies. It’s one of the best-known PhD scholarships in the USA.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Must be a female and be a citizen of a developing country or emerging economy.

2. Hold an excellent academic record.

Scholarship Coverage:

Grant up to $40,000 per year for PhD and $50,000 for Post-doc.

Tips to Apply for a PhD Scholarship in the USA 2024-25

Now that you're informed about the top 18 PhD scholarships in the USA, it's crucial to keep in mind these helpful tips before proceeding with your application.

1. Start Early: Initiate your fully funded PhD in USA for international students search as soon as possible. This allows ample time for researching various options, understanding eligibility requirements, and preparing your application.

2. Understand Eligibility Criteria: Every PhD scholarship in the USA comes with unique eligibility criteria. Ensure thorough comprehension of these criteria to confirm your eligibility before applying.

3. Prepare a Strong Application: Your application for PhD scholarship in the USA serves as a platform to showcase your academic prowess, skills, and potential. Ensure it's flawlessly written, error-free, and highlights your strengths effectively.

4. Obtain Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation from professors add weight to your PhD scholarships in the USA. Request these letters well in advance to ensure timely submission.

5. Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Expand your horizons by applying for multiple fully funded PhD scholarships in USA. This enhances your chances of securing funding opportunities.

6. Meet Deadlines: Adhere strictly to the deadlines set for each PhD scholarship in the USA. Timely submission is crucial to avoid missing out on potential opportunities.

7. Follow Application Instructions: Each PhD scholarship in the USA presents its own set of application instructions. Pay close attention to these instructions and ensure compliance for a successful application.

With these diverse PhD scholarships in the USA at your fingertips, the path to doctoral success feels easier. So, don't hesitate and take the first step towards achieving your academic goals.