The United States is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and research institutions, making it a top destination for doctoral studies. However, pursuing a PhD can be expensive, with tuition fees, research costs, and living expenses adding up quickly. Fully funded scholarships offer an excellent solution, covering these costs while allowing students to focus entirely on their academic and research work.
Below are the top 10 fully funded PhD scholarships in the USA that international and domestic students can apply for in 2025.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is one of the most recognized international exchange programs.
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Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance.
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Eligibility: Open to students from over 160 countries pursuing graduate or doctoral studies in the USA.
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Highlights: Encourages cross-cultural exchange and academic collaboration in all fields.
2. Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars
This program aims to develop future global leaders by funding exceptional students from around the world.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, academic expenses, and travel grants.
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Eligibility: Applicants must be accepted into a Stanford graduate program, including PhDs, and demonstrate leadership potential.
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Highlights: Offers leadership training, mentorship, and access to an influential network of scholars.
3. Yale University Graduate Fellowships
Yale provides generous financial aid packages to PhD students in all departments.
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Coverage: Full tuition, annual stipend for living expenses, and health insurance for up to five years.
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Eligibility: Admission to Yale’s doctoral programs.
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Highlights: Students can engage in groundbreaking research with access to world-class resources.
4. MIT Presidential Fellowships
Massachusetts Institute of Technology supports top doctoral candidates through its prestigious Presidential Fellowships.
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Coverage: Full tuition, competitive stipend, and research support.
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Eligibility: Open to newly admitted PhD students demonstrating outstanding academic achievements.
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Highlights: Focuses on fostering innovation and leadership in science, technology, and other fields.
5. Harvard University PhD Scholarships
Harvard guarantees full funding for all admitted PhD students for a set number of years, ensuring financial stability during their studies.
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Coverage: Tuition, health fees, and living stipend.
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Eligibility: All admitted PhD students automatically receive funding.
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Highlights: Includes opportunities for research assistantships and teaching fellowships.
6. Princeton University PhD Financial Aid
Princeton provides fully funded financial packages to all PhD students, regardless of nationality.
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Coverage: Tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for the entire program.
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Eligibility: Admission to any Princeton PhD program.
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Highlights: Students are encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary research and benefit from small class sizes.
7. University of Chicago Neubauer Family Distinguished Doctoral Fellowships
This fellowship is designed for exceptional PhD candidates in various disciplines.
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Coverage: Full tuition, generous stipend, and research/travel funding.
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Eligibility: Admission to eligible PhD programs at the University of Chicago.
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Highlights: Provides mentorship and professional development opportunities.
8. Columbia University Presidential Fellowships
Columbia supports doctoral students with competitive funding packages to attract top talent globally.
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Coverage: Full tuition, health insurance, and a multi-year stipend.
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Eligibility: Offered to the most promising applicants to Columbia’s PhD programs.
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Highlights: Includes research and teaching opportunities in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
9. Caltech Graduate Fellowships
The California Institute of Technology offers fully funded fellowships to top-performing PhD students in science and engineering.
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Coverage: Tuition, living allowance, and research support.
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Eligibility: Academic excellence and admission to a Caltech doctoral program.
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Highlights: Access to cutting-edge facilities and collaboration with leading scientists.
10. University of California, Berkeley Graduate Fellowships
UC Berkeley offers a variety of fully funded fellowship programs for PhD students.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, and research/travel grants.
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Eligibility: Admission to any UC Berkeley PhD program and a record of academic excellence.
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Highlights: Students benefit from a vibrant academic environment and extensive networking opportunities.
Tips for Applying to Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in the USA
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Start Early
Many fellowship applications are due nearly a year before the start of the program. Begin your search and preparation early. -
Focus on Research Proposals
A strong research proposal showcasing originality, feasibility, and impact significantly boosts your chances. -
Demonstrate Academic Excellence
Most fully funded scholarships are highly competitive, so strong academic records and relevant experience are essential. -
Get Strong Recommendations
Choose referees who know your academic and research abilities well and can write detailed, personalized letters. -
Highlight Leadership and Impact
Many programs value leadership skills and the potential to make a global impact, not just academic achievements.
Final Thoughts
A fully funded PhD in the USA can open doors to world-class research opportunities, professional networks, and a rewarding academic career without the burden of student loans. The scholarships listed above represent some of the most prestigious options available in 2025, covering tuition, living expenses, and additional benefits.
With careful planning, strong applications, and perseverance, aspiring scholars can secure the funding they need to pursue their research dreams in one of the most academically dynamic countries in the world.