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Introduction
Let’s be real for a second—studying in the USA is expensive. Like, seriously expensive. From tuition fees to living costs, it can add up to a small fortune. But here’s the good news (and yeah, it’s really good): you don’t have to pay for it all. In fact, if you plan smartly and apply to the right programs, you can get a fully funded scholarship that covers pretty much everything.
As someone who once stared at a $50,000 per year tuition bill and thought, there’s no way I can do this, trust me when I say—it is possible. This article is your go-to guide for finding fully funded scholarships in the USA specifically for Indian and Pakistani students.
What Does “Fully Funded” Mean?
Before we dive into the list, let’s clear this up. A fully funded scholarship usually covers:
- ✅ Full tuition fees
- ✅ Accommodation or a housing stipend
- ✅ Meals and living expenses
- ✅ Health insurance
- ✅ Travel (roundtrip airfare in many cases)
- ✅ Books and other academic materials
In some cases, you’ll even get a small monthly allowance to cover personal expenses. Yeah—it’s that good.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (U.S. Government)
This is hands down the most popular and prestigious option out there for both Indian and Pakistani students.
- 🎯 Eligibility: Master’s or PhD students
- 📍 Covers: Tuition, airfare, health insurance, living stipend
- 📝 Additional Perks: Visa support, mentorship programs, alumni network
Each country has its own Fulbright commission or embassy that handles applications:
- For Pakistan, check out the USEFP website
- For India, apply via USEFI (United States-India Educational Foundation)
➡️ Pro tip: This program is competitive, so make sure your application tells a strong personal story with clear future goals.
2. AAUW International Fellowships (For Women Only)
This is a hidden gem for women from developing countries (which includes both India and Pakistan).
- 🎯 Eligibility: Women pursuing graduate or postdoctoral studies in the U.S.
- 📍 Covers: Full tuition, living stipend, travel
- 💡 Extra Points: Leadership skills, community involvement, and women’s empowerment work
This is not just about funding education—it’s about supporting women leaders of tomorrow.
3. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
Stanford is expensive, yes. But this scholarship? A complete game-changer.
- 🎯 Eligibility: All graduate programs at Stanford
- 📍 Covers: Tuition, living allowance, travel stipend
- 💼 Bonus: Access to leadership programs, speaker events, and networking with global changemakers
It’s one of the most generous and competitive scholarships out there—but if you have a strong academic and leadership profile, go for it.
4. Humphrey Fellowship Program
This one’s more for mid-career professionals from both India and Pakistan.
- 🎯 Eligibility: Professionals with at least 5 years of experience
- 📍 Covers: Tuition, travel, living expenses, professional development
- 🤝 Focus Areas: Public policy, education, law, and more
It’s not for traditional degree seekers but is amazing for professionals looking to grow and expand their international influence.
5. Rotary Peace Fellowship
If you’re into peace, conflict resolution, or international relations, this could be your golden ticket.
- 🎯 Eligibility: Master’s-level study in peace and development
- 📍 Covers: Tuition, housing, meals, travel, and internship expenses
- 🌍 Locations: While some programs are outside the U.S., Duke University and UNC are American campuses included
Highly mission-driven, this one’s for change-makers.
6. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Yes, it has “Japan” in the name, but students from developing countries who get into select U.S. universities can apply.
- 🎯 Eligibility: Master’s programs in development-related fields
- 📍 Covers: Tuition, travel, living stipend, books
- 📑 Requirement: Must return to your country for at least 2 years after the degree
Perfect for students passionate about giving back.
7. Yale University Scholarships for International Students
Yale is one of the few Ivy League schools that offers need-blind admissions for international applicants.
- 🎯 Eligibility: Undergrad and graduate students
- 📍 Covers: Full demonstrated need, including tuition and living costs
- 📚 How it Works: They assess your family’s financial situation and cover 100% of what you can’t afford
It’s not a traditional “scholarship,” but it amounts to the same thing—free education if you qualify.
8. Amherst College International Scholarships
Another need-blind college for international applicants. If you get in, and you can’t pay, they’ll make sure you’re covered.
- 🎯 Eligibility: Undergraduate programs
- 📍 Covers: Tuition