top scholarships for graduate students in 2025

1. Fulbright Program Overview The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious international educational exchange programs, designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. It provides funding for

Written by: Aya Ben Abdallah

Published on: May 7, 2026

1. Fulbright Program

Overview

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious international educational exchange programs, designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. It provides funding for international study, research, and teaching opportunities.

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizens and permanent residents
  • Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
  • Must demonstrate strong academic and leadership potential

Coverage

  • Tuition fee coverage
  • Monthly stipend
  • Travel and health insurance

Application Process

  1. Complete the application on the official Fulbright website.
  2. Obtain reference letters from professors or professionals.
  3. Submit a well-prepared research proposal.

2. Rhodes Scholarship

Overview

The Rhodes Scholarship enables outstanding students from around the globe to study at the University of Oxford. It aims to develop leaders of service and virtue.

Eligibility

  • Citizens of specific countries including the U.S., Canada, and several African nations.
  • Must have completed a bachelor’s degree.
  • Aged 18-24 years.

Coverage

  • Tuition fees
  • Living expenses
  • Travel costs

Application Process

  1. Ensure eligibility based on home country requirements.
  2. Submit academic transcripts and personal statement.
  3. Attend a highly competitive interview round.

3. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

Overview

This fellowship supports graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, aiming to foster diversity in STEM fields.

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.
  • Must be enrolled in a research-based master’s or doctoral program in an eligible field.

Coverage

  • Annual stipend of $34,000
  • Tuition and fees up to $12,000
  • Access to international research opportunities

Application Process

  1. Complete an online application form.
  2. Provide research proposal and personal statement.
  3. Obtain recommendations from academic mentors.

4. Marshall Scholarship

Overview

The Marshall Scholarship funds American students for graduate study at any institution in the United Kingdom. It is designed to strengthen the ties between the U.S. and the UK.

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizens under the age of 30.
  • Hold a first degree with a GPA of at least 3.7.
  • Demonstrated leadership and community service.

Coverage

  • Tuition fees
  • Monthly living expenses
  • Travel costs

Application Process

  1. Collect required academic documents.
  2. Submit a personal statement and essays reflecting academic goals.
  3. Interview with the selection committee.

5. Hertz Foundation Fellowship

Overview

Focused on PhD candidates in the applied physical, biological, and engineering sciences, the Hertz Fellowship aims to support the next generation of innovators.

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • Must show potential for significant future contributions in science and technology.

Coverage

  • Up to five years of funding.
  • An annual stipend of over $38,000.
  • Full tuition coverage.

Application Process

  1. Complete an online application form.
  2. Submit a personal statement and proposal.
  3. Interview stage.

6. American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships

Overview

These fellowships support women pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Eligibility

  • Non-U.S. women who have completed their undergraduate degree.
  • Must have a record of high academic achievement.

Coverage

  • $20,000 for master’s degrees.
  • $30,000 for doctoral degrees.

Application Process

  1. Complete the fellowship application online.
  2. Submit academic records and personal statement.
  3. Designate and submit letters of recommendation.

7. Beinecke Scholarship Program

Overview

This scholarship is aimed at graduate students pursuing studies in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. It supports students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Eligibility

  • Must be a college junior planning to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree.
  • Demonstrated financial need.

Coverage

  • Up to $34,000 for graduate studies.
  • A focus on fields connected to the liberal arts and sciences.

Application Process

  1. Nomination by a faculty member at your institution.
  2. Submit a concise statement of purpose.
  3. Provide transcripts and letters of recommendation.

8. ProFellow Scholarships

Overview

This resource provides detailed information about various fellowships available for graduate students across multiple disciplines.

Eligibility

  • Varies by fellowship but generally open to graduate or early-career professionals.

Coverage

  • Varies significantly based on specific fellowships.

Application Process

  1. Research available fellowships.
  2. Tailor personal application materials as per the fellowship requirements.
  3. Follow each fellowship’s unique application process.

9. Soros Fellowships for New Americans

Overview

The Soros Fellowship supports graduate students who are immigrants or children of immigrants, emphasizing the contributions of new Americans.

Eligibility

  • Must be a legal resident or naturalized U.S. citizen.
  • Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Coverage

  • Up to $90,000 for graduate studies, covering tuition and living expenses.

Application Process

  1. Complete an online application form.
  2. Submit academic transcripts, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.

10. Lincoln Scholars Program

Overview

The Lincoln Scholars Program provides scholarships for students pursuing graduate degrees related to public policy, government, or public service.

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizen or resident.
  • Demonstrable commitment to public service.

Coverage

  • Varies based on institution and funding availability.

Application Process

  1. Submit a personal statement detailing career aspirations.
  2. Obtain letters of recommendation from professionals in the public policy sector.

11. Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowships

Overview

These fellowships fund research projects that are focused on child development and education across a variety of disciplines.

Eligibility

  • Any nationality; applicants must be engaged in research on child development.
  • Must hold a master’s degree or equivalent.

Coverage

  • Funding varies based on the scope of the research proposal.

Application Process

  1. Prepare a detailed research proposal.
  2. Submit along with a CV and supporting documents.

12. NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award

Overview

This service award helps graduate students and postdoctoral candidates to conduct research within various areas of biomedicine.

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizens, Nationals, or permanent residents.
  • Enrollment in a biomedical or behavioral science program.

Coverage

  • Stipends range from $27,000 to $52,000, depending on the level of study.
  • Travel funds may also be available.

Application Process

  1. Discuss your proposal with an advisor at your institution.
  2. Complete the grant application through the NIH portal.

13. Skoll Scholarship

Overview

This scholarship allows students pursuing an MBA at Oxford’s Saïd Business School who are focused on social entrepreneurship.

Eligibility

  • Must have a demonstrable entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Applicants can be from any nationality.

Coverage

  • Covers full tuition fees.
  • A living stipend and travel costs for the duration of the program.

Application Process

  1. Apply for an MBA program at the University of Oxford.
  2. Complete the Skoll Scholarship application alongside your MBA application.

14. AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship

Overview

This program supports non-accounting graduates who are pursuing a graduate degree in accounting.

Eligibility

  • U.S. residents or citizens.
  • Must demonstrate financial need coupled with academic merit.

Coverage

  • Up to $5,000 per year.

Application Process

  1. Complete an online application.
  2. Provide academic transcripts and a personal statement.

15. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

Overview

Administered by the U.S. State Department, this scholarship empowers students with financial need to study abroad.

Eligibility

  • U.S. undergraduate students receiving Federal Pell Grant.
  • Must receive academic credit for studying abroad.

Coverage

  • Up to $5,000 depending on program duration and destination.

Application Process

  1. Complete the online application through the official Gilman Scholarship website.
  2. Submit a personal statement about objectives and study abroad plans.

16. PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund

Overview

This fund supports women from other countries pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. and Canada.

Eligibility

  • International women who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance.
  • Must have a commitment to advancing women’s opportunities.

Coverage

  • Up to $12,500 per year.

Application Process

  1. Collect required documents including transcripts and personal statement.
  2. Submit nominations via local P.E.O. Chapters.

17. Google PhD Fellowship Program

Overview

This program supports students pursuing a PhD in computer science, engineering, or related fields with a focus on underrepresented groups.

Eligibility

  • Graduate students pursuing a PhD in eligible fields.
  • Strong academic record and innovative research proposal.

Coverage

  • A stipend and research funding.

Application Process

  1. Submit a detailed proposal and academic records.
  2. Obtain two recommendations from faculty.

18. AIR (American Institute for Research) Fellowship

Overview

The AIR Fellowship provides funding for education-related research and is ideal for those interested in policy research.

Eligibility

  • Open to graduate students focused on education and policy.
  • Must have a strong research proposal.

Coverage

  • Varies based on the nature of projects proposed.

Application Process

  1. Submit a comprehensive application, detailing the educational research project.
  2. Include references and academic background.

19. UNESCO-L’Oreal International Fellowships for Women in Science

Overview

This fellowship encourages women in science by providing funding for research in the fields of life sciences.

Eligibility

  • Open to women scientists from developing countries.
  • Must be involved in a research project associated with life sciences.

Coverage

  • Up to €15,000 for a research project.

Application Process

  1. Submit a research proposal focused on life sciences.
  2. Collect academic records and recommendations.

20. U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarships

Overview

These scholarships sponsor intensive overseas language study in critical need languages for Americans.

Eligibility

  • Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • Must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution.

Coverage

  • Tuition, travel, and living expenses.

Application Process

  1. Complete an online application including language interests.
  2. Provide language proficiency reports and academic history.

21. NSHSS Foundation Scholarship

Overview

Offered by the National Society of High School Scholars, this scholarship is aimed at exceptional students pursuing higher education.

Eligibility

  • Open to all graduate students with a strong academic record.
  • Must be a member of NSHSS.

Coverage

  • Varies depending on program availability.

Application Process

  1. Submit an application via the NSHSS foundation website.
  2. Include a personal statement, academic records, and recommendations.

22. APA/ALG Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Overview

This fellowship supports graduate-level research projects aimed at advancing the field of psychology.

Eligibility

  • Graduate students enrolled in psychology programs.
  • Must have a well-established research agenda.

Coverage

  • Varies based on the specifics of the research proposal.

Application Process

  1. Submit a detailed research proposal.
  2. Obtain letters of recommendation from academic faculty.

23. FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Overview

The São Paulo Research Foundation supports postdoctoral research in Brazil across various disciplines, fostering international collaboration.

Eligibility

  • Must have completed a doctoral degree.
  • An innovative research plan is encouraged.

Coverage

  • Financial support varies according to the research needs.

Application Process

  1. Submit a formal research proposal to FAPESP.
  2. Include a CV and academic references.

24. NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship

Overview

This program is designed for educators looking to deepen their global understanding through study abroad experiences.

Eligibility

  • Must be a current employee of a public school.
  • Open to educators at various levels.

Coverage

  • Fellowship funds for travel and educational expenses.

Application Process

  1. Submit a personal statement outlining interest in global education.
  2. Gain recommendations from educational leaders.

25. AICPA Scholarship for Minority Students

Overview

This scholarship aims to support underrepresented minorities pursuing a degree in accounting.

Eligibility

  • Minority students who are attending a university in the U.S..
  • Must be pursuing an accounting degree.

Coverage

  • Up to $5,000 per year.

Application Process

  1. Complete the online application.
  2. Provide letters of recommendation and academic records.

26. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Junior Fellows Program

Overview

The Junior Fellows Program offers graduates practical experience in international affairs, policy analysis, and more.

Eligibility

  • Must be recent graduates or enrolled in a master’s program.
  • Strong interest in global policy issues.

Coverage

  • Competitive stipend and benefits.

Application Process

  1. Submit a detailed resume and personal statement.
  2. Obtain recommendations from academic professionals.

27. Hertz Fellowships

Overview

This exclusive fellowship focuses on supporting graduate students working on innovative projects in science and engineering.

Eligibility

  • Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • Strong academic background and research interests.

Coverage

  • Provides funds for tuition and a generous stipend.

Application Process

  1. Submit a comprehensive application detailing research projects.
  2. Include academic references and transcripts.

28. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship

Overview

The Rangel Fellowship provides funding for graduate studies leading to a career in the foreign service.

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizens with a strong academic background.
  • Must pursue a master’s degree in relevant fields.

Coverage

  • Covers tuition and living expenses.

Application Process

  1. Prepare an extensive application package including statements of purpose.
  2. Obtain letters of recommendation.

29. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Arts Award

Overview

Designed for exceptionally talented students pursuing graduate arts degrees, this scholarship supports both tuition and professional development.

Eligibility

  • Must have attended a U.S. undergraduate institution.
  • Must display a high level of artistic achievement.

Coverage

  • Up to $50,000 per year for graduate studies.

Application Process

  1. Complete the online application form.
  2. Submit a portfolio of work alongside an academic statement.

30. AAUW Selected Professions Fellowships

Overview

These fellowships support women pursuing master’s or professional degrees in fields where women are underrepresented.

Eligibility

  • Must be a woman who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Strong academic record.

Coverage

  • Up to $20,000 depending on the selected profession.

Application Process

  1. Collect necessary documents including academic and professional references.
  2. Submit an online application through the AAUW website.

By engaging with these opportunities, graduate students in 2025 can secure funding for advanced studies, research, and international experiences, paving the way for their future careers and contributions to society.

Leave a Comment

Previous

how to apply for college scholarships successfully and effectively

Next

expert essay tips to win college scholarships