Pursuing a PhD in the United States is a dream for many students, offering world-class research facilities, academic excellence, and diverse career opportunities. However, the cost of doctoral studies can be overwhelming without financial support. Fully funded PhD scholarships not only cover tuition but also provide stipends, health insurance, and research funding—allowing students to focus on their studies without the burden of debt.
This guide highlights the top 10 fully funded PhD scholarships in the USA that cater to both domestic and international students.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. It offers full funding for international students to pursue graduate studies, including PhD programs, at accredited U.S. universities.
Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage
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Living stipend
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Health insurance
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Travel allowance
Eligibility: Open to students from over 160 countries, with selection managed by U.S. embassies or Fulbright commissions.
2. Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is designed for outstanding graduate students, including those pursuing PhDs. It emphasizes leadership, innovation, and a commitment to addressing global challenges.
Benefits:
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Full tuition and fees
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Annual stipend for living and academic expenses
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Travel grant for one round-trip ticket per year
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities and disciplines.
3. Harvard University PhD Fellowships
Harvard University offers generous funding for all admitted PhD students, ensuring they can complete their studies without financial strain.
Benefits:
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Full tuition for the entire program
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Living stipend (usually for 5 years)
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Research and conference travel grants
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Health insurance
Eligibility: Available to both domestic and international students upon admission.
4. Yale University PhD Funding
Yale provides fully funded financial aid packages to all its PhD students, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to research and academic success.
Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage
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Annual stipend for living expenses
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Comprehensive health insurance
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Additional research support
Eligibility: All admitted PhD students automatically receive funding.
5. Princeton University PhD Scholarships
Princeton ensures every PhD student receives financial support that covers tuition and living expenses, regardless of their background.
Benefits:
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Full tuition waiver
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Annual stipend for living costs
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Health coverage
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Research funding for projects and conferences
Eligibility: Funding is guaranteed for all accepted PhD students.
6. University of Chicago PhD Fellowships
The University of Chicago offers competitive fully funded fellowships for doctoral candidates across various disciplines.
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Annual stipend for living expenses (5 years)
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Research and professional development support
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Health insurance
Eligibility: Open to all admitted PhD students.
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) PhD Funding
MIT provides full financial support for the majority of its PhD students, particularly in science, engineering, and technology fields.
Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage
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Monthly stipend for living costs
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Health insurance
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Funding for research activities
Eligibility: Most admitted PhD students are automatically considered for funding.
8. Columbia University Doctoral Fellowships
Columbia University offers various fully funded fellowships and assistantships to PhD students, ensuring they can focus on advanced research without financial worries.
Benefits:
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Tuition waiver
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Annual stipend for living expenses
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Health coverage
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Access to research and travel grants
Eligibility: Available to all admitted students; some fellowships may have specific research or field requirements.
9. University of California, Berkeley – Chancellor’s Fellowship
UC Berkeley’s Chancellor’s Fellowship supports exceptional incoming PhD students with generous funding packages.
Benefits:
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Full tuition and fees
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Living stipend (multi-year support)
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Research and conference travel funds
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Health insurance
Eligibility: Awarded based on academic excellence and research potential.
10. American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
The AAUW International Fellowships support women from around the world who wish to pursue graduate and doctoral studies in the U.S.
Benefits:
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Funding up to $50,000 per year
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Covers tuition, living expenses, and research costs
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Networking and mentorship opportunities
Eligibility: Open to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Tips for Applying to Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in the USA
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Start Early – Many top scholarships have deadlines up to a year before the program start date.
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Strengthen Your Research Proposal – A well-defined, original research plan can greatly enhance your application.
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Highlight Academic Excellence – High GPAs, publications, and conference presentations can make your application stand out.
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Secure Strong Recommendations – Letters from professors or research supervisors who know your work well carry significant weight.
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Tailor Each Application – Customize your statement of purpose and essays for each scholarship to reflect their mission and values.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded PhD scholarships in the USA provide not just financial relief but also access to world-class research opportunities, global networks, and career growth. While competition is high, strong academic performance, a clear research vision, and a well-prepared application can open doors to these life-changing opportunities. Whether you aim to innovate in science, contribute to social change, or lead in academia, these scholarships can be the stepping stone to your success.