Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, especially from Africa and other developing regions. The good news is that several fully funded scholarships in the USA worth $75,000 or more are available in 2025. These scholarships not only cover tuition, housing, and living costs, but also provide the support you need to successfully obtain a U.S. student visa.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: scholarship names, how to apply, documents required, tips for approval, and how to smoothly transition into your academic journey in the U.S.
Top $75,000+ Scholarships to Study in the USA (2025 Intake)
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Value: Up to $75,000/year
- Covers: Tuition, airfare, living stipend, visa fees, and health insurance
- Eligibility: Master’s and PhD applicants from over 160 countries
- Visa Support: Yes – J-1 Exchange Visa fully sponsored
- Official Link: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org
2. Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
- Value: $75,000+ per year
- Includes: Tuition, living stipend, academic expenses, relocation
- Level: All graduate programs at Stanford
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes – via Stanford’s international admissions team
- Deadline: October 9, 2025
- Official Site: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu
3. Yale University – Yale Young Global Scholars & Graduate Fellowships
- Value: $75,000–$90,000 depending on program
- Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students
- Includes: Tuition, accommodation, living support
- Visa Help: Yale provides sponsorship letters for visa application
- Link: https://world.yale.edu
4. AAUW International Fellowships (For Women Only)
- Value: $20,000 to $50,000+, often combined with university aid to reach $75,000
- For: Women from outside the U.S. pursuing Master’s, PhD, or postdocs
- Website: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/international/
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars (U.S. Partners)
- Partner Universities: Arizona State, UC Berkeley, Wellesley College
- Value: Covers full cost of attendance – tuition, room & board, travel, visa fees
- Focus: Leadership development for African students
- Site: https://mastercardfdn.org
Documents Required for U.S. Scholarship Applications
- Academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores (SAT, GRE, TOEFL/IELTS – if applicable)
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Recommendation letters (2–3)
- Resume or CV
- Valid passport
- Financial documentation (if partially funded)
How to Get the U.S. Student Visa After Receiving a Scholarship
Step 1: Receive Admission + I-20 or DS-2019 Form
- Your school will send you Form I-20 (F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa)
Step 2: Pay SEVIS Fee
- Pay the Student Exchange Visitor Information System fee online
Step 3: Schedule a Visa Interview
- Book your appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
Step 4: Prepare for Interview
Bring:
- I-20 or DS-2019
- Scholarship award letter
- Passport
- SEVIS payment receipt
- Academic records and test scores
- Proof of intent to return home (very important)
Step 5: Attend Interview and Get Approval
- Be honest, clear, and show strong ties to your home country
Tips for Winning These Scholarships
- Apply early – Start 10–12 months before your desired intake
- Craft a compelling story – Highlight leadership, community impact, and personal growth
- Research your program – Tailor your essays to university goals
- Build strong relationships – Secure meaningful recommendation letters
- Show need and merit – Especially for fully funded, need-based scholarships
Key Application Deadlines (2025 Intakes)
| Scholarship | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fulbright | Varies by country (Aug–Oct 2024) |
| Knight-Hennessy | October 9, 2025 |
| Yale Fellowships | Program-specific (check site) |
| AAUW Fellowships | November 15, 2024 |
| Mastercard Foundation | Varies by university (rolling through 2025) |
Final Conclusion
Getting a $75,000 scholarship to study in the USA in 2025 is very achievable if you start early, plan strategically, and apply to the right programs. From Fulbright to Knight-Hennessy, opportunities exist for bright, driven students from Africa and beyond. Once accepted, universities will guide you through the visa process to ensure your smooth transition into life and study in the U.S.
In conclusion, fully funded $75,000 scholarships to study in the USA provide an extraordinary opportunity for international students, especially from underrepresented regions such as Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are not just financial lifelines—they are comprehensive academic packages that include living expenses, visa support, mentorship, and access to elite academic networks. For students who aspire to make a global impact, these programs are a direct gateway to world-class education.
Beyond the financial coverage, these scholarships open doors to transformative experiences. They foster cross-cultural dialogue, promote global leadership, and support students in becoming changemakers in their home communities. Programs like Fulbright and Knight-Hennessy go beyond academics—they cultivate holistic personal and professional development that lasts a lifetime.
What sets these scholarships apart is their strong institutional backing. From admission letters and I-20 forms to visa interviews and travel support, top U.S. universities are committed to seeing international students through every step of their journey. This makes it much easier to focus on your studies and ambitions without being overwhelmed by logistics.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for globally educated professionals is on the rise. With a $75,000 scholarship and a U.S. degree, your career trajectory can accelerate dramatically—opening doors to top employers, entrepreneurial ventures, and further academic opportunities around the world.
Ultimately, applying for these scholarships is a decision that can change your life. It takes effort, planning, and resilience, but the rewards are profound. If you are academically talented, passionate about making a difference, and ready to take on the world, now is the time to seize this opportunity. Begin your application today, and take the first bold step toward a future filled with purpose, knowledge, and global possibilities.