Fully-Funded PhD. Programs In The USA For International Students for 2024

In today’s era, if you wish to be considered for top-level academic and non-academic positions abroad, doctoral programs are a necessity. Several top American universities offer Ph.D. programs, but not all of them are cost-effective.

Fortunately, some universities lower students’ financial burdens and provide fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students.

Scholarships for PhD. Programs In The USA

The Fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA cover various programs such as studentships, scholarships, and grant and bursaries programs. Some American universities offer fully-funded doctoral projects as well. 

These fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students do not cover only research council studentship. Usually, they also include:

• Travel grants and conference funding
• Resource grants 
• Writing-up funding 
• Hardship funding

Eligibility for Country/Course 

These fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students are doctoral programs. Moreover, since these programs are also for out-of-state students, there is no restriction on the country’s eligibility. 

Additionally, the range of fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the US varies from small grants to full studentships.

Level of Scholarship 

The doctoral programs are the highest academic degrees awarded to a student by a university. You will only be eligible for the fully-funded Ph.D. program if you have completed a pre-requisite or postgraduate program. 

The Ph.D. would involve the students engaging independently in original research in a particular field or subject of their choice. 

Tenure/Duration

The duration of fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA can differ for various streams or students. American universities usually have some time restrictions. Generally, it is three to five years.

Subject/Fields for Fully Funded PhD. Programs In The USA

The USA’s fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students generally do not cover specific programs. Some scholarships provided by certain universities can be only for particular fields. For instance, the Rice University Fully Funded Doctoral program is restricted to some majors which include:

• Architecture
• Business
• Engineering 
• Humanities 
• Music
• Natural Sciences 
• Social Sciences

Several scholarships, grants, and studentships are available for Ph.D. programs in the US. Some of them are sponsored by organizations, while the universities push others. 

We have listed some common ones below for your reference:

• Microsoft Research Dissertation Grant for Doctoral Students
• IBM Fellowship Awards Program for Ph.D. Students
• Facebook Emerging Scholar Programme
• Microsoft Research Scholarship for Scholars in Europe Africa Middle East (EMEA)
• Columbia University International Postdoctoral Humanities Fellowship
• University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS)
• PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women to Study in USA and Canada

Some of the US universities that provide fully-funded PhD programs are listed in the table mentioned below:

(Source: usnews.com)

Application Duration of Fully Funded PhD. Programs In The USA

Application deadlines and notifications will vary according to the grant or scholarship you apply to. Following are the tentative application deadlines for the above-mentioned fully-funded Ph.D. programs.

Mode of Application 

The mode of application for all these fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students is online.

Eligibility Criteria And Additional Requirements 

The eligibility criteria and additional requirements will vary according to different funding programs. To give you all an insight, here are the entry requirements for the IBM Fellowship Awards Program for Ph.D. Students.

Applications are welcome for students from all nationalities. However, all such nominees:

• cannot nominate themselves and instead must be selected by the doctoral faculty member 
• have to be enrolled full-time in a Ph.D. program over two consecutive academic years of the award/forfeit the fellowship
• must have three years remaining in the program at the nomination time so the fellowship can be used for the last two years of study
• cannot be from the US-embargoed countries 
• should be in the same program for the award duration. Transferring departments or schools is not allowed  

Value of Scholarship 

The value of scholarships will also differ according to various funding programs for Ph.D. On average,  USD 25,000 to USD 40,000 (INR 20,63,363 to INR 33,01,380)

Selection Process 

The selection process of fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA is based on three factors:

• Merit-based funding
• Need-based funding
• International funding

Requirements for Continuing Scholarships

Major fully-funded Ph.D. programs renew automatically for the next year varies on the basis of the student program.

Conclusion

In 2024, the United States continues to offer a wide array of fully-funded PhD programs for international students, reaffirming its commitment to fostering global academic collaboration and research excellence. These programs, available across diverse fields of study, not only cover tuition fees but also provide stipends, research funding, and health insurance, making advanced education accessible regardless of students' financial backgrounds. American universities prioritize attracting talented scholars from around the world, understanding their crucial role in driving innovation, cultural exchange, and academic progress. For international students, these fully-funded opportunities in the USA represent not just financial support, but a gateway to working with leading experts, accessing state-of-the-art facilities, and joining a vibrant intellectual community. In pursuing these programs, students embark on a journey of rigorous academic training and research, poised to emerge as experts and leaders in their respective fields.