Best Fully Funded STEM Scholarships in the USA for 2025





STEM fields remain at the forefront of innovation and global development. To attract top talent, U.S. universities, government bodies, and private organizations offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel, research, and more. Below are some of the most prestigious and generous STEM scholarships for 2025.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Level: Graduate (Master’s or PhD)
- Eligibility: International students from over 160 countries.
- Fields Covered: All fields, including all STEM disciplines.
- Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, travel, and health insurance.
- Deadline: Varies by country (usually between February and May).
2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars – Stanford University
- Level: Graduate (Master’s, PhD, MD, JD)
- Eligibility: All nationalities; must apply separately to a Stanford graduate program.
- Fields Covered: All Stanford STEM programs (e.g., computer science, engineering, biology).
- Benefits: Full tuition, stipend for living expenses, travel allowance.
- Deadline: October 2024 (for 2025 entry).
3. AAUW International Fellowships (for Women)
- Level: Graduate and Postgraduate
- Eligibility: Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Fields Covered: All fields including STEM.
- Benefits: Up to $50,000 including tuition, living expenses, and research.
- Deadline: November 2024.
4. Yale University – Fully Funded Need-Based Aid
- Level: Undergraduate
- Eligibility: International and domestic students.
- Fields Covered: All majors, including STEM.
- Benefits: Meets 100% of demonstrated financial need (can include full tuition, housing, meals).
- Note: No merit-based scholarships; financial aid is purely need-based.
5. MIT – Need-Based Financial Aid for International Students
- Level: Undergraduate
- Eligibility: All international students.
- Fields Covered: Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, etc.
- Benefits: Covers up to full cost of attendance based on demonstrated financial need.
- How to Apply: Through CSS Profile and institutional forms.
6. Gates Scholarship (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- Level: Undergraduate
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens/Permanent residents from underrepresented groups.
- Fields Covered: All majors including STEM.
- Benefits: Full cost of attendance, including tuition, room, board, books, and transportation.
- Deadline: September 2024.
7. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
- Level: Graduate
- Eligibility: Immigrants and children of immigrants in the U.S.
- Fields Covered: Includes STEM-related graduate programs.
- Benefits: Up to $90,000 over two years.
- Deadline: Fall 2024.
8. Columbia University – International Student Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
- Eligibility: International students applying to Columbia Engineering or related programs.
- Fields Covered: Engineering, Applied Science, Data Science, etc.
- Benefits: Need-based aid; may cover full tuition and fees.
- How to Apply: Apply for financial aid with CSS Profile during application process.
9. University of Michigan – Rackham Graduate School Fellowships
- Level: Graduate (STEM-focused PhD and Master’s)
- Eligibility: Domestic and international students in eligible graduate programs.
- Fields Covered: Engineering, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and more.
- Benefits: Tuition, stipend, and health insurance.
- Additional Opportunities: Summer research fellowships and assistantships.
10. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship
- Level: Graduate (MS and PhD)
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Fields Covered: STEM and social sciences.
- Benefits: $37,000 annual stipend + tuition support for three years.
- Deadline: October 2024.
11. Google PhD Fellowship (North America)
- Level: PhD
- Eligibility: Students in computer science and related fields.
- Fields Covered: AI, ML, robotics, cybersecurity, data science, etc.
- Benefits: Full tuition, stipend, and research mentorship by a Google researcher.
- Highly competitive and by nomination only.
Tips for Applying to Fully Funded STEM Scholarships in the USA
- Start Early
Deadlines can be up to a year before your intended start date. Begin researching in advance and prepare materials ahead of time. - Maintain Excellent Academics
Most programs expect top academic performance, especially in math, science, and technology-related courses. - Gain Research or Project Experience
Demonstrate your hands-on skills and interest in innovation through projects, internships, or lab work. - Tailor Your Essays and Statements
Align your goals with each scholarship’s mission—whether it’s leadership, service, innovation, or academic excellence. - Prepare Strong Recommendations
Choose referees who know your work well and can speak to your academic ability, especially in STEM subjects.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded STEM scholarships in the U.S. can transform your academic and career path. Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate degree or pursuing advanced research, there’s a scholarship opportunity for you. With careful preparation, strategic applications, and a clear demonstration of your passion for STEM, you can compete successfully for these prestigious awards.
Would you like a list of programs filtered by degree level (undergraduate vs. graduate) or help with writing a personal statement or CV?