Merit-Based Scholarships in the US

Eligibility for Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, or exceptional extracurricular achievements. To qualify, students must meet specific criteria set by universities or scholarship providers.

General Eligibility Criteria

• High GPA : A strong academic record (typically 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale) is essential.

• Standardized Test Scores : Competitive scores on the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT (varies by university).

• Extracurricular Activities : Leadership roles, sports, volunteering, or participation in research projects.

• Strong Essays & Personal Statement : A well-written application that highlights unique experiences and aspirations.

• Letters of Recommendation : Endorsements from teachers, professors, or mentors who can vouch for your abilities.

How to Apply for Merit-Based Scholarships

Applying for a scholarship takes planning, effort, and attention to detail. Follow these steps to improve your chances:

Step 1: Research Available Scholarships

• Explore university websites, private organizations, and government-funded programs.

• Look for scholarships specific to your field (STEM, arts, business, etc.).

Step 2: Maintain Strong Academic Performance

• Keep your GPA consistently high throughout high school or college.

• Prepare well for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT, depending on your course.

Step 3: Build a Strong Application

• Write a compelling personal statement that reflects your achievements and future goals.

• Get strong recommendation letters from teachers or professionals who know your capabilities.

• Highlight extracurricular activities, awards, and research work to showcase a well-rounded profile.

Step 4: Submit Your Application on Time

• Many scholarships have deadlines 6-12 months before university admission.

• Ensure you meet all requirements and submit documents accurately and before the deadline.

Top Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students

Here are some prestigious scholarships available for international students:

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship designed to support international students, young professionals, and artists in pursuing graduate studies, research, or professional development in the United States. Funded by the U.S. government, this program aims to foster cultural exchange and academic excellence.

What Does the Fulbright Program Cover?

One of the biggest advantages of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program is its comprehensive funding package. Scholars selected for this program receive full financial support, which includes:

• Tuition Fees: The program covers the cost of education at accredited U.S. institutions.

• Living Expenses: Recipients receive a monthly stipend to cover accommodation, food, and other necessities.

• Travel Costs: Round-trip airfare between the recipients home country and the U.S. is fully funded.

• Health Insurance: Scholars are provided with medical coverage for the duration of their stay.

• Academic Support: Additional benefits such as visa assistance, pre-departure orientation, and ongoing support services help students adapt to their new environment.

Who Can Apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program?

The program is open to applicants from over 160 countries worldwide. Eligible candidates typically include:

• Graduate Students: Individuals who wish to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the U.S.

• Young Professionals: Early-career professionals looking to enhance their expertise in a particular field.

• Artists and Researchers: Those engaged in creative and academic research projects.

Each country has specific eligibility criteria and selection processes, which are administered through the U.S. embassies and Fulbright Commissions. Prospective applicants should check their countrys specific requirements before applying.

Fields of Study Covered by Fulbright

The Fulbright Program supports a diverse range of academic disciplines, including but not limited to:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

• Social Sciences and Humanities

• Business and Economics

• Public Health and Medicine

• Arts and Culture

• Environmental Studies

2. AAUW International Fellowships

The AAUW International Fellowships program, offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), provides financial support to women pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in the United States. This fellowship is designed to empower women from around the world by helping them advance academically and professionally.

What Does the AAUW International Fellowship Cover?

The fellowship offers substantial financial assistance to selected candidates, with funding up to $50,000 per year. The award covers:

• Tuition Fees: Helps cover the cost of graduate or doctoral programs at accredited U.S. institutions.

• Living Expenses: Includes stipends for accommodation, food, and daily necessities.

• Educational Expenses: Covers books, research materials, and other academic resources.

• Travel and Health Insurance: Some funds may be used for transportation and medical coverage.

Who Can Apply for the AAUW International Fellowships?

This fellowship is open to women from all nationalities, except U.S. citizens and permanent residents, who wish to pursue:

• master’s or Doctoral Degrees in the United States.

• Postdoctoral Research at accredited U.S. institutions.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree before the application deadline.

• Candidates must intend to return to their home country after completing their studies to contribute to community development.

• English language proficiency is required, and proof may be needed (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).

• Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance and a commitment to advancing womens rights.

Fields of Study Covered by AAUW Fellowships

AAUW International Fellowships support a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

• Public Health and Medicine

• Social Sciences and Education

• Law and Human Rights

• Arts and Humanities

• Business and Economics

3. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is one of the most prestigious fully funded graduate fellowships in the world. Designed for outstanding students across all disciplines, this program provides not only full financial support for master’s and PhD programs but also leadership training and global networking opportunities.

What Does the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program Cover?

The fellowship provides comprehensive funding for scholars, including:

• Full Tuition Coverage: Covers the entire cost of a graduate program at Stanford University.

• Living Stipend: Scholars receive financial support for housing, food, and personal expenses.

• Academic and Professional Development Funding: Additional funds for educational materials, research, and conference travel.

• Relocation and Travel Costs: Includes a one-time relocation stipend and annual travel allowance for round-trip airfare to Stanford.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for the duration of the program.

Who Can Apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?

This program is open to exceptional students from any country who have leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must apply for a full-time graduate program (master’s, PhD, or professional degrees) at Stanford University.

• bachelor’s degree received in the past seven years.

• Strong academic record, leadership skills, and innovation mindset.

• English proficiency (applicants must meet Stanfords language requirements).

Eligible Programs:

The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship is open to all graduate programs at Stanford, including:

• STEM Fields (Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Data Science, etc.)

• Social Sciences and Humanities

• Business (MBA)

• Law (JD, LLM, JSD)

• Medicine (MD, PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, etc.)

• Education, Sustainability, and Public Policy

4. YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

The YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship is a prestigious, merit-based scholarship designed for international student’s who are passionate about intercultural exchange and global leadership. This scholarship, offered by over 50 participating U.S. colleges and universities, supports students who demonstrate a commitment to fostering international understanding.

What Does the YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship Cover?

Each participating institution offers its own award package, which typically includes:

• Partial to full tuition coverage (varies by institution).

• Renewable funding for up to four years.

• Opportunities for leadership training and cultural engagement.

Who Can Apply for the YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship?

This scholarship is open to first-year international undergraduate students applying to a participating U.S. institution.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a first-time international applicant to a U.S. university.

• Must have graduated from a high school outside the U.S.

• Must demonstrate a passion for leadership, peacebuilding, and cultural exchange.

• No need for U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

• Meet the admission requirements of the selected university.

• Submit a scholarship application and essay/video explaining leadership initiatives.

Which Universities Offer the YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship?

Over 50 U.S. universities participate in this initiative, including:

1. Temple University, Pennsylvania

2. Concordia College, Minnesota

3. Full Sail University, Florida

4. Illinois College, Illinois

5. University of St. Thomas, Minnesota

6. Western New England University, Massachusetts

Eligible Programs

The YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship supports undergraduate students in any field of study, but eligibility may vary based on the participating institution. Some common eligible programs include:

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

• Computer Science

• Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.)

• Mathematics

• Biology & Biomedical Sciences

• Environmental Science

Business & Management

• Business Administration

• Finance & Accounting

• Marketing

• International Business

Arts & Humanities

• Literature & Creative Writing

• Media & Communication

• Fine Arts

• Performing Arts

Social Sciences & Education

• Political Science

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Education & Teaching

5. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship designed for students from developing countries who are pursuing a master’s degree in development-related fields.

This scholarship is jointly funded by the Government of Japan and the World Bank, supporting students who aim to contribute to their home countries economic and social development.

What Does the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Cover?

The JJ/WBGSP is a fully funded scholarship, covering:

• Full tuition fees at participating universities.

• Monthly living stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses.

• Health insurance throughout the duration of the program.

• Round-trip airfare between the students home country and the university.

• Travel allowance for relocation expenses.

Who Can Apply for the JJ/WBGSP?

This scholarship is specifically for students from developing countries who are committed to contributing to development in their home country.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a citizen of a World Bank-designated developing country

• Must hold a bachelor’s degree obtained at least three years prior to application.

• Must have at least three years of relevant professional experience in development-related fields.

• Must be employed in a development-related position at the time of application.

• Must not hold dual citizenship in any developed country.

• Must be admitted to a master’s program at a participating university before applying.

Eligible Programs & Fields of Study

The JJ/WBGSP supports master’s degree programs in development-related fields, including:

Economics & Public Policy

• Development Economics

• Public Administration

• Public Policy

• Global Development

Infrastructure & Environment

• Sustainable Energy

• Urban Planning

• Environmental Science

• Climate Change

Education & Health

• Education Policy

• Public Health

• Social Work

Finance & Business

• International Finance

• Business Administration (MBA) with a development focus

Students must be admitted to a World Bank partner university offering one of these programs before applying for the scholarship.

Here is a quick overview of the various merit-based scholarships

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	Fully funded (tuition, living, travel)	Outstanding academic & leadership skills
AAUW International Fellowships	Up to $50,000 per year	Women pursuing graduate studies
Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford)	Fully funded (tuition, stipend)	High academic achievement & leadership
YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship	Partial to full tuition coverage	First-year international undergraduate students
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Program	Full tuition, travel, living stipend	Students from developing countries

Benefits of Merit-Based Scholarships

• Financial Relief : Covers partial or full tuition fees, sometimes including accommodation.

• Recognition for Excellence: Being a merit scholar boosts your resume and career prospects.

• Access to Top Universities : Increases chances of admission to elite US universities.

• Networking Opportunities : Connect with other high-achieving students and mentors.

• Opportunities for Higher Education : Some scholarships provide funding for master’s or PhD programs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many students miss out on scholarships due to avoidable mistakes. Do not let that be you!

Mistakes That Reduce Your Chances

1. Submitting incomplete applications : Double-check required documents.

2. Ignoring university-specific requirements : Each scholarship has different criteria.

3. Weak personal statements : Write compelling, unique essays.

4. Missing deadlines : Some scholarships close a year before admission!

5. Not applying to multiple scholarships : Increases your chances of winning financial aid.

Conclusion

Merit-based scholarship has a lot of pros. It can even cut your tuition costs completely.

So, prepare yourself to get that scholarship.

If not? No worries. We got you.

Explore the other scholarships here.