The U.S. is one of the leading countries in terms of economics, technology, and science, and learning and experiencing life here has always been the dream of many students from all over the world. In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements to study in the US, the hunt for scholarships to study in the US to reduce costs is also the most concerning.

Read this article on IDP right now to grasp the current HOT American scholarships and the secret to hunting for the best scholarships.

To successfully hunt for a scholarship to study in the US, you need to understand the conditions and prepare all the required documents.

1. Benefits of studying in the U.S.

Studying abroad and hunting for scholarships in the U.S. not only offers the opportunity to study at top universities but also opens up countless opportunities for future academic and professional career development.

  • World-leading education:

    You will have access to an advanced education system and receive internationally valuable qualifications, thereby creating a competitive advantage when looking for jobs and developing a global career.

  • Multicultural learning environment:

    The U.S. is a destination for students from all over the world, providing opportunities for exchange, broadening horizons, and building strong international relationships.

  • Work and internship opportunities:

    Students can work part-time on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours per week during the holidays. In addition, you can also participate in an internship and practical training (OTP) program to gain work experience, improve your skills, and highlight your profile.

  • Opportunity to stay and work after graduation:

    After graduation, international students can stay in the U.S. to work for up to 12 months under the post-graduation work visa program.

  • Improve your English proficiency:

    Studying and living in an English-speaking environment will help you improve your communication skills and be more confident in your studies and future work.

Some notes on scholarship information:

  • Information about partial scholarships from IDP's partner universities is subject to change without notice. As a result, this article may not be up to date with the latest changes. For more detailed and accurate information about scholarships to study in the US, please contact the IDP 19006955 hotline for more detailed advice.

  • IDP does not directly issue scholarships but is a professional study abroad consultant. IDP's consultants will assist you in obtaining Letters of Offer from Universities and Colleges in Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.

2. Conditions for hunting for scholarships to study in the US

Scholarship hunting is a journey that requires thorough preparation and smart strategy. To increase your chances of receiving a valuable scholarship to study in the US, you need to meet the following basic conditions:

2.1 Academic achievement

A grade point average (GPA) is a prerequisite when considering scholarships. American universities often prioritize applicants with a GPA of 8.0 or higher, especially with full scholarships. Depending on the scholarship value, the entry requirements will be simpler or more stringent. There are schools that will require you to submit SAT/ACT transcripts when you are enrolled in an undergraduate program. And the postgraduate program (Master's, PhD) will sometimes need to have GMAT and GRE.

2.2 English Proficiency

Most schools require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL of 80 or 90 or higher. However, to increase the chances of receiving the full score, the higher the score, the more beneficial it is. In addition to English language certificates, the ability to communicate and write in English is also an important factor in helping you complete the interview and scholarship essay.

2.3 Other degrees and certificates

In addition to transcripts and foreign language certificates, you should provide additional certificates of merit and achievements in extracurricular activities, if any. Participation in clubs, charities, community projects, or academic competitions will help you score points with the review board. Instead of spreading out too many activities, you should focus on areas that are suitable for your passion and show your leadership role, such as taking on the position of team leader, or club leader,...

2.4. Invest in a personal essay

For high-value scholarships, the university will require you to have an essay, a letter of recommendation, or a face-to-face interview with a representative of the university. The essay is not only part of the resume but also an opportunity for you to express your personality, dreams, and motivation to pursue the scholarship. An impressive essay needs to have authentic content, a creative writing style, and a personal story.

3. Types of scholarships to study in the US

The U.S. offers a variety of scholarship programs for international students, meeting a wide range of educational levels and fields of study,... Here are the common types of scholarships you can refer to:

  • U.S. Government Scholarships:

    These scholarships are awarded to promote academic exchange and attract talented students from all over the world.

  • Scholarships from Universities:

    Many universities in the U.S. offer scholarships to international students based on academic merit, financial circumstances, or the specific requirements of each program.

4. American Government Scholarship

US Government scholarships are often prestigious scholarships, worth up to thousands of dollars. Although the number of these scholarships is quite small, these are still quite sought-after scholarships.

Fulbright Scholarship

When it comes to full scholarships to study in the United States, it is impossible not to mention the Fulbright Scholarship. This is an annual scholarship package awarded annually to promote mutual understanding between Vietnam and the United States. The scholarship is fully valid to support all tuition fees, monthly living expenses, health insurance and round-trip airfare.

Humphrey Fellowship Scholarship

The Humphrey Fellowship Program is designed for experienced professionals who wish to improve their skills and expand their knowledge in the field of public service. Unlike traditional academic programs, the Humphrey Fellowship does not award degrees but focuses on professional development and collaborative exchange. In addition, applicants are not allowed to choose their own university but will be allocated based on their professional capacity and interests.

This scholarship is open to students who are Vietnamese citizens, do not hold U.S. citizenship or may be green and do not reside in the U.S.

Scholarship Value

Eligibility

Round-trip airfare from Vietnam to the US.

Tuition fees and related fees at the designated university.

Living expenses during the study period.

Comprehensive health insurance.

Financial support for professional development activities, including workshops and conferences,...

English language proficiency: IELTS with a minimum of 6.0 or TOEFL equivalent.

Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.27/4.0.

Have at least 5 years of experience working in the public or non-profit sector.

5. Merit Scholarship

Field

Scholarship Name

Value

Arizona State University (ASU)

New American University (NAmU) scholarship:

Undergraduate

- Up to 50% (~$18,500/year)

- 4 Phoenix campuses: 5,000 - 18,500 USD/year

- Lake Havasu Campus: 1,650 USD - 4,800 USD/year

Transfer:

- Up to 14,000 USD/year (up to 2 years)

- 4 Phoenix campuses: 3,000 - 14,000 USD/year

- Lake Havasu Campus: 1,000 - 3,300 USD/year

Graduate:

2,500 - 21,000 USD/ total tuition fee

*Depends on colleges and universities

Pace University New York

Scholarship merit:

Undergraduate:

- Up to 60% (~$30,000/year)

- New York campus: $13,500 - $17,500 per year

- Westchester Campus: 28,000 - 30,000 USD/year

Transfer

- Up to 23,500 USD/year

- New York campus: 16,500 - 19,000 USD/year

- Westchester campus: 20,500 - 23,500 USD/year

University of Connecticut (UConn)

Storrs, CT

Global Leader Award:

Global Distinction Award:

Global Excellent Award:

- 5,000 USD/year

- 10,000 USD/year

- Up to 15,000 USD/year

Simmons University Boston, MA

Kaplan Women's Leadership Scholarship

- Max 50% (~$22,000/year)

6. Scholarships to study in the U.S. by rank

6.1 Scholarships from American Universities

If the government supports all tuition fees, scholarships from universities are equally valuable. Most universities in the U.S. offer a variety of scholarships for international students (from 30% to 100%). Each school will have different scholarships, please research carefully to choose the right scholarship for you. Here are some scholarships from universities in the US:

School Name

Scholarship Program

Scholarship Value

Full Sail University

Global Achievement Scholarship

Up to $32,000 per program

Oregon State University

Direct Entry Scholarship

Pathway Scholarships

International Student Continuation Scholarship (One time on the first year/)

Up to $8,000/year

Up to $8,000/year

Up to $7,500/year

In addition, you can update some of the latest scholarships through the university's live website:

6.2. Scholarship to study in the U.S. Pre-University Program

In order to encourage potential students who wish to study in the United States, universities in the United States always make sure to provide outstanding international students with attractive scholarships, depending on the achievements of each student.

Field

Scholarship Name

Scholarship value to study in the USA

Drew University

Drew Merit-Based Scholarship

10,000 - 25,000 USD

James Madison University (Study Group)

N/A

$3,000 to $8,000

DePaul University

Global Gateway Program

International Year (3 Quarters): $5,000 to $15,000

University of Hartford (Study Group)

N/A

$4,000 to $8,0000

RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP LIST

6.3 Undergraduate Scholarships to Study in the U.S.

Start looking for the right scholarship for you by checking out the university's website to get a good idea of the list of available Bachelor's scholarships. Scholarship requirements and duration vary from school to school.

Field

Scholarship Name

Value

George Mason University

- Direct Entry Scholarship

- Pathway Scholarship

- Up to $19,000/year

- Up to 15,000 USD/year (8,500 USD per 1 semester, 15,000 USD per 2-3 semesters

Oregon State University

- Direct Entry Scholarship

- Pathway Scholarship

- International Student Continuation Scholarship

- Up to $8,000/year

- Up to $8,000/year (Once in the first year/) up to

- 7,500 USD/year

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

- Direct Entry Scholarship

- Pathway Scholarship

- Up to $7,5000 per year

- Up to $6,000/year

Washington State University

International Merit Award

up to $2,000 per semester

Colorado State University

- International Merit Award

- International scholarships

- Up to 2,000 per semester

- From 2,000 USD to 12,000 USD/year

Fisher University

- International Student Scholarship:

- Graduate School Student Scholarship:

- $1,500 to $10,500

- USD 3,000

Long Island University

- UG Test Optional for first-year students

- Up to $7,500 to $20,000

- Eligibility: GPA 3.0/4.0

- Renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters while maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0

University of Oregon

Up to $20,000

RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP LIST

6.4 Graduate Scholarships to Study in the United States

Start looking for the right scholarship for you by checking the school's website to get a good idea of the list of available US master's scholarships. Scholarship eligibility and duration vary from school to school.

Field

Scholarship Name

Value

George Mason University

Pathway Scholarships

up to 10,000 USD/year

Oregon State University

Pathway Scholarships:

up to 7,500 USD/year

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

- Pathway Scholarship

up to 6,000 USD/year

7. Strategies for success in the 2025 scholarship race

Scholarships to study in the US are not only for excellent applicants but also for those who have a smart comb. You can refer to the following 2025 scholarship hunting strategy:

  • Prepare an impressive academic profile with high transcripts in the last 3 years, complete appropriate English and academic certificates.

  • Build a portfolio of extracurricular activities, sports, volunteer activities, or take on leadership roles.

  • Awards, certifications, and letters of recommendation from the school will also be a great advantage to help you score points.

  • Focus on your personal essay, which shows creative thinking, clear goals, and relevance to the curriculum.

  • Be proactive in applying early to reduce pressure and optimize your chances of success.

8. Experience in improving the profile of a successful American scholarship hunt

In order for your journey to hunt for scholarships to study in the United States with a high approval rate, you can refer to some of the experiences below to best prepare:

  • Carefully study the requirements of each scholarship

  • Plan your application according to each timeline, avoid submitting applications on time and have enough time to prepare the best.

  • Maintain good academic grades (GPA for the last 3 years)

  • Prepare for an early English certificate exam such as IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo.

  • Prepare for SAT/ACT standardized tests. Refer to essays/essay writing

  • Highlight Outstanding Experiences and Achievements

  • Demonstrate alignment with the school's curriculum and values

  • Have an experienced professional respond to your scholarship application

If you need support in hunting for scholarships to study in the US, please contact the IDP 19006955 hotline for the fastest support.

9. How to find scholarships to study in the U.S.

Finding scholarships to study in the USA can become easier if you know how to access information effectively. Here are reliable sources to help you successfully hunt for scholarships:

9.1 IDP Scholarships Website

If you are always wondering among the many information about different types of scholarships, one of the ways to apply for a scholarship to study in the US is to experience IDP's Scholarship Search Engine. Simply select the country and level of study you want to study, and the system will issue scholarships for all levels and schools in Australia. After that, you can continue to localize your majors and schools you want to hunt for scholarships to study abroad.

9.2 At the school's websites

In addition to full scholarships or financial support from the Government, many universities in the US also have scholarship programs exclusively for international students. You can easily find this information on the university's official website, usually under "Scholarships", "Fees and Funding", or "Financial Aid".

If you need more information, you can contact the admissions department or reputable study abroad counseling centers that have partnerships with international representatives at the university to find the most valuable scholarships!

IDP will update the list of scholarships for American schools every quarter, so you are encouraged to visit this page regularly so as not to miss any opportunities.

To understand more about the scholarship requirements and sufficiency of each school you are looking to attend, or have questions about what type of scholarship you are suitable for, make an appointment with an IDP consultant today for advice, complete your visa application, and hunt for scholarships to study in the US completely free of charge.

IDP has successfully supported thousands of Vietnamese students in to hunt for scholarships to study abroad in Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland. If you don't know which type of scholarship is suitable for your capacity, please contact the IDP via 19006955 hotline for more detailed advice!