Top 11 PhD Scholarships in the USA for 2024-25

Dreaming of getting into doctoral research but worried about the cost? The USA boasts a treasure trove of scholarships waiting to fuel your academic journey. From full funding to program-specific awards, there's a golden ticket out there with your name on it. So, grab your research proposal, and get ready to explore the top 11 PhD scholarships in the USA for 2024-25! 

1. Yale University Scholarships USA

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD

Program Period: 2 to 5 years

Yale University offers a variety of PhD scholarships in the USA for both domestic and international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, financial need, and diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. TOEFL scores must meet the following minimums:

• Internet-based TOEFL: 100
• Paper-based TOEFL: 600
• Computer-based TOEFL: 250

2. IELTS scores should be 7 or above, while Pearson Test scores must be 70 or higher.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Yale University scholarship covers 100% of demonstrated financial need.

2. Parent's income, assets, and finances are considered for scholarship assessment.

3. Scholarship amount ranges from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 annually.

4. Students with parents earning under $65,000 annually pay no tuition, room, or board fees.

2. Fulbright Scholarships

Level of Study: Masters, PhD

Program Period: 12 months

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program facilitates PhD scholarships in the USA from overseas to pursue studies and research at American universities or academic institutions. Scholars from 155 nations worldwide partake in this initiative annually.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or nationality, excluding permanent residents. Dual citizens should review specific award criteria.

2. A conferred bachelor's degree or equivalent is mandatory before the grant period commences.

3. In creative and performing arts, four years of professional training suffice. Arts applicants lacking a BA should email to confirm eligibility.

4. Language proficiency matching award requirements is essential for project completion and adaptation to the host country.

5. Holding a J.D. at the time of application is acceptable.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Tuition exemption

2. Financial support for living expenses

3. Health insurance for illness and accidents

3. AAUW International Fellowships

Level of Study: Graduate, Postgraduate

Program Period: 1 year

The AAUW International Fellowships, among the most established and expansive global PhD scholarships in the USA, have a rich tradition of aiding women in their pursuit of education. Its dedication to empowering women and fostering international cooperation renders it an unparalleled and invaluable opportunity for its beneficiaries.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Former recipients of AAUW national fellowships or grants (excluding local awards or Community Action Grants) are ineligible for International Fellowships.

2. AAUW board members, committees, staff, and interns can't apply for fellowships.

3. Women, including those who identify as women, from any field can apply for International Fellowships at accredited institutions.

4. Must be citizens of countries other than the U.S. or hold nonimmigrant visas if in the U.S. Dual citizens with the U.S. are ineligible.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Master’s/first professional degree: $20,000

2. Doctoral: $25,000

3. Postdoctoral: $50,000

The International Fellowship covers:

• Educational costs
• Living expenses
• Childcare for dependents

4. Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate

Program Period: 1 year

Aligned with Dr. Anita Borg's vision, this PhD scholarship in the USA was founded to advance women in STEM. It embraces Anita's ideals, encouraging global student engagement in addressing gender equality in technology.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Women showcasing outstanding technical abilities and academic achievements.

2. Studying courses like computer science or computer engineering.

3. Enrolled as full-time students in accredited universities.

4. Recent graduates from the previous academic year.

Scholarship Coverage:

Will be given 7,000 Euros

5. Franklin Mosher Baldwin Memorial Fellowship

Level of Study: Masters, PhD

Program Period: 2 years

This fully funded scholarship targets students hailing from countries with restricted access to advanced education in human origins research. These PhD scholarships in the USA enable scholars to pursue studies or training either domestically or abroad.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Associated or employed with an organization in their native land.

2. Conditional admission (or proof of application) to the host institution.

3. Monetary support from the host institution.

4. Plans to go back and contribute to their home country after finishing the program.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Cover costs for tuition, travel, and living expenses

2. Include student fees, insurance, and book expenses

3. Account for other relevant spending categories

6. Josephine de Karman Fellowship Trust

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD

Program Period: 1 year

Started in 1954 by the late Dr. Theodore Van Karman, this PhD scholarship in the USA was his initiative to support students who shared his values and academic pursuits. It assists high-achieving students with their educational endeavors.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Only students currently attending a U.S. university are eligible.

2. PhD candidates must plan to defend their dissertation within two years.

3. Undergraduates entering their senior year can also be considered.

Scholarship Coverage: Will receive $25,000.

7. NCITD International Trade Scholarships

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD

Program Period: 2 years

Started in 2010, this doctorate scholarship in USA targets students at various educational levels, who exhibit a passion for international trade. This dedication is evidenced by their academic pursuits, work engagements, volunteerism, or relevant extracurricular involvements.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program related to international trade studies

2. Enrollment must be at an accredited U.S. college or university

3. Undergraduates should have at least "junior" status for the 2023-2024 academic year

4. Demonstrated interest or experience in international trade required

5. Open to both U.S. and Non-U.S. students at accredited U.S. institutions

6. Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent required

Scholarship Coverage: Covers tuition fee

8. Campbell Fellowships for Transformative Research

Level of Study: PhD

Program Period: 6 or 9 months

The School for Advanced Research (SAR) offers doctorate scholarships in USA for every academic year. These awards, known as Campbell Fellowships, are bestowed upon diligent, skilled, and deserving students.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Restricted to female applicants

2. Open to candidates of any nationality

3. Research must focus on improving women's health, well-being, and prosperity in developing nations

4. Requires a completed doctorate in anthropology, economics, geography, history, law, political science, psychology, sociology, or an interdisciplinary field combining two or more of these areas.

Scholarship Coverage: Will receive $4,500 per month.

9. IBM PhD Fellowship Awards Program

Level of Study: PhD

Program Period: 1 year

This doctorate scholarships in USA is a highly competitive global initiative that recognizes outstanding doctoral candidates aspiring to innovate in emerging and transformative technologies.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Nomination by a doctoral faculty member required; self-nomination not permitted.

2. Full-time enrollment in a PhD program during the award year is mandatory.

3, Nominees must have at least two years left in their program to apply for the fellowship to the final year.

4. Nominees must remain in the same program throughout the award duration.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Within the US, students awarded fellowships during school will receive a stipend covering living costs, travel expenses, and conference attendance.

2. Internationally, fellowship recipients during their academic years will receive a competitive stipend for living expenses, travel, and conference participation.

10. Texas A&M University’s Hertz Fellowship

Level of Study: PhD

Program Period: 5 years

The primary goal of these doctorate scholarships in USA is to offer distinctive financial aid and fellowship opportunities to exceptional doctoral candidates.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Candidates must be either college seniors, first-year graduate students, or in a gap year gearing up for graduate school applications.

2. They should have the intention to pursue a PhD in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering.

3. Their academic focus should align with addressing significant societal challenges.

4. Applicants must hold citizenship or permanent residency status in the United States.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Offers help for up to 5 years.

2. Also includes a stipend of $34,000 for every 9 months.

11. University of lowa’s PhD Programs

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD

Program Period: 5 years

Iowa hosts a substantial graduate student population of 7,667, providing 119 graduate programs, including 13 online options. It is one of the best PhD scholarships in USA for international students.

Eligibility Criteria:

Aspiring graduate students need to have completed a bachelor's degree program with a GPA of 3.00 or higher out of 4.00.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Complete coverage of tuition fees

2. A stipend of at least 9 months (around $20,041, with yearly updates)

3. Extensive health insurance (90% covered for students)

Tips to Apply a Scholarships for PhD Students in USA 2024

Now that you're informed about the top PhD scholarships in the USA, it's crucial to keep in mind these helpful tips before proceeding with your application.

1. Start Early: Initiate your fully funded PhD in USA search as soon as possible. This allows ample time for researching various options, understanding eligibility requirements, and preparing your application.

2. Understand Eligibility Criteria: Every fully funded PhD program in USA comes with unique eligibility criteria. Ensure thorough comprehension of these criteria to confirm your eligibility before applying.

3. Prepare a Strong Application: Your application for scholarships for PhD students in USA serves as a platform to showcase your academic prowess, skills, and potential. Ensure it's flawlessly written, error-free, and highlights your strengths effectively.

4. Obtain Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation from professors add weight to your fully funded PhD in USA for international students. Request these letters well in advance to ensure timely submission.

5. Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Expand your horizons by applying for multiple fully funded PhD scholarships in USA. This enhances your chances of securing funding opportunities.

6. Meet Deadlines: Adhere strictly to the deadlines set for each PhD scholarships in the USA. Timely submission is crucial to avoid missing out on potential opportunities.

7. Follow Application Instructions: Each PhD scholarships in the USA presents its own set of application instructions. Pay close attention to these instructions and ensure compliance for a successful application.

With these diverse doctorate scholarships in USA at your fingertips, the path to doctoral success feels more easy. So, don't hesitate and take the first step towards achieving your academic goals.