Top 8 PHD Scholarships in the USA 2025- Updated List

A PhD as a degree in itself is very reputable and obtaining it in one of the most sought after countries in the world, is definitely a dream. But wait, there’s more, a scholarship to fund your studies, top- tier, right!. We have curated a list of various PhD Scholarships in the USA, so you don’t have to juggle between tests, universities, scholarships and more. Read below and find what suits your needs the best.

Best Scholarships for PhD in the USA 2025

Find out the best scholarships for PhD in the USA for you, from fully funded to partial tuition waivers, research grants, and merit-based fellowships!

Fulbright Scholarships

The Fulbright Scholarships are offered to international students wishing to pursue PhD in their desired fields. It is offered by the US Embassy or Fulbright Foundation as a merit based opportunity. 

• Field of Study: Fulbright offers scholarships to study in any field excluding  clinical medical research involving patient contact. However, the funding includes interdisciplinary fields too.
• Amount: The scholarships covers visa sponsorships, dependants allowance, health benefits, travel and other expenses. 
• Application Timeline: The Fulbright Scholarship application timeline varies by country but generally opens around February–April and closes between May–October.
• Application Procedure: Applications can either be made through IIE placements or Self Placement. You can read Fulbright Scholarships for complete details. 

Meta Research PhD Fellowship

The Meta Research PhD Fellowship offers scholarship based on the strength of the student’s research statement, research impact, and recommendation letters. The fellowship is open to students at all stages of their PhD studies at accredited universities.

• Field of Study: Computer Science & Engineering
• Amount: Fee coverage for up to two academic years plus $42,000 to support living expenses and conference travel.
• Application Timeline: The application period typically opens in early August and closes in mid-September.
• Application Procedure:  Submit an online application through the official Meta Research PhD Fellowship portal, including your CV, a 500-word research proposal, and two letters of recommendation (one from your PhD advisor).

AAUW International Fellowship

The AAUW International offers fellowship opportunities to international female candidates wishing to pursue PhD in the USA. 

• Field of Study: The AAUW fellowship is available for all fields of study.
• Amount: $25,000
• Application Timeline: Applications for AAUW Scholarships generally remain active between September to November.
• Application Procedure: You can apply for AAUW Scholarships directly on their official website.

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship supports outstanding students from developing countries in pursuing postgraduate studies. It is a highly competitive, need-based scholarship covering tuition and living expenses.

• Field of Study: Any postgraduate program, with a preference for development-related fields.
• Amount: Covers tuition and living expenses on a 50% grant, 50% loan basis.
• Application Timeline: The Aga Khan Scholarships are currently open and will end on March 31st. 
• Application Procedure: You must apply through the Aga Khan Foundation offices in your home countries, submitting academic records, financial statements and admission proof.

Stanford Fellowship

The Stanford Graduate Fellowship is a prestigious, merit-based award for outstanding PhD students at Stanford University. It provides three years of financial support, followed by research and teaching assistantships.

• Field of Study: Open to all PhD programs at Stanford.
• Amount: Covers tuition, health insurance, and provides a stipend for living expenses.
• Application Timeline: Deadline varies by department, typically in early December.
• Application Procedure: Applicants are automatically considered when applying for a PhD at Stanford; no separate application is required.

Knight Hennessy Scholarship

The Knight Hennessy Scholarship is a highly competitive program that funds exceptional PhD students across disciplines. It emphasizes leadership development, interdisciplinary learning, and global impact.

• Field of Study:  Open to all PhD programs at Stanford.
• Amount: Covers full tuition, stipend, and additional funding for academic and personal expenses.
• Application Timeline: Opens in June and closes in October annually.
• Application Procedure: Applicants must apply separately to both Stanford PhD programs and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, submitting leadership essays and recommendation letters.

The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) PhD Scholarship provides full financial support to outstanding PhD students at Harvard. It covers tuition, living expenses, and research funding for the duration of the program.

• Field of Study: All PhD programs offered by Harvard Griffin GSAS.
• Amount: Covers full tuition, health insurance, and a stipend for living expenses.
• Application Timeline: Deadlines vary by department, typically in December.
• Application Procedure: Applicants are automatically considered when applying for a PhD at Harvard Griffin GSAS; no separate application is required.

Yale University PhD Student Funding

The Yale University PhD Scholarship provides full financial support to exceptional PhD students across various disciplines. It covers tuition, health insurance, and living expenses for the duration of the program.

• Field of Study: All PhD programs offered at Yale University.
• Amount: Covers full tuition, health insurance, and an annual stipend.
• Application Timeline: Deadlines vary by department, typically in December.
• Application Procedure: Applicants are automatically considered when applying for a PhD at Yale; no separate scholarship application is required.

How to settle in the USA after PhD?

Settling in the USA after completing a PhD typically involves securing a work visa, permanent residency (Green Card), or other legal pathways. Here’s a structured approach:

• To stay and work in the U.S., you’ll need a work visa. Common options include:H-1B Visa, O-1 Visa, J-1 Visa Waiver or TN Visa.
• If you want permanent residency, you can apply for a Green Card through these employment-based categories: EB-1 (Priority Workers), EB-2 (Advanced Degree Holders/National Interest Waiver – NIW) or the EB-3 (Skilled Workers)
• Many PhD graduates work as postdoctoral researchers before transitioning into academia or industry. If you secure an industry job, your employer may sponsor your H-1B or Green Card application.

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