Best Engineering Scholarships in the USA 2025

A majority of best Engineering colleges according to QS are located in the USA, including MIT which has been ranking on top for the past 13 years. However, we cannot defy the fact that  pursuing an Engineering degree in the U.S. can be expensive. So, to make Engineering more accessible, numerous scholarships are available for international and domestic students. We have curated the list of some of the best Engineering scholarships in the USA for international students. This list classifies everything, from fully funded scholarships to scholarships specially for women students, so it is easier for you to find a scholarship of your choice.

Fully Funded Engineering Scholarships

The USA promotes Engineering studies by offering fully funded scholarships to the international students. Here are the top fully funded Engineering Scholarships in the USA for international students:

Foreign Fulbright Scholarship Program– The Foreign Fulbright Scholarship Program is offered to around 4,000 foreign students annually for a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Engineering. It is one of the best Engineering Scholarships in the USA for international students.

• Amount– It is a fully funded scholarship covering your tuition, visa health benefits and additionally offers you stipend for living expenses.
• Application Timeline– Fulbright Scholarship applications are carried out on a rolling basis. The next application session will begin in Spring.
• Application Process– The application process is different for each type of program. Click here to start your Fulbright Application.

ADB Japan Scholarship Program– The Asian Development Bank (ADB)- Japan offers scholarships to students from the Asia and Pacific regions to study Postgraduate Engineering courses in the USA and selected countries.

• Amount– The ADB Scholarship Program is a fully funded scholarship initiative offered for a maximum duration of 2 years.
• Application Timeline– Depending on the universities, there is about to be little changes to the exact scholarship timeline. However, you can check the full details on the ADB Scholarship page.
• Application Process– The application process is quite simple. Download the application pdf, fill it and submit to your university before the deadline.

SME Education Foundation Scholarship– The SME Education Foundation offers scholarships to international students pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree in manufacturing, engineering or a related discipline at an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada

• Amount– The scholarship award for the SME Foundation Scholarship ranges from $2,500 to $20,000.
• Application Timeline– The applications for SME Scholarships are typically accepted annually from November 1st to February 1st.
• Application Process– The SME scholarship application process involves creating an account on the SME Education Foundation portal, completing the online application and submitting required documents.

Read more: Average Cost of Living in the USA

Engineering Scholarships for Women

The above mentioned awards do not make gender based distinctions. However, we have curated this list meticulously including the need for recognition of women in this field. Here are some Engineering Scholarships exclusively for women candidates.

AAUW International Fellowships– The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has dedicated years to supporting women from all fields. The AAUW International Fellowships are thus offered to Masters, Professional, Doctoral and Postdoctoral students of Engineering and related fields.

• Amount– AAUW offers benefits from $20,000 to $25,000 based on your level of study; PG, Doctoral or Postdoctoral.
• Application Timeline– The applications usually start around September and go on till November.
• Application Process– You have to fill a separate form by vising the official website or get the link to AAUW International Fellowships here.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships– The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships are primarily available for Women pursuing undergraduate and graduate engineering degrees.

• Amount– Varies ($1,000 to $15,000)
• Application Timeline– Opens December 1, Deadline February 15 (May 1 for freshmen), Results in July.
• Application Process– Register on the SWE portal, complete the form, upload documents, submit recommendations, and apply before the deadline.

MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship– The MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship is a great scholarship program designed to support high-achieving female students pursuing UG & PG degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. 

• Amount– The MOWER Women in Finance offers the varying amounts to students at different levels ranging from US $1,000 to US $6,000.
• Application Timeline– The MPOWER Women in STEM applications are currently open and will end on July 31st, 2025 for the 2025- 26 session. 
• Application Process– You can complete the application for MPOWER Scholarship by visiting the MPOWER Financing Website and filling the application form.

University Specific Scholarships for Engineering in the USA

Now that we have classified two distinct categories of scholarships, let us also explore some of the best university specific scholarships for Engineering in the USA.

MIT Scholarship– The MIT Scholarship is offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT for international and domestic students from low income families to complete undergraduate studies.

• Amount– The MIT Scholarship is usually fully funded. However, this amount depends entirely on your application considering your financial status, needs and performance.
• Application Timeline– The Scholarship has two deadlines for application; November for early action and Feb for regular action, transfer applicants and continuing students.
• Application Process– Submit your application through the MIT Admissions Portal, complete the CSS Profile on College Board, upload documents and submit.

Yale Scholarship– The Yale Scholarship is a need-based financial aid program for undergraduate students in Engineering and other fields of study, covering up to 100% of demonstrated need for international students.

• Amount– The scholarship amount ranges from a few thousand dollars to over $80,000 per year, based on your financial need.
• Application Timeline– Early Action Deadline – November 1, Regular Decision – January 2, Financial Aid Documents – February 15.
• Application Process– You can apply to Yale Scholarships via the Common App or Coalition App, submit CSS Profile, provide tax documents, and receive aid decisions with admission results.

University of Bridgeport Scholarships– The university of Bridgeport offers multiple scholarship options for international students pursuing undergraduate studies at the university.

• Amount– Since there are multiple scholarship options to choose from, the amount ranges from US $15,000- US $25,000.
• Application Timeline– The application timeline aligns with the university application timeline.
• Application Process– For most scholarships, no separate application is required. However, you may have to submit an intent of interest in receiving the scholarship.

How to Get Scholarship for Engineering in the USA?

To successfully get an Engineering Scholarship in the USA as an international students, keep in mind the following things:

• Maintain a High GPA– Aim for 3.5+ GPA to qualify for top merit-based scholarships. Try to excel in STEM subjects (Math, Physics, Computer Science).
• Build a Strong Profile with Extracurriculars– Participate in STEM competitions, join engineering societies like IEEE, ASME, or SAE. Also focus on showcasing leadership in clubs, student bodies, or technical projects.
• Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation (LORs)– Request LORs from professors, research mentors, or employers and ensure they highlight your technical skills, leadership, and problem-solving ability.
• Write a Powerful Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Essay– Clearly state your academic achievements, future goals, and why you deserve the scholarship. Also, showcase your passion for engineering and its impact on society.

Conclusion

Engineering scholarships in the USA provide invaluable financial support and recognition for talented students. Whether you are an aspiring mechanical, electrical, civil, or computer engineer, numerous funding opportunities can help you achieve your academic and career goals. And by researching and applying strategically, you can significantly reduce your educational expenses and focus on your engineering studies.

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