The United States hosts over 1 million international students, making it a primary destination for advanced research. PhD candidates often seek financial aid to cover high tuition costs and living expenses. This guide outlines government-funded programs, private fellowships, and university-specific assistantships available for the 2026 academic year.+1
Securing a PhD scholarship in the USA requires early planning, a strong academic record, and a compelling research proposal. Most international doctoral students receive full funding through university assistantships or prestigious external fellowships. These awards typically provide a full tuition waiver, a monthly living stipend, and comprehensive health insurance.
Applicants must monitor specific deadlines for the 2026 intake, which frequently occur before April 2026. Successful candidates demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and clear research goals. Understanding the various funding categories helps students target the most relevant opportunities for their field of study.
Major Government-Funded Programs
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is the most prestigious government scholarship for international students. It provides full funding for graduate study in the United States, covering tuition, airfare, and a living stipend. You must apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home nation, if you seek this award.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers 10 months of non-degree academic study. It targets experienced professionals in specific fields, such as public policy, health, and education. The program facilitates professional development, leadership training, and cultural exchange.
Independent Fellowships and Private Scholarships
AAUW International Fellowships support women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program awards $25,000 for one year of full-time doctoral study. It prioritizes applicants who demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program funds graduate students at Stanford University. It provides 3 years of financial support, including tuition, room and board, and academic expenses. Scholars participate in leadership development programs, mentorship sessions, and community projects.
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans support immigrants and children of immigrants. This fellowship offers $90,000 over 2 years for any advanced degree program. You must be a “New American” with a valid green card or naturalization papers, if you apply for this funding.
University-Specific Funding and Assistantships
Most U.S. universities provide full funding packages for PhD students. These packages include three main components: a tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, and health insurance. Universities offer these awards in exchange for research or teaching duties.
Graduate Assistantships are the most common way to fund your education. Students work 20 hours per week as Teaching Assistants (TAs) or Research Assistants (RAs). Notable institutions like NYU Steinhardt, Illinois State, and the University of Oregon offer these merit-based awards to international candidates.
Specialized Research Grants
The Leakey Foundation provides fellowships for doctoral students from developing countries. It funds research in human origins, including fields like paleoanthropology, primatology, and genetics. These grants support field research, laboratory analysis, and data collection.
The Al Qasimi Foundation offers a Doctoral Research Grant for students pursuing policymaking research. It covers travel expenses, living costs, and research materials. You can use this grant at any accredited university in the USA, if your research focuses on the Arab Gulf region.
Application Requirements for 2026
There are three key academic requirements for 2026 PhD applications: a strong research proposal, a competitive CV, and a high GPA. Applicants must also submit supporting documents, such as official transcripts, degree certificates, and standardized test scores.
International students require proof of English proficiency through exams like the TOEFL or IELTS. Some departments still require GRE scores to evaluate analytical writing and quantitative skills. You should contact the admissions office directly, if you have questions about specific score minimums.
