Hi there, aspiring students! Do you have aspirations of studying in the United States but fear the 2024–2025 IELTS exam? Not to worry! We have a great selection of scholarships that don’t require IELTS, so you’re covered. These options, which range from hefty stipends to full tuition awards, are your golden ticket to an American education. Now that you have a cup of coffee in hand, relax, and let’s look at the best 25 scholarships that you can apply for in the USA without having to worry about the IELTS!
Table of Contents
1# Clark Global Scholars Program
Clark University offers a variety of merit- and achievement-based scholarships. All applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships. There is no need for a separate application.
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We give top consideration to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and personal qualities during their secondary school years. The scholarship decisions are solely based on the information presented in the admission application, without consideration of financial need. International students who may qualify for scholarships are still expected to demonstrate the ability to cover a significant percentage of the cost of their education. Admitted students who receive a merit-based scholarship will be notified alongside their admissions decision.
Benefits: $15,000 to $25,000 per year for four years.
Eligibility: First-year applicants with stellar academic achievements and leadership potential.
Application Opens: November, 2024
Application Portal: Call Letter
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2# University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
The Stamps Scholarship is UM’s most prestigious merit award available to students at the University of Miami. This scholarship is awarded to exceptional and academically accomplished high school seniors.
Stamps Scholars receive a merit award equivalent to the full cost of attendance for four years of undergraduate study. The award includes tuition and fees, on-campus housing, a meal plan, University health insurance, textbooks, a laptop allowance, and access to a $12,000 enrichment fund, which may be used toward study abroad, undergraduate research, unpaid internships, and other educational pursuits. (Enrichment fund expenses are subject to prior approval by the Office of the Provost.)
Benefits: Full tuition, room and board, textbooks, a one-time computer allowance, and a $12,000 enrichment fund.
Eligibility: Exceptional students with leadership skills and community involvement.
Application Opens: November, 2024
Application Portal: Call letter
3# Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is an opportunity for outstanding scholars from selected countries*, who have no other means of financing their studies, to pursue postgraduate education. Established in 1969 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the AKF ISP has supported more than 1,000 students to date.
Award recipients are selected through a global, annual, and competitive application process. The AKF ISP offers a limited number of new awards in each cycle. The 2024-2025 award cycle is now closed. Applications for the next cycle, 2025-2026, will open in early January 2025.
Benefits: Covers tuition and living expenses, awarded as 50% grant and 50% loan.
Eligibility: Postgraduate students from developing countries with financial need.
Application Opens: January, 2025
Application Portal: Official page
4# Michigan State University Scholarships with IELTS Exemption
The MSU Non-resident Scholarship has four award levels granted high-achieving students based on their academic performance, with consideration given to the overall rigor and success within their curriculum. All international students admitted to MSU are automatically considered for this award. Scholarship decisions for the MSU Non-resident Scholarship will be released by mid-February.
Award levels
President’s Scholarship: $15,000
Provost’s Scholarship: $12,000
Dean’s Scholarship: $10,000
1855 Scholarship: $7,000
Beaumont Tower Scholarship: $5,000
Global Community Scholars Scholarship: $3,000
Benefits: Various scholarships including full and partial tuition waivers.
Eligibility: International students with strong academic records.
Application Opens: November, 2024
Application Portal: Info page
5# Boston University Trustee Scholarship
Every year, BU welcomes approximately 20 outstanding students to the Trustee Scholars Program. Many of our current Scholars had perfect 4.0 grade point averages in high school and ranked in the top of their class.
In addition to exceptional academic credentials, Trustee Scholars are intellectually and creatively adventurous and demonstrate viewpoints, experiences, or achievements beyond the usual. They are, in other words, not just top students, but extraordinarily well-rounded individuals. At BU, Trustee Scholars become part of a unique campus community that offers many intellectual, cultural, and social opportunities.
A Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition plus mandatory undergraduate student fees, and is renewable for four years if certain criteria are met.
Benefits: Full undergraduate tuition plus mandatory fees.
Eligibility: High-achieving students with exceptional academic ability.
Application Opens: December 1, 2024
Application Portal: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships-financial-aid/first-year-merit/trustee/
6# Illinois Wesleyan University International Student Scholarships
Illinois Wesleyan is able to award merit scholarships and other financial support for international students. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents are considered international students.
Merit-Based Scholarships:
These are offered to qualified international applicants with outstanding academic achievement and test scores on the required entrance exams. These awards range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years. Students who complete the admissions application are automatically considered for scholarships.
President’s Scholarships:
Two full-tuition scholarships are awarded each year to highly qualified first-year international students based on their talents, interests and academic achievements.
Additional Financial Aid Opportunities:
International students may submit the CSS PROFILE to be considered for additional financial support from IWU. The PROFILE provides a detailed analysis of an applicant’s financial resources. In addition to merit scholarships,international students may be eligible for IWU-funded scholarships, loans, and campus-employment opportunities for additional financial support which are renewable for up to four years.
Benefits: Full tuition scholarships.
Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic records.
Application Opens: March 1, 2024
Application Portal: https://www.iwu.edu/international/scholarships.html
7# University of Arkansas International Scholarships
Below is a list of scholarships that are available for international students. ISS tries our best to share information via ISS Weekly Announcement when we receive new information.
- The Robert (Bob) and Maria Teresa Frans Scholarship (doc) – Arkansas-East Bolivia Partners of the Americas
- University of Arkansas Latino Alumni Society Scholarship (pdf)
- Education Loan Program by Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund/ Fondo Panamericano Leo S.
- International Education Catastrophic Fund
- Other Scholarships
Benefits: Partial tuition scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 per year.
Eligibility: International students with strong academic performance.
Application Opens: Variable
Application Portal: https://international-students.uark.edu/iss-resources/scholarships/
8# Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
First-year international students will be considered for a limited number of merit scholarships. Scholarship selection is competitive based on a holistic review of SAT or ACT scores and high school marks/grades. Students must complete the OneApp scholarship application to be considered for the award.
To apply for the International Merit Scholarship go to the OneApp Scholarship Portal and submit the General Application; then navigate to Opportunities > Recommended > International Students Admission Scholarship Application (Choose spring or fall) and apply.
Benefits: $2,000 to $10,000 per year.
Eligibility: International students with strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Application Opens: November 15, 2024
Application Portal: https://www.iastate.edu/admission-and-aid/admissions/international-admissions/international-merit-scholarships
9# University of Minnesota International Excellence Scholarships
All international freshmen and transfer students who are admitted to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities are considered for a Global Excellence Scholarship (GES).
Awards are competitive and based on academic merit. Students selected for the GES awards are among the best in their high school class and show a record of very strong academic preparation.
Benefits: $5,000 to $15,000 per year.
Eligibility: International freshmen and transfer students with strong academic performance.
Application Opens: January, 2025
Application Portal: Call Letter
10# Marquette University International Scholarships
Marquette offers a wide variety of merit scholarships that support the university’s mission while recognizing student achievement — excellence in and out of the classroom, commitment to community service and demonstrated leadership. A scholarship is a form of gift assistance that does not have to be repaid. Marquette and private organizations award scholarships on a competitive basis to students who enroll full time in an eligible college.
There is no application for scholarships. Students will be automatically considered for awards based on their application for admission. Once students are admitted, more information will be shared in their student status page.
Benefits: Various scholarships, including partial tuition waivers.
Eligibility: International students with strong academic and leadership potential.
Application Opens: Throughout Year
Application Portal: https://www.marquette.edu/explore/scholarships.php
11# New York University Merit Based Scholarships
We offer a number of competitive, merit-based scholarships to help you finance your degree. Approximately 52% of enrolling students are awarded scholarships. All full-time and part-time applicants are considered. Non-degree/advanced professional certificate program students and NYU Employees are not eligible for merit-based scholarships. NOTE: This is not a comprehensive list of scholarships available through NYU Wagner.
To Apply:
Submit your online application for admission to NYU Wagner. These scholarships do not require you to submit an additional essay. Recipients are chosen based upon fit for the scholarship program and the strength of application submitted.
Benefits: Full-tuition scholarships for public service degrees.
Eligibility: International students pursuing degrees in public service.
Application Opens: Available throughout year
Application Portal: https://wagner.nyu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships
12# ESTU International Student Academic Merit Scholarship
International Merit Scholarships are available to new degree-seeking international students. All students who apply for admission are considered for these scholarships. No separate application is needed.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Requirements |
| Undergraduate Merit Scholarships | ||
| Blue Scholarship | $5,000/year | >3.0 GPA |
| Gold Scholarship | $7,000/year | >3.5 GPA |
| Elite Scholarship | $9,000/year | >3.75 GPA |
| Graduate Merit Scholarships | ||
| Masters Merit Scholarship | $5,000/year | >3.0 GPA |
| Doctoral Merit Scholarship | $9,000/year | >3.0 GPA |
Benefits: 50% of in-state and out-of-state tuition and maintenance fees.
Eligibility: International students with strong academic records.
Application Opens: October
Application Portal: https://www.etsu.edu/international/scholarships/merit.php
13# University of Oregon International Cultural Service Program (ICSP)
New and continuing international students may apply for the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP). Selected ICSP students are granted a partial tuition-waiver scholarship that is renewable annually until the completion of a UO degree, contingent upon fulfilling ICSP program requirements. Participants commit to completing 66–80 hours of cultural service per year, which may involve speaking or demonstrating aspects of their country’s heritage and culture to schools or community groups, or engaging in international campus events.
Benefits: Tuition-waiver scholarships ranging from $7,500 to $30,000.
Eligibility: International students demonstrating financial need and cultural service.
Application Opens: November 2024
Application Portal: https://isss.uoregon.edu/icsp
14# University of Wisconsin-Madison King-Morgridge Scholars Program
The King-Morgridge Scholars Program is an exceptional opportunity for enterprising, creative, dedicated young adults committed to applying their talents toward poverty alleviation. Selected for their drive, academic success and commitment to addressing issues of poverty in their own countries, King-Morgridge Scholars will hail from countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia.
Benefits: Full scholarship covering tuition, room, board, and travel.
Eligibility: International students from developing countries committed to poverty alleviation.
Application Opens: September
Application Portal: https://admissions.wisc.edu/international-scholarships/
15# Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
Young people deserve to experience the world beyond their college campuses, but not everyone can afford to travel, especially if you’re on a student budget.
The Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded biannually to passionate students who want to explore the world.
At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier, including for students. When customers buy a bag from us, they’re “paying it forward” by funding scholarships for students like you.
The winner of the Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship will receive:
- $1,000 scholarship for studying abroad
- 1 travel backpack
The scholarship may be used for tuition, room and board, books, or travel. Funds will be sent directly to the winner’s study abroad program or university.
Benefits: $1,000 for study abroad expenses and a Tortuga backpack.
Eligibility: International students studying abroad.
Application Deadline: 15 November 2024
Application Portal: https://www.tortugabackpacks.com/pages/study-abroad-scholarship
16# NextGen Scholarship Fund
The EEBA NextGen Scholarship provides a student with full Summit registration and meals, double-occupancy for three hotel nights, tickets for networking events, and a transportation stipend. Sponsors of the scholarship fund are fully committed to bringing young, new talent into the building industry and acknowledge the responsibility is partially theirs to raise up the next generation of building science professionals. All Sponsors are invited to the Student Reception.
Benefits: $1,000 scholarship.
Eligibility: International high school seniors or college/university students in the Washington, DC metro area.
Application Opens: January 2025
Application Portal: https://www.eeba.org/nextgen-scholarship-fund
17# Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program operates in more than 160 countries worldwide. Approximately 4,000 foreign students receive Fulbright scholarships each year.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is administered by binational Fulbright Commissions/Foundations or U.S. Embassies. All Foreign Student Program applications are processed by these offices.
Program eligibility and selection procedures vary widely by country. Please use the drop-down menu here to find information about the Fulbright Program in your home country, including eligibility requirements and application guidelines.
If your country is not listed there, you are not eligible to apply.
Benefits: Full tuition, travel costs, living stipend, and health insurance.
Eligibility: Open to international students for master’s and doctoral degrees.
Application Opens: Early 2025
Application Portal: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/about/foreign-student-program
18# Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program enhances leadership among international professionals who collaborate to address local and global challenges and foster change for our collective good.
Through academic study and professional development with U.S. counterparts, this growing global network shares best practices and builds expertise in fields of critical importance to advance societal and institutional capacity, promote human rights and freedoms, ensure sustainable environments, and develop thriving communities.
Benefits: Covers tuition fees, travel expenses, living allowance, and health coverage.
Eligibility: Non-degree program for mid-career professionals.
Application Opens: April, 2025
Application Portal: https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/
19# Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. With the 36th class in 2024, the Foundation has provided over 6,900 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than $84 million in educational support. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.
Benefits: Up to $20,000 per year towards tuition.
Eligibility: High-achieving students with leadership and community service experience.
Application Opens: Early August
Application Portal: https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/
20# Horatio Alger National Scholarship
Horatio Alger Association administers over 70 scholarship programs, offering opportunities for students in various stages of their academic careers to achieve their educational goals and realize their potential.
Benefits: Up to $25,000 per year towards tuition.
Eligibility: Need-based scholarship for students who have overcome adversity.
Application Opens: December 2024
Application Portal: https://horatioalger.org/scholarships-and-services/undergraduate-scholarships/
21# American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship promotes educational access and opportunity while enhancing international diversity. Bringing together the best of AU – academic excellence, leadership development, and global engagement – the AU Emerging Global Leader achieves, inspires, and serves with vision. The AU EGL is dedicated to positive civic and social change and will return home to improve under-resourced, underserved communities in their home country. We invite you to meet our inspiring current AU Emerging Global Leader Scholars and recent EGLS alumni.
The AU EGL scholarship covers all billable AU expenses (full tuition, room, and board) for one international student who will need a non-immigrant visa (preferably an F-1 or J-1 student visa) to study in the United States. The scholarship does not cover non-billable expenses such as mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses (approximately U.S.$4,000 per year)
Benefits: Covers full tuition, room, and board.
Eligibility: International students with a focus on leadership and community service.
Application Opens: September 1, 2024
Application Portal: https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-apply.cfm
22# Rotary Peace Fellowship
Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.
Benefits: Full tuition, fees, room, board, and round-trip transportation.
Eligibility: Master’s degree students at one of Rotary’s Peace Centers.
Application Opens: February, 2025
Application Portal: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships
23# Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was established in 1999 to provide outstanding African American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian Pacific Islander American**, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline area of interest. Continuing Gates Millennium Scholars may request funding for a graduate degree program in one of the following discipline areas: computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science.
Benefits: Full tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
Eligibility: Minority students with financial need.
Application Opens: August, 2024
Application Portal: https://gmsp.org/
24# Science Ambassador Scholarship
The Science Ambassador Scholarship is a full–tuition scholarship for women and non–binary students in science, technology, engineering, or math, funded by Cards Against Humanity. Applications for the 2025 award open this fall.
Benefits: Full tuition expenses for four years.
Eligibility: Female students in STEM fields.
Application Opens: Open for Applications for Fall 2024 Intake
Application Portal: https://www.scienceambassadorscholarship.org/
25# United Negro College Scholarships
The Associates Scholars Empowerment Program is a renewable need-based scholarship open to African American/Black students pursuing a certificate or an Associates degree.
To apply, you must be an African American/Black student enrolled full-time or part-time at an accredited U.S. based, two-year degree granting institution or an accredited, UNCF approved, certificate granting program in the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. Applicants must also have a minimum 2.25 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or show completion of a GED.
Benefits: Varies based on the specific scholarship.
Eligibility: African American students attending UNCF member institutions.
Application Opens: July 8, 2024
Application Portal: https://opportunities.uncf.org/s/program-landing-page?id=a2iVJ000007NeFHYA0
Conclusion
With the help of these scholarships, international students can study in the United States without having to worry about taking the IELTS exam. Since every scholarship has different requirements and perks, it’s important to look into the ones that best match your career and academic objectives. To increase your chances of receiving these renowned scholarships, make a note of the application opening dates on your calendar and begin gathering your supporting materials as soon as possible.
So why do you still wait? Take advantage of these chances to realize your American dream!
