Scholarships to Study in the United States – Your Guide to Getting Started: Dreaming of studying in the U.S. but worried about how to pay for it? You’re not alone. Many students around the world especially from Nigeria are looking for reliable scholarships to study in the United States. The good news? There are several well-known, fully funded options that can help you get there.
I’m Dr. DeWayne P. Frazier, President of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), and I’ve spent over 25 years helping students access higher education in the U.S. Here’s a simple guide to the top scholarships that you should know about.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
One of the most respected U.S. scholarships out there.
What it covers:
- Graduate studies
- Tuition, travel, and living expenses
- Open to most fields of study
Apply here: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/about/foreign-student-program
Tip: The Fulbright Program is competitive, so your academic record and personal story matter a lot.
2. AAUW International Fellowships (Women Only)
This is for women from outside the U.S. doing graduate studies.
What’s offered:
- Graduate-level funding
- Great for academic and professional women
Apply here: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/funding-opportunities/international-fellowships/
Heads-up: Focus on how your goals align with women’s empowerment and education.
3. Rotary Peace Fellowships
Ideal for those interested in peace and conflict resolution.
Covers:
- Master’s degree
- Tuition and living costs
- Focused on community leaders
Apply here: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships
Note: You don’t have to be a Rotarian, but it helps if you’re involved with a local Rotary Club in Nigeria.
4. The Gates Scholarship
A top-tier opportunity for low-income, high-achieving minority students.
Offers:
- Full tuition for U.S. undergraduate study
- Support throughout college
Apply here: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship
Note: This is for students still in secondary school (SS3 equivalent).
5. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
For professionals with work experience who want short-term, non-degree programs in the U.S.
What’s included:
- Academic enrichment
- Professional development
- Not for degree programs
Apply here: https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/
6. United World College (UWC) Scholarships
Great for teens looking to attend international high schools with pathways to U.S. universities.
Includes:
- International Baccalaureate (IB) education
- U.S. college opportunities afterward
Apply here: https://www.uwc.org/ibdp/fees-and-scholarships
Good to know: UWC schools are located all around the world, including in Africa.
7. Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students
For refugees or displaced persons due to conflict or crisis.
Provides:
- Full tuition
- Living expenses
- Graduate or undergraduate programs
Important: If you or your family have refugee or IDP status, this could be your chance.
8. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
Perfect for international students with leadership skills and strong academics.
Covers:
- Full tuition
- For students who want to create change
- Study in Washington, D.C.
Apply here: https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-apply.cfm
9. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund (Women Only)
One of the longest-standing programs supporting women in education.
Offers up to: $12,500
- For graduate study in the U.S. or Canada
- Only for women from outside the U.S.
Apply here: https://www.peointernational.org/educational-support/international-peace-scholarship-fund/
- Bonus Tip: Check University-Specific Scholarships
- Many U.S. schools also have their own funding for international students.
Look into:
- University of Oregon – Global Excellence Scholarship
- University of Southern California – International Student Aid
- Campbellsville University – Generous financial aid for foreign students
Search Tip: Go directly to each university’s international admissions or financial aid page.
Need Help? Visit a U.S. Embassy American Space
These are learning centers set up by the U.S. government across Nigeria. You can:
- Attend workshops on U.S. student visas (F-1, J-1)
- Get free help from Education USA
- Use free internet and prep resources
Find one near you: https://ng.usembassy.gov/education/american-spaces/
What If You Don’t Get the Visa?
It happens. But there’s still a backup plan.
At AUN (American University of Nigeria), we use the same U.S.-style curriculum, calendar, and credit system. You’ll still get the same kind of education just right here in Nigeria.
We even have study abroad and exchange programs that let you spend a semester at U.S. universities using the J-1 visa.
Got Questions?
I’d love to help.
You can reach me at: president@aun.edu.ng
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