Scholarships Programs That Offer $20000 – Pursuing higher education in the United States can be financially demanding. However, several scholarship programs offer substantial financial support to help students achieve their academic goals.
Why Fully Funded Scholarships?
Fully funded scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, travel, and sometimes living expenses. They eliminate financial worries, allowing students to focus on their academic and professional goals. Below is a list of 10 notable scholarships, each providing awards of $20,000 or more, along with detailed information on how to apply:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship that enables students from African countries to pursue graduate studies in the U.S., fostering cross-cultural exchange and academic excellence.
Award Amount: Fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel.
Description: This prestigious program offers master’s and doctoral degree scholarships to African students, promoting mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, demonstrate leadership and academic excellence, and be proficient in English.
Application Process: Applications are submitted online through the Fulbright Program’s official website.
Deadline: Varies by country; applicants should check their country’s specific deadline.
Apply Now: Fulbright Foreign Student Program
2. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is a fully funded initiative supporting academically talented but financially disadvantaged African students to study at top U.S. universities, with a strong focus on leadership and community impact.
Award Amount: Fully funded, including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
Description: This program supports talented students from Africa through partnerships with leading universities in the USA, such as Stanford and UC Berkeley.
Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to community service.
Application Process: Applications are submitted through the partner universities’ admissions processes.
Deadline: Varies by university; applicants should check the specific deadlines of partner institutions.
Apply Now: MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
3. AAUW International Fellowships
This scholarship, provided by the American Association of University Women, supports female African students who wish to pursue graduate or postgraduate studies in the U.S.
Award Amount: $20,000–$50,000 annually.
Description: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) provides scholarships to women pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in the USA.
Eligibility: Female applicants from African nations with a strong academic background.
Application Process: Applications are submitted online through the AAUW’s official website.
Deadline: November 15, 2025.
Apply Now: AAUW International Fellowships
4. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a fully funded program for mid-career professionals from Africa and other regions, offering a year of non-degree academic study and professional development in the U.S.
Award Amount: Fully funded, covering tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and allowances.
Description: Designed for mid-career professionals, this program combines academic study with professional development.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a minimum of five years of professional experience and demonstrate leadership potential.
Application Process: Applications are submitted online through the program’s official website.
Deadline: Varies by country; applicants should check their country’s specific deadline.
Apply Now: Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
5. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
This scholarship is a highly competitive, fully funded scholarship at Stanford University that supports international graduate students, including Africans, who demonstrate outstanding leadership and academic achievements.
Award Amount: Fully funded, including tuition, stipend for living and academic expenses, and leadership training.
Description: Stanford University’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program supports African students in various graduate studies.
Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
Application Process: Applications are submitted online through the program’s official website.
Deadline: October 14, 2025.
Apply Now: Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
6. Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS)
This scholarship program is designed for high-achieving African high school students, offering mentorship, academic training, and guidance for applying to universities in the U.S. and beyond.
Award Amount: Fully funded, including tuition and mentorship opportunities.
Description: YYAS helps high-achieving African high school students attend undergraduate programs in the USA.
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records.
Application Process: Applications are submitted online through the program’s official website.
Deadline: February 1, 2025.
Apply Now: Yale Young African Scholars
7. Ashinaga Africa Initiative
This is a fully funded scholarship aimed at supporting academically talented African students who have lost one or both parents, helping them pursue undergraduate studies abroad.
Award Amount: Fully funded, covering tuition and living expenses.
Description: The initiative provides scholarships to African students who have lost one or both parents.
Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and resilience.
Application Process: Applications are submitted online through the initiative’s official website.
Deadline: February 28, 2025.
Apply Now: Ashinaga Africa Initiative
8. Obama Foundation Scholars Program
This is a leadership-focused scholarship at the University of Chicago that fully funds African students’ studies in public service, community development, and leadership.
Award Amount: Fully funded, including tuition, living expenses, and leadership training.
Description: This program empowers emerging African leaders to study public service and leadership at the University of Chicago.
Eligibility: Applicants must have leadership experience in community service.
Application Process: Applications are submitted online through the program’s official website.
Deadline: April 15, 2025.
Apply Now: Obama Foundation Scholars Program
9. Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship
This scholarship covers tuition for African students pursuing an MBA at Stanford. It encourages recipients to return to Africa and contribute to economic and social development.
Award Amount: Up to $150,000 for tuition.
Description: This fellowship supports African students pursuing an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business, intending to develop their leadership in Africa.
Eligibility: Applicants must be African citizens, demonstrate financial need, and commit to returning to Africa after completing the program.
Application Process: Applications are submitted online through Stanford GSB’s admissions portal.
Deadline: June 2025 (specific date to be announced).
Apply Now: Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship
10. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
This is a fully funded scholarship for students from developing countries, including Africa, to pursue graduate studies in development-related fields at selected universities worldwide, including in the U.S.
Award Amount: Fully funded, including tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Description: This program provides scholarships for students from developing countries, including African nations, to pursue master’s degrees in development-related fields at universities in the U.S. and other countries.
Eligibility: Applicants must be from eligible developing countries, have a bachelor’s degree, and have at least three years of development-related work experience.
Application Process: Applications are submitted online through the World Bank’s website.
Deadline: May 2025 (specific date to be announced).
Apply Now: Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
FAQs
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
Do these scholarships cover all expenses?
Yes, fully funded scholarships typically cover tuition, accommodation, and sometimes additional expenses.
Are there undergraduate scholarships in this list?
Yes, programs like YYAS and MasterCard Scholars support undergraduate studies.
What is the deadline for these scholarships?
Check the individual program websites for deadlines.
How can I improve my application?
Highlight academic excellence, leadership skills, and community impact in your application essays.
Who is eligible for these scholarships?
Most of these scholarships are open to African students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need. Some scholarships, like the AAUW International Fellowship, are specifically for women, while others, like the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship, require a commitment to returning to Africa after graduation.
Do these scholarships cover full tuition and living expenses?
Yes, many of these scholarships are fully funded, meaning they cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and other costs. Examples include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, and Ashinaga Africa Initiative. However, some, like the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship, only cover tuition.
How can I apply for these scholarships?
Each scholarship has a unique application process. Generally, you will need to:
- Apply online through the official scholarship website.
- Provide academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.
- Sometimes take standardized tests like the GRE, GMAT, or TOEFL (depending on the program).
When are the application deadlines?
Deadlines vary for each scholarship. Some, like the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, have deadlines in October, while others, like the AAUW International Fellowship, are due in November. It’s important to check each program’s official website for exact dates.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes! You can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time, as long as you meet their eligibility requirements. However, some programs may require you to commit to their funding exclusively if selected.
Do I need to be accepted by a U.S. university before applying for these scholarships?
It depends on the scholarship. Some, like the Fulbright Program, help students secure admission after selection. Others, such as the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, require applicants to apply directly to partner universities.
What documents do I need for my application?
Typical requirements include:
- A completed application form.
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Letters of recommendation.
- A statement of purpose or personal essay.
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) if required.
Can undergraduate students apply for these scholarships?
Yes! Some scholarships, like the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program and Ashinaga Africa Initiative, specifically support undergraduate students. However, others, such as the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, are for graduate students.
Do I need work experience to apply?
Not always. Some programs, like the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, require at least five years of professional experience. However, undergraduate scholarships like YYAS do not require work experience.
Where can I find more information and official application links?
Each scholarship has its official website where you can find details about eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply. Some key links include:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program: mastercardfdn.org/scholars
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program: knight-hennessy.stanford.edu
- AAUW International Fellowships: aauw.org
