Janice Lozano
The United States is a popular destination for international students seeking a Master's degree, but the high cost of tuition and living can be a significant barrier. However, international students can study for free in the USA through various avenues. From scholarships and grants to merit-based and need-based financial aid, there are several options to pursue a tuition-free education. Additionally, some universities in the US offer full-ride scholarships, covering all expenses for selected international students, while others provide tuition-free opportunities. International students can also seek part-time employment or enrol in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to access free education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | There are tuition-free public universities and private institutions offering full-ride scholarships. |
| Scholarships | Scholarships are available from universities, non-profit and private organisations, and the US government. |
| Grants | Grants are available from universities and the US government. |
| Work-study programmes | International students can work part-time on or off-campus. |
| Student aid | Non-US citizens may qualify for student aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). |
| Student visas | International students can study for free at some universities with a student visa. |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international students
Although the US government does not generally provide funding for international students, there are still several scholarships available for international students wishing to study in the USA. Many of these scholarships are funded by private organisations and specific institutions.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is perhaps the most popular government-funded scholarship for international graduate students, young professionals and artists to study in the US for one year or more. The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is another non-degree scholarship program for international, experienced professionals to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US. The East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships are scholarships aimed at international students from the Asia-Pacific region, while the Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program offers scholarships to 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. The Japan-United States Friendship Commission is an initiative that offers grants to Japanese students wishing to study in the US, and vice versa.
There are also scholarships specifically for female international students, such as the AAUW International Fellowships offered by the American Association of University Women, and the Bat and Ball Game Women’s Sports Scholarship, which offers $1,000 to a woman currently studying a sports-related degree at any US university.
For students from developing countries, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to those with no other source of financial help for their graduate studies. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage for students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development and are applying for a development-related Master's program.
In addition to these scholarships, international students can also seek opportunities to work part-time, either on-campus or off-campus, to help fund their studies.
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Tuition-free public universities
The United States is known for its expensive higher education system, and the government generally does not provide funding for international students. However, there are a few tuition-free public universities and colleges in the USA that international students can consider.
Berea College, Kentucky
Berea College has been offering tuition-free education since 1892 to help average-income earners access quality education. Students must work at least 10 hours per week on campus.
College of the Ozarks, Missouri
Full-time students at the College of the Ozarks pay no tuition fees, while part-time students pay $310 per credit hour.
Macaulay Honors College, New York
Macaulay Honors College is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and offers a tuition-free, interdisciplinary education. It is known for its high standards and scholarship opportunities.
The Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia
The Curtis Institute of Music is a tuition-free music school that offers performance diplomas, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. It is highly selective and only admits the most talented musicians.
In addition to these tuition-free universities, international students can also explore scholarships, grants, work-study programmes, and financial aid to help fund their studies in the USA.
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Work-study programmes
International students in the USA can seek opportunities to work part-time, although this is restricted by regulations and guidelines issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Students holding an F1 visa can work part-time with on-campus or off-campus employment. They can work up to 20 hours a week while the school is in session and full-time up to 40 hours per week during vacations.
Students can find work-study programmes through organisations that can assist in finding the right programme, or directly through the university offering the programme. For example, international students at the University of Pennsylvania can participate in on-campus work-study programmes in research, administrative work, and teaching roles. They can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks, with payment made weekly based on the number of hours worked.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a comprehensive work-study programme for international students in research and teaching assistantships. International undergraduate students can work on campus under federal regulations, while graduate students are not eligible for work-study during a fully-funded semester.
Another example of a work-study programme is Curricular Practical Training (CPT), offered as part of the academic programme or curriculum. Students can also work for recognised international organisations if they are in good academic standing, or take on employment due to economic hardship. Teaching fellowship jobs can pay students $5,400 per semester for six to ten hours a week and $10,800 per semester for 15 to 20 hours a week.
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Student visas
To study in the United States as a full-time student, you will generally need a student visa. There are two nonimmigrant visa categories: F visas and M visas. F visas are for academic students, while M visas are for vocational students.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution, or in a language training program. To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must:
- Be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Be enrolled in a school authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students.
- Be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
- Be enrolled as a full-time student.
- Be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
- Have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study.
- Maintain a residence abroad, which you have no intention of giving up.
F-1 visa holders may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Off-campus employment
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)
M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. To qualify for an M-1 visa, the same criteria as the F-1 visa must be met, except for the requirement to be enrolled in an academic program.
M-1 visa holders may work off-campus during their studies, but any off-campus training or employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
Other Student Visas
In addition to the F-1 and M-1 visas, there is also the J-1 visa, which may allow holders to work in the US, but only on-campus or in a job related to their studies.
Social Media Screening
As of June 2025, the social media accounts of student visa applicants will be screened for posts or messages deemed hostile to the US or its culture.
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Grants and financial aid
Although the US government does not generally provide funding for international students, there are still several options for grants and financial aid.
Grants
Grants are a form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. The Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are common grants provided by the US government. Grants are also offered by various international organisations, such as the Fulbright Commission.
Scholarships
Many US universities offer scholarships to international students. These can be merit-based, need-based, or awarded based on your student profile, including academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and future goals. Scholarships are often competitive, especially for undergraduate international students.
Work-Study Programmes
International students can also seek part-time employment to fund their studies. Students holding an F1 visa can work on-campus or off-campus for up to 20 hours a week during the school session and full-time during vacations. However, on-campus jobs typically do not pay enough to finance a university education, so careful financial planning is necessary.
Student Loans
International students are not eligible for US government-backed loans but can apply for private international student loans. These usually require a cosigner and careful consideration to avoid taking on too much debt.
Financial Aid Applications
To apply for financial aid, you may need to fill out the CSS Profile, International Student Financial Aid Application (IFSAA), or Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Non-citizens may qualify for student aid through the FAFSA.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can study for free in the USA. There are tuition-free universities and scholarships available for international students.
Some universities in the USA that offer tuition-free opportunities for international students include Berea College, Alice Lloyd College, Antioch College (OH), The Apprentice School (VA), Barclay College (KS), and the University of Washington.
Scholarships that international students can apply for to study in the USA for free include the National Health Service (NHS) Corps scholarship, the Schwarzman Scholarship, and scholarships from private institutions such as Yale University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Information about scholarships and financial aid for international students studying in the USA can be found on the official websites of universities or institutions providing educational programs. Additionally, websites like Education USA provide information about financial aid and scholarships for international students.
Yes, international students can explore Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), which are online courses available at no cost and can be taken from anywhere in the world. MOOCs offer a range of subjects, including accounting, business, management, chemistry, and computer programming.
