Fully Funded Ph.D. Scholarships in the USA 2026–2027
Fully funded Ph.D. scholarships in the United States offer outstanding opportunities for students who wish to pursue doctoral studies without the burden of tuition fees or living expenses. For the 2025–2026 academic year, many U.S. universities, government agencies, and international organizations are providing comprehensive funding packages for both domestic and international students.
This article is written to meet Google AdSense content policies by focusing on accurate, educational, and user-first information. It is designed to help prospective Ph.D. applicants—especially those from Nigeria, Africa, Asia, and other developing regions—understand their options and apply successfully.
What Is a Fully Funded Ph.D. Program in the USA?
A fully funded Ph.D. program in the United States typically provides financial support that allows students to focus entirely on research and academic development. Most funding packages include:
Full tuition waiver
Monthly living stipend
Health insurance coverage
Research and conference funding
Teaching or research assistantship opportunities
Because of this structure, the USA remains one of the most affordable destinations for doctoral studies, despite high tuition costs at the undergraduate and master’s levels.
Top Fully Funded Ph.D. Scholarships in the USA (2025–2026)
1. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program – Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program supports exceptional students from around the world who wish to pursue graduate studies at Stanford University.
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities and all Ph.D. programs at Stanford.
Benefits:
Full tuition coverage
Annual living stipend (approximately $34,000)
Travel allowance
Leadership and professional development programs
Application Deadline: October 9, 2025
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most well-known international scholarship programs sponsored by the U.S. government.
Eligibility: International students from over 160 countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, Pakistan, and many Asian countries.
Benefits:
Full tuition
Monthly living allowance
Health insurance
Round-trip airfare
Application Method: Through U.S. embassies or Fulbright commissions in your home country.
3. Harvard University Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs
Harvard University provides full financial support to all admitted Ph.D. students across its graduate schools.
Benefits:
Tuition waiver
Annual living stipend
Research and teaching support
Fields: Humanities, social sciences, education, public health, engineering, and sciences.
4. Yale University Ph.D. Funding
Yale University guarantees full funding for all Ph.D. students who are admitted into its doctoral programs.
Benefits:
Full tuition
Living stipend
Health insurance
Fields: Arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
5. University of Chicago Ph.D. Financial Support
All admitted Ph.D. students at the University of Chicago receive a comprehensive funding package.
Benefits:
Full tuition coverage
Annual stipend for living expenses
Health insurance
6. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF-GRFP)
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports students pursuing research-based Ph.D. degrees in STEM fields.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Benefits:
$37,000 annual stipend
$16,000 annual tuition allowance
Funding for up to three years
7. AAUW International Fellowships (Women Only)
The AAUW International Fellowship Program supports women pursuing full-time Ph.D. or postdoctoral studies in the United States.
Eligibility: Women from all countries except the U.S.
Benefits:
$20,000 to $50,000 for tuition, living expenses, and research costs
8. Meta (Facebook) Ph.D. Fellowship
The Meta Ph.D. Fellowship supports doctoral students in computer science, artificial intelligence, and related fields.
Benefits:
Full tuition
Annual stipend of approximately $42,000
Conference and research support
9. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
This scholarship supports students from developing countries who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
Benefits:
Tuition and living expenses (combination of grant and loan)
10. Schlumberger Foundation – Faculty for the Future
The Faculty for the Future Fellowship supports women from developing countries pursuing Ph.D. or postdoctoral studies in STEM fields.
Benefits:
Up to $40,000 per year for Ph.D. studies
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students pursue a Ph.D. in the USA without IELTS?
Yes. Many U.S. universities waive IELTS or TOEFL requirements if previous education was completed in English or in an English-speaking country. Requirements vary by institution.
How much is the Ph.D. stipend in the USA?
Most Ph.D. students receive a monthly stipend ranging from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the university, discipline, and location.
Is a fully funded Ph.D. in the USA worth it?
A fully funded Ph.D. provides advanced research training, global academic exposure, and strong career prospects in academia, industry, and international organizations.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded Ph.D. scholarships in the United States for the 2025–2026 academic year make it possible for talented students to pursue doctoral education without financial stress. By preparing strong applications, meeting deadlines, and applying to multiple programs, students from Nigeria, Africa, Asia, and beyond can significantly improve their chances of success.
This guide is intended for educational and informational purposes, helping students make informed decisions about studying in the United States.