Top Public University Scholarships in USA for International Students 2025/2026. Thousands of students from around the world apply to study in the United States every year.
Many top public universities in the country offer great education with global exposure. But the cost of studying in the US is a big obstacle for international students. Especially for students from countries with weaker currencies, the tuition, housing, books and other living expenses can be too high.
Luckily, many public universities in the US are aware of this problem and have developed scholarship programs for students from other countries. These scholarships are open to students of any nationality or background to reduce the financial burden and increase educational access for talented and hardworking students.
This article will guide you through some of the best public university scholarships in the US for international students applying for 2025-2026 academic year. These options range from full tuition coverage to partial funding and can be your ticket to a top degree without going over budget.
Disclaimer Notice: This is a general educational blog, giving out information concerning scholarship, school fees, Cut off marks, student results, admission form, and other school news guides. We are not affiliated with the Government or any educational institution.
Why Study in a Public University in the USA?
US government funds public universities. They still offer great education and are generally cheaper than private universities. Many public universities are ranked top in the world. University of Florida, University of Michigan and University of California are few examples.
They accept students from all over the world and offer financial aid in the form of assistantships and scholarships.
What are Scholarships?
Scholarships are financial gifts to help students pay for their education. Scholarships don’t need to be repaid. Scholarships are usually awarded based on financial need, leadership, talent or academic achievement.
Getting a scholarship as an international student can reduce your educational costs and make your time studying in the US more comfortable.
Top Public University Scholarships in USA for International Students 2025/2026
Here are the top public university scholarships available to international students in the US for 2025-2026 academic year. The universities themselves are offering these scholarships.
1. University of Oregon – ICSP Scholarship
International students can apply for the University of Oregon’s ICSP Scholarship (International Cultural Service Program). This is one of the top scholarship programs offered by US public universities.
Up to 15 credits of tuition are waived per term through the ICSP scholarship. You must share your culture with nearby schools or communities to be eligible for this scholarship.
Benefits:
- Partial to full tuition
- Renewable every year
- Open to all majors
How to Apply:
Apply to the University of Oregon first. Then apply for the ICSP scholarship online through their scholarship portal.
2. University of Minnesota – Global Excellence Scholarship
International students with high GPA are eligible to apply for the Global Excellence Scholarship at the University of Minnesota, a public university.
Upon admission, you will automatically receive this scholarship based on your academic performance.
Benefits:
- $10,000 to $25,000 per year
- Renewable for 4 years
- No separate application required
How to Apply:
You only need to apply for admission. If you qualify, the university will consider you for the scholarship.
3. University of Arkansas – International Scholarships
International undergraduate students can apply for several scholarships offered by the University of Arkansas. The International Tuition Scholarship is a popular one that reduces out-of-state tuition.
Benefits:
- Up to 90% of tuition fees waived
- Renewable based on academic performance
How to Apply:
Apply for admission. Then apply for the scholarship on the university’s international admissions website.
4. Arizona State University – New American University Scholarship
Arizona State University (ASU) has a large number of international students. International freshmen who show excellent academic performance are eligible to apply for the New American University Scholarship.
Benefits:
- $3,000 to $15,500 per year
- Renewable for up to 4 years
How to Apply:
You will be considered when you apply to ASU. No separate scholarship form is required.
5. University of Kansas – Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarships are awarded to incoming international students based on their test scores and high school grades.
Benefits:
- Up to $16,000 per year
- Renewable every year
- No essay or extra application required
How to Apply:
Just apply for admission. Qualified students will be awarded automatically.
6. Mississippi State University – Freshman International Scholarships
MSU offers scholarships to international students. New undergrads are awarded based on test results and merit.
Benefits:
- Up to $12,000 per year
- Renewable for 4 years
- Open to all majors
How to Apply:
Apply for admission and then apply for scholarships through the MSU scholarship portal.
7. University of Iowa – International Distinction in Education Award (IDEA)
The IDEA scholarship, awarded to new undergrads with outstanding academic performance, is one way the University of Iowa supports international students.
Benefits:
- Up to $10,000 per year
- Renewable for 4 years
- No extra application needed
How to Apply:
Students are considered automatically after applying for admission to the university.
8. University of South Florida – Green & Gold Presidential Awards
New international students can apply for Green & Gold scholarships from this public university in Tampa, Florida, which are based on test scores and high school grades.
Benefits:
- Up to $48,000 over 4 years
- $12,000 per year
- For undergrads only
How to Apply:
Apply to USF and submit all test scores. If eligible, you’ll be considered automatically.
9. Michigan State University – International Tuition Grant
New international undergraduate students who meet specific academic requirements are eligible for the International Tuition Grant at Michigan State University.
Benefits:
- Covers most of tuition
- Renewable every year
- Based on academic strength and financial need
How to Apply:
Apply for admission. We will review your qualifications and let you know if you qualify.
10. University of Mississippi – International Undergraduate Scholarships
The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) offers various scholarships to international students for undergraduate degrees.
Benefits:
- Scholarship values range from $3,900 to $23,454 per year
- Based on high school grades and test scores
- Renewable for 4 years
How to Apply:
Apply for admission. If you qualify, you will be automatically awarded a scholarship.
Documents Usually Required
When applying, you may need to provide:
- School transcripts
- English test results (TOEFL or IELTS)
- Passport bio page
- Personal statement or essay
- Recommendation letters
Not all scholarships require all these, so read the instructions well.
Conclusion
Your dream of studying abroad can come true if you get a scholarship in the United States. We have seen that international students can apply for scholarships to several public universities in the United States for 2025–2026. Many of these scholarships don’t require additional application and are real and good.
Start now if you plan to study in the United States. Make sure you have your documents ready, do your research and apply to schools as soon as possible. Since getting good grades is the first step to getting most of these scholarships, always aim for them.
You can be one of the many international students studying in the United States on scholarship if you put in the work and prepare yourself.
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