Studying in the United States offers a world-class education, but for international students, the financial burden can be a challenge. With tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses to consider, health insurance is another important cost that can add to the stress. Fortunately, several scholarships cover health insurance along with other essential expenses. This guide will highlight scholarships available in 2025 that provide health insurance for international students.
USA Scholarships That Include Health Insurance for International Students
1. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious and well-known scholarships available for international students in the USA. Funded by the U.S. government, this scholarship offers full funding for graduate-level studies, including health insurance.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Travel expenses
- Living stipend
- Health insurance
- Academic and cultural exchange opportunities
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be from a participating country.
- Strong academic background and leadership potential.
- Proficiency in English.
Tip: Check your U.S. Embassy for specific application details and deadlines.
2. The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals from developing countries who want to enhance their leadership skills. This fellowship also provides health insurance along with other essential coverage.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
- Professional development and networking opportunities
Eligibility:
- Minimum of five years of professional experience.
- A demonstrated potential for leadership and commitment to return to your home country to implement what you have learned.
3. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
If you’re pursuing studies in development, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship is an excellent choice. This scholarship covers full tuition and provides health insurance as part of its comprehensive funding.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees coverage
- Health insurance
- Monthly stipends for living costs
- Travel expenses
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible developing country.
- Admission to a participating graduate program.
- Strong academic and professional background in development-related fields.
4. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Although the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is based at the University of Cambridge in the UK, it is often relevant for U.S.-bound students, as many scholars go on to collaborate with U.S. universities. This scholarship offers full tuition and health insurance for international students.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
- Research funding
- Networking opportunities with a global community
Eligibility:
- Outstanding academic record.
- Clear goals for using your studies to benefit society.
- Leadership potential.
5. The AAUW International Fellowship Program
The AAUW International Fellowship is a fantastic option for female international students. This scholarship not only covers tuition but also provides health insurance as part of its funding for graduate-level studies in the USA.
Benefits:
- Financial awards of up to $30,000
- Health insurance
- Research costs and living expenses
- Networking with other women scholars
Eligibility:
- Female international students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Strong academic background and clear career goals.
6. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is a prestigious program for outstanding graduate students. It provides funding for tuition, living costs, and health insurance, allowing scholars to focus fully on their studies.
Benefits:
- Full tuition and fees
- Health insurance
- Travel costs
- Living stipend
Eligibility:
- Applicants must apply to Stanford University.
- Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential.
7. The International Student Fellowship (ISF) at Columbia University
Columbia University offers the International Student Fellowship (ISF), which helps cover not only tuition but also health insurance for international students. This is particularly valuable for those in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Health insurance
- Stipend for living expenses
Eligibility:
- International students applying for graduate programs at Columbia University.
- Strong academic background.
8. The U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
The IVLP is a government-funded program that offers a wide range of benefits, including health insurance, to international students and professionals visiting the U.S. for short-term study and professional development.
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Travel expenses
- Stipend for living costs
- Networking opportunities
Eligibility:
- Participants must be nominated by their home country’s government.
- Professional background relevant to the IVLP themes.
9. The Ford Foundation International Fellowship Program
The Ford Foundation offers a fellowship for international students from select countries. This fellowship covers all educational expenses, including health insurance, allowing students to pursue graduate studies in the USA without financial worries.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Health insurance
- Travel costs and living stipends
Eligibility:
- International students from eligible countries pursuing graduate studies in the U.S.
10. The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
The Emerging Global Leader Scholarship at American University covers all costs for international students, including health insurance. This is aimed at students from developing countries who show leadership potential and a commitment to community service.
Benefits:
- Full tuition and fees
- Health insurance
- Travel costs
- Living stipend
Eligibility:
- International students from developing countries.
- Academic excellence and leadership potential.
Health insurance is an essential component of studying abroad in the U.S., and many scholarships now cover this important cost. Whether you’re applying for a prestigious program like the Fulbright or a specialized fellowship like the AAUW International Fellowship, there’s a scholarship option to help cover both your education and your health needs. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria carefully and apply early to maximize your chances of receiving funding.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a prestigious U.S. government-funded scholarship that provides full financial support to international students pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. It includes tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance.
Many scholarships for international students, such as the Fulbright Program, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, and AAUW International Fellowship, include health insurance coverage along with tuition and living stipends.
To apply for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, you need a minimum of five years of professional experience, a strong academic record, and the ability to demonstrate leadership potential. Applications are submitted through the U.S. Embassy in your home country.
Yes, the AAUW International Fellowship Program is specifically designed for women. It provides funding for graduate or postdoctoral studies in the U.S., covering tuition, living expenses, research costs, and health insurance.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. It covers tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.