If moving to the USA with your family in 2026 is the goal, then the study route is one way to ensure the process is seamless, straightforward, and without any room for VISA refusal. In fact, there’s a reason why Study VISA is a popular topic among Nigerian travel agents today. The reason is that “the study route is the surest way to move to America or Europe with your family and dependents” without facing tedious immigration hassles. And what else could be better than making this move without spending a dime?

Here, I will show you the best schools in the US offering generous educational grants and full sponsorship to international students willing to study in the United States. These are hands down the biggest educational grants for international students moving to the US on full VISA sponsorship.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Moving to the United States for education is a dream shared by millions of Nigerians and several other international students worldwide. But as exciting as it sounds—walking through ivy-covered campuses, experiencing diverse cultures, and attending lectures by renowned professors—the financial burden can be overwhelming.

That’s where educational grants step in. Unlike loans, grants don’t require repayment, making them a perfect aid for international students navigating tuition, housing, books, and other expenses.

The Fulbright foreign student program will help you chase this dream without any cost to you. They are renowned for offering generous study grants to international students, including those from Nigeria and other African countries.

Maximum Grant Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, and health insurance (~$40,000 to $100,000 per year)

The Fulbright Program is perhaps the most prestigious and comprehensive grant for international students aiming to study in the U.S. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports graduate students, young professionals, and artists in pursuing Master’s or Ph. D.-level study.

What sets Fulbright apart is its holistic approach. It covers virtually all expenses, including:

• Tuition

• Monthly living stipend

• Round-trip airfare

• Health insurance

• Cultural enrichment programs

Fulbright also places a strong emphasis on cross-cultural exchange, and recipients become part of a powerful global alumni network.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Maximum Grant Amount: Up to $60,000 (depending on your program duration and cost)

Administered by the U.S. Department of State, the Humphrey Fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals from developing countries seeking to spend a year in the U.S. for non-degree graduate study, professional development, and leadership training.

Fields supported include:

• Public Policy

• Human Rights

• Education

• Public Health

• Environmental Management

The grant covers:

• Tuition and fees

• Living allowance

• Travel

• Health insurance

• Professional development funds

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

Maximum Grant Amount: Full tuition, return airfare, monthly living stipend (~$30,000 to $50,000/year)

The JJ/WBGSP is a highly competitive grant for citizens of World Bank member developing countries who have a track record of contributing to development efforts and wish to pursue a Master’s degree in development-related fields.

Eligible programs are offered at select U.S. universities, often focusing on public policy, economics, and development management.

Grant coverage includes:

• Full tuition

• Economy-class travel

• Monthly subsistence allowance

• Health insurance

AAUW International Fellowships

Maximum Grant Amount: $50,000

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers generous fellowships to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. These grants are awarded for full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the United States.

Fellowship values:

• Master’s/First Professional Degree: $20,000

• Doctoral: $25,000

• Postdoctoral: $50,000

AAUW International Fellows are selected for academic excellence and potential to become leaders in their fields.

Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

Maximum Grant Amount: Above $30,000 (Depending on the terms). 

The Rotary Foundation Global Grants offer funding for graduate-level coursework or research in one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus, including:

• Peace and conflict prevention/resolution

• Disease prevention

• Water and sanitation

• Economic development

• Basic education and literacy

Though there’s no strict upper limit, grants typically start from $30,000 and can go higher based on the cost of tuition and living expenses in the U.S.

Rotary grants are unique in that they require the support of both a sponsoring Rotary Club in your home country and a host Rotary Club in the U.S.

The Gates Scholarship

Maximum Grant Amount: Full cost of attendance (~$60,000/year)

Though primarily aimed at minority students already residing in the U.S., international students with legal permanent resident (LPR) status or DACA status can also apply.

The Gates Scholarship, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, offers a full-ride scholarship to top-performing students pursuing undergraduate degrees in any field.

Coverage includes:

• Tuition

• Room and board

• Books

• Transportation

• Other personal expenses

EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP)

Maximum Grant Amount: Up to $20,000+ (varies by country and need)

If you’re an academically outstanding student from a low-income background, EducationUSA’s Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) could be your golden ticket to studying in the U.S. The program doesn’t directly pay tuition, but it covers critical costs of the university application process, such as:

• SAT/ACT/TOEFL test fees

• Application fees

• Visa processing

• SEVIS fees

• Airfare to the U.S.

• Initial settling-in funds

Many OFP scholars go on to get full scholarships and assistantships from U.S. universities after being admitted.

University-Specific Grants & Scholarships

Many U.S. universities offer their own need-based or merit-based grants for international students. These include:

• Harvard University: Need-based financial aid covering up to 100% of demonstrated need

• Yale University: International Student Financial Aid

• Stanford University: Knight-Hennessy Scholars

• Amherst College: International Student Aid Program

Amounts can range from $5,000 up to full-ride scholarships valued at $70,000+ per year.

Always check the financial aid section of every US university’s website when applying. You might be surprised how generous some schools can be, especially if you start the application early enough or have a standout application.

Wrapping It UP:

Traveling to the U.S. for education isn’t just about flying across borders; it’s about opening doors to world-class opportunities. Grants are more than financial lifelines—they’re endorsements of your potential and a foundation for your dreams.

Here’s a quick comparison table to help you choose:

If you’re dreaming of studying in the U.S., know this: money should never be the barrier that stops you. With the right research, preparation, and motivation, one of these grants could be your ticket to a life-changing academic journey. The good part of it is – you can move with your family and dependents if you’re taking a PHD program in any of these US universities.

Start early, tailor your applications, and let your passion for learning shine through. The U.S. is full of opportunities and will also let you work part-time while studying. Your dependents can also work full-time if they move with you.