If you're seeking fully funded Ph.D. scholarships in the United States for the 2025–2026 academic year, there are numerous prestigious programs available for both U.S. and international students. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and often provide additional benefits such as research funding, travel allowances, and professional development opportunities. Below is a comprehensive list of notable scholarships:
🎓 Top Fully Funded Ph.D. Scholarships in the U.S. (2025–2026)
1. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program – Stanford University
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Eligibility: Open to all nationalities; applicants must apply to a Stanford graduate program.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, travel allowance, and academic expenses.
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Focus: Leadership development and interdisciplinary education.
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Deadline: October 9, 2025.
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Website: Knight-Hennessy ScholarsBest Fully Funded ScholarshipsScholarship Roar+1Xigna POS & Inventory+1
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
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Eligibility: International students from over 160 countries.
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Coverage: Full tuition, health insurance, accommodation, living expenses, and airfare.
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Fields: All disciplines.
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Deadline: Varies by country; for Nigeria, typically June 1, 2025.
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Website: Fulbright ProgramScholarship Zilla+2Scholarship Roar+2WORK, TRAVEL & STUDY ABROAD+2Scholarship Roar+4Rangovista+4WORK, TRAVEL & STUDY ABROAD+4
3. AAUW International Fellowships
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Eligibility: Women from all countries except the U.S.
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Coverage: $20,000–$50,000 annually, covering tuition and living expenses.
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Fields: All disciplines.
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Deadline: December 1, 2024.
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Website: AAUW FellowshipsScholarship RoarBest Fully Funded Scholarships+2Xigna POS & Inventory+2WORK, TRAVEL & STUDY ABROAD+2Yocket Study Abroad+1WORK, TRAVEL & STUDY ABROAD+1
4. Yale University Ph.D. Scholarships
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Eligibility: Open to domestic and international students.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, and health insurance.
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Fields: Humanities, social sciences, STEM, and more.
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Website: Yale Graduate SchoolRangovistaEduloaded.com+1Business Day+1
5. Harvard University Ph.D. Scholarships
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Eligibility: Open to all admitted Ph.D. students.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, and research grants.
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Fields: Various disciplines.
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Website: Harvard University ScholarshipsWikipedia+3Eduloaded.com+3Rangovista+3
6. University of Chicago Graduate Aid
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Eligibility: All admitted Ph.D. students.
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Coverage: Full tuition, monthly living stipend, and health insurance.
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Fields: Economics, political science, physics, and more.
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Website: University of Chicago Graduate AidBusiness Day+4Eduloaded.com+4Rangovista+4Rangovista
7. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
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Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and select international students.
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Coverage: $37,000 annual stipend, tuition allowance, and research support.
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Fields: STEM disciplines.
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Deadline: Typically in October.
8. DoD National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship
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Eligibility: U.S. citizens pursuing doctoral degrees in science and engineering.
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Coverage: Full tuition, $43,200 annual stipend, $5,000 travel budget, and $1,400 annual health insurance.
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Fields: Science and engineering disciplines aligned with DoD interests.
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Website: NDSEG FellowshipWikipedia+1WORK, TRAVEL & STUDY ABROAD+1
9. NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program
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Eligibility: Open to U.S. and international students.
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Coverage: Fully funded Ph.D. program with collaborative research at NIH and either Oxford or Cambridge.
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Fields: Biomedical sciences.
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Website: NIH OxCam ProgramRangovistaWikipedia
10. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships
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Eligibility: Students from select developing countries.
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Coverage: Tuition and living expenses; awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis.
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Fields: Various disciplines.
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Deadline: March 31, 2025.
11. Facebook Ph.D. Fellowship
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Eligibility: Full-time Ph.D. students conducting research in areas related to computer science and engineering.
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Coverage: Tuition, $42,000 annual stipend, $5,000 conference travel support, and paid visit to Facebook headquarters.
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Deadline: September 20, 2025.
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Website: Facebook Fellowship
12. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship
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Eligibility: Women from developing countries pursuing Ph.D. or postdoctoral studies in STEM fields.
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Coverage: Up to $50,000 annually.
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Deadline: November 8, 2025.
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Website: Schlumberger Foundation
13. Clark Fellowship Program – Cornell University
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Eligibility: International students in various fields.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, and professional development opportunities.
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Website: Clark Fellowship
14. Texas A&M Hertz Fellowship
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Eligibility: High-achieving Ph.D. students in STEM and engineering fields.
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Coverage: Full tuition, generous annual stipend, access to advanced research labs, and mentorship.
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Website: Texas A&M Hertz Fellowship
📝 Application Tips
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Start Early: Begin researching and preparing your applications well in advance of deadlines.
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Tailor Your Application: Customize your personal statements and research proposals to align with the specific goals and values of each scholarship program.
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Secure Strong Recommendations: Obtain letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic and research capabilities.
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Highlight Research Experience: Emphasize any previous research projects, publications, or relevant work experience.
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Proofread: Ensure your application materials are free of errors and clearly articulate your goals and qualifications.
These scholarships provide excellent opportunities to pursue doctoral studies in the United States without the financial burden. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and adhere to application deadlines. For the most accurate and updated information, visit the official websites of each scholarship program.