Securing a fully funded scholarship to study in the United States is a dream for many international students — and with good reason. The U.S. is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, diverse academic programs, and global networking opportunities. But receiving a scholarship is only the first step. To study in the U.S., students must also navigate the process of obtaining a student visa. Fortunately, a fully funded scholarship can significantly strengthen your visa application and improve your chances of approval.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how to get a U.S. student visa (F-1 or J-1) with a fully funded scholarship in 2025. From preparing documents to handling the visa interview, this article will walk you through the entire process.
1. Understanding the U.S. Student Visa Types
Before applying for a visa, you must understand which category applies to your case:
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F-1 Visa (Academic Student): Most common for students attending an academic institution or language program. It allows part-time on-campus work and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
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J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor): Used for students on specific exchange programs or funded scholarships like Fulbright. It may have additional requirements like returning to your home country after the program.
Your visa type depends largely on your scholarship program and the nature of your studies.
2. Secure a Fully Funded Scholarship First
To get a U.S. visa based on a scholarship, you must first win a scholarship that covers all or most of your expenses. Fully funded scholarships usually include:
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Tuition and fees
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Accommodation and living allowance
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Health insurance
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Travel (round-trip airfare)
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Visa and SEVIS fee support
Some of the most well-known fully funded U.S. scholarships include:
● Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Fulbright is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. It covers all expenses for graduate study, research, or teaching.
● Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Designed for mid-career professionals, this program provides a year of academic study and leadership development.
● University-Specific Scholarships
Many U.S. universities offer fully funded opportunities for exceptional international students, including:
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Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars
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Yale’s Young Global Scholars Program
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Harvard International Scholarships
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MIT's Graduate Fellowships
● Joint Programs and Government Partnerships
Your home country may offer U.S.-based scholarships in cooperation with the U.S. government or universities.
3. Receive Admission and Form I-20 or DS-2019
Once you’re awarded the scholarship and admitted to a U.S. university, the school will send you one of the following official documents:
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Form I-20: For F-1 visa holders
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Form DS-2019: For J-1 visa holders
These forms confirm your admission and detail your program, scholarship coverage, and financial support. They are essential for your visa application.
4. Pay the SEVIS Fee
The next step is to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. As of 2025:
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F-1 visa applicants: $350
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J-1 visa applicants: $220
Your scholarship may cover this fee, but if not, it must be paid online at fmjfee.com and a receipt saved for your records.
5. Complete the DS-160 Visa Application
All U.S. visa applicants must fill out the DS-160 form online. This application includes personal, academic, and travel information. Be honest and accurate, especially regarding your scholarship and funding source.
Key steps:
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Complete the form at ceac.state.gov
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Upload a recent passport-size photo
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Save and print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode
6. Schedule a Visa Interview
After completing the DS-160, schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. During this process, you’ll:
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Pay the visa application fee (around $160, unless waived by your scholarship)
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Choose an interview date and time
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Prepare required documents
Documents Required:
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Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
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DS-160 confirmation page
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Visa appointment confirmation
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I-20 or DS-2019 form
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SEVIS fee payment receipt
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Scholarship award letter (must detail full financial coverage)
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Admission letter from the university
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Academic transcripts and test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, SAT, etc.)
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Passport-sized photos (as per U.S. guidelines)
7. Prepare for the Visa Interview
The visa interview is a crucial part of your application. Here, a consular officer evaluates your intent, financial ability, and likelihood of returning home after your studies. Since you already have a fully funded scholarship, you’re in a strong position, but preparation is key.
Common Interview Questions:
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Why did you choose this university and program?
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Who is funding your education?
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What does your scholarship cover?
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What do you plan to do after graduation?
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Do you have family in the U.S.?
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What ties do you have to your home country?
Tips:
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Be honest and clear
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Carry all original documents
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Show that you intend to return home (especially for J-1 visas)
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Emphasize that your financial needs are already met through your scholarship
8. After Visa Approval
If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa and returned to you in a few days. You’re now eligible to travel to the U.S., typically up to 30 days before your program start date.
Next steps:
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Book your flight
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Arrange on-campus or nearby housing
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Attend your university’s orientation and check-in with the Designated School Official (DSO)
9. Working While Studying (Optional)
Although your scholarship will cover most expenses, F-1 and J-1 students may still be allowed to work:
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On-campus jobs: Up to 20 hours per week during the semester
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OPT (Optional Practical Training): Work in your field for up to 12 months post-graduation (36 months for STEM students)
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CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Internships during your course
Note: Some scholarships, such as Fulbright, may restrict you from working outside your academic program.
10. Maintaining Visa Status
To keep your visa valid:
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Enroll full-time (at least 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduates)
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Keep your address and contact info updated with the university
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Report any changes in program or funding
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Don’t overstay your visa; apply for OPT, extensions, or change of status if needed