The United States has long been recognized as a global leader in higher education, innovation, and research. Each year, thousands of bright minds from around the world apply for fellowships in the USA to pursue advanced research, training, or academic study in a wide range of disciplines. If you’re an aspiring international scholar or a U.S. national seeking a fully funded opportunity, 2026 could be your breakthrough year.
In this blog post, we bring you a comprehensive list of the Best Fully Funded Fellowship Programs in the USA for 2026. These prestigious programs are hosted by top-tier universities like Harvard and Yale, as well as renowned institutions and government bodies. All fellowships listed below cover essential costs such as airfare, accommodation, stipends, research grants, and living expenses.
Why Apply for a Fellowship in the USA?
The USA is not only a hub for world-class education but also a land that offers tremendous financial and academic support to its fellows. Fellowship programs often include:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipends
- Travel allowances (international airfare)
- Health insurance
- Access to research facilities
- Opportunities for networking and collaboration with top academics and industry leaders
Most of these fellowships are designed to build future global leaders in fields like science, policy, law, climate studies, humanities, and more.
List of Top Fully Funded Fellowship Programs in the USA (2026)
Below is the curated list of highly prestigious fellowships that are open to both international applicants and U.S. citizens for the academic year 2026–27.
1. Harvard Rowland Fellows Program 2026
- Host Country: United States
- Institution: Harvard University
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Duration: 5 Years
- Eligibility: Researchers in experimental science
- Benefits: Fully Funded, including salary, research funding, and lab space
- Deadline: August 15, 2025
- Program Link: Rowland Fellowship at Harvard
The Rowland Fellowship is one of the most prestigious opportunities for young scientists interested in experimental research. Fellows are given full autonomy, dedicated lab space, and ample funding to conduct innovative research.
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 2026
- Host Country: United States
- Duration: One academic year
- Program Start Date: Fall 2026
- Eligibility: Mid-career professionals in public service
- Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, travel expenses, health insurance
- Deadline: Varies by country (typically by September 2025)
- Program Link: Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Administered by the U.S. Department of State, the Humphrey Fellowship is a non-degree program that offers valuable leadership development and networking for professionals.
3. Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2026/27
- Host Country: United States
- Institution: Harvard University, Radcliffe Institute
- Duration: One year
- Eligibility: Scholars, scientists, artists, and writers from any country
- Number of Fellows: 50
- Benefits: Stipend of $78,000 plus project expenses, housing, office space
- Deadlines:
- September 11, 2025 – Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts
- September 30, 2025 – Science, Engineering, Mathematics
- Program Link: Radcliffe Fellowship at Harvard
This highly selective fellowship brings together scholars from a variety of fields for a year of interdisciplinary collaboration and research.
4. Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026
- Locations: Yale University (USA) and Sciences Po (Paris)
- Dates:
- USA Session: February 16–20, 2026
- Paris Session: June 15–19, 2026
- Eligibility: Early to mid-career climate professionals
- Number of Fellows: 16
- Benefits: Fully Funded including international travel, accommodation, and meals
- Deadline: August 1, 2025
- Program Link: Yale Climate Leaders Fellowship
A joint initiative by Yale and Sciences Po, this program empowers rising leaders working in climate policy, advocacy, or science through immersive learning sessions in two global hubs.
5. Fulbright U.S. Student Program 2026/27
- Host Country: United States or Partner Countries
- Program Type: Study, Research, or English Teaching
- Eligibility: U.S. Citizens only (for outbound placements)
- Benefits: Tuition, travel costs, stipend, health insurance
- Deadline: October 7, 2025
- Program Link: Fulbright U.S. Student Program
While this fellowship is primarily for U.S. students to study abroad, many partner countries offer reciprocal programs to bring international students to the U.S. under Fulbright.
6. Institute for Law & AI Research Fellow
- Location: Remote
- Position Type: Full-time
- Salary Range: $100,000 – $121,000
- Eligibility: Experts in AI law, ethics, and public policy
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote flexibility, research funding
- Program Link: Law & AI Fellowship
This cutting-edge fellowship supports legal scholars and practitioners interested in the implications of artificial intelligence. It’s ideal for researchers keen to influence policy in tech ethics and law.
Types of Fellowships Available in the USA
Fellowships in the USA vary based on academic level, field, and purpose:
- Academic Fellowships: Support research or advanced study (e.g., Radcliffe, Fulbright)
- Professional Fellowships: Focus on leadership and policy development (e.g., Humphrey)
- Postdoctoral Fellowships: Fund early-career researchers (e.g., Rowland Fellowship)
- Short-Term Programs: Target specific sectors like climate, law, or public health (e.g., Yale Climate Fellowship)
General Benefits of Fully Funded Fellowships
Most fellowships cover the following:
- Monthly stipend or salary
- Travel allowance (including airfare)
- Health insurance
- Accommodation or housing assistance
- Research/project funding
- Networking and mentorship opportunities
- Visa sponsorship support
These benefits aim to eliminate financial barriers so fellows can focus entirely on learning and contributing to their fields.
Final Thoughts
Securing a fully funded fellowship in the USA is not just an academic milestone—it’s a transformative experience that shapes your future. These programs offer unparalleled opportunities for growth, learning, and global impact. Whether you’re interested in science, policy, the arts, climate change, or artificial intelligence, there’s a fellowship in the U.S. designed to support your goals.
Start preparing your applications early, gather strong letters of recommendation, and tailor your personal statements to reflect your vision and impact. With determination and clarity, you could be among the next cohort of global fellows in 2026.
Scholarship Summary
- Scholarship: Various Fellowship Programs in the USA 2026
- University: Harvard, Yale, and others
- Country: United States
- Degree Level: Postgraduate, Research, Professional
- Deadline: Varies (August–October 2025)
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