USA Full Ride Scholarships 2025 for International Students (No SAT)
Last updated: August 18, 2025 • Editor: Chgr Team
Looking for full ride scholarships in the USA without the SAT? For 2025 admissions, many U.S. universities remain test‑optional (or flexible), which means you can apply without SAT/ACT and still be considered for major merit awards and full‑need financial aid. Below is a curated list of programs that offer full tuition or full cost of attendance (COA) to international students—plus their SAT policy, funding coverage, and deadline windows. Always verify each university’s latest testing and scholarship policies before submitting.
Quick Comparison Table (2025)
| Program | Level | Coverage | SAT/ACT Policy (2025) | Deadline Window | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American University Emerging Global Leader (AU EGL) | Undergraduate | Full tuition + room & board (select costs excluded) | Test‑optional for admission; no separate SAT for EGL | Nov–Dec | american.edu |
| Clark University Presidential LEEP Scholarship | Undergraduate | Full tuition + on‑campus room & board | Test‑optional | Nov–Jan | clarku.edu |
| Duke University Karsh International Scholars | Undergraduate | Full tuition + room & board + fees + enrichment | No separate SAT requirement; follow Duke policy | Nov–Jan | duke.edu |
| Illinois Wesleyan University President’s International | Undergraduate | Full tuition (two awards annually) | Test‑optional | Nov–Jan | iwu.edu |
| University of Miami Stamps Scholarship | Undergraduate | Full COA + enrichment funding | Test‑optional (verify each cycle) | Nov–Dec | miami.edu |
| Boston University Trustee Scholarship | Undergraduate | Full tuition (4 years) | Test‑optional (as of recent cycles) | Dec 1 target | bu.edu |
| USC Trustee Scholarship | Undergraduate | Full tuition (4 years) | Test‑optional (verify each cycle) | Dec 1 target | usc.edu |
| Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholars Program | Undergraduate | Full tuition & fees; need‑based aid covers living | Test‑optional | Nov–Jan | wesleyan.edu |
| Berea College No‑Tuition Promise | Undergraduate | 100% tuition; work‑study helps cover living | English proficiency required; SAT not required | Oct–Jan | berea.edu |
| Fulbright Foreign Student (USA) | Graduate | Tuition, living stipend, airfare, insurance | No SAT; testing depends on program/country | Feb–Sep (by country) | fulbrightonline.org |
Undergraduate Full Rides (No SAT/Test‑Optional)
American University Emerging Global Leader (AU EGL)
Covers: Full tuition and on‑campus room & board (some non‑billable expenses like insurance and travel may not be covered). Who it’s for: High‑achieving international students committed to leadership and community impact.
Testing: AU has been test‑optional; EGL does not impose a separate SAT/ACT requirement. Submit scores only if they strengthen your file.
Deadline window: Typically November–December (earlier materials often required).
Official link: american.edu — EGL
Clark University Presidential LEEP Scholarship
Covers: Full tuition plus on‑campus room & board for four years (highly competitive). Who it’s for: Exceptional international applicants with strong academics and leadership.
Testing: Clark is test‑optional; no separate SAT requirement for LEEP.
Deadline window: November–January (apply early and submit the required scholarship essays).
Official link: clarku.edu — Merit Scholarships
Duke University Karsh International Scholars
Covers: Full tuition, room & board, mandatory fees, and funding for research/enrichment. Who it’s for: International students with outstanding academics, leadership, and global engagement.
Testing: The Karsh program follows Duke’s current testing policy. In recent cycles Duke was test‑optional; confirm the latest policy for the 2025 intake.
Deadline window: Apply to Duke by Early Decision/Regular Decision timelines; no separate Karsh application (selection is by committee).
Official link: duke.edu — Karsh Scholars
Illinois Wesleyan University President’s International Scholarships
Covers: Up to full tuition (two awards per year), plus additional merit awards available. Who it’s for: Top international applicants with excellent academic records and extracurriculars.
Testing: Test‑optional; SAT/ACT not required.
Deadline window: November–January; check if a separate scholarship application is needed.
Official link: iwu.edu — International Scholarships
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Covers: Full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meals) + enrichment funds (research, study abroad). Who it’s for: Highest‑achieving applicants, including internationals.
Testing: UM has been test‑optional; Stamps selection does not require SAT/ACT if you apply without scores.
Deadline window: Typically November–December; earlier submission improves consideration.
Official link: miami.edu — Scholarships
Boston University Trustee Scholarship
Covers: Full tuition for four years (about 20 recipients per year). Who it’s for: Top academic performers with strong essays and recommendations.
Testing: BU has maintained test‑optional admissions in recent cycles; Trustee does not require SAT/ACT separately.
Deadline window: Typically December 1 for scholarship consideration.
Official link: bu.edu — Trustee Scholarship
USC Trustee Scholarship
Covers: Full tuition (four years). Who it’s for: Exceptional first‑year applicants, including international students.
Testing: USC has been test‑optional; the Trustee award does not impose a separate SAT requirement.
Deadline window: Merit scholarship consideration typically requires applying by December 1.
Official link: usc.edu — Merit Scholarships
Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholars Program
Covers: Full tuition & fees for selected students from specific Asian countries; additional need‑based aid often covers room & board.
Testing: Wesleyan has been test‑optional; no separate SAT requirement for Freeman.
Deadline window: November–January; program has specific country eligibility.
Official link: wesleyan.edu — Freeman Asian Scholars
Berea College No‑Tuition Promise (International)
Covers: 100% of tuition for all admitted students; a work‑study program and financial aid help cover living costs. A small deposit is required but can be earned via campus work.
Testing: SAT not required; English proficiency proof (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) is needed.
Deadline window: Typically October–January for fall entry.
Official link: berea.edu — International Admissions
Graduate Full Funding (No SAT)
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Covers: Tuition, living stipend, airfare, and insurance for master’s/PhD in the U.S. Testing: No SAT. Some fields may request GRE/English scores depending on country program rules.
Deadline window: Varies by country (often February–September).
Official link: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
Knight‑Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University)
Covers: Full funding for graduate study at Stanford (tuition, stipend, and more). Testing: No SAT; program follows the testing policy of your target Stanford degree (GRE/GMAT may be required by program).
Official link: knight-hennessy.stanford.edu
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP)
Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and insurance for approved master’s programs at partner U.S. universities (for eligible developing countries).
Testing: No SAT; degree programs may set their own requirements.
Official link: worldbank.org — Scholarships
AAUW International Fellowships (Women)
Covers: Significant funding for graduate study/research in the U.S. for non‑U.S. citizens or residents.
Testing: No SAT; English proficiency and program requirements apply.
Official link: aauw.org — Fellowships
Rotary Peace Fellowships
Covers: Tuition, fees, housing, and travel for master’s in peace/conflict studies at partner universities (some in the U.S.).
Testing: No SAT; grad program rules apply.
Official link: rotary.org — Peace Fellowships
How to Stand Out Without SAT
- Transcripts + Rigor: High grades and rigorous courses (IB/A‑Levels/AP or top national exams) carry heavy weight.
- English proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo with strong scores can offset lack of SAT.
- Essays & Activities: Compelling storytelling, leadership, and sustained impact matter more than one‑off activities.
- Recommendations: Specific, comparative letters from teachers/supervisors showing context and distinction.
- Portfolio/Proof: For STEM, include research/competitions; for arts, build a sharp portfolio.
Visa, Insurance, and Banking Tips (High‑Value)
- F‑1 visa: Secure your I‑20 from the university, pay the SEVIS fee, then complete DS‑160 and schedule your interview early.
- Proof of funds: Even with scholarships, embassies may require bank statements showing remaining costs covered.
- Insurance: Confirm whether the scholarship includes university health insurance; many require a specific plan.
- Banking: Open a U.S.‑friendly student account; compare fees for international transfers and cards.
- Connectivity & Housing: Consider an eSIM on arrival and compare on‑campus vs off‑campus housing costs.
FAQs: USA Full Ride Scholarships (No SAT)
Can international students really get a full ride in the USA without SAT?
Yes—via test‑optional merit awards and full‑need aid. Many universities won’t require SAT/ACT in 2025; your academics, essays, recommendations, and English proof become more important.
Are “need‑blind and full‑need” schools an option for internationals?
Some elite colleges meet 100% of demonstrated need for international students. Testing policies vary by school—check each college’s latest admissions page.
Do scholarships listed here have extra essays?
Often yes (e.g., Trustee/LEEP), with early deadlines (Nov–Dec). Start essays and materials early.
What English tests are accepted?
Most U.S. universities accept TOEFL/IELTS, and many accept Duolingo English Test. Exemptions may exist if you studied in English.
Can I submit SAT if I have it?
Yes. At test‑optional schools, strong scores can help but are not required. If scores are weak, apply without them.
The U.S. offers multiple pathways to a full ride in 2025 without SAT—from test‑optional merit awards to full‑need financial aid. Shortlist 4–6 targets, check each school’s current testing policy and scholarship deadlines, and craft standout essays. Explore more on our USA and Fully Funded labels.