USA Fully Funded Masters Scholarships for International Students

The United States is a top destination for international students seeking advanced education, especially at the master’s level. However, the cost of studying in the USA can be a significant hurdle. Fortunately, many fully funded master’s scholarships are available for international students, covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and even health insurance.

This comprehensive guide will explore the best USA fully funded master’s scholarships for international students, their eligibility criteria, benefits, application processes, and expert tips on how to win them.

Why Study a Master’s in the USA?

Studying in the USA offers numerous advantages:

World-class universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Yale
Global networking opportunities
Access to cutting-edge research facilities
A wide range of interdisciplinary programs
High employability rate post-graduation

However, the average cost of a master’s degree ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 per year. This is where fully funded scholarships come in handy.

Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Master’s in the USA

Here are the most prestigious and generous fully funded master’s scholarships available for international students in the U.S.

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Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Administered by: U.S. Department of State

Coverage:

Full tuition
Living stipend
Health insurance
Travel costs

Eligibility:

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
Strong academic record
Leadership potential
Proficiency in English

Application Timeline: February to October (varies by country)

Application Link: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org

Highlights:

Available in over 155 countries
Promotes cross-cultural exchange
Around 4,000 students receive it annually

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program – Stanford University

Administered by: Stanford University

Coverage:

Full tuition
Stipend for living and academic expenses
Travel grant
Leadership training

Eligibility:

Apply to Stanford master’s program
Graduated after 2019
Open to all nationalities
Strong leadership and civic commitment

Application Deadline: October

Application Link: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu

Highlights:

Combines education with leadership development
Over 100 scholars selected annually

Yale University Scholarships

Administered by: Yale University

Coverage:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Health insurance
Travel support

Eligibility:

Open to all nationalities
Meet academic and language requirements
Demonstrate financial need

Application Deadline: Varies by program

Application Link: https://finaid.yale.edu

Highlights:

Awarded on merit and need
Amount ranges up to $70,000/year

AAUW International Fellowships

Administered by: American Association of University Women

Coverage:

$20,000–$50,000 per year (tuition, books, living expenses)

Eligibility:

Women only
Non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Bachelor’s degree equivalent
Intend to return home to pursue a professional career

Application Deadline: November 15

Application Link: https://www.aauw.org

Highlights:

Women empowerment focus
Over 3,500 women from 150 countries have received it

Harvard University Scholarships (GSAS and HKS)

Administered by: Harvard University Graduate Schools

Coverage:

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Research and travel grants

Eligibility:

Exceptional academic merit
Applied to a master’s program at Harvard
Financial need-based and merit-based awards available

Application Deadline: December to January

Application Link: https://gsas.harvard.edu

Highlights:

Multiple funding options through departmental fellowships
Includes the Harvard Kennedy School and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

The Gates Scholarship

Administered by: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Coverage:

Tuition
Fees
Room and board
Books and transportation
Other personal costs

Eligibility:

Minority students
U.S.-accredited college (including international students studying in U.S.)
Academic excellence
Demonstrated leadership ability

Application Deadline: September

Application Link: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org

Highlights:

Extremely competitive (only 300 scholars selected annually)
Targets underrepresented groups

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Administered by: World Bank

Coverage:

Tuition
Monthly living stipend
Round-trip airfare
Health insurance

Eligibility:

Citizens of World Bank member developing countries
Employed in development-related fields
Accepted to selected universities in the USA

Application Deadline: February to May

Application Link: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships

Highlights:

Promotes capacity building
Ideal for students pursuing development-related programs

Benefits of Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in the USA

Zero financial burden – Cover tuition, living, and travel expenses

Prestige – Enhances your resume and opens global opportunities

Networking opportunities – Access to elite academic and professional circles

Academic support – Mentorship, internships, and research opportunities

Cultural exchange – Exposure to diverse environments and global perspectives

How to Apply for Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in the USA

Follow these general steps:

Choose a Program and University

Research universities that offer your preferred master’s degree
Ensure the university accepts international students

Check Scholarship Opportunities

Visit the university’s financial aid or graduate admissions page
Check for specific scholarships for international students

Prepare Application Documents

Common requirements include:

Academic transcripts
English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Resume/CV
GRE/GMAT scores (if required)

Apply for Admission

Submit your application through the university’s graduate portal

Apply for Scholarships

Some scholarships require separate applications
Apply early and follow instructions carefully

Tips to Win a Fully Funded Scholarship in the USA

Start Early: Begin preparations 12–18 months before your intended intake.

Research Thoroughly: Match your profile to the right scholarships.

Write a Powerful Statement of Purpose: Tell your story clearly and passionately.

Secure Strong Recommendations: From professors, employers, or mentors.

Demonstrate Leadership and Impact: Show your extracurricular and volunteer work.

Tailor Each Application: Customize your essays and documents for each scholarship.

Maintain Excellent Academic Performance: High GPA increases your competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there fully funded scholarships for master’s students in the USA?

Yes, many U.S. institutions and organizations offer fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, and other costs.

Can international students get scholarships in the USA?

Absolutely. Several scholarships are specifically designed for non-U.S. citizens.

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What GPA do I need to get a scholarship in the USA?

Most scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, though higher scores improve your chances.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply for scholarships in the USA?

Yes, most U.S. universities require proof of English proficiency, unless you’re from an English-speaking country.

Can I work while on a fully funded scholarship?

Most visas (like F-1) allow limited on-campus employment. However, consult your scholarship guidelines, as some may restrict employment.

Conclusion

Pursuing a master’s degree in the USA is a dream for many international students. Fully funded scholarships eliminate financial barriers and offer life-changing opportunities in terms of education, career, and global networking.

From prestigious programs like Fulbright and Knight-Hennessy to institution-specific options at Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, the options are vast and accessible.

By preparing early, researching thoroughly, and presenting a compelling application, you can become one of the thousands of international students who successfully secure fully funded master’s scholarships in the USA.