30+ Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in the USA for International Students
The United States is a top destination for higher education, boasting many of the world’s most prestigious universities, including half of the global top 10. It hosts over 1.1 million international students, making it the most popular country for studying abroad. If you’re looking to pursue a master’s degree in the USA, we have compiled a list of over 30 fully funded master’s scholarships available to international students.
Things to Know About Applying for a Master’s Degree in the USA
To qualify for a master’s program in the U.S., you must have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution. In addition to your degree certificate, you’ll typically need to submit:
- Letters of recommendation
- Graduate admission test results (e.g., GRE/GMAT) if required
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS) if you’re not a native speaker
- Statement of purpose outlining your goals and demonstrating your fit for the program
Most U.S. universities have application deadlines between December and April. While some schools have rolling admissions, others require early submissions, particularly for scholarships. You can apply to multiple universities, although many students narrow their choices to about six schools. The typical application fee ranges from $50 to $100, but some institutions offer discounts or waive the fee for online submissions.
Applying for a U.S. Student Visa
Once you’ve been accepted by a U.S. university, you’ll need to apply for an F-1 non-immigrant visa. This visa requires proof of sufficient financial support for your studies, and you’ll need to attend an interview at your local U.S. embassy with your application documents.
30+ Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in the USA for International Students
Here are some of the top scholarships you can apply for as an international student:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
This program offers scholarships for master’s and PhD degrees, as well as non-degree postgraduate studies. It covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
- Application Deadline: Varies by country (usually February to May)
- Number of Awards: Approximately 4,000 annually
- Duration: Typically 1 year or more
2. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
Open to students from developing countries, this program provides full funding for a master’s degree in development-related fields.
- Application Deadline: April 12
- Number of Awards: Several
- Duration: Up to 2 years
3. Rotary Peace Fellowship
Up to 100 individuals receive fully funded fellowships annually to pursue master’s degrees in peace and conflict resolution at select universities worldwide.
- Application Deadline: May 31
- Duration: 15 to 24 months
4. MasterCard Foundation Scholarships at Michigan State University
This program covers full tuition for students from Sub-Saharan Africa with strong academic records and a commitment to give back to their communities.
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Duration: Full duration of master’s study
5. MasterCard Foundation Scholarships at University of California, Berkeley
Focused on students from Sub-Saharan Africa, this scholarship provides comprehensive financial, academic, and career support.
- Application Deadline: Between December 1 and January 6
- Duration: Full period of study
6. Georgetown University Scholarships for African Students
This full-tuition scholarship is offered to African students pursuing the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) program.
- Application Deadline: January 15
- Duration: Full 2-year program
7. Oregon State University International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) Scholarships
This program offers scholarships between $7,500 and $30,000 in exchange for cultural service to the university and local community.
- Application Deadline: January 15
- Number of Awards: 10-20
8. Margaret McNamara Educational Grants (MMEG) for Women from Developing Countries
This scholarship provides approximately $15,000 for women pursuing higher education to improve the lives of women and children.
- Application Deadline: January 15
- Duration: One-time grant for the duration of study
9. Eastern Illinois University International Student Scholarship
This scholarship provides partial tuition for international students, helping promote cultural exchange and diversity at EIU.
- Application Deadlines: March 1 for Fall, October 1 for Spring
- Duration: Full course period
10. Margaret McNamara Educational Grants (MMEG) at Trinity Washington University
In partnership with Trinity Washington University, this grant is awarded to two women students from developing countries.
- Application Deadline: January 15
- Duration: Full course period
11. East Tennessee State University International Students Academic Merit Scholarship
This scholarship is available to new international students aiming to pursue graduate or undergraduate degrees at East Tennessee State University. It covers 50% of tuition fees, helping international students manage the cost of education.
- Application Deadline: 15th October
- Scholarship Value: Covers 50% of in-state and out-of-state tuition fees.
12. Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Scholarship Research Program
Students passionate about marine sciences can benefit from this program, which supports undergraduate and postgraduate research on fisheries management and sustainable seafood practices.
- Application Deadline: 16th March
- Scholarship Value: Up to £4,000 for research and travel expenses
- Number of Awards: Five
- Duration: One year
13. Virginia International University Scholarships
Virginia International University offers multiple scholarships based on academic excellence, extracurricular participation, and personal skills. These scholarships reduce tuition costs for both undergraduate and graduate students.
- Application Deadline: Varies
- Scholarship Value: Tuition credit
- Number of Awards: Not specified
14. Global Health Corps Fellowship
Aspiring health professionals looking to address global health equity can apply for the Global Health Corps Fellowship. This paid program is available in various countries and provides leadership training for health professionals.
- Application Deadline: 7th January
- Scholarship Value: Monthly stipend, housing, health insurance, professional development grant, travel coverage, and more
- Duration: One year
15. ACI Foundation International Fellowship
ACI Foundation offers fellowships for students interested in the concrete industry, helping them advance their education and career prospects in civil engineering.
- Application Deadline: 3rd November
- Scholarship Value: Based on the student’s needs and the institution
- Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students globally, but the study must be conducted in the US or Canada.
16. BHW Group Women in STEM Scholarship
This program is designed to support women pursuing STEM degrees. Open to both undergraduate and master’s students, it provides financial aid to advance careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Application Deadline: 15th April
- Scholarship Value: $3,000
17. Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Imomoh Scholarship
Endowed by Egbert Imomoh, this scholarship helps African students pursuing higher education in petroleum engineering.
- Application Deadline: 15th April
- Scholarship Value: $2,000
- Duration: One-time payment
18. St. George’s University School of Medicine Scholarships
Aspiring medical students can apply for scholarships at St. George’s University by submitting a short video highlighting their passion for medicine.
- Application Deadline: 31st December
- Scholarship Value: Up to $10,000
- Number of Awards: 30 scholarships available
19. Open Society Disability Rights Scholarship (LL.M)
This scholarship is aimed at disability rights advocates pursuing a master’s degree in law (LL.M). It focuses on training professionals to develop policies aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
- Application Deadline: 1st December
- Eligible Countries: Ghana, Mozambique, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition, monthly stipend, program-related travel, and more
- Duration: One year
20. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
Stanford University offers this prestigious fellowship to high-achieving global students across various disciplines, including arts, education, engineering, law, and medicine.
- Application Deadline: 27th September
- Number of Awards: Up to 100 scholars
- Scholarship Value: Full funding for tuition, stipend, and related academic expenses
- Duration: Up to three years
21. University of Washington Barer Institute Law Fellowship
The Barer Institute selects a few mid-career leaders annually from low- to middle-income countries to study international development law through this fellowship.
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
- Scholarship Value: Covers tuition and related academic expenses
22. OPEC/OFID Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries
The OPEC Fund for International Development provides scholarships to exceptional students from developing countries pursuing master’s degrees in fields relevant to development.
- Application Deadline: 4th May
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition up to $50,000 for a one-year program
23. New York University (NYU) World Journalist Fellowship
This fellowship is open to international journalists who wish to pursue a Master of Arts in Journalism at NYU. It provides financial support for tuition and a stipend for two semesters.
- Application Deadline: 15th April
- Scholarship Value: Covers tuition and provides a $13,000 stipend per semester
24. Obama Foundation Scholars Program for Emerging Leaders
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for emerging leaders worldwide to study at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy. This fully-funded scholarship is designed for individuals committed to advancing the public good. The one-year academic experience focuses on leadership development, networking opportunities, and access to global public policy leaders.
- Application Deadline: April 10th
- Program Benefits:
- Fully funded Master of Arts degree
- Leadership development events in New York and Washington, DC
- Travel costs covered
- Mentorship and internship placements through the Obama Foundation network
- Action plan development for post-program initiatives
- Program Duration: 1 year
25. Harvard Business School Global Opportunity Fellowship (GO: Africa)
Harvard Business School’s GO: Africa Fellowship is tailored for students aiming to make an impact on the African continent. The program offers significant financial support for graduates who plan to work in Africa post-graduation by supplementing their salaries for up to five years.
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
- Program Benefits:
- Fellowship awards supplement salaries up to $50,000 per year
- Total support can reach $150,000 over five years
- Eligibility: Graduates committed to working in Africa
26. Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship (SUSPENDED)
Stanford University’s Africa MBA Fellowship, currently suspended, has historically supported African citizens to pursue MBAs and return to contribute to Africa’s development. The fellowship provided financial support covering tuition and additional costs for two years of study.
- Application Deadline: June 7th
- Program Benefits: $160,000 over two years
- Duration: Two years
27. Ezera Research Fellowship at University of California, Berkeley
Named after Emeka Kalu Ezera, this fellowship supports graduate students from African countries enrolled at UC Berkeley. The funds can be used for various academic-related expenses, including research and travel for pre-dissertation and dissertation work focused on African studies.
- Application Deadline: February 12th
- Program Benefits: Funding for research, travel, and maintenance costs
28. AfyaBora Fellowship in Global Health Leadership
This 12-month fellowship is designed to prepare health professionals from Africa and the U.S. to lead major health programs in Africa. The AfyaBora Fellowship focuses on filling leadership gaps in health programs across Africa.
- Application Deadline: December 1st
- Eligible Countries: Botswana, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, or the U.S.
- Program Benefits:
- Airfare to training sites
- Monthly stipend of $1,500
- Housing allowance of $750/month
- Health insurance and other benefits
- Duration: 12 months
29. George Washington University Global Leaders Fellowship
This fellowship supports international students pursuing master’s or doctoral programs at George Washington University. Recipients are selected based on leadership potential in their respective fields and their commitment to using the education to impact their home countries.
- Application Deadline: February 5th
- Program Benefits: Covers up to 18 credit hours per year
- Duration: Up to 3 years for master’s candidates, and 5 years for doctoral candidates
30. BHEARD Agricultural Fellowship at Michigan State University
The Borlaug Higher Education Agricultural Research and Development (BHEARD) program, implemented by Michigan State University, supports long-term training of agricultural researchers from Mali, with opportunities to study in the U.S. or other selected countries.
- Application Deadline: January 1st
- Program Benefits: Covers up to 2 years of master’s study and 3 years for PhD students
31. Future Global Leaders (FGL) Fellowship
The FGL Fellowship is a highly competitive program that selects top first-generation university students globally. Over three years, the fellowship provides leadership training and access to the Fortis Society, a private network of global leaders.
- Application Deadline: January 31st
- Program Benefits: All program costs covered
- Duration: 3 years
32. Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarships
This scholarship, offered by Zonta International, aims to support women pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees in business. The program helps women break barriers and transition from classrooms to boardrooms globally.
- Application Deadline: Varies by region
- Eligible African Countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and others
- Program Benefits: Up to $8,000 for tuition, books, and living expenses
33. LAWA Fellowship for Women’s Rights Lawyers
The Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA) Fellowship provides financial support for African women’s rights attorneys pursuing an LL.M. at Georgetown University. This 14-month program helps fellows return to their home countries to advocate for women’s rights.
- Application Deadline: January 12th
- Program Benefits: $49,065 tuition coverage and professional development training
34. AAUW International Fellowships for Women
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) provides fellowships to women from around the world for full-time study or research in the U.S. Recipients can pursue master’s, doctoral, or postdoctoral studies.
- Application Deadline: December 1st
- Program Benefits:
- $18,000 for master’s students
- $20,000 for doctoral candidates
- $30,000 for postdoctoral research
These are just a few of the countless opportunities available for international students and professionals seeking to further their education globally. Each scholarship and fellowship opens doors to career advancement, financial relief, and leadership development in various fields of study.
For more scholarship opportunities and detailed application guidelines, visit ScholarsArk.com, your resource for global educational opportunities!
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