Are you looking for an opportunity to study in the USA in 2025? Worry no more—we have good news for you. This post contains lists of institutions in the USA that offer fully founded scholarships for International students.
Pursuing a master’s degree in the United States can be a transformative step toward a successful career. The USA is home to some of the world’s top universities, renowned for their cutting-edge research, esteemed faculty, and global networks. However, the cost of graduate education can be a significant barrier for many talented international students. Fortunately, a range of fully funded master’s programs and scholarships are available, offering an opportunity to earn a prestigious degree without the financial burden.
This comprehensive guide covers some of the top fully funded master’s programs for international students in 2025. We’ll also discuss eligibility criteria, application processes, and provide direct application links. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer path to pursuing a top-tier master’s degree in the USA.
Fully Funded Master’s Program in the USA
- Academic Excellence:
American universities consistently rank at the top of global university rankings. By joining a fully funded program, you gain access to exceptional resources, research facilities, and mentorship from leading experts in your field. - Cultural Diversity:
The USA is a melting pot of cultures, offering rich exposure to diverse perspectives. Interacting with students from around the world broadens your intellectual horizons and fosters global citizenship. - Professional Opportunities:
A master’s degree from a reputed U.S. institution can significantly boost your employability. Many programs have close ties with industry leaders, offering networking opportunities, internships, and job placement assistance. - No Financial Burden:
Fully funded programs typically cover tuition, living stipends, and sometimes health insurance and travel costs. This financial support enables you to focus on academic excellence and career development without monetary stress.
Top Fully Funded Master’s Programs and Scholarships in the USA
Below are some of the most prominent fully funded opportunities for international students interested in master’s-level study in the United States. Each entry includes details on coverage, eligibility, and the official application link.
1. Harvard University – Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Fellowships
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- About:
Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) offers a range of funding packages for admitted students, including full tuition scholarships and living stipends for many master’s programs, particularly those leading into doctoral research. - Coverage:
Full tuition, fees, and living stipends. Some programs also offer research and teaching assistantships. - Eligibility:
Must be admitted to an eligible Harvard master’s program. Awards are generally based on academic merit.
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2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
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- About:
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University seeks future global leaders who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to positive societal impact. It is open to all fields of study, including master’s, MBA, MD, and JD programs at Stanford. - Coverage:
Full tuition, associated fees, a living stipend, and an education allowance for academic-related expenses. - Eligibility:
Applicants must be admitted to a Stanford graduate program. The selection emphasizes leadership, intellectual ability, and civic mindset.
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3. Yale University – Yale Scholarship and Fellowships
- About:
Yale University provides generous financial aid packages to admitted international graduate students. Many departments offer fellowships and assistantships that fully fund tuition and provide a stipend. - Coverage:
Full tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend through teaching or research assistantships or fellowship packages. - Eligibility:
Must be admitted to a Yale master’s program. Awards are merit-based and/or need-based, depending on the department.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- About:
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students. Administered by the U.S. Department of State, it funds graduate-level studies across various disciplines. - Coverage:
Full tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, and round-trip airfare. - Eligibility:
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and meet English language proficiency requirements. Eligibility varies by country; consult your local U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission for specifics.
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Departmental Fellowships
- About:
MIT provides several departmental fellowships for highly qualified graduate students. While many fully funded opportunities are for PhD candidates, some master’s programs, especially in engineering, the sciences, and economics, also offer full funding packages. - Coverage:
Full tuition, living stipend, and health insurance. Some programs may include research or teaching assistantships. - Eligibility:
Must secure admission to an MIT graduate program. Selection is highly competitive and based on academic prowess and research potential.
6. Stanford University – Various Departmental Scholarships
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- About:
Beyond Knight-Hennessy, Stanford’s departments and schools (e.g., School of Engineering, School of Humanities and Sciences) offer fellowships and assistantships to incoming master’s students. - Coverage:
Tuition coverage, stipends, and often health insurance. Students may also secure positions as research or teaching assistants. - Eligibility:
Candidates must gain admission to a Stanford master’s program. Funding decisions depend on academic merit, research interests, and departmental priorities.
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7. Columbia University – International Fellowships and Assistantships
- About:
Columbia University provides a range of fellowships for international master’s students, often tied to specific programs in the School of Engineering, School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), and Teachers College. - Coverage:
Full or partial tuition coverage, living stipends, and sometimes health insurance. Packages vary by department. - Eligibility:
Must be admitted to a Columbia master’s program. Candidates often need strong academic records and demonstrated leadership or research capacity.
8. University of Chicago – Merit Scholarships for Master’s Students
- About:
The University of Chicago offers competitive fellowships and scholarships for incoming master’s students in fields like public policy (Harris School of Public Policy), social sciences, and the humanities. Some programs provide full funding for select candidates. - Coverage:
Full tuition scholarships and stipends in some highly competitive programs. - Eligibility:
Must meet the master’s program admission criteria. Selection often depends on academic excellence, test scores, and leadership experience.
9. Duke University – Fully Funded Master’s Fellowships
- About:
Duke University offers various fellowships, especially for research-oriented master’s programs. The Nicholas School of the Environment, Pratt School of Engineering, and Sanford School of Public Policy often have well-funded positions. - Coverage:
Typically includes full tuition and a stipend. Some programs also cover health insurance. - Eligibility:
Admission to a Duke master’s program. Awards based on academic merit, research interests, and potential for scholarly contribution.
10. University of Michigan – Rackham Graduate School Fellowships
- About:
The University of Michigan’s Rackham Graduate School provides numerous fellowships for master’s students, including international candidates, across various disciplines. - Coverage:
Full tuition, stipend, and health insurance. Some awards also include research or internship support. - Eligibility:
Must be admitted to a Rackham master’s program. Selection is based on academic performance, research potential, and leadership qualities.
11. Johns Hopkins University – SAIS and Bloomberg School of Public Health Scholarships
- About:
Johns Hopkins provides fully funded opportunities in certain master’s programs, especially those tied to public health (Bloomberg School), international studies (SAIS), and STEM fields. - Coverage:
Full tuition and, in many cases, a living stipend. Some programs also offer travel and research support. - Eligibility:
Admission to an eligible Johns Hopkins master’s program. Students must typically demonstrate outstanding academic records and a commitment to their field.
12. University of Pennsylvania – Graduate Fellowships
- About:
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) provides fellowships for top-performing students. Fields like social policy, education, engineering, and business may offer full funding packages. - Coverage:
Full tuition and stipends, with potential health insurance coverage. - Eligibility:
Must gain admission to a UPenn master’s program. Criteria typically include strong academic performance, recommendations, and a compelling statement of purpose.
13. American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
- About:
While not university-specific, the AAUW offers fellowships to women seeking full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the U.S. Programs include master’s degrees in a wide range of fields. - Coverage:
Awards vary but can cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs. Highly competitive and prestigious. - Eligibility:
Female international students with a bachelor’s degree and a strong academic background. Commitment to women’s empowerment and leadership is often considered.
14. Rotary Peace Fellowships
- About:
Rotary offers peace fellowships that fully fund master’s programs in peace and conflict resolution at partner universities in the United States (e.g., Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). - Coverage:
Tuition, fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship-related costs. - Eligibility:
Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to peace, conflict resolution, and leadership in humanitarian areas. A bachelor’s degree and work experience in a related field may be required.
15. Ford Foundation Fellowships
- About:
The Ford Foundation provides fellowships to increase diversity in academia. While often focused on doctoral candidates, some opportunities also exist for master’s students committed to research and teaching careers. - Coverage:
Stipends, tuition support, and access to mentoring and networking events. - Eligibility:
U.S. nationals and permanent residents receive priority, but international candidates can be considered for some programs. A strong academic record and dedication to diversity and equity in academia are key.
Tips for Applying to Fully Funded Master’s Programs
- Start Early:
Competition for fully funded slots is intense. Begin researching and gathering documents at least one year before the application deadline. - Tailor Each Application:
Customize your statement of purpose, essays, and recommendations for each program. Highlight how your goals align with the program’s mission and faculty expertise. - Strong Academic Record and Test Scores:
Solid undergraduate grades, strong letters of recommendation, and competitive GRE/GMAT scores (if required) can set you apart from other candidates. - Professional Experience and Leadership:
Many programs value candidates with internship, research, or work experience. Demonstrating leadership in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or community projects can also enhance your profile. - Contact Faculty and Alumni:
Connecting with current students, alumni, or faculty members can provide insights into the program’s culture and expectations. A faculty sponsor can strengthen your application by showing genuine interest and research alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are fully funded master’s programs common in the USA?
While fully funded master’s programs are less common than fully funded PhD programs, several institutions and scholarships provide generous packages, especially for top-performing candidates.
2. Can I apply for multiple scholarships and fellowships at once?
Yes. In fact, applying for multiple funding opportunities can increase your chances of receiving financial support. However, ensure that you can commit to any conditions attached to each award.
3. Do I need a separate application for the funding, or is it integrated with the admissions application?
This varies by institution. Some universities automatically consider you for funding upon application, while others require a separate scholarship/fellowship form. Always check the specific guidelines on the program’s official website.
4. Will I have to work as a teaching or research assistant to receive funding?
Some programs require recipients to serve as teaching or research assistants. This arrangement provides valuable experience and helps fund your studies. Others offer fellowships with no work requirements.
5. Is health insurance included in the funding package?
Many fully funded programs include health insurance coverage, but this depends on the university and specific fellowship terms. Always review the funding offer letter carefully.
Securing a fully funded master’s program in the USA can be a game-changer for international students. From prestigious government-backed initiatives like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program to institutional fellowships at Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, there are various pathways to earning a world-class degree without incurring financial debt.
By starting your research early, tailoring your application, and maintaining a strong academic and professional profile, you can significantly improve your chances of receiving a fully funded offer. Explore the official links provided, reach out to mentors for guidance, and take the first step towards achieving your academic and career aspirations in the United States.
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