You’ve probably heard about the many fully funded master’s programs available in the USA, and now you’re here looking for the top 10 options. The truth is, scholarships offered by universities in the United States often provide significant financial support. While some may not cover every single expense, they still go a long way in easing the financial burden for international students. For many students who wish to pursue a master’s degree but are held back by financial challenges, there are practical alternatives to explore.
Instead of taking out student loans which must be repaid and often come with interest the smartest option is to apply for scholarships. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment and come without the burden of accumulating interest, making them a much more affordable and stress-free route to higher education.
Without further chit-chat, we will be delving straight into the main section of this content where we will be providing you with detailed information regarding the various scholarships available for masters students in the United States Of America.
Fully Funded Master’s Programs in the USA for International Students
Studying for a Master’s degree in the USA is a big dream for many students around the world. The USA has some of the best universities and offers high-quality education. But studying in the U.S. can be very expensive. You’ll have to pay for tuition, housing, food, books, health insurance, and sometimes travel too.
Luckily, there are fully funded scholarships that help international students cover all these costs. These scholarships pay for your tuition, give you money to live on, cover your health insurance, and even pay for your flight ticket in some cases.
In this guide, you’ll find the 10 best fully funded Master’s programs in the USA for the 2026/2027 academic year.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Ranking among the best and top choice option, The Fulbright Program is one of the most famous scholarships in the world. It is supported by the U.S. government and helps students from over 160 countries to study in the U.S. It covers Full tuition fees, provides Monthly allowance for living expenses, Round-trip airfare, Health insurance and also Books and other study materials.
Applications Criteria
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree
- Must have good English skills
- Must have good grades and leadership potential
- Must not be a U.S. citizen
How to apply
You can apply through the U.S. embassy or Fulbright office in your home country. You’ll need to send your academic records, recommendation letters, and write essays.
Visit Website (https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/?hl=en-US)
2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program – Stanford University
This is a top scholarship at Stanford University. It supports smart and ambitious students who want to study any Master’s program at Stanford. It grants Full tuition, Living stipend (about $62,000 per year), Travel allowance and also Health insurance.
Who can apply
- Applicants must apply for both a Stanford Master’s program and the Knight-Hennessy scholarship
- Open to all nationalities and fields of study
How to apply
- You’ll need to submit your transcripts, letters of recommendation, a leadership story, and a personal statement.
You can visit the scholarship web page for more information.(https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/)
3. MIT Sloan Fellows Program
MIT offers fellowships for its Sloan Fellows MBA program, mostly for working professionals. Some of these fellowships pay all your tuition and also provide living money. It covers Full tuition (depending on the fellowship), grants a cash price Up to $120,000 in stipend and also paves way for Career development and support.
Who can apply
- Mid-career professionals (usually with 10+ years of work experience)
- Strong leadership background
How to apply
- Check the MIT Sloan website for fellowship options and how to apply.
- Visit the official MIT website (https://mitsloan.mit.edu/mit-sloan-fellows-mba-program/explore-program)
4. Yale University Master’s Scholarships
Yale offers full scholarships for many of its Master’s programs. These are based on your financial need or academic achievement. It covers Full tuition, Living stipend (usually over $40,000 per year) and also Health insurance.
Who can apply:
- Must be accepted into a Yale Master’s program
- Strong academic background and/or low family income
How to apply:
- The application procedure is quite easy, all you have to do is apply to your program and complete the financial aid application process Or visit the official Yale Scholarship Webpage (https://catalog.yale.edu/environment/tuition-fees-other-expenses/master…).
5. Harvard University Fellowships
Harvard offers many fully funded fellowships for Master’s students in areas like public health, education, and public policy. This fellowship covers Full tuition, Yearly stipend ($30,000 or more) and also provides Research and travel support.
Who can apply:
- Must be admitted into a Harvard graduate program
- Strong academic and professional experience
How to apply:
- Visit the specific Harvard school you are applying to for full details.
- Visit the Harvard university fellowship Website(https://gsas.harvard.edu/academics/fellowships/internal-fellowships/fel…)
6. University of Michigan – Rackham Graduate School
The Rackham Graduate School offers fellowships to international students in science, humanities, and engineering. It covers Full tuition, Living allowance ($30,000 or more) and Health insurance
Who can apply:
- Must be admitted into a Rackham-affiliated program at the University of Michigan
How to apply:
- Fellowships may be offered directly or by nomination from your academic department.
- Visit Website(https://finaid.umich.edu/types-aid/scholarships)
7. University of Chicago Master’s Scholarships
The University of Chicago offers fully funded scholarships for students in programs like public policy, social sciences, and science. It covers Full tuition, and Living stipend ($25,000 or more)
Who can apply:
- Must be accepted into an eligible Master’s program at UChicago
How to apply:
- Apply through the university’s application system and check the scholarship options.
- Visit the school official Website(https://grad.uchicago.edu/admissions/funding/)
8. Rotary Peace Fellowship
This program supports students who want to study peace and conflict resolution. The Master’s degree is offered at selected U.S. universities. It covers Full tuition, Monthly living allowance, Travel expenses and internship support
Who can apply:
- Must have 3 years of work experience in peace or development
- Strong leadership skills
- Good academic record
How to apply:
- Apply online and also go through a local Rotary Club for nomination.
- Visit the Rotary Peace Fellowship Website
9. ACI Foundation Fellowships
The ACI Foundation offers scholarships to students studying engineering, construction, or materials related to concrete. It covers Tuition fees, Living stipend ($10,000–$15,000) and offers Professional networking opportunities.
Who can apply:
- International students accepted into U.S. engineering programs
How to apply:
- Apply on the ACI Foundation website with your CV, transcripts, and essay.
- Visit the ACI Foundation Fellowships Website
10. Columbia University Master’s Fellowships
Columbia University provides scholarships for Master’s programs in journalism, international affairs, public policy, and more. It covers Full tuition and Living stipend ($25,000+)
Who can apply:
- Students admitted into eligible Columbia Master’s programs
How to apply:
- Check with your specific department or program for scholarship details.
- Visit Columbia University Master’s Fellowships Website
Final Tips to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship
Here are some important tips to help you win one of these great scholarships:
- Start Early: Most scholarships open months before the school year begins. Start preparing 9–12 months in advance.
- Have Strong Academic Records: Your grades and academic achievements matter a lot. Try to show leadership, awards, and community service too.
- Write a Great Personal Statement: use this medium to tell your story. Explain why you want to study in the U.S., what your goals are, and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Get Good Recommendation Letters: Ask your teachers or employers who know you well to write positive letters about you.
- Prepare for English Tests: Most scholarships require you to take TOEFL or IELTS. Practice early and aim for high scores.
- Apply to More Than One: Apply to several scholarships to increase your chances. If one doesn’t work, another might.
Conclusion
Getting a fully funded Master’s scholarship in the U.S. is a big opportunity that can change your life. It allows you to get a world-class education, build a strong career, and connect with people from all over the world without worrying about money. If you start your search early, prepare well, and stay determined, you have a real chance of success. Now is the time to take action , your future begins today!