If you’re planning to pursue a master’s degree in the United States, there are numerous fully funded scholarship opportunities available to support international students like you. This comprehensive overview highlights various funding options designed to make your educational aspirations achievable.
The United States continues to rank as one of the most sought-after destinations for higher education, attracting learners from all corners of the world. Its reputation for academic excellence, world-class research facilities, and a wide range of scholarship programs make it an ideal choice for postgraduate study. For those aspiring to earn a master’s degree abroad, especially in the U.S., the abundance of funding opportunities can significantly ease the financial burden and make the experience more fulfilling.
Before applying, it is crucial to conduct in-depth research and identify scholarship programs and universities that align closely with your academic interests and career objectives. Careful planning helps ensure you choose the right institution and funding source that best supports your educational goals.
Why Consider a Fully Funded Master’s Program in the U.S.?
The United States is home to many of the world’s leading universities, recognized for their rigorous academic standards, cutting-edge research, and innovative learning environments. These institutions attract more than a million international students annually, reflecting the country’s global academic appeal.
Pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S. offers not only access to a dynamic and well-structured educational system but also exposure to a culturally diverse community that fosters intellectual growth and global collaboration.
International students typically study in the U.S. under the F-1 visa, which allows them to engage in full-time academic programs. In many cases, this visa can open pathways toward permanent residency (Green Card), providing opportunities to live and work in the United States after graduation. Moreover, upon completing your master’s program, you can explore employment options through programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT), gaining valuable professional experience as a highly skilled international graduate.
Fully Funded Master’s Degree Opportunities in the USA for International Students
1. Master of Public Health (MPH) Programs
The Master of Public Health (MPH) program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to improve population health through research, policy development, and effective public health interventions. This degree focuses on key areas such as epidemiology, global health, environmental health, and healthcare management. Graduates are prepared to tackle pressing health challenges and design preventive strategies that foster healthier communities both locally and globally.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, USA
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Selected universities across the United States
Overview: This fellowship provides mid-career professionals with an opportunity to strengthen their leadership abilities through academic study and professional development in public health and related fields.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program, USA
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Multiple U.S. universities
Overview: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program enables international students to pursue graduate study and research in the United States, covering tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance.
NextGen Scholarship Fund
Type: Partially Funded
Host Institutions: Various accredited U.S. universities
Overview: The NextGen Scholarship supports outstanding international students pursuing higher education in the U.S., recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
International Merit Scholarship at Western Colorado University
Type: Partially Funded
Host Institution: Western Colorado University
Overview: This merit-based award is designed to recognize high-achieving international students, offering financial assistance based on academic performance and leadership potential.
2. Master of Arts (MA) Programs
A Master of Arts (MA) degree offers advanced academic training in the humanities and social sciences, including disciplines such as literature, philosophy, linguistics, political science, and history. It encourages critical thinking, analytical writing, and interdisciplinary research, preparing graduates for careers in academia, communications, cultural organizations, and public policy.
California Institute of the Arts Merit Scholarships
Type: Partially Funded
Host Institution: California Institute of the Arts
Overview: Awarded based on artistic talent and academic performance, this scholarship assists international students pursuing creative and artistic MA programs.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program, USA
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Various U.S. universities
Overview: A prestigious scholarship supporting international graduate students, researchers, and professionals in diverse disciplines, including arts and humanities, by covering tuition, accommodation, travel, and health costs.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Partner universities across the United States
Overview: This program offers full financial support to students from developing countries pursuing graduate studies in fields that contribute to national development, including economics, education, and social sciences.
3. Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programs
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in business management, strategic decision-making, and leadership. Combining academic rigor with real-world applications, MBA programs cover diverse areas such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, operations, and global business strategy. They are ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their managerial competence, build strong professional networks, and accelerate their careers in the corporate world.
Harvard University MBA Scholarship for International Students
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institution: Harvard University
Country: United States
Overview: The Harvard MBA Scholarship, funded by the Boustany Foundation, provides comprehensive financial support to exceptional students from around the globe. It covers tuition fees, travel costs, and accommodation, offering recipients an opportunity to study at one of the world’s most prestigious business schools.
William R. Berkley Scholarship at NYU Stern School of Business
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institution: New York University (NYU)
Country: United States
Overview: This scholarship program at NYU Stern recognizes outstanding applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and entrepreneurial drive. It offers full tuition coverage and additional benefits designed to support promising business leaders.
Distinguished MBA Scholarship at SMU Cox School of Business
Type: Tuition Only
Host Institution: SMU Cox School of Business
Country: United States
Overview: The Distinguished MBA Scholarship offers tuition support to high-achieving students with exceptional academic and professional records. It encourages leadership and innovation in the ever-evolving field of business management.
4. Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program focuses on leadership, governance, and public policy. While it shares similarities with the MBA, its emphasis is on public sector management, nonprofit leadership, and community development. The program prepares graduates for roles that influence decision-making and policy implementation across government institutions, NGOs, and international organizations.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program, USA
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Various universities in the United States
Country: United States
Overview: This prestigious scholarship offers international students the opportunity to pursue graduate studies in public administration and related fields. It provides full financial coverage, including tuition, living allowance, airfare, and health insurance.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, USA
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Multiple universities across the United States
Overview: The Humphrey Fellowship provides mid-career professionals from developing nations with a non-degree academic experience that enhances their leadership abilities in public service, governance, and human rights.
Learn More and Apply (Various U.S. Universities)
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Various accredited universities across the USA
Overview: Several U.S. institutions offer comprehensive funding packages for MPA students, enabling them to engage in advanced studies that strengthen administrative capacity and drive public innovation globally.
5. Master of Science (MSc) Programs
The Master of Science (MSc) degree is a research-intensive postgraduate program that provides in-depth knowledge and technical expertise in specific fields of study. These programs are ideal for students pursuing advanced training in disciplines such as data science, engineering, economics, computer science, environmental science, or biotechnology. Most MSc programs emphasize analytical skills, quantitative research, and scientific inquiry, often culminating in a thesis or capstone project.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program, USA
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Various universities across the United States
Country: United States
Overview: One of the most recognized scholarships worldwide, the Fulbright Program offers complete financial assistance to international students seeking to earn an MSc degree in the U.S., covering tuition, travel, and living costs.
Stanford University Scholarships 2024 (Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program)
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institution: Stanford University
Country: United States
Overview: Stanford University’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program provides full funding for graduate students from all nationalities. It supports individuals with exceptional leadership potential, academic distinction, and a commitment to creating meaningful global change.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowships 2024, USA
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Various partner universities across the United States
Overview: This fellowship promotes academic enrichment and professional growth among emerging leaders by providing access to advanced training in science, technology, and social development fields.
American Education Fund for Kosovo
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Partner universities in the United States
Overview: This fund provides full scholarships to outstanding students from Kosovo, enabling them to pursue graduate studies in science, engineering, and related disciplines, with the goal of fostering innovation and capacity-building in their home country.
6. Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) is an advanced postgraduate degree tailored for legal practitioners, recent law graduates, or academics who wish to gain deeper expertise in specialized fields of law. This program enhances professional credentials, broadens international legal perspectives, and prepares graduates for leadership roles in academia, government, or private practice. Common areas of specialization include international law, corporate governance, human rights law, and intellectual property law.
American University Washington College of Law LL.M. Scholarships
Type: Full Tuition Scholarship
Host Institution: American University Washington College of Law
Country: United States
Overview: American University offers a range of full and partial scholarships for international students enrolled in its LL.M. programs. These awards recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to advancing justice and legal reform worldwide.
Appel Fellowship on Multinational Enterprise Regulation
Type: Full Tuition Scholarship
Host Institution: Columbia University – Columbia Law School (CLS)
Country: United States
Overview: This fellowship is dedicated to supporting LL.M. students focusing on the regulation of multinational enterprises. It provides full tuition coverage to outstanding candidates demonstrating academic merit and interest in international business law and global governance.
Cincinnati University LL.M. Merit Scholarships
Type: Merit-Based (Partial or Full Tuition)
Host Institution: University of Cincinnati – College of Law
Country: United States
Overview: The University of Cincinnati’s College of Law offers competitive merit-based scholarships to international LL.M. candidates who show exceptional academic achievement and professional promise in the field of law.
7. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Programs
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree is a specialized graduate program dedicated to developing artistic creativity and technical skill in disciplines such as painting, film production, theatre, photography, graphic design, sculpture, and creative writing. The MFA prepares students for careers as professional artists, designers, filmmakers, educators, and art directors, emphasizing both creative exploration and professional practice.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program, USA
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Various universities across the United States
Overview: The Fulbright Program provides comprehensive funding to international students in the arts, covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel. It supports creative scholars who wish to pursue MFA studies while engaging in cultural exchange and global collaboration.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Multiple U.S. universities
Overview: This program offers complete financial support to graduate students from developing countries pursuing advanced degrees, including MFA programs, that contribute to cultural and economic development.
MFA Cinder Scholarship (TalNexus Foundation)
Type: Partial Funding (Up to $4,000)
Host Institution: Various accredited U.S. universities
Country: United States
Overview: The Cinder Scholarship provides financial aid to students pursuing MFA degrees in visual and performing arts. It aims to reduce financial barriers for emerging artists and encourages creative innovation and excellence in the arts.
Fellowships in Visual Arts – Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
Type: Fellowship Award (Up to $8,000)
Host Institution: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Country: United States
Overview: The VMFA Fellowship supports talented students and professionals in visual arts programs, enabling them to expand their artistic practice, exhibit their work, and gain recognition within the creative industry.
8. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
At the University of California, Berkeley, the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program provides fully funded scholarships for international students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue master’s degrees in various fields. The initiative focuses on developing transformative leaders who are committed to driving social and economic progress in their home regions.
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Host Institution: University of California, Berkeley
Country: United States
Scholarship Benefits: Comprehensive financial coverage, including full tuition, accommodation, living stipends, travel allowances, and visa-related expenses.
Overview: Through its partnership with UC Berkeley, the MasterCard Foundation seeks to empower talented students from developing nations by providing access to world-class education and mentorship opportunities. Graduates of the program are expected to return home and contribute meaningfully to their communities through leadership, innovation, and service.
9. Master of Music (MM/MMus) Programs
The Master of Music (MM or MMus) degree is a specialized postgraduate program designed for students seeking advanced training and mastery in various areas of music. It offers rigorous academic and practical instruction in performance, composition, conducting, and music theory. The program nurtures artistic excellence and prepares graduates for dynamic careers as professional musicians, composers, conductors, educators, or music directors in both academic and professional settings.
Through a balance of performance practice, theoretical studies, and research, students gain the technical proficiency, creativity, and interpretive depth required to excel in the music industry or academia. The MM/MMus program also fosters collaboration, critical listening, and innovation—skills essential for shaping the future of music and the performing arts.
Bruce K. Lee Scholarship
Type: Partial Funding
Host Institutions: Various U.S. Colleges and Universities
Country: United States
Overview: The Bruce K. Lee Scholarship provides partial financial assistance to talented students pursuing a Master of Music degree. It supports passionate musicians by helping them refine their artistic abilities and achieve their career aspirations in music performance, education, or composition.
Scholarships for International Education Fees – Texas A&M University (TAMU)
Type: Tuition Only
Host Institution: Texas A&M University
Country: United States
Overview: Texas A&M University offers scholarships to international students enrolled in music programs, covering tuition and related academic fees. These awards are aimed at reducing the financial burden on international learners and encouraging cultural and artistic diversity within the university’s music department.