If you’re planning to pursue a master’s degree in the United States, there are numerous fully funded opportunities available to support international students. This guide highlights a range of scholarship programs that can help you achieve your academic aspirations without the burden of financial stress.
The U.S. continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for higher education, attracting learners from all over the globe thanks to its world-class universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and generous scholarship packages. For students considering graduate studies abroad, particularly in America, the wide variety of funding options makes this path both attainable and highly rewarding.
The first step is to thoroughly research available programs and scholarships to ensure they align with your career ambitions and academic interests.
Why Choose a Fully Funded Master’s in the USA?
The United States hosts some of the most renowned universities in the world, celebrated for their academic excellence, innovation, and diversity. Every year, millions of students from different countries choose the U.S. for graduate study, drawn by the chance to learn in a stimulating environment that fosters creativity and global leadership.
One of the greatest advantages of studying in the U.S. is access to a strong academic framework that supports international talent and promotes cross-cultural collaboration.
Most international students pursue graduate studies under visas such as the F-1 visa. In many cases, this type of visa can serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residency (Green Card), giving you the right to live and work in the country. Upon completing your master’s degree, you may also qualify for employment opportunities, opening doors to a professional career in the United States as a skilled international graduate.
Fully Funded Master’s Programs in the USA with Scholarships for International Students
1. Master of Public Health (MPH) Programs
A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to improve the health and well-being of communities. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in public health policies, healthcare systems, epidemiology, and preventive measures. By focusing on both local and global health challenges, the MPH prepares graduates to design effective interventions, implement health strategies, and contribute to sustainable healthcare solutions at community, national, and international levels.
Scholarship Opportunities for MPH and Related Master’s Programs
Hubert Humphrey Fellowships, USA
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Partner universities across the United States
This fellowship provides mid-career professionals from around the world with opportunities to enhance their leadership skills while engaging in graduate-level study and professional development.
USA Fulbright Scholarship Program for International Students
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Multiple universities across the U.S.
A prestigious award that covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance for international students pursuing master’s studies in various disciplines, including public health.
NextGen Scholarship
Type: Partially Funded
Institution: Several universities in the United States
Designed to support talented international students, this scholarship helps reduce the financial burden of studying in the U.S. by providing partial funding toward tuition costs.
International Merit Scholarship at Western Colorado University
Type: Partially Funded
Institution: Western Colorado University
Awarded to outstanding international students, this merit-based scholarship offers financial assistance to make higher education in the U.S. more accessible.
2. Master of Arts (MA) Programs
The Master of Arts (MA) degree focuses on disciplines within the humanities and social sciences, including philosophy, history, literature, linguistics, foreign languages, and cultural studies. This program is designed to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and analytical skills, making it an excellent pathway for careers in education, academia, research, writing, and related professional fields. Students often gain a deeper appreciation of cultural perspectives and the intellectual tools needed to address complex societal issues.
Scholarship Opportunities for MA Students
California Institute of the Arts Merit Scholarships
Type: Partially Funded
Institution: California Institute of the Arts
These scholarships are awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement and creative potential, helping international students reduce tuition costs while pursuing advanced studies in the arts and humanities.
USA Fulbright Scholarship Program for International Students
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Various U.S. universities
One of the most prestigious international scholarships, the Fulbright program covers tuition, living stipends, travel, and health insurance, allowing students to pursue MA degrees across a wide range of humanities and social science disciplines.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Partner universities across the U.S.
This scholarship supports international students from developing countries, particularly those committed to contributing to the economic and social development of their home nations.
3. Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programs
Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs are designed to equip students with a balanced mix of theoretical insights and hands-on business expertise. Areas of focus include finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, strategy, leadership, and operations management. With strong emphasis on case studies, internships, and networking, an MBA is particularly well-suited for professionals aspiring to take on leadership roles, launch businesses, or accelerate their careers in multinational corporations.
Scholarship Opportunities for MBA Students
Harvard University MBA Scholarship for International Students
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Harvard University
Country: United States
This scholarship covers full tuition and other associated costs, enabling talented students from around the world to pursue one of the most prestigious MBA programs globally.
William R. Berkley Scholarships at NYU Stern School of Business
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: New York University (NYU) Stern School of Business
Country: United States
Offered to exceptional international applicants, this scholarship provides comprehensive funding for students to earn their MBA in one of the leading business schools in the U.S.
Distinguished MBA Scholarship from SMU Cox
Type: Tuition Only
Institution: SMU Cox School of Business
Country: United States
This award covers full tuition fees for outstanding MBA candidates, recognizing leadership potential and academic excellence.
4. Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree shares similarities with an MBA in terms of leadership and managerial development, but its focus is distinct. The program emphasizes public governance, policy-making, and nonprofit leadership. Students gain skills in organizational management, policy analysis, and public service delivery, preparing them for careers in government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and policy-focused institutions. Graduates of MPA programs often become influential leaders driving change in public systems and global development initiatives.
Scholarship Opportunities for MPA Students
USA Fulbright Scholarship Program for International Students
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Various universities across the U.S.
Country: United States
A globally recognized program that provides international students with full funding to pursue graduate-level studies, including MPA degrees, covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel.
Hubert Humphrey Fellowships in the USA
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Various universities across the U.S.
Designed for mid-career professionals, this fellowship combines graduate-level coursework with professional development to strengthen leadership skills in public administration and governance.
Learn More and Apply Scholarship Programs
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Partner universities in the U.S.
These scholarships offer international students full financial support to pursue studies in public policy and administration, encouraging global leaders committed to improving governance structures.
5. Master of Science (MSc) Programs
The Master of Science (MSc) degree is highly research-oriented and focuses on specialized knowledge within scientific, technical, and analytical fields. Common areas of study include engineering, computer science, economics, biology, mathematics, and environmental science. MSc programs often require students to complete a thesis or significant research project, equipping graduates with advanced problem-solving skills and preparing them for careers in academia, industry, or research institutions.
Scholarship Opportunities for MSc Students
USA Fulbright Scholarship Program for International Students
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Multiple universities across the U.S.
Country: United States
Provides complete financial support for international students pursuing graduate degrees in various scientific and technical fields.
Stanford University Scholarships 2024
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Stanford University
Country: United States
A competitive scholarship program offering full tuition, living allowances, and research support for exceptional international students accepted into MSc and other graduate programs.
Hubert Humphrey Fellowships 2024 in the USA
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Partner universities across the U.S.
Aimed at professionals looking to strengthen their expertise, this fellowship combines graduate-level study with hands-on experience in technical and policy-related disciplines.
American Education Fund for Kosovo
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Various U.S. universities
Provides scholarships for students from Kosovo to pursue master’s studies, including MSc programs, in the United States, fostering knowledge transfer and leadership development.
6. Master of Laws (LLM) Programs
The Master of Laws (LLM) is a postgraduate qualification designed for legal practitioners who wish to deepen their expertise in a specialized area of law. It is commonly pursued by lawyers, judges, and academics seeking to expand their knowledge in fields such as international law, human rights, corporate law, intellectual property, or environmental law. An LLM degree not only enhances professional credentials but can also lead to academic advancement or international career opportunities in global legal practice.
Scholarship Opportunities for LLM Students
American University Washington College of Law Scholarships for LLM
Type: Full Tuition Scholarship
Institution: American University Washington College of Law
These scholarships provide full tuition coverage for outstanding international students pursuing advanced legal studies.
Appel Fellowship on Multinational Enterprise Regulation
Type: Full Tuition
Institution: Columbia University – Columbia Law School (CLS)
This fellowship supports LLM students focusing on international business law and the regulation of multinational enterprises, covering full tuition expenses.
Cincinnati University College of Law Scholarships
Type: Merit-Based
Institution: College of Law, University of Cincinnati
Awarded to high-achieving international students pursuing an LLM, these scholarships provide tuition assistance based on academic merit.
7. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Programs
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a terminal degree dedicated to advanced study in the creative and performing arts. MFA programs typically cover diverse disciplines such as painting, filmmaking, theater, photography, creative writing, and graphic design. These programs are designed for talented individuals seeking to refine their artistic skills, expand their creative expression, and establish professional careers as artists, directors, performers, educators, or designers. The MFA also emphasizes building portfolios and engaging with artistic communities to foster long-term success.
Scholarship Opportunities for MFA Students
USA Fulbright Scholarship Program for International Students
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Various universities across the U.S.
A prestigious program that offers international students the chance to pursue MFA degrees while receiving full coverage of tuition, living stipends, travel expenses, and health insurance.
Joint Graduate Scholarship Program of the Japan/World Bank
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Partner universities in the U.S.
Provides full funding for students from developing countries to pursue graduate-level studies, including MFA programs, with the aim of promoting cultural and creative development.
MFA Cinder Scholarship
Type: Partial Funding (Up to $4,000)
Institution: TalNexus (United States)
Specifically created to support students pursuing MFA programs in diverse creative fields, this scholarship helps alleviate financial challenges so students can focus on developing their artistry.
Fellowships in Visual Arts – Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Type: Fellowship (Up to $8,000)
Institution: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, United States
These fellowships provide direct financial assistance to students and emerging visual artists, enabling them to further their artistic practice and gain recognition within the art industry.
8. MasterCard Foundation Full Scholarships – University of California, Berkeley
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of California, Berkeley, provides comprehensive financial support to international students pursuing master’s degrees. This initiative is designed to remove financial barriers for talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have the opportunity to access world-class education in the United States. Beyond covering tuition and living expenses, the program emphasizes leadership development and community impact, equipping scholars to return home and drive meaningful social and economic change.
Scholarship Details:
Benefit: Complete funding, including tuition, accommodation, travel, living stipends, and visa-related costs
Institution: University of California, Berkeley
Country: United States
9. Master of Music (MM/MMus) Programs
The Master of Music (MM or MMus) degree is a graduate-level program designed for students who wish to achieve advanced training in music. Concentrations typically include performance, composition, conducting, and music theory. Through intensive practice, mentorship, and academic study, students develop both their technical mastery and artistic expression. Graduates of MM programs are well-prepared for professional careers as musicians, composers, conductors, educators, or music directors, contributing to cultural enrichment and innovation in the performing arts.
Scholarship Opportunities for MM Students
Bruce K. Lee Scholarship
Type: Partial Funding
Institution: U.S. colleges and universities
Country: United States
This scholarship provides partial tuition assistance to Master of Music students, helping aspiring musicians refine their craft and achieve their professional aspirations.
Scholarships for International Education Fees – Texas A&M University (TAMU)
Type: Tuition Only
Institution: Texas A&M University (TAMU)
Country: United States
Designed specifically for international students, these scholarships cover tuition fees for music degree programs, reducing the financial strain and enabling talented musicians to pursue advanced training in the U.S.