If you’re an international student aspiring to earn a master’s degree in the United States, there are numerous fully funded scholarship programs available to help make that dream a reality. This guide highlights some of the top funding opportunities that can support your academic journey and open the door to a world-class education.
The United States continues to be one of the most sought-after study destinations for graduate students from around the globe. Its reputation for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and wide range of financial aid programs makes it a preferred choice for those seeking advanced education. If your goal is to complete a master’s program abroad—especially in the U.S.—you’ll discover multiple scholarship options that can significantly reduce the financial burden and make your study experience both achievable and fulfilling.
As you begin your academic planning, it is crucial to take time to thoroughly research available scholarships, fellowship programs, and university-specific funding. Identifying opportunities that match your field of interest and long-term career goals will greatly improve your chances of receiving support.
Why Consider a Fully Funded Master’s Degree in the USA?
The U.S. is home to many world-renowned institutions, known for their intellectual rigor, advanced teaching methods, and diverse academic environment. With more than a million international students enrolled each year, American universities continue to stand out as a hub for innovation, global networking, and professional development.
One of the greatest advantages of pursuing a graduate degree in the United States is the opportunity to learn in an environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and leadership. Fully funded scholarships make this experience even more valuable by covering key expenses and allowing students to focus fully on their studies and research.
Most international students study in the U.S. through visas such as the F-1 student visa. Beyond providing access to education, this visa can also serve as a stepping stone toward long-term residency opportunities. After completing your master’s program, you may be eligible for work opportunities through pathways such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can help you gain professional experience and potentially build a career in the United States.
Fully Funded Master’s Programs in the USA for International Students
1. Master of Public Health (MPH) Programs
A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree equips students with the skills needed to improve health outcomes for communities around the world. The program focuses on disease prevention, public health policy, epidemiology, and health promotion strategies. By completing an MPH, students gain the expertise required to tackle pressing health challenges and support stronger healthcare systems on both national and global scales.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program – USA
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Multiple participating universities across the United States
Fulbright Foreign Student Program – USA
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Various accredited U.S. universities
NextGen Scholarship
Scholarship Type: Partially Funded
Host Institutions: Select universities throughout the United States
International Merit Scholarship – Western Colorado University
Scholarship Type: Partially Funded
Host Institution: Western Colorado University
2. Master of Arts (MA) Programs
A Master of Arts (MA) degree typically focuses on fields within the humanities and social sciences, including history, languages, literature, philosophy, and cultural studies. This postgraduate pathway strengthens analytical thinking, communication, and research skills, preparing graduates for careers in education, creative industries, academia, public service, and more.
California Institute of the Arts – Merit Scholarships
Scholarship Type: Partially Funded
Host Institution: California Institute of the Arts
Fulbright Foreign Student Program – USA
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: A wide range of U.S. universities
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Partner universities in the United States
3. Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programs
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a highly respected graduate degree focused on developing advanced leadership, management, and business strategy skills. MBA programs combine theoretical coursework with real-world case studies, experiential learning, and professional networking. Students gain expertise in areas such as finance, entrepreneurship, operations, marketing, and strategic decision-making. This pathway is ideal for aspiring CEOs, business consultants, startup founders, and professionals seeking major career growth or transition into leadership roles.
Harvard University MBA Scholarship for International Students
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Harvard University
Location: United States
Overview: This prestigious award supports outstanding international students by covering major academic expenses while they pursue an MBA at Harvard Business School. It targets candidates with exceptional leadership potential and a strong commitment to creating global impact.
William R. Berkley Scholarship at NYU Stern School of Business
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Institution: New York University (NYU)
Location: United States
Overview: This scholarship is designed for high-achieving students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership capabilities. Recipients gain the opportunity to complete a world-class MBA program at NYU Stern with full financial support.
Distinguished MBA Scholarship – SMU Cox School of Business
Scholarship Type: Tuition Coverage Only
Institution: SMU Cox School of Business
Location: United States
Overview: Awarded based on merit, this scholarship supports exceptional MBA candidates by covering tuition expenses. It is ideal for students who excel academically and show strong management potential.
4. Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree focuses on public service leadership and policy implementation. While it shares similarities with the MBA in management and organizational studies, the MPA is more aligned with governance, development, public policy, and nonprofit administration. It prepares graduates for impactful careers in government ministries, international organizations, NGOs, and public sector consulting.
Fulbright Scholarship Program for International Students – USA
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Various U.S. Universities
Location: United States
Overview: The Fulbright Program supports international graduate students pursuing fields such as public administration, public policy, and political science. It fully covers tuition, travel, monthly stipends, and other academic costs.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship – USA
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Multiple U.S. Host Universities
Location: United States
Overview: The Humphrey Fellowship provides professional development and academic training for mid-career professionals in public service, public policy, and leadership roles.
Learn More and Apply – General MPA Funding
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Various universities in the United States
Overview: Many U.S. institutions offer fully sponsored MPA opportunities for talented international students committed to advancing governance, accountability, and public welfare.
5. Master of Science (MSc) Programs
A Master of Science (MSc) is a research-focused postgraduate degree tailored to students who want to deepen their expertise in scientific, technical, or analytical disciplines. MSc programs often emphasize research, innovation, and advanced problem-solving and may require a thesis or capstone project. Common specializations include computer science, engineering, biotechnology, mathematics, data science, and economics.
Fulbright Scholarship Program for International Students – USA
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Multiple U.S. Universities
Location: United States
Overview: This award fully funds master’s studies in science and technology fields, offering tuition support, stipends, research funding, and health insurance.
Stanford University Scholarships 2024 (Knight-Hennessy and Others)
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Stanford University
Location: United States
Overview: Stanford provides generous funding packages for exceptional international students pursuing science-related master’s degrees, including research-heavy MSc programs.
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship 2024 – USA
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Various U.S. Universities
Overview: This fellowship also supports certain science-related fields, offering academic training and leadership development for professionals worldwide.
American Education Fund for Kosovo
Scholarship Type: Fully or Partially Funded (Varies)
Overview: This program supports students from Kosovo pursuing graduate studies in the United States, including science and research-focused MSc degrees.
6. Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) is an advanced postgraduate qualification designed for legal practitioners and law graduates who wish to deepen their knowledge in a particular field of legal study. Whether focused on international law, corporate law, human rights, or intellectual property, the LL.M. enhances legal expertise and can open pathways to academic roles, global legal practice, and professional certification in some jurisdictions. Many international students choose the LL.M. to broaden their credentials and gain valuable exposure to the U.S. legal system.
American University Washington College of Law – LL.M. Scholarships
Type: Full Tuition Scholarship
Institution: American University Washington College of Law
Overview: This award provides outstanding LL.M. candidates with full tuition support and is geared toward students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a commitment to advancing justice.
Appel Fellowship on Multinational Enterprise Regulation
Type: Full Tuition
Institution: Columbia University – Columbia Law School (CLS)
Overview: This fellowship focuses on legal issues related to multinational corporations, providing financial support to students dedicated to studying regulatory systems governing global enterprise.
Cincinnati University College of Law – Merit Scholarships (LL.M.)
Type: Merit-Based Scholarship
Institution: University of Cincinnati College of Law
Overview: The university offers a range of competitive scholarships for LL.M. students, awarded on the basis of academic excellence, professional background, and leadership potential.
7. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Programs
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a professional graduate degree for individuals pursuing mastery in the creative and performing arts. MFA programs often specialize in fields such as film production, theater, creative writing, photography, painting, sculpture, or graphic design. Designed for artists seeking to refine their craft, the MFA helps graduates pursue careers as professional artists, filmmakers, directors, performers, educators, or creative consultants in both academic and industry settings.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (MFA Pathway)
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Multiple U.S. Universities
Overview: This world-renowned scholarship provides comprehensive funding to international MFA students, supporting tuition, living stipends, travel, and health insurance while they pursue advanced studies in the arts.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (Arts-Eligible Fields)
Type: Fully Funded
Institution: Various U.S. Universities
Overview: Although primarily focused on development-related disciplines, select MFA-aligned fields may be considered, offering full sponsorship to exceptional students from eligible countries.
MFA CINDER Scholarship (TalNexus)
Scholarship Benefit: Up to $4,000
Country: United States
Overview: The Cinder Scholarship provides financial support to creative MFA students, helping reduce the cost of graduate study for emerging artists working to complete their professional training.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) – Visual Arts Fellowships
Scholarship Benefit: Up to $8,000
Institution: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Country: United States
Overview: This fellowship program supports visual artists at the graduate level, offering funding that encourages artistic growth, innovation, and industry recognition.
8. MasterCard Foundation Fully Funded Scholarships
In partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, the MasterCard Foundation provides comprehensive scholarship packages for international students pursuing master’s degrees. These prestigious awards are dedicated to empowering talented scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to access world-class education and return home to drive social and economic progress in their communities.
Scholarship Benefit: Full Financial Coverage (tuition, housing, travel, living allowance, and visa-related costs)
Institution: University of California, Berkeley
Country: United States
Overview: The program focuses on leadership development, academic excellence, and community impact—helping future changemakers acquire the skills they need to transform their societies.
9. Master of Music (MM/MMus) Programs
The Master of Music (MM or MMus) is a specialized graduate degree created for individuals pursuing professional advancement in the field of music. This program offers intensive training in areas such as instrumental or vocal performance, music composition, conducting, music education, and music theory. MM/MMus programs are ideal for passionate musicians seeking to refine their technical abilities, deepen their artistic expression, and expand their knowledge of music as both an academic and professional discipline. Graduates often go on to become accomplished performers, composers, orchestra conductors, music producers, and educators at conservatories or universities.
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 financial support to Master of Music candidates who show strong artistic potential and commitment to their craft. This award helps offset tuition costs and supports aspiring musicians in developing the skills needed to thrive in the competitive music industry.
Scholarships for International Education Fees (Texas A&M University)
Type: Tuition Only
Host Institution: Texas A&M University (TAMU)
Country: United States
Overview: Texas A&M University offers tuition scholarships for international students enrolled in its music programs, including Master of Music degrees. These awards are designed to reduce financial barriers and enable talented students from around the world to pursue advanced musical training in the United States.