If you’re searching for fully funded master’s degree scholarships in the USA, you’re likely aiming to study in America without worrying about tuition, living expenses, or student debt.
The good news? There are fully funded scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships that cover:
✅ Full tuition
✅ Living stipend
✅ Health insurance
✅ Travel costs (in some programs)
✅ Research funding
This 2026 guide is designed for international students from Africa, Asia, and other regions who are ready to apply.
You’ll learn:
- What “fully funded” really means
- Top scholarships available in the USA
- Universities that offer funded Master’s programs
- Step-by-step application process
- Eligibility requirements
- How to increase your chances
- Common mistakes to avoid
All information aligns with official scholarship providers and U.S. university financial aid offices (verify on official program websites before applying).
What Does “Fully Funded Master’s Degree” Mean?
A fully funded master’s degree scholarship in the USA typically covers:
| Expense | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ✅ Yes |
| Living Expenses (Stipend) | ✅ Yes |
| Health Insurance | ✅ Often |
| Travel Costs | ✅ Sometimes |
| Books & Research | ✅ Often |
However, funding structures vary:
- Government scholarships
- University assistantships
- Private fellowships
- Research grants
Top Fully Funded Master’s Degree Scholarships in the USA
Below are some of the most reputable fully funded programs.
1️⃣ Fulbright Foreign Student Program
One of the most prestigious fully funded master’s degree scholarships in the USA.
What It Covers:
✅ Full tuition
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ Airfare
✅ Health insurance
Eligibility:
- Strong academic record
- Leadership potential
- English proficiency
- Country-specific eligibility
Administered by the U.S. Department of State.
(Apply through U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your country.)
2️⃣ Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University)
While hosted at Stanford, this program funds graduate studies including Master’s degrees.
Covers:
✅ Full tuition
✅ Living stipend
✅ Leadership development funding
Highly competitive.
3️⃣ AAUW International Fellowships (For Women)
For female international students pursuing graduate study in the U.S.
Benefits:
✅ Tuition support
✅ Living stipend
Available for Master’s and PhD students.
4️⃣ Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
For students from developing countries pursuing development-related Master’s degrees.
Covers:
✅ Tuition
✅ Living allowance
✅ Travel expenses
✅ Health insurance
Applicants must commit to returning to their home country after graduation.
5️⃣ University-Specific Fully Funded Master’s Programs
Some universities offer fully funded Master’s programs through assistantships.
Examples include:
- Research Assistantships (RA)
- Teaching Assistantships (TA)
- Graduate Fellowships
These often cover:
✅ Full tuition waiver
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ Health insurance
Universities in the USA That Offer Funded Master’s Programs
While fully funded Master’s degrees are less common than funded PhDs, some fields offer strong funding:
STEM Fields
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
Public Policy & International Development
- Harvard Kennedy School (select fellowships)
- Princeton SPIA
- Columbia SIPA (partial + external funding)
Education & Public Health
Some universities offer assistantships that cover tuition and provide stipends.
💡 Expert Insight: STEM programs are more likely to offer funding due to research grants.
How to Get a Fully Funded Master’s Degree in the USA
Step 1: Choose the Right Field
Funding availability depends heavily on discipline.
Higher funding probability:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Scientific Research
- Public Health
- Economics
Lower funding probability:
- MBA programs
- Law (LLM)
- Professional coursework-only degrees
Step 2: Build a Strong Academic Profile
Competitive applicants typically have:
✅ High GPA (3.5+ equivalent recommended)
✅ Research experience
✅ Strong statement of purpose
✅ Strong recommendation letters
✅ English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS if required)
Step 3: Apply for Assistantships
Many students secure funding through:
- Research Assistant positions
- Teaching Assistant roles
- Departmental fellowships
Contact professors directly if research-based programs are involved.
Step 4: Apply for External Scholarships
Combine university admission with:
- Fulbright
- Government scholarships
- Private foundations
- Corporate sponsorships
Step 5: Submit Financial Documents
You may need:
- Bank statements (for visa purposes)
- Scholarship award letters
- Sponsor affidavits
Eligibility Requirements for Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships
Common requirements include:
✅ Bachelor’s degree
✅ Strong academic performance
✅ English proficiency test
✅ GRE (program dependent)
✅ Leadership experience
✅ Community involvement
Each scholarship has specific criteria.
Visa Process After Securing Funding
After admission and scholarship award:
1️⃣ Receive Form I‑20 from university
2️⃣ Pay SEVIS fee
3️⃣ Apply for F‑1 student visa
4️⃣ Attend visa interview
5️⃣ Show proof of funding
Scholarship letters strengthen visa approval chances.
Monthly Living Costs in the USA (Estimated)
| Expense | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Housing | $800–$1,500 |
| Food | $300–$600 |
| Transport | $100–$300 |
| Insurance | Often included |
| Miscellaneous | $200–$400 |
Fully funded scholarships typically provide $1,500–$2,500 monthly stipends depending on location.
Can You Work While Studying?
Yes, on an F‑1 visa:
✅ On-campus work (limited hours)
✅ Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
✅ Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation
But scholarship funding often reduces the need for part-time work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Applying to unfunded programs
🚫 Missing scholarship deadlines
🚫 Weak statement of purpose
🚫 Not contacting potential supervisors
🚫 Ignoring assistantship opportunities
How Competitive Are Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships?
Very competitive.
Programs like Fulbright select only a small percentage of applicants.
To stand out:
- Show leadership impact
- Demonstrate academic excellence
- Align goals with scholarship mission
- Highlight community service
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get a fully funded Master’s degree in the USA?
Yes, but it depends on your field and academic strength. Government and university assistantships are the main routes.
2. Are fully funded Master’s programs common in the USA?
Less common than PhD funding, but available in research-intensive fields.
3. Do I need GRE for funded Master’s scholarships?
Some programs require it; others have waived it. Check specific university requirements.
4. Can international students get full tuition scholarships in the USA?
Yes, through government programs (e.g., Fulbright) or university assistantships.
5. Is it easier to get funding in STEM fields?
Yes. STEM programs often have research grants that fund graduate students.
Pros and Cons of Fully Funded Master’s Degrees in the USA
✅ Pros
- No student debt
- Access to world-class education
- Strong global career opportunities
- U.S. work experience via OPT
❌ Cons
- Extremely competitive
- Limited availability in some fields
- High academic expectations
Final Thoughts: Is It Possible?
Yes — securing fully funded master’s degree scholarships in the USA is absolutely possible for international students from Africa, Asia, and beyond.
However:
- Strategy matters
- Field selection matters
- Early preparation matters
- Strong academic profile is critical
With proper planning, strong applications, and strategic scholarship targeting, you can study in the USA without financial burden.
Your Next Steps
1️⃣ Identify 5–10 universities offering assistantships
2️⃣ Research Fulbright and other government scholarships
3️⃣ Prepare strong statement of purpose
4️⃣ Gather recommendation letters early
5️⃣ Meet all deadlines
