Are you a student looking for fully funded master’s programs in the United States? You’ll be pleased to discover the abundance of opportunities available. This guide provides essential information on scholarships and funding options for international students pursuing graduate studies in the U.S.
Studying in the USA is a dream for many students worldwide, thanks to its prestigious universities and generous scholarship offerings. If you're considering this path, read on to learn more about how to make it a reality.
The key to success lies in identifying and applying to fully funded programs that align with your academic and career aspirations.
Why Choose a Fully Funded Master’s Program in the USA?
The U.S. is renowned for its world-class education system, attracting more than a million international students annually. One of the biggest advantages of studying here is the high-quality academic environment, which has long been a magnet for talented individuals across the globe.
Additionally, studying in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa can open doors to post-graduation opportunities, including Optional Practical Training (OPT) and potential pathways to permanent residency. As an international graduate, you may also explore career prospects within the country after completing your degree.
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 prepares students to tackle global health challenges by developing expertise in healthcare systems, disease prevention, and community wellness. This program is ideal for those seeking to make a meaningful impact on public health policies and practices.
Scholarship Opportunities for MPH Students
Hubert Humphrey Fellowships
Funding: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Multiple U.S. universities
Fulbright Scholarship Program for International Students
Funding: Fully Funded
Host Institutions: Various U.S. universities
NextGen Scholarship
Funding: Partially Funded
Host Institutions: Participating U.S. universities
International Merit Scholarship at Western Colorado University
Funding: Partially Funded
Host Institution: Western Colorado University
2. Master of Arts (MA) Programs
A Master of Arts (MA) degree offers advanced study in humanities and liberal arts disciplines such as literature, philosophy, cultural studies, and modern languages. These programs develop critical thinking and research skills valuable for academic and professional careers.
Funding Opportunities for MA Students
California Institute of the Arts Merit Scholarships
Coverage: Partial funding
Eligibility: Outstanding applicants in arts programs
Location: California Institute of the Arts
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Coverage: Full funding (tuition + living expenses)
Eligibility: International students across disciplines
Location: 800+ participating U.S. institutions
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
Coverage: Full tuition + stipend + travel
Eligibility: Developing country nationals
Location: Selected U.S. partner universities
3. Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programs
MBA programs combine rigorous business theory with practical leadership training, preparing graduates for executive roles in global corporations, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management.
Premier MBA Scholarships
Harvard Business School Fellowships
Award: Full tuition + $42,000 annual stipend
Feature: Need-based funding for international candidates
Location: Harvard University, Massachusetts
NYU Stern Berkley Scholarship
Award: Full tuition coverage
Feature: Merit-based for exceptional leadership
Location: New York University
SMU Cox Distinguished MBA Award
Award: Full tuition waiver
Feature: Academic excellence recognition
Location: Southern Methodist University, Texas
4. Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs in the USA
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree equips students with specialized leadership skills for public sector careers. While similar to an MBA in management training, MPA programs specifically prepare graduates for impactful roles in government agencies, international organizations, and nonprofit institutions across the United States.
MPA Funding Opportunities in the United States
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Benefits: Comprehensive funding including tuition and living expenses
Eligibility: Open to international applicants
Location: 400+ accredited U.S. universities nationwide
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program (USA)
Benefits: Full financial support for professional development
Focus: Mid-career professionals in public service fields
Location: Participating universities throughout the United States
Public Service Graduate Scholarship (USA)
Benefits: Tuition coverage with government/NGO internship opportunities
Location: Multiple U.S. institutions with strong public policy programs
5. Master of Science (MSc) Programs in the USA
The Master of Science (MSc) degree in the United States offers advanced technical training and research experience across scientific disciplines. Most U.S. programs emphasize hands-on laboratory work and original thesis research, preparing graduates for academic or specialized industry careers.
MSc Financial Support in the United States
Fulbright STEM Awards (USA)
Award: Full funding for science and technology programs
Location: Leading research universities across the United States
Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars (USA)
Award: Complete financial package including stipend
Location: Stanford University, California, United States
Balkan Education Initiative (USA/Kosovo)
Award: Partial to full funding for qualified candidates
Location: Partner institutions in the United States and Kosovo
6. Master of Laws (LLM) Programs in the United States
The Master of Laws (LLM) is a postgraduate legal degree that allows law graduates to specialize in particular areas of jurisprudence. Offered at top U.S. law schools, these programs provide advanced training for international attorneys and recent JD graduates seeking expertise in specialized legal fields.
Premier LLM Scholarships in the U.S.
American University Washington College of Law LLM Awards
Award: Full tuition coverage
Specialization: International law and human rights
Location: Washington, D.C., United States
Columbia Law School Appel Fellowship
Award: Full tuition + research stipend
Focus: Corporate and financial regulation
Location: New York City, United States
University of Cincinnati Law Merit Scholarships
Award: Competitive partial to full tuition
Feature: Emphasis on practical legal training
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
7. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Programs in the United States
The Master of Fine Arts represents the highest academic credential in visual and performing arts. U.S. MFA programs combine intensive studio practice with theoretical study across disciplines including:
Studio arts (painting, sculpture)
Digital media (film, animation)
Performing arts (theater, dance)
Design (graphic, industrial)
Exceptional MFA Funding Opportunities
Fulbright Arts Fellowship
Award: Full funding for international artists
Location: 100+ U.S. art institutions nationwide
Japan/World Bank Graduate Arts Initiative
Award: Comprehensive funding package
Eligibility: Developing country nationals
Location: Partner universities across the U.S.
TalNexus Cinder Grant
Award: $4,000 project funding
Purpose: Supporting emerging creatives
Location: Nationwide (U.S.-based programs)
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellowship
Award: $8,000 stipend + exhibition opportunity
Focus: Advancing contemporary visual arts
Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States
8. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of California, Berkeley provides complete financial support for exceptional international students from underserved communities. This prestigious initiative goes beyond typical scholarships by offering:
Full tuition coverage
Comprehensive living stipend
Housing and transportation allowances
Visa and health insurance fees
Leadership development programming
The program specifically targets high-achieving students who demonstrate both academic excellence and commitment to community development in their home countries.
Program Details:
Award Type: Full-ride scholarship
Host Institution: University of California, Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, California, USA
Unique Feature: Includes mentorship and career preparation services
9. Master of Music (MM/MMus) Programs in the United States
The Master of Music degree represents advanced professional training for musicians, offering specializations in:
Performance (instrumental/voice)
Composition and arranging
Conducting (orchestral/choral)
Music education pedagogy
Music theory and history
These intensive programs typically combine one-on-one studio instruction with ensemble participation and academic coursework, preparing graduates for careers as performers, educators, and music scholars.
Notable Funding Opportunities for Music Graduate Students:
1. Bruce K. Lee Music Scholarship
Award Value: Partial tuition support (varies)
Eligibility: Outstanding musical ability and academic achievement
Applicable Institutions: Accredited U.S. music programs
Location: Nationwide, USA
Special Note: Prioritizes applicants demonstrating financial need
2. Texas A&M International Music Scholars Award
Award Value: Full tuition coverage
Specialization: All music degree programs
Host Institution: Texas A&M University School of Music
Location: College Station, Texas, USA
Additional Benefit: Includes performance opportunities with university ensembles