One of the biggest challenges you may face when you plan to study your masters in the US is how to sort the high cost of tuition, living expenses, and travel.
The good news is there are fully funded master’s programs in the US that cover tuition and all cost that may incur. These programs will not just save you money but also give you access to world-class education, mentorship, and professional opportunities.
In this guide, we will walk you through top fully funded master’s programs in the US that you can apply for, plus a few tips to avoid common mistakes and improve your chances of getting accepted.
Fully Funded Masters Program in the US
A fully funded master’s program allows you to focus on your studies without worrying about debt or financial stress.
Beyond covering tuition, many of these programs provide stipends, professional development, leadership training, and networking events that help you grow as a scholar and future leader.
Below are top fully funded masters programs in the US, including scholarships and fellowships you can apply for:
1. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Fellowship – Stanford University
Stanford University offers up to 100 fully funded scholarships for master’s degree each year though the Knight Hennesy fellowship. If selected, you will get full tuition, living stipends, and leadership development opportunities in a vibrant community at Denning House.
Applicants from any country with a bachelor’s degree equivalent can apply. If shortlisted, you’ll join an immersion weekend before final selection, an amazing chance to connect with Stanford’s network.
This fellowship covers tuition, living costs, and even flights for up to three years, making it one of the most prestigious and generous scholarships in the world. Check HERE to apply.
2. Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD)
The GFSD program supports students in physical sciences and engineering with up to six years of funding. The award covers full tuition, a $20,000 annual stipend, and paid summer internships with government agencies.
If seleted, you will be paired with mentors and also hold research or teaching assistantships during your study. Your sponsor may continue funding annually based on performance.
If you are passionate about STEM and diversity, this fellowship not only funds your degree but also offers real-world industry experience. Apply HERE.
3. Fulbright U.S. Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most recognized scholarships worldwide, offering grants for individually designed study or research projects in over 140 countries.
If awarded, this scholarship will cover your tuition, travel, health benefits, and living costs for 9–12 months. Applicants can be recent graduates, graduate students, or professionals in various fields.
Asides it being a scholarship, it is also a cultural exchange program that builds global leaders with international exposure. Check HERE on how to apply.
4. Bloomberg Fellows Program – Johns Hopkins University
This fellowship funds a fully paid MPH(Masters of Public Health) or DrPH(Doctorate of Public Health) degree for individuals working on pressing public health issues like addiction, adolescent health, and environmental challenges.
Applicants must apply through their employer and commit to working with their organization for at least one year after completing the program.
If you are a public health professionals who want to combine graduate study with practical community impact, this program is perfect for you. Check HERE on how to apply.
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5. Georgetown Global Human Development Master’s Scholarships
Georgetown University offers partial and full-tuition scholarships to intending graduate students passionate about international development. Applicants must have 1–2 years of relevant work experience and speak at least one other language.
The two-year program combines coursework, fieldwork, and internships to prepare graduates for roles in NGOs, government, and development organizations.
This program is a great choice if you want to tackle global development challenges and gain hands-on experience. Check HERE on how to apply.
6. Frank Knox Memorial Fellowships – Harvard University
This program is open to students from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. The Frank Knox fellowship covers full tuition, health insurance, and living expenses for a 10-month academic year at Harvard University.
Applicants must also apply for admission directly to a Harvard graduate or professional school of their choice. This award emphasizes leadership, character, and a commitment to democratic values and a great choice if you want to make a global impact. Apply HERE.
7. SMART Scholarship for Service Program
This scholarship funds STEM students at all levels including masters. iF selected, the award will cover your full tuition, a stipend ($30,000–$46,000), summer internships, and guaranteed employment with the United States . Department of Defense after graduation.
This scholarship is not just a fundeing award, it is also a direct pathway to work in the US, starting a STEM Career. Applications open every year from August to December so you can apply HERE.
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8. Mercatus MA Fellowship – George Mason University
If you want to study Economics and have a a passion for public policy, the Mercatus MA fellowship at George Mason University should be your go to.. It offers up to $80,000 in funding, monthly stipends, and research opportunities.
If selected, you will take courses, engage in policy research, and gain practical skills in communication, outreach, and analysis. Check HERE on how to apply.
9. Zuckerman Fellowship – Harvard University
This award is speially fo student who want to pursue a masters degree in public service programs at Harvard’s Kennedy School, School of Public Health, or Graduate School of Education.
It includes full tuition, health insurance, and a $17,000 stipend for one year, plus access to skill-building workshops and leadership development events.
The award targets future leaders in medicine, law, and business who want to drive social change. Check HERE on how to apply.
10. Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotart peace organisation offers up to 50 fully funded master’s fellowships each year for peace and development leaders. If awarded, you will receive tuition, living expenses, transportation, and funding for internships or fieldwork.
Programs are offered at top universities worldwide including the United States and last 15–24 months. This award is designed for changemakers passionate about conflict resolution and community development. Check HERE for how to apply.
11. Obama Foundation Scholars Program
The Obama Foundation scholarship is availabe for students to study a masters degree at Columbia University or the University of Chicago for a year of immersive academic and hands-on learning.
It covers tuition, living stipends, housing, travel, and health insurance. Beond funding, this scholarship focuses on empowering students to solve pressing challenges in their home countries. Check HERE on how to apply.
12. AAUW International Fellowship
This fellowship supports women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the US. However, one of the requiement is thst you must plan to return home to build a career and drive change.
If selected, you will receive up to $50,000 in funding and join a network of women leaders worldwide. This award empowers women to become change agents in business, education, and science. Apply HERE.
13. National Urban Fellows Program
This is a 14-month program which includes two semesters of coursework and a nine-month mentorship. If selected, you will receive a $25,000 stipend, tuition, health insurance, and relocation assistance.
With this award, you will earn a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from City University of New York, Baruch College in the United States. The award is designed for mid-career professionals committed to equity, social justice, and urban leadership. Check HERE for more information on eligibilty requirement.
Now that you know the top fully funded master’s programs in the US, choose 3-4 programs on this list, research and start your process. Howver, be mindful of deadlines as many of these programs are extremely competitive and only open once a year.
If you are wondering if you should choose scholarship or fellowship for your masters study abroad, see our previuos post on the difference between fully funded scholarship and fellowship.
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