For many international students, studying for a master’s degree in the United States starts with a dream and quickly turns into a financial calculation. Tuition, accommodation, health insurance, books and daily expenses can make even the most attractive masters programs in the USA feel difficult to afford. Yet, funding opportunities can change that picture. For example, the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship provides eligible recipients with a $37,000 annual stipend plus a $16,000 cost-of-education allowance for each year of support. However, opportunities like this come with specific eligibility rules, so knowing where to look matters.
The real challenge often starts after you decide to search for funding. You can spend hours comparing universities and scholarship pages, only to find that an opportunity excludes international students, supports only certain fields, covers tuition but not living expenses, or requires admission before you can apply. Tight deadlines, demanding essays, limited awards and unclear funding packages can make the process even more frustrating, especially when you need to plan your finances before committing to a U.S. university.
That does not mean you should abandon the goal. It means you need a smarter way to approach it. This guide explores fully funded masters programs in the USA, including scholarships, fellowships, graduate assistantships and university funding opportunities. We will help you understand what each option covers, who can qualify, where to find suitable programmes and how to build a stronger application, so you can pursue your U.S. master’s degree with a clearer financial plan and greater confidence.
Why you need a Fully Funded Masters Program in USA
Foreign students are typically admitted on the basis of student visas, such as the F visa, which may also qualify you to apply for a Green card, also called a Permanent Residency card. Having a Permanent Residency gives you the legal right to live and work in the United States. Even as an international graduate, you have the opportunity to find employment and work in the US following the end of your master’s program.
Best Fully Funded Masters Programs in the USA with International Scholarships
Fully Funded Opportunities for Public Health and Related Fields
Public health master’s programmes prepare students to understand health challenges affecting individuals and communities and develop solutions that improve population health. Students interested in public health, health policy, global health and related fields can explore several funding routes.
#1. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides fully funded professional development for experienced professionals from eligible countries. However, it does not award a master’s degree. Instead, the 10-month programme combines graduate-level coursework with professional development and independent study at a U.S. host university.
The fellowship covers tuition and fees, a living allowance, accident and sickness coverage, books, a computer subsidy, international and domestic travel, and professional development expenses. Applicants generally need at least five years of full-time professional experience, leadership experience and a commitment to public service.
How to apply: Applicants should contact the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in their home country because application procedures and deadlines vary by country. Nigerian applicants can use the programme’s country-specific information to find the relevant U.S. Embassy application route.
- Funding: Fully funded fellowship
- Study format: Non-degree professional programme
- Best for: Mid-career professionals, including those working in public health and related fields
#2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports graduate students, young professionals and artists from outside the United States who want to study or conduct research in the country. The programme operates in more than 160 countries, while eligibility and application procedures vary according to the applicant’s home country.
Fulbright can provide a pathway for international students seeking funding for graduate study in the United States, including relevant master’s-level opportunities. Rather than applying through one universal U.S. application, international applicants normally apply through the Fulbright Commission, Foundation or U.S. Embassy in their home country.
How to apply: Select your country on the official Fulbright application page and follow the instructions provided by the relevant U.S. Embassy or Fulbright organisation.
- Funding: Funding varies according to country and award
- Study level: Graduate study
- Best for: International students, young professionals and artists seeking graduate study or research opportunities
Other Scholarships to Consider for Masters Programs in the USA
Not every funding opportunity provides complete financial coverage. However, partial scholarships can still reduce the cost of studying in the United States and may work alongside personal savings, assistantships or other funding.
#3. NextGen Scholarship
The NextGen Scholarship provides an additional funding opportunity for international students exploring education in the United States. Students should review the current scholarship announcement and eligibility requirements on the official NextGen Scholarship platform before applying, as scholarship conditions and application windows can change.
How to apply: Visit the official NextGen Scholarship website, review the current eligibility requirements and follow the application instructions for the relevant award.
- Funding: Partial funding
- Study level: Check the current scholarship announcement
- Best for: International students looking for additional financial support
#4. Western Colorado University Scholarships and Fellowships
Western Colorado University offers several forms of graduate financial support, including graduate fellowships and assistantships. The university notes that availability and eligibility vary according to the graduate programme, so international students should contact their chosen graduate programme directly to ask about available opportunities.
International graduate students should note that they cannot access U.S. federal financial aid, and Western expects international students to plan how they will finance their education. Some graduate programmes may therefore offer funding through fellowships or assistantships rather than one university-wide scholarship.
How to apply: First apply to an eligible graduate programme, then contact the programme directly about available fellowships, assistantships, deadlines and selection criteria.
- Funding: Varies by programme
- Study level: Graduate
- Best for: International students applying to eligible Western graduate programmes
Western Colorado University Graduate Financial Aid
Funding Opportunities for Master of Arts (MA) Programs
Master of Arts programmes cover a wide range of disciplines across the humanities, arts, social sciences and related fields. Funding options can differ considerably depending on the university and programme, so students should check both institutional scholarships and teaching or research assistantships.
#5. California Institute of the Arts Merit Scholarships
The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) offers merit scholarships to admitted international graduate students. The university evaluates admitted students based on their application materials, including portfolios or auditions where applicable. Scholarship amounts vary according to the school and programme, and some graduate students may combine merit scholarships with teaching assistantships, work stipends or other campus employment.
CalArts does not describe these graduate awards as fully funded. International students should therefore treat them as financial assistance rather than assume that the scholarship will cover their complete cost of attendance.
How to apply: Apply for admission to an eligible CalArts graduate programme. International students do not submit a separate scholarship application; admitted students receive consideration for merit-based institutional scholarships.
- Funding: Partial/varies by programme
- Study level: Graduate
- Best for: International students with strong academic or artistic portfolios
CalArts Scholarships for International Students
#6. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program gives international students and young professionals an opportunity to pursue graduate-level study or research in the United States. The programme operates across more than 160 countries, with each participating country setting its own eligibility requirements, application process, and deadline.
Fulbright can support master’s-level study, although the exact funding package depends on the applicant’s country and award. Students should therefore check their country’s Fulbright office or U.S. Embassy rather than assume that every Fulbright award offers identical benefits.
How to apply: Select your country through the official Fulbright website and follow the application instructions provided by the relevant Fulbright Commission, Foundation or U.S. Embassy.
- Funding: Varies by country and award
- Study level: Graduate
- Best for: International students and young professionals seeking graduate study or research in the United States
#7. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) supports students from developing countries who want to pursue master’s-level study related to development. The programme aims to develop professionals who can contribute to economic and social development in their home countries.
The scholarship can provide funding for tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance and a travel allowance. However, students cannot simply select any U.S. master’s programme and assume that JJ/WBGSP will fund it. The programme maintains a list of participating master’s programmes, and applicants must meet both the scholarship and programme requirements.
How to apply: Start by checking the current list of participating master’s programmes. After confirming that your preferred programme qualifies, review the eligibility requirements and submit your application during the relevant application window.
- Funding: Fully funded
- Study level: Master’s
- Best for: Professionals from eligible developing countries pursuing development-related graduate programmes
Fully Funded MBA Scholarships in the USA
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) combines business theory with practical management skills. Students can specialise in areas such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, strategy, operations and leadership, making an MBA a popular choice for professionals seeking career progression or business leadership opportunities.
Funding can make highly competitive U.S. business schools more accessible to international students. However, scholarship decisions often depend on academic performance, professional achievements, leadership potential and the strength of your overall application.
#8. Harvard Business School MBA Scholarships
Harvard Business School (HBS) offers need-based financial aid to MBA students, including international students. Rather than offering one universal “fully funded Harvard MBA scholarship,” HBS assesses students’ financial circumstances and provides need-based scholarships to qualifying students.
For the 2025–26 academic year, HBS reports an average need-based scholarship of approximately $46,000 per year, or $92,000 over two years. Some students may receive substantially more depending on their demonstrated financial need.
International students follow the same financial-aid process as other MBA students. HBS asks admitted students to submit financial information so the school can assess their eligibility for need-based assistance.
How to apply: Apply to the HBS MBA programme first. Once admitted, complete the HBS financial-aid application and provide the required financial information. (HBS Financial Aid)
- Funding: Need-based, amount varies
- Study level: MBA
- Institution: Harvard Business School
- Best for: International MBA applicants with demonstrated financial need
Explore Harvard MBA Financial Aid
#9. William R. Berkley Scholarships at NYU Stern
The William R. Berkley Scholarship Program at NYU Stern School of Business supports exceptional MBA students. The scholarship recognises students who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential.
NYU Stern awards several forms of merit-based financial assistance, and the William R. Berkley Scholarship can provide significant support toward the cost of the MBA. Students should check
the current award terms because scholarship amounts and eligibility conditions can change between admission cycles. (NYU Stern)
International students can compete for NYU Stern’s merit-based scholarships alongside other eligible applicants. A strong application should demonstrate academic ability, professional accomplishments, leadership and the potential to contribute to the Stern community.
How to apply: Submit your NYU Stern MBA application by the relevant deadline. Stern automatically considers admitted applicants for merit-based scholarships, so applicants generally do not need a separate application for merit scholarships.
- Funding: Merit-based; award amount varies
- Study level: MBA
- Institution: New York University Stern School of Business
- Best for: High-achieving MBA applicants with strong professional and leadership profiles
Explore NYU Stern Financial Aid
#10. SMU Cox Distinguished MBA Scholarship
The Distinguished MBA Scholarship at the SMU Cox School of Business provides merit-based financial support to outstanding MBA candidates. Unlike a scholarship that covers every education and living expense, this award focuses on reducing tuition costs.
The opportunity can prove valuable for international students who combine the scholarship with personal funding, employer sponsorship, savings or other financial resources. Applicants should check the current scholarship terms directly with SMU Cox because award amounts and eligibility requirements can change.
How to apply: Apply for admission to the SMU Cox MBA programme. Strong candidates receive consideration for available merit-based scholarships as part of the admissions process.
- Funding: Tuition support
- Study level: MBA
- Institution: SMU Cox School of Business
- Best for: High-performing MBA applicants seeking to reduce tuition costs
Explore SMU Cox MBA Financial Aid
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Programs in the USA
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) suits students who want to build advanced skills and professional experience in creative disciplines such as theatre, filmmaking, photography, graphic design, visual arts and other studio-based fields. MFA programmes typically combine practical projects with critical study, allowing students to develop a strong creative portfolio while preparing for professional or academic careers.
Funding can vary significantly between U.S. art schools. Some opportunities provide full financial support, while others offer smaller grants or tuition assistance. International students should therefore check exactly what each award covers before choosing among masters programs in the USA.
#11. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports international students pursuing graduate-level study or research in the United States. Depending on the applicant’s country and award, Fulbright can provide substantial financial support for graduate education.
The programme also supports students and professionals in creative fields, making it worth exploring for international applicants interested in areas such as fine arts and related disciplines. Eligibility, funding and application procedures differ by country.
How to apply: Select your country on the official Fulbright website and follow the application process provided by the relevant Fulbright Commission, Foundation or U.S. Embassy.
- Funding: Varies by country and award
- Study level: Graduate
- Best for: International students pursuing eligible graduate study or research
Apply through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program
#12. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) provides funding for eligible professionals from developing countries who want to pursue selected master’s programmes related to development.
However, students should not assume that every MFA qualifies. JJ/WBGSP only supports master’s programmes included in its approved programme list, so applicants should confirm whether their preferred course qualifies before applying.
The scholarship can cover tuition, a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, health insurance and travel expenses under the programme’s current terms.
How to apply: Check the participating master’s programmes first. If your chosen programme qualifies, review the eligibility requirements and apply during the appropriate application window.
- Funding: Fully funded
- Study level: Master’s
- Best for: Eligible professionals pursuing approved development-related master’s programmes
Check JJ/WBGSP eligibility and application information
#13. MFA Cinder Scholarship
The MFA Cinder Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree. The award can help reduce the financial burden associated with graduate-level creative arts education.
The scholarship offers up to $4,000, so students should consider it a partial funding opportunity rather than a fully funded master’s scholarship.
How to apply: Review the current eligibility requirements and application instructions on the scholarship provider’s official website before submitting your application.
- Funding: Up to $4,000
- Study level: MFA
- Best for: Students pursuing graduate study in fine arts and related creative disciplines
#14. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellowships
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) Fellowship Program supports emerging artists and students working across different areas of the visual arts. The opportunity can provide financial support for creative development and advanced study.
Awards can reach $8,000, depending on the fellowship category and current programme terms. This funding does not automatically cover the full cost of an MFA programme, so applicants should combine it with university funding or other financial resources where necessary.
How to apply: Review the current VMFA fellowship categories, eligibility requirements and application deadlines before preparing your application.
- Funding: Up to $8,000
- Field: Visual arts
- Best for: Emerging artists and eligible students in visual arts disciplines
Explore VMFA Fellowships
#15. UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of California, Berkeley provides comprehensive support for eligible students from Africa pursuing selected graduate programmes. Depending on the programme and award, support can include tuition, accommodation, living expenses, transportation and other educational costs.
However, the programme does not fund every master’s degree at UC Berkeley, so prospective students must confirm whether their intended programme falls within the current scholarship’s eligible fields.
How to apply: Start with UC Berkeley’s current Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program information and check the eligible graduate programmes, applicant requirements and application process.
- Funding: Comprehensive funding for eligible scholars
- Study level: Selected master’s programmes
- Institution: University of California, Berkeley
- Best for: Eligible African students applying to participating graduate programmes
Explore the UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Master of Music (MM/MMus) Programs in the USA
A Master of Music (MM or MMus) helps students develop advanced professional skills in areas such as performance, composition, music education, conducting, musicology and other specialised fields. Depending on the programme, students can prepare for careers as professional musicians, composers, educators, researchers or music industry professionals.
International students considering music-focused masters programs in the USA should look beyond traditional scholarships. Music schools may also offer merit awards, performance scholarships, teaching assistantships and tuition support.
#16. Bruce K. Lee Scholarship
The Bruce K. Lee Scholarship provides financial assistance for students pursuing higher education. Students interested in music or other eligible fields should check the current scholarship conditions to determine whether their chosen programme qualifies.
The award should not automatically be described as fully funded because funding amounts and eligibility can vary.
How to apply: Check the current scholarship requirements, eligible programmes and application instructions before submitting your application.
- Funding: Partial funding
- Study level: Check the current award requirements
- Best for: Eligible students seeking additional financial assistance
#17. International Education Fee Scholarships at Texas A&M University
International students at Texas A&M University (TAMU) can explore university-based financial assistance and tuition-related opportunities when applying for graduate programmes. Funding availability depends on the specific programme, student status and award.
Students should not treat a tuition scholarship as a fully funded award unless the current scholarship terms confirm additional support for living and other expenses.
How to apply: Start with your intended Texas A&M graduate programme and check its current funding opportunities. Some awards require admission before consideration, while others may have separate application requirements.
- Funding: Tuition-focused or programme-dependent
- Study level: Graduate
- Institution: Texas A&M University
- Best for: International graduate students seeking to reduce tuition costs
Explore Texas A&M Scholarships and Financial Aid