Pursuing a master’s degree in the United States is a dream for many international students. However, the high cost of education can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, there are numerous fully funded scholarships available for the 2024/2025 academic year, designed to attract the best and brightest from around the globe. This article provides a comprehensive list of such scholarships, along with answers to some frequently asked questions.
Top Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in the USA
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships available. It offers fully funded scholarships to international students in all fields except medicine. The scholarship covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education and meet the program-specific requirements of the country from which they are applying.
- Application Deadline: Varies by country (usually between February and October each year).
- Website: Fulbright Program
2. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
The JJ/WBGSP offers scholarships for students from developing countries to pursue a master’s degree in a development-related field at participating universities around the world, including several in the USA.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be nationals of a World Bank member developing country, have at least three years of development-related work experience, and be in good health.
- Application Deadline: Usually between March and May each year.
- Website: JJ/WBGSP
3. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
This program provides ten months of non-degree academic study and related professional experiences in the United States. While not a master’s degree program, it provides an excellent opportunity for professional development.
- Eligibility: Applicants should have a minimum of five years of professional experience, a record of public service in their community, and leadership potential.
- Application Deadline: Varies by country.
- Website: Humphrey Fellowship Program
4. Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program provides full funding for any graduate degree at Stanford, including master’s programs. The scholarship covers tuition, stipends, graduate program, and related academic expenses.
- Eligibility: Applicants from all countries can apply. They must have completed their undergraduate degree within the past seven years.
- Application Deadline: October each year.
- Website: Knight-Hennessy Scholars
5. Yale University – Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
While YYGS is typically a program for high school students, Yale offers other fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing master’s degrees. The Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences awards several fully funded fellowships for deserving candidates.
- Eligibility: Specific to each program, generally requiring a bachelor’s degree and meeting Yale’s admission criteria.
- Application Deadline: Varies by program.
- Website: Yale University Graduate Funding
6. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
This program provides scholarships to students from Sub-Saharan Africa to study at select universities in the USA. The scholarship covers all expenses, including tuition, accommodation, books, and other needs.
- Eligibility: Open to students from Sub-Saharan Africa who demonstrate academic talent, commitment to giving back, and leadership potential.
- Application Deadline: Varies by university.
- Website: MasterCard Foundation Scholars
7. American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
The AAUW awards fellowships for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The fellowships support graduate and postgraduate study at accredited institutions.
- Eligibility: Female international students pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study.
- Application Deadline: November each year.
- Website: AAUW International Fellowships
8. Harvard University – Harvard Foreign Scholarships
Harvard offers numerous scholarships for international students, including fully funded options. These scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on academic merit and financial need.
- Eligibility: Varies by program but generally requires strong academic records and demonstrated financial need.
- Application Deadline: Varies by program.
- Website: Harvard Scholarships
9. New York University Wagner Scholarships
NYU Wagner offers a range of merit-based scholarships to help international students cover their educational expenses. These include the prestigious David Bohnett Public Service Fellowship and the African Women Public Service Fellowship.
- Eligibility: Must meet NYU Wagner’s admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic and leadership potential.
- Application Deadline: Varies by scholarship.
- Website: NYU Wagner Scholarships
10. University of Southern California (USC) – International Scholarships
USC offers several fully funded scholarships for international students, including the Trustee Scholarship and the Dean’s Scholarship.
- Eligibility: Varies by scholarship but generally requires excellent academic records and strong leadership qualities.
- Application Deadline: December each year.
- Website: USC Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a fully funded scholarship cover?
A fully funded scholarship typically covers all expenses related to education, including tuition, fees, accommodation, books, supplies, and sometimes travel and health insurance.
How competitive are these scholarships?
These scholarships are highly competitive due to the large number of applicants from around the world. They are often awarded based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and the applicant’s potential to contribute to their field of study.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships. However, each scholarship may have its own specific eligibility requirements and application process, so it is essential to thoroughly research each one.
Do I need to have an admission offer before applying for these scholarships?
For many scholarships, you need to have an offer of admission from a university before applying. However, some programs, like the Fulbright, may allow you to apply for the scholarship and university admission simultaneously.
What is the typical application process for these scholarships?
The application process usually involves submitting an application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of language proficiency (like TOEFL or IELTS scores). Some scholarships may also require an interview or additional essays.
Related Article:Nigerian Federal Government Scholarships to Study Overseas 2023
Conclusion
Applying for a fully funded master’s scholarship in the USA can be a challenging but rewarding process. By understanding the available opportunities and preparing a strong application, you can take a significant step toward achieving your educational and career goals.
