List of Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA 2025. The US continues to be one of the most popular countries for students seeking higher education because it provides top-notch curricula, chances for research, and a wide range of employment options. However, it can be costly to study in the United States, particularly for those from abroad. Both domestic and foreign students can apply for a number of fully financed master’s degrees in the USA to help lessen this financial strain. Talented students can pursue graduate studies without worrying about financial strain thanks to these grants, which cover living expenses, tuition, and occasionally even travel and health insurance.
We have put together a thorough list of fully financed master’s scholarships in the USA for 2025 in this guide, providing a variety of options for students studying a wide range of subjects.
1. International Fulbright Programme for Students
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious, fully funded scholarships in the USA, open to international students from over 160 countries. It supports students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree at US universities.
- Eligibility: Open to international students with strong academic backgrounds, leadership potential, and a commitment to returning to their home country after completing their studies.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living stipend, airfare, health insurance, and other related costs.
- Application Deadline: Varies by country, typically between February and October 2024.
Tip: Focus on demonstrating how studying in the U.S. will contribute to your professional and personal goals, as well as how you plan to use your education to benefit your home country.
2. Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Programme
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University provides fully funded scholarships to students from all over the world, enabling them to pursue any graduate degree, including master’s programmes, at Stanford.
- Eligibility: Open to students from any country with a demonstrated record of leadership, innovation, and civic commitment.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living stipend, travel allowance, and academic development funds.
- Application Deadline: October 2024 for enrollment in Fall 2025.
Tip: The programme places a strong emphasis on leadership and innovation, so make sure your application highlights your leadership roles and your potential to make an impact.
3. Yale University’s Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Programme
The Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Programme at Yale University is designed for mid-career professionals who are looking to enhance their leadership skills. While this programme focuses on leadership development, students can also apply for other fully funded scholarships for master’s programmes at Yale.
- Eligibility: Open to students from any country with a bachelor’s degree and a strong background in leadership, social impact, and innovation.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, health insurance, and travel costs.
- Application Deadline: December 2024 for the 2025 cohort.
Tip: Yale looks for individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. Focus on past achievements and future plans in your application.
4. AAUW International Fellowships (American Association of University Women)
The AAUW International Fellowships provide financial support to international women pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies in the United States. This is one of the top fully funded scholarships for women who wish to advance their education in the U.S.
- Eligibility: Open to women from all countries (except the U.S.) pursuing a master’s, professional degree, or postdoctoral research in the U.S.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, travel expenses, and more.
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2024.
Tip: Highlight your academic excellence and how your education will contribute to empowering women in your home country.
5. Harvard University: The Harvard Graduate School of Education Financial Aid
Harvard University offers various fully funded scholarships and financial aid opportunities through the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) for master’s students. This includes scholarships based on merit and financial need, covering full tuition and living expenses for selected students.
- Eligibility: Open to students from all countries who are admitted to HGSE programmes. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, and health insurance.
- Application Deadline: December 2024 for enrollment in Fall 2025.
Tip: Be sure to demonstrate your commitment to advancing the field of education and how you plan to make an impact in your community.
6. Schwarzman Scholars Programme (Tsinghua University, USA Partnered Programme)
The Schwarzman Scholars Programme is based in China but has strong connections with U.S. universities and offers fully funded master’s scholarships to future global leaders. It focuses on fostering leadership skills through a master’s degree in global affairs, with opportunities to collaborate with U.S. institutions.
- Eligibility: Open to students from any country with leadership potential, academic excellence, and an interest in international relations and global issues.
- Coverage: Full tuition, travel costs, personal stipend, and accommodation.
- Application Deadline: September 2024 for the 2025 academic year.
Tip: Highlight your interest in global issues and leadership experience when applying for this program.
7. Clark University Presidential LEEP Scholarships
Clark University offers the Presidential LEEP Scholarships, which provide fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue their master’s degree at the university. The scholarship is designed for high-achieving students who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to making a positive impact.
- Eligibility: Open to international students with outstanding academic records and leadership potential.
- Coverage: Full tuition, room, board, and a stipend for living expenses.
- Application Deadline: February 2025 for Fall 2025 enrollment.
Tip: Clark University values community service and leadership, so be sure to emphasise these areas in your application.
8. University of Chicago Scholarships
The University of Chicago offers several fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing master’s degrees, including the Obama Foundation Scholars Programme, which focuses on empowering the next generation of global leaders.
- Eligibility: Open to international students admitted to graduate programmes at the University of Chicago. Strong emphasis is placed on leadership, civic engagement, and social impact.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs.
- Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the specific programme but generally fall between December 2024 and January 2025.
Tip: Tailor your application to reflect your commitment to civic engagement and leadership, which are key elements of these scholarships.
9. Columbia University-SIPA Fellowships
Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) offers fully funded fellowships to international students pursuing master’s degrees in public policy, international affairs, or related fields. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and leadership potential.
- Eligibility: Open to international students admitted to SIPA’s master’s programmes, particularly those with a background in public service, international relations, or related fields.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Application Deadline: January 5, 2025, for Fall 2025 admission.
Tip: Be sure to highlight your experience in public service or international relations, as this is a key criterion for SIPA scholarships.
10. Cornell University-Tata Scholarship for Indian Students
Cornell University offers the Tata Scholarship for Indian students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at Cornell. The scholarship is funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust and aims to support outstanding Indian students.
- Eligibility: Open to Indian students who have been accepted into a master’s programme at Cornell University.
- Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Application Deadline: February 2025 for Fall 2025 enrollment.
Tip: Make sure to focus on your academic achievements and how studying at Cornell will help you contribute to India’s development.
Conclusion
Studying for a master’s degree in the United States is a dream for many, but the costs can be a major obstacle. Thankfully, the fully funded master’s scholarships in the USA for 2025 listed above offer international students the opportunity to pursue their studies without financial stress. These scholarships cover everything from tuition fees to living expenses, travel, and health insurance, making it easier for talented students to focus on achieving their academic and career goals.
Whether you’re aiming for top institutions like Harvard, Stanford, or Yale, or seeking to study in public policy, global leadership, or education, there is a scholarship that fits your profile. Start preparing your applications early, focussing on leadership, academic excellence, and how your education will benefit your home country.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for multiple fully funded master’s scholarships in the USA?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each. Be sure to customise your application to fit the specific criteria of each scholarship.
2. Are there fully funded scholarships for all fields of study in the USA?
Many scholarships are available for a wide range of fields, including STEM, public policy, international relations, education, and more. It’s important to search for scholarships that align with your field of interest.
3. What documents are typically required for a master’s scholarship application in the USA?
Most applications require academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), and sometimes a research proposal.
4. When should I start applying for master’s scholarships for the 2025 academic year?
Start preparing your applications by mid-2024, as many scholarship deadlines fall between October 2024 and February 2025.
5. How competitive are fully funded master’s scholarships in the USA?
Fully funded scholarships are highly competitive, but by preparing a strong application that highlights your leadership, academic excellence, and future goals, you can improve your chances of success.
By applying early and focussing on creating a strong, well-rounded application, you can secure a fully funded scholarship and achieve your dream of studying in the USA in 2025.
