Latest update: The prestigious Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowship for the 2026-2027 academic year has already closed its application window (May 2025). Key US-based fully funded opportunities, like the World Bank's Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP), will open their application window in January 2026 for the next cycle. Indian students should now focus on university-specific and other external fellowships for 2026
Fully funded masters scholarships in USA open doors for Indian students through prestigious awards such as the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships, and several university-specific programmes like the Tata Scholarship at Cornell. Other routes include government schemes such as the National Overseas Scholarship for eligible underprivileged applicants and specialised awards like the Rotary Peace Fellowships for those studying peace and conflict resolution.
Together, these options make postgraduate education significantly more accessible for international applicants to study in USA. The article covers top scholarships and their coverage, eligibility, how to apply steps, their requirements for smooth application.
Category Wise Top Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA?
The Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA can be divided in three categories:
Government funded
University funded and,
organisation-funded awards
These scholarships cover full tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and additional academic costs, helping Indian and international applicants pursue graduate studies without financial barriers.
Government-Funded Fully Funded Scholarships for Masters in USA
Government-funded scholarships are among the most competitive options because they offer comprehensive coverage, cultural exchange opportunities, and strong academic networks. These awards are ideal for high-achieving students who aim to contribute globally while pursuing scholarships for masters in USA.
These government-funded schemes provide exceptional support, helping academically strong students build global careers through top US universities.
University-Funded Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA
Many top US universities offer full-funding packages through merit-based fellowships, assistantships, and special scholarship programs. These awards are ideal for students targeting specific institutions while seeking strong financial assistance.
These university-funded awards are perfect for applicants targeting elite institutions and research-driven Master's programs.
Organisation/NGO-Funded Scholarships for Masters in USA for Indian Students
Several global organisations and private foundations offer fully funded scholarships for international students, including those from India. These awards often focus on leadership, community impact, or specialised fields of study.
These external scholarships provide excellent opportunities for students seeking a scholarship for masters in USA for Indian students, especially in specialised or leadership-oriented fields.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA?
Fully funded scholarships for Master’s programs in the USA usually require strong academics, English language proficiency, and an overall well-rounded profile. Theis helps selectors assess a student’s readiness for rigorous US graduate programs.
Below, we break down the key eligibility requirements that Indian and international students must typically meet when applying for Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA:
Academic Requirements, GPA & Language Tests (IELTS/TOEFL)
Academic performance plays a major role in securing scholarships for masters in USA, as committees often look for evidence of consistency and capability. Most fully funded programs expect applicants to demonstrate strong GPAs, relevant coursework, and language proficiency scores to handle advanced graduate-level study in the US.
Key academic and language requirements include:
Competitive GPA (usually 3.0–3.7 on a 4.0 scale, depending on scholarship).
Strong academic transcripts with relevant bachelor's coursework.
English language proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL, especially for international applicants.
GRE/GMAT scores if required by specific programs or universities.
Additional academic achievements, honours, or research work (preferred but optional).
These requirements ensure that students have the foundational skills needed to excel in US Master’s programs, especially when competing for highly selective funding.
Leadership Qualities, Work Experience & Community Work Requirements
Apart from academic eligibilities, evaluators also access student’s leadership potential, professional exposure, and commitment to social engagement. These factors are important for programs offering a scholarship for masters in USA for Indian students, especially those emphasising global impact or community service.
Common non-academic requirements include:
Demonstrated leadership through college roles, initiatives, or team responsibilities.
Relevant work or internship experience showcasing practical knowledge.
Volunteer work or community involvement that reflects social responsibility.
Participation in projects, competitions, or extracurricular activities.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills assessed through essays or interviews.
These qualities help committees identify applicants who are likely to use their education to create meaningful change.
Which US Universities Offer Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA?
Fully funded Scholarships offered by top US universities are highly competitive and accessible to strong applicants across disciplines. They cover tuition, loving expenses, health insurance and research support.
The table below introduces some top universities that regularly provide fully funded Master’s scholarships.
Top Universities Offering Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships
These universities provide generous support to international students, making them popular choices for fully funded studies.
Fully Funded STEM Masters Scholarships in USA
STEM programs in the USA are well-funded through fellowships, research assistantships, and university scholarships. These opportunities support students pursuing engineering, computer science, AI, data science and research-intensive Master's degrees.
Popular fully funded STEM options include:
MIT Research Assistantships for engineering and computer science.
University of Michigan Fellowships for engineering and applied sciences.
Carnegie Mellon Scholarships for computer science and robotics.
Georgia Tech Graduate Assistantships for engineering disciplines.
These programs often lead to strong research exposure and valuable industry connections.
Fully Funded Scholarships for MBA, Public Policy & Humanities in USA
Non-STEM fields such as business, policy, social sciences, and humanities also offer competitive funding. These awards support students who demonstrate leadership potential, analytical skills, and a strong sense of purpose in their chosen discipline.
Scholarship / Fellowship
University
Popular Master’s Areas
Harvard Kennedy School Fellowships
Harvard University
MPP, MPA, public policy
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Stanford University
MBA, social sciences
Jackson School Scholarships
Yale University
Global affairs, policy
CBS Merit Fellowships
Columbia Business School
MBA, business leadership
Humanities Division Fellowships
University of Chicago
Humanities, social sciences
These fully funded programs help students pursue impactful careers in policy, development, business, research, and creative fields, making them highly competitive among applicants worldwide.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA?
Applying for Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA involves a structured, step-by-step approach where students must plan early, prepare competitive documents, and meet strict university deadlines. The process becomes easier when you break it down into clear stages.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Research eligible scholarships offered by universities, government bodies, or external organisations based on your course, academic background, and nationality.
Check the eligibility criteria carefully for each scholarship, including GPA cut-offs, research expectations, work experience, and test score requirements.
Shortlist universities that offer strong funding opportunities in your desired programme, and research their scholarship-specific deadlines.
Prepare standardised test scores like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS if they are required by the programme or scholarship.
Write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your academic journey, future goals, and reasons for seeking funding.
Request Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from professors or employers well in advance so they can prepare thoughtful narratives.
Submit the university application first, as most scholarships require an admission application before scholarship consideration.
Complete separate scholarship forms, if required, including essays, financial forms, or research proposals.
Track deadlines carefully and regularly check email/portal updates for interview invitations or additional document requests.
Documents Required for Scholarship for Masters in USA for Indian Students
Most fully funded scholarships in the USA require a mix of academic, professional, and narrative documents that help committees evaluate your potential. These documents highlight your academic strengths, goals, and preparedness for graduate study.
Essential Documents
Academic Transcripts from all undergraduate semesters showing grades and cumulative GPA.
Degree Certificate or Provisional Certificate issued by your university.
GRE/GMAT Scores (only if required by the programme or scholarship).
English Proficiency Scores (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo) depending on the university requirements.
Updated Academic CV/Resume including research, internships, publications, and leadership roles.
Scholarship Essays (if required), often focusing on leadership, community impact, or financial need.
Passport Copy, financial documents, and identity proof for verification stages.
Tips to Increase Chances of Getting Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA
Securing Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA requires a smart and well-planned approach because most funding bodies receive thousands of applications every year. To stand out, students must showcase academic strength, clarity of goals, and strong application documents. Below are essential tips that genuinely improve scholarship success for Indian applicants.
Here are the top tips to boost your chances:
Maintain strong academics: A high GPA, relevant coursework, and research experience significantly increase eligibility for Masters scholarships in USA.
Prepare early for tests: Competitive scores in GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TOEFL strengthen your overall scholarship profile.
Write a compelling SOP: Clearly explain your goals, academic interests, and how the programme aligns with your career plans.
Obtain strong LORs: Recommendations from professors or employers help validate your skills, commitment, and readiness for graduate studies.
Showcase relevant projects or internships: Practical experience helps you stand out in technical, management, or research-based programmes.
Highlight extracurriculars and leadership: Scholarship committees appreciate well-rounded profiles with social impact or leadership roles.
Apply to multiple universities: Widen your chances of receiving assistantships or merit-based funding.
Meet all deadlines: Submitting applications early ensures your profile is reviewed in the first round.
Network with faculty: Connecting with professors or attending webinars helps you learn about hidden or department-level funding.
By following these steps consistently, students can significantly improve their chances of receiving ascholarships for masters in USA.
Conclusion
Fully funded Master’s scholarships in the USA open doors for Indian students aiming to study at world-class universities without financial burden. With options ranging from government programmes to university and organisation-funded awards, students can find scholarships that match their academic goals. A strong profile, clear motivation, and timely applications significantly increase success. By planning early and exploring all available opportunities, students can pursue their Master’s degree in the USA with confidence and access to meaningful financial support.
If you are still unsure, you can book a free counseling session with upGrad and seek professional guidance! We’d be happy to help you figure this out.
FAQs
Can I apply for a fully funded USA Master’s scholarship as a fresh graduate?
Yes. Many fully funded Master’s scholarships in the USA accept fresh graduates. What matters more is your undergraduate performance, academic achievements, clear career goals, and a strong application profile rather than work experience.
Are fully funded scholarships available for all Master’s courses in the USA?
Not always. Fully funded scholarships tend to favour certain courses, especially research-oriented or high-demand fields like STEM, public policy, social sciences or humanities. Some exceptional funding exists in other disciplines too.
Is it mandatory to speak English fluently for scholarships in USA?
Yes, English proficiency is usually required. Most universities and scholarships expect applicants to demonstrate strong command of English via tests like TOEFL or IELTS, unless explicitly waived by the institution.
Can I get funding if I don’t secure admission first?
No. For most scholarships in the USA, you must first gain admission to a Master’s programme. Funding or scholarship consideration is typically dependent on being accepted by the university first.
Do I need to apply separately for admission and scholarship?
Often yes. Many scholarships require a separate application i.e. after or alongside university admission with dedicated essays, forms or financial need statements for scholarship consideration.
Are tuition waivers the same as full funding?
Not always. A tuition waiver covers fees but may not cover living expenses, health insurance, or travel costs. Full funding generally implies tuition waiver plus stipend, living costs, and sometimes additional allowances.
Can international students work while on a fully funded Master’s scholarship in the USA?
Yes, within limits. International students may be allowed part-time on-campus jobs under U.S. visa rules, though many fully funded scholarships already cover living expenses, reducing dependency on additional income.
Will I get health insurance under US fully funded scholarships?
Many scholarships do include health insurance along with tuition waiver and stipend, but it depends on the specific scholarship or university policy. Always check the funding coverage details carefully
Are scholarships for non-STEM courses harder to get than STEM courses?
Often yes. STEM fields tend to have more funding and assistantship opportunities. However, dedicated scholarships and fellowships still exist for humanities, social sciences, business, and public policy for strong applicants.
How many times can I apply for scholarships if I fail to get one in first attempt?
You can apply repeatedly in different cycles or to different scholarships/universities as long as you meet eligibility criteria. Persistence and improved profile increase your chances over multiple attempts.
Does applying for multiple scholarships reduce my chances of selection?
No. Applying to multiple scholarships increases your odds. Each scholarship is judged independently, so applying widely with a strong application does not reduce your chances — it only improves your overall probability.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4099 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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