Best Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in USA in 2025-26

Latest update: The U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Foreign Student Program has announced approximately 1,800 fully funded scholarships for international graduate students in the 2025–26 cycle.

A master's programme in the USA may range between 20,000 to 60,000 per annum (INR 16-50 lakh), which means the international students can barely afford it, but fully funded masters scholarship in usa help the international students to do away with the problem of affordability. Such scholarships are full tuition fees, boarding fees, health insurance, air fare, and even monthly allowances.

The best scholarships in the world, like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Knight-Hennessy Scholars, AAUW International Fellowships, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, and Yale University Scholarships, are helping thousands of students to pursue their studies in the U.S. without the obligation of debt in the year 2025. According to IIE records, more than 40% of all international graduate students get financial aid in the U.S.

These scholarships are given as merit scholarships, academic excellence scholarships, leadership scholarships and others. To Indian students who dream of getting quality education and international exposure such securely funded scholarships to complete their master degrees are a life changing journey ahead.

Explore fully funded scholarships for Indian students and turn your study abroad goals into reality.

Want to study abroad without the hassle? Get personalized guidance from upGrad Study Abroad from choosing the right university to securing your visa.

 

What is a Fully Funded Masters Scholarship in USA? 

A fully funded master’s program scholarship covers the entire cost of a master’s degree in USA, including tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and sometimes travel. 

Who Can Apply?

• Students with strong academics, research work, or leadership experience
• Those needing financial assistance
• Applicants in STEM courses, business, social sciences, and more

What Does a Fully Funded Master’s Program Scholarship Cover?

Expense Covered	What It Includes	Example Scholarships
Tuition Fees	Full or partial waiver of university tuition	Fulbright-Nehru, AAUW International Fellowship
Living Expenses	Monthly stipend for housing, food, and daily needs	Knight-Hennessy Scholars, Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship
Health Insurance	Medical coverage during study	University-funded scholarships
Research & Travel Grants	Funding for lab work, research materials, and conference travel	NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Google Lime Scholarship

Who Offers Fully Funded MS Scholarships?

• Scholarships of the US Government:  Fulbright-Nehru fellowship, Hubert Humphrey fellowship
• Scholarships offered by the university: MIT Presidential Fellowship, Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars
• Personal Grants and Corporate Sponsored Grants: Google, Microsoft, and IBM fellowships on AI, Data Science, Tech Courses

How Many Students Receive Fully Funded Scholarships?

• Over 8,000 international students receive Fulbright Scholarships each year.
• Universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford award millions in financial aid to master’s students annually.
• Most STEM students are awarded full financial support in the form of research assistantships (RA) and teaching assistantships (TA).

Example: A student between the ages of who has been admitted to pursue an MS degree in Computer Science at Stanford University is eligible to apply to the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship annually, which will cover the entire tuition fee, as well as a stipend to cover living expenses.

Download the Fully Funded Masters Guide here and give your international study dreams a powerful boost!

Top 10 Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in USA 2025 

Studying in the US may be expensive, yet there are various scholarships that will allow one to study without straining as far as fees and accommodation bills are concerned. The US universities, private foundations, and government schemes provide these fully funded scholarships. They also pay all costs, including tuition fees and airfare, health insurance, and monthly allowances, among others. 

 

Regardless of whether your focus is on STEM, business, or even public policy, you will probably find a scholarship that suits you. The following are among the best possible scenarios of 2025.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program – A Prestigious Scholarship for Global Scholars

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program funds outstanding international students pursuing a master’s degree in USA. It covers full tuition, living expenses, and airfare, making it one of the most sought-after scholarships.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to students from over 155 countries
Level of Study	Master’s
Field of Study	Open to all disciplines
Academic Excellence	Strong academic record required
Leadership & Community Engagement	Preference for students with leadership or volunteer experience
Commitment to Home Country	Applicants must return to their country after completion

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must apply to a USA university under the Fulbright Program
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate GPA required
Statement of Purpose	Must outline academic and career goals
Recommendation Letters	Required from academic and professional mentors
Interview	Shortlisted candidates go through an interview process

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Stipend included
Airfare	Round-trip ticket provided
Health Insurance	Included
Other Costs	Covers books, research materials

2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University) – For Future Global Leaders

The international master's students working on the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University are fully funded by the university to get up to three years of funding for tuition, living, and travel costs. It also grants chances for leadership development.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to all nationalities
Level of Study	Master’s
Field of Study	Any master’s program at Stanford University
Leadership & Innovation	Strong leadership record required
Academic Excellence	Must have outstanding academic achievements
Entrepreneurial Mindset	Preference for students with a vision for impact

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must apply to a master’s program at Stanford University
Leadership Essay	Must showcase leadership journey and goals
Video Statement	Required for shortlisted candidates
Recommendation Letters	Strong references from academic or professional mentors
Interview	Final selection process for shortlisted candidates

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Stipend included
Travel Costs	Airfare covered
Leadership Training	Included
Additional Grants	Research and conference funding available

3. Gates Millennium Scholars Program – Full Funding for Outstanding Students

This scholarship fully covers tuition, living expenses, and other related costs by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to students who have an exceptional academic history and possible leadership qualities.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s
Field of Study	Open to all disciplines
Academic Excellence	High GPA and test scores required
Leadership & Community Service	Preference for students involved in social impact projects
Financial Need	Must demonstrate financial hardship

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must apply to a USA university
Academic Performance	Strong GPA and standardized test scores
Financial Documents	Must demonstrate need for funding
Personal Statement	Must highlight leadership, career goals, and social impact
Recommendation Letters	Strong references from mentors or professors

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Stipend included
Other Costs	Books, research materials, conference fees
Renewable?	Yes, for the full program duration

4. AAUW International Scholarships – For Women in STEM & Business

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships and other women across the Globe to study in graduate school in the USA. The scholarship assists in paying fees, living expenses, and research spending.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Gender	Women applicants only
Nationality	Open to non-USA citizens
Level of Study	Master’s
Field of Study	STEM, Business, Social Sciences, and other fields
Leadership & Women’s Empowerment	Preference for women involved in community service and advocacy
Commitment to Home Country	Applicants must return to their home country after graduation

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must apply to a USA university
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate academic record
Statement of Purpose	Must outline career plans and social impact
Recommendation Letters	Required from academic or professional mentors
Financial Need	Considered for award selection

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered (Up to $50,000)
Living Expenses	Yes
Research Costs	Included
Additional Grants	Available based on financial need

5. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program – Full Funding for Development-Focused Students

JJ/WBGSP The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) sponsors students from developing countries wishing to undertake a master's programme in areas associated with economic development, public policy, and sustainability.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to students from World Bank member developing countries
Level of Study	Master’s
Field of Study	Development-related fields (e.g., Economics, Public Policy, Infrastructure)
Work Experience	Minimum of three years in a development-related field
Commitment to Home Country	Must return and work in a developing country after graduation

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must be admitted to a partner university in USA
Academic Performance	Strong academic background required
Work Experience	Minimum of three years in a development-related role
Recommendation Letters	Strong references from employers or professors
Statement of Purpose	Must outline career goals and development impact

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Stipend provided
Airfare	Round-trip ticket included
Health Insurance	Covered
Books & Study Materials	Funded

6. Harvard University Graduate Scholarships – Full & Partial Funding for Master’s Students

Harvard University also offers several graduate school scholarships to use by international students; these are full-funded fellowships, need-based grants, and research assistantships.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s
Field of Study	Any master’s program at Harvard
Academic Excellence	High academic achievements required
Leadership & Community Impact	Preference for students with leadership experience

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must secure admission to Harvard University
Academic Performance	Excellent undergraduate record
Financial Documents	Required for need-based scholarships
Recommendation Letters	Strong references from mentors or professors
Scholarship Application	Some funding requires a separate application

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully or Partially Covered
Living Expenses	Partial aid available
Research Grants	Available for specific programs
Assistantships	Teaching & research assistantships provide stipends

7. MIT Graduate Financial Aid for International Students – Full & Partial Funding for MS Programs

The MIT offers financial assistance, research assistantship, and fellowship to international students undertaking a master's degree in STEM, business, and social sciences.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s
Field of Study	STEM, Business, Economics, and Social Sciences
Academic Excellence	Strong academic background required
Research Potential	Preference for students with research experience

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must be admitted to MIT’s MS program
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate record
Research Experience	Preferred for research assistantships
Financial Documents	Required for need-based aid
Recommendation Letters	Required from professors or employers

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully or Partially Covered
Living Expenses	Stipends available
Research Grants	Funded for thesis-based programs
Assistantships	Paid teaching & research assistantships

8. Yale University MS Scholarships – Need-Based Full & Partial Funding

Yale University offers need-based scholarships and fully funded fellowships to support international master’s students across multiple disciplines.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s
Field of Study	Any master’s program at Yale
Academic Excellence	High academic achievements required
Financial Need	Preference for students requiring funding

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must be admitted to a Yale University MS program
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate academic record
Financial Documents	Required for need-based scholarships
Recommendation Letters	Required from professors or mentors
Scholarship Application	Some awards require additional applications

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully or Partially Covered
Living Expenses	Partial stipends available
Research Grants	Provided for select students
Assistantships	Available in research-based programs

9. Columbia University Graduate Scholarships – Full & Partial Funding for International Students

Columbia University has graduate scholarships, fellowships, and need-based grants as a way to support international students to finance their MS degree programs. Some programs cover the full tuition, and there are assistantships with stipends.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s
Field of Study	All master’s programs at Columbia University
Academic Excellence	High GPA and strong academic background required
Financial Need	Considered for need-based scholarships
Research Potential	Preferred for research fellowships

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must secure admission to Columbia University
Academic Performance	Excellent undergraduate academic record
Financial Documents	Required for need-based scholarships
Recommendation Letters	Strong references from professors or mentors
Scholarship Application	Some awards require a separate application

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully or Partially Covered
Living Expenses	Partial stipends available
Assistantships	Paid research & teaching assistantships
Additional Grants	Available for select students

10. University of Chicago Graduate Funding for International Students – Full Tuition & Stipend Support

The University of Chicago provides full and partial scholarships for international graduate students. Many programs include full tuition waivers and living stipends through assistantships and fellowships.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s
Field of Study	STEM, Business, Social Sciences, Law, and Humanities
Academic Excellence	High GPA and research experience required
Financial Need	Need-based grants available
Research Potential	Strong preference for thesis-based applicants

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must be admitted to a master’s program at the University of Chicago
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate or master’s GPA
Research Proposal	Required for research-based programs
Recommendation Letters	Required from academic mentors
Scholarship Application	Some fellowships require separate applications

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Stipend included
Research Grants	Available for select students
Assistantships	Teaching & research positions provide additional funding

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Fully Funded Masters Scholarship in the USA 

Masters scholarships in USA are very competitive, and thousands of students apply every year in order to get a chance to obtain a scholarship. You should be able to come out as a good academic, personal, and professional person. 

The following are some of the useful strategies to help you get ahead:

1. Academic Record: A good academic record.

Most of the completely funded programs prefer a GPA of 3.5 and above. A solid academic record is an indication of discipline and ability. Point out any of your research or coursework that seems to be analogous to your future area of study.

2. Write a Good Statement of Purpose (SOP)

 It is important that in your SOP, you put in words why you are doing the program and why it fits your ambitions. Speak personally and think individually about your path and accomplishments. Generic narratives cannot be contrasted with more prominent personal and specific narratives.

3. Get tight Strong Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

 Select recommenders who could talk about your abilities and discipline in the form of specific examples. An official LOR on the official letterhead makes your profile strong. Ensure that it brings out your qualifications to receive the scholarship.

4. Lead/Drive/Influence

 Emphasize the instances when you could make a contribution at school or in society. This may be in the form of research, community work, or even student-led actions. Leadership and initiative are priorities of the admissions committees.

5. Do well at the interviews (where necessary)

 During the short listing, expect to be asked about your academic plans and goals, as well as, achievements. Interviews examine clarity, self-confidence, and drive. Rehearse responses that do not sound rehearsed.

6. Use Multiple Scholarships

 Apply to many fully funded programs to increase your chances. Every scholarship has varying requirements, and do a lot of research. Keep the documents and deadlines arranged, so that they are readily submitted.

7. Make a full, errorless Application

 Make sure all paperwork is accurate and on time. Automatic rejection may be caused by errors or omissions. Once the requirements, formatting, and eligibility have been re-checked before applying.

Conclusion

Fully funded scholarships for Master's in USA give you a chance to transform your academic and professional life- without spending all your savings. It is the Fulbright, Knight-Hennessy, or the best university that offers full grants that include tuition fees and living expenses, among others. 

What is important is to apply early and develop a good SOP, and apply with confidence. It is time to reach higher, especially to motivated students who look forward to the year 2025 26, as your completely funded future may be only a single application away.

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.