Top 10 Fully-Funded Master's Programs in the US for International Students

Fully-Funded Does Not Mean Impossible

A fully-funded Master's program in the United States covers tuition, fees, a monthly stipend, and often health insurance and travel costs. For international students, this can mean $60,000–$150,000 in total support over two years.

The key is knowing where to look — and applying strategically.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

**Funding:** Full tuition + living stipend + health insurance + travel

**Deadline:** Varies by country (typically June–October)

**Who it's for:** Outstanding students from any country, in any field

Fulbright is the gold standard of international scholarships. It funds graduate degrees, research, and teaching assistantships across the US. Competition is fierce, but selection is done country-by-country — so your chances depend heavily on your home country's quota.

**Tip:** Contact your country's Fulbright commission early. Many require institutional endorsement and have their own pre-selection process.

2. Chevening Scholarships

**Funding:** Full tuition + living allowance + flights + visa

**Deadline:** November each year

**Who it's for:** Future leaders from Chevening-eligible countries (UK program, US-based study possible)

Chevening funds one-year Master's degrees and is highly competitive. They look for leadership potential, networking ability, and a clear plan to create impact in your home country.

3. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford)

**Funding:** Full tuition + stipend + enrichment fund (~$90,000/year)

**Deadline:** October

**Who it's for:** Any graduate program at Stanford (law, business, engineering, medicine, humanities)

One of the most generous fellowships in the world. Knight-Hennessy selects up to 100 scholars per year across all Stanford graduate schools. They look for civic mindset, leadership, and collaborative spirit.

4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

**Funding:** Full cost of study at Cambridge (US campus study sometimes included)

**Deadline:** October–December

**Who it's for:** Outstanding students from outside the UK

Gates Cambridge selects scholars who are intellectually exceptional and committed to improving the lives of others. The program has a strong community component — selected scholars attend annual retreats and events.

5. AAUW International Fellowships

**Funding:** $18,000–$30,000 per year

**Deadline:** November

**Who it's for:** Women who are not US citizens or permanent residents

The American Association of University Women funds women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the US. Fields range from STEM to arts to public policy.

6. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

**Funding:** Full tuition + living allowance + professional development funds

**Deadline:** Varies by country (typically June–July)

**Who it's for:** Mid-career professionals from designated countries

Not a traditional degree program — Humphrey fellows spend 10 months at a US university, take courses, and complete professional affiliations. Ideal for professionals with 5+ years of experience.

7. OAS Academic Scholarships

**Funding:** Partial to full funding (varies)

**Deadline:** March

**Who it's for:** Citizens of OAS member states in the Americas

The Organization of American States funds graduate study and research for students from the Americas. Eligibility and funding levels vary by member country.

8. DAAD Study Scholarships (Germany → US)

**Funding:** Monthly stipend + travel + health insurance

**Deadline:** October–November

**Who it's for:** German students studying abroad (or international students at German institutions)

DAAD also funds international students currently studying in Germany to complete part of their degree at a US institution.

9. MIT Presidential Fellowship

**Funding:** Full tuition + stipend (first year guaranteed)

**Deadline:** December–January (through MIT admissions)

**Who it's for:** Incoming MIT PhD and Master's students

MIT's Presidential Fellowship is awarded at admission. The best way to get it is to apply to MIT with a strong research proposal and contact potential advisors before applying.

10. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

**Funding:** $37,000/year stipend + $16,000 tuition allowance (3 years)

**Deadline:** October

**Who it's for:** US citizens and permanent residents in STEM fields

If you have US status and are in a STEM field, NSF GRFP is the most prestigious graduate fellowship available. Apply in your senior year of undergrad or first year of graduate school — you only get a few chances.

How to Maximize Your Chances

Our Scholar and Elite plans include a curated, verified database of all these programs plus hundreds more — with current deadlines and application links.