Pursuing a fully funded master’s degree in the USA is a dream for many students worldwide. Fully funded programs cover your tuition fees, living stipend, travel allowances, health insurance, and academic expenses, significantly reducing financial barriers to advanced education. With rising educational costs, securing full funding not only enhances your academic profile but also helps you graduate debt‑free.
In 2026, a growing number of prestigious scholarships, fellowships, and university funding packages make fully funded master’s study in the United States possible for both international and domestic students. Below is an updated guide to the most competitive and valuable options available.
What Does Fully Funded Mean?
A fully funded master’s scholarship generally means the program covers:
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Full tuition or tuition waiver
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Living stipend for housing and daily expenses
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Health insurance or medical benefits
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Travel or relocation support
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Academic or research funding
Unlike partial scholarships or loans, fully funded awards give you the financial freedom to focus entirely on your studies without worrying about debt.
Top Fully Funded Opportunities for Master’s in the USA
1. Knight‑Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University)
The Knight‑Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University is one of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities for graduate study in the U.S. It supports up to 100 scholars annually from around the world to pursue master’s (and other graduate) degrees at Stanford. Funding includes full tuition, a generous living stipend, and opportunities for academic development, leadership training, and networking.
Key features:
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Full tuition and fees
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Monthly living stipend
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Travel allowance
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Leadership development
This program is open to students in any discipline but is highly competitive.
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most recognized fully funded scholarships in the world. It supports international students pursuing master’s and doctoral studies in the USA. The award typically covers tuition, travel costs, a living stipend, and health insurance, along with cultural exchange opportunities.
Why it’s valuable:
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Covers full tuition, living allowance, and travel
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Offers cultural exchange and professional development
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Competitive but widely respected globally
Fulbright is ideal for students who want to combine academic study with cross‑cultural exchange and leadership growth.
3. Rotary Peace Fellowships
The Rotary Peace Fellowship funds master’s degrees for students focused on peace and conflict resolution. Awardees receive funding for tuition, room and board, travel, and even fieldwork or internships related to peacebuilding.
Highlights:
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Fully funded tuition and living costs
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Field experience in peace and development
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Global networking opportunities
These fellowships are suited for students passionate about international development, conflict prevention, and humanitarian work.
4. AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships support women pursuing graduate or postgraduate education in the U.S. The award covers significant costs including tuition and living expenses for master’s study.
Why it stands out:
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Focused on women’s academic achievement
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Supports both master’s and doctoral studies
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Covers living and educational expenses
This fellowship is especially valuable for women from countries outside the United States.
5. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF‑GRFP)
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program is a major U.S. funding source for graduate study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). While it includes doctoral funding, many master’s students in research fields benefit from this award. It offers a significant stipend and tuition support over multiple years.
Key benefits:
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Annual stipend paid directly to the student
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Tuition allowance
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Flexible use at most U.S. research institutions
This fellowship is ideal for research‑oriented students in STEM disciplines.
Other Fully Funded Master’s Funding Sources
Yale University Financial Aid
Yale University offers financial aid packages that can cover full tuition and provide stipends for master’s students based on need. Yale’s support extends to international students admitted to eligible programs.
University‑Sponsored Scholarships
Several U.S. universities such as University of Minnesota, University of New Haven, and University of Memphis offer fellowships and awards that may cover full or near‑full costs for master’s students, often combined with assistantships or work‑study stipends.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Fully Funded
Securing a fully funded master’s scholarship can be highly competitive, but these tips can help:
1. Apply Early and to Multiple Opportunities
Deadlines for programs like Fulbright or Knight‑Hennessy are often months before the academic year starts. Early preparation improves your chances.
2. Build a Strong Academic Profile
High GPA, relevant research, publications, and strong recommendation letters are key components of competitive applications.
3. Tailor Your Statement of Purpose
A compelling personal statement that clearly explains your goals, leadership potential, and impact strengthens your application.
4. Highlight Leadership and Community Engagement
Many scholarships, including Fulbright and Rotary Peace, prioritize applicants with a record of leadership and service.
5. Prepare for Interviews
Some programs require interviews. Practice speaking confidently about your goals, background, and how funding will help you achieve your ambitions.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility varies by scholarship and program:
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Fulbright: International students from over 160 countries.
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Knight‑Hennessy: Open to students globally admitted to Stanford graduate programs.
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AAUW: Women pursuing graduate study in the U.S.
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NSF‑GRFP: U.S. citizens or permanent residents in eligible STEM fields.
Always check official guidelines for specific eligibility requirements.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded master’s programs in the USA offer life‑changing opportunities for students worldwide. Whether through government‑backed scholarships, prestigious university fellowships, or research‑focused awards, 2026 continues to provide pathways to debt‑free graduate education. With careful planning, strong applications, and targeted research, you can position yourself to secure funding for your master’s degree in the United States.