Pursuing a master’s degree in the United States can be costly, but the good news is that there are several fully funded scholarship opportunities available for international students. These scholarships often cover tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes even research and book expenses. In this guide, we’ll cover the top fully funded master’s scholarships in the USA for 2024.
How to get better scholarship in USA for masters 2024?
What Does a Fully Funded Scholarship Cover?
Fully funded scholarships typically provide coverage for the following:
- Tuition fees: Full tuition for your degree program.
- Living expenses: Monthly or annual stipends to cover housing, food, and other living costs.
- Travel expenses: Some scholarships include airfare to and from your home country.
- Health insurance: Coverage for your medical needs during your stay in the USA.
- Research and study-related costs: This may include book allowances, access to labs, or research materials.
Top Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in the USA
Here are some of the best fully funded scholarships for master’s students looking to study in the USA in 2024:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for international students. It offers full funding for students pursuing a master’s or PhD degree in the USA. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel.
- Eligibility: Open to students from over 155 countries.
- Field of Study: Open to all fields, except for medical studies.
- Application Deadline: Varies by country.
Website: Fulbright Foreign Student Program
2. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This program provides full scholarships for students from developing countries to pursue a master’s degree in the USA and other participating countries. It covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, and travel expenses.
- Eligibility: Open to students from developing countries who have professional experience in development-related work.
- Field of Study: Development-related fields such as economics, public health, agriculture, and engineering.
- Application Deadline: February to May 2024.
Website: Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
3. Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program provides full funding for students to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford University, including master’s degrees. This scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and other fees.
- Eligibility: Open to all international students, with no restrictions based on citizenship.
- Field of Study: Open to all graduate programs offered at Stanford.
- Application Deadline: October 2024.
Website: Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
4. AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers international fellowships to women pursuing graduate studies in the USA. These fellowships provide full funding, including tuition, living expenses, and other fees.
- Eligibility: Open to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Field of Study: Open to all fields of study.
- Application Deadline: November 2024.
Website: AAUW International Fellowships
5. Rotary Foundation Global Grants
The Rotary Foundation Global Grants offer fully funded scholarships for master’s degree programs in the USA. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and research expenses. Rotary Global Grants are awarded to students in fields that address Rotary’s areas of focus, such as peacebuilding, disease prevention, water sanitation, and community development.
- Eligibility: Open to students worldwide.
- Field of Study: Development-related fields.
- Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines (check with your local Rotary Club).
Website: Rotary Foundation Global Grants
6. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
This scholarship is specifically for Indian students seeking to pursue a master’s degree in the USA. It provides full financial support, including tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Eligibility: Open to Indian students.
- Field of Study: All fields except engineering, computer science, business, and public health.
- Application Deadline: March 2024.
Website: Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
7. Yale University – Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Fellowships
Yale offers a variety of fellowships and fully funded scholarships for master’s students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Most admitted students receive full funding, including tuition, health insurance, and a generous living stipend.
- Eligibility: Open to all international students.
- Field of Study: Arts and Sciences.
- Application Deadline: December 2024.
Website: Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
8. The Gates Scholarship
While primarily aimed at undergraduate students, some Gates Scholarships provide funding for graduate studies. This prestigious scholarship is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and covers tuition, living expenses, books, and other fees.
- Eligibility: Minority students from low-income backgrounds.
- Field of Study: Open to all fields.
- Application Deadline: September 2024.
Website: The Gates Scholarship
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Fully Funded Scholarship
- Start Early
Begin your search and applications at least a year in advance. Most scholarships have early deadlines. - Maintain a Strong Academic Record
Many fully funded scholarships are merit-based, so maintaining a high GPA and a strong academic profile will increase your chances. - Craft an Impressive Personal Statement
Your personal statement or scholarship essay is crucial. Highlight your academic achievements, career goals, and how this scholarship will help you contribute to your field or society. - Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation
Ask professors or employers who know you well and can write about your strengths, dedication, and potential. - Showcase Leadership and Extracurricular Activities
Scholarships often reward students who demonstrate leadership, community service, or exceptional extracurricular achievements. - Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Don’t rely on just one application. Apply to several scholarships to increase your chances of getting funded.
Conclusion
Fully funded master’s scholarships in the USA provide an excellent opportunity to pursue your academic goals without the burden of financial stress. With a bit of research and preparation, you can apply to some of the best programs and scholarships available in 2024. Whether you’re from a developing country, a minority background, or a high-achieving student, there are options out there for you!