15 Best Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in the USA in 2026 With Visa Sponsorship for International Students

OVERVIEW

Pursuing a Master’s degree in the United States can be life-changing — but the rising cost of tuition and living expenses often deters talented international students. Thankfully, a number of fully funded scholarships exist that cover tuition, stipends, travel allowances, health insurance, and even provide visa sponsorship. In this in-depth guide, we cover the top 15 fully funded Masters scholarships in the USA for 2026 that international applicants should consider, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and application strategies.

What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?

A fully funded scholarship covers nearly all educational costs, including:

Tuition and fees
Living stipend
Health insurance
Travel or relocation allowances
Research or thesis funding

These awards allow you to complete your studies without personal financial burden and often include visa sponsorship or support documentation needed for a student visa (typically the F-1 visa in the U.S.).

Why Study in the USA in 2026?

The United States continues to offer world-class education, cutting-edge research facilities, and global networking opportunities. A Master’s degree from a U.S. institution can dramatically enhance your career prospects and open doors in academia, industry, and international organizations.

The USA is home to many globally top-ranked universities, including those consistently featured in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education lists. International students benefit from multicultural campuses, research funding, and opportunities for internships and practical training.

How Visa Sponsorship Works With Scholarships

Most fully funded scholarships provide documentation and financial proofs required for the F-1 (student) visa application. Once you receive an acceptance letter and scholarship award letter from the university, you use these to apply for your F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Some programs, like Fulbright, also assist with pre-departure orientations and other support.

For official U.S. study visa information, see the U.S. Department of State — Study in the States: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov

Top 15 Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in the USA

Here’s a comprehensive list of reputable scholarships that offer full funding and support for international Master’s students:

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs supported by the U.S. government. It funds graduate study, research, and professional training in the United States. It typically covers tuition, living stipend, airfare, and health insurance.

✔ Covers tuition, stipend, travel
✔ Supports research or coursework
✔ Open to students from 160+ countries

🔗 More info: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org

2. AAUW International Fellowships

Offered by the American Association of University Women, these fellowships support women from around the world pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the U.S.

✔ Women only
✔ Full tuition + living expenses
✔ Open to any discipline

🔗 Details: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/

3. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

While not a traditional degree scholarship, this fellowship offers a year of professional enrichment and non-degree graduate study in the U.S. It includes living expenses, travel, and professional opportunities.

✔ Professional leadership focus
✔ Fully funded for a year

🔗 Program info: https://www.humphreyfellowship.org

4. Microsoft Tuition Scholarship

Microsoft supports outstanding international students pursuing degrees in computer science and related technical fields through tuition scholarships. Awards vary by region and university.

✔ Academic excellence-based
✔ Tuition support + internship potential

🔗 Apply: https://careers.microsoft.com/students

5. Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Based at Stanford University, this program funds graduate education (including Master’s degrees) for international students across disciplines. It covers full tuition, stipend, and leadership development.

✔ Full funding at Stanford
✔ Leadership program included

🔗 More info: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu

6. Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Peace Fellowship funds master’s degrees in peace and conflict resolution at selected U.S. universities.

✔ Tuition + living expenses
✔ Leadership & fieldwork opportunities

🔗 Fellowship info: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships

7. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

This scholarship supports students from developing countries pursuing development-related master’s degrees at selected universities including some in the U.S.

✔ Full tuition + travel
✔ Monthly stipend

🔗 Details: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships#3

8. Yale University Scholarships

Yale provides generous financial aid which can include full funding for eligible international students. These awards are based on need and merit, and often cover full tuition + living expenses.

✔ Need-based & merit support
✔ Full tuition + stipend

🔗 Yale Aid: https://finaid.yale.edu

9. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

This fellowship supports Indian students at Stanford University. It includes full funding for eligible Master’s programs.

✔ Intended for Indian students
✔ Covers tuition and living costs

🔗 Fellowship info: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu

10. Harvard University Scholarships

Harvard offers generous need-based financial aid for international students, which can cover full tuition and living costs for eligible Master’s candidates.

✔ Need-based aid for international students
✔ Full funding possible

🔗 Harvard Aid: https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid

11. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

While typically associated with Ph.D. programs, some master’s candidates in STEM disciplines at U.S. institutions may be eligible. It provides a generous stipend and tuition support.

✔ STEM focus
✔ Monthly stipend + tuition support

🔗 Program: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=6201

12. Ford Foundation Fellowship

Supports individuals pursuing graduate education, including Master’s programs, who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

✔ Merit + leadership recognition
✔ Full or partial funding

🔗 Program: https://sites.nationalacademies.org

13. American Association of University Women (AAUW)

In addition to International Fellowships, AAUW provides several funding streams supporting graduate study for women, some of which are open to international applicants.

✔ Multiple scholarships available
✔ Women only

🔗 Official info: https://www.aauw.org

14. Peabody College Scholarships – Vanderbilt University

Peabody College offers generous need-based and merit scholarships for graduate students pursuing education and human development programs, which can cover full costs for strong applicants.

✔ Full tuition possible
✔ Competitive

🔗 Vanderbilt Aid: https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu

15. Cornell University Scholarships

Cornell provides both need-based and merit funding for international graduate students which can include full tuition and stipend support in select programs.

✔ Need & merit support available
✔ Full funding possible

🔗 Cornell Aid: https://gradschool.cornell.edu

How to Apply Successfully

1. Start Early

Most USA scholarship applications open 8–12 months in advance of the academic year. Begin preparation early.

2. Prepare Strong Documents

Include:

Academic transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement / Statement of Purpose
CV / Resume
English test scores (TOEFL / IELTS)

3. Write a Clear Research Proposal

For research-based or thesis scholarships, articulate your goals, research questions, and impacts clearly.

4. Check Eligibility Carefully

Each scholarship has specific requirements (country, GPA, field). Make sure you meet minimum criteria before applying.

5. Follow Guidelines Exactly

Missing a required document or deadline can disqualify your application instantly.

Conclusion

For international students seeking to pursue a Master’s degree in the USA without financial burden, fully funded scholarships provide life-changing opportunities. The USA remains one of the most competitive and rewarding destinations for graduate study — and with the right preparation, your 2026 application can succeed. Start early, craft strong applications, and target these scholarships with diligence and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are fully funded scholarships available to all nationalities?
Yes — many of the scholarships listed are open to students from any country, although some target specific regions.

2. Do fully funded scholarships include visa sponsorship?
Yes. Scholarship award letters provide the financial documentation needed for an F-1 student visa application.

3. Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT?
Some scholarships and programs require GRE/GMAT, especially for competitive STEM or business programs.

4. Can I work while on a fully funded scholarship in the USA?
F-1 visa holders can often work on campus and sometimes pursue OPT/CPT opportunities related to their study.

5. How competitive are these scholarships?
Highly competitive — but strong academic performance, leadership, and impactful statements significantly increase your chances.