Studying for a master’s degree in the United States can provide international students with access to world-class universities, advanced research facilities, experienced professors and valuable career opportunities. However, tuition, accommodation, health insurance, travel and other living expenses can make studying in the USA expensive.
Fortunately, there are master’s scholarships for international students in the USA that can significantly reduce or even cover the cost of graduate education. Some scholarships are offered by governments and international organizations, while others are provided directly by universities.
Top Master’s Scholarships for Students Who Want to Study in the USA
Below are some of the scholarships students should consider when planning to study for a master’s degree in the United States.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the best-known scholarship opportunities for international students who want to study in the United States.
The program supports graduate students, young professionals and artists from other countries to study and conduct research at U.S. universities. The program operates in more than 150 countries, and the application process is generally handled through Fulbright commissions, foundations or U.S. embassies in participating countries.
What Does Fulbright Cover?
Depending on the applicant’s country and specific program, Fulbright awards may provide funding support and other benefits. The program also provides J-1 visa sponsorship, a health benefit plan and enrichment activities.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants generally need to have completed undergraduate education and hold a qualification equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. However, eligibility requirements, eligible fields and application procedures vary by country.
Students should therefore check the Fulbright requirements for their country before beginning an application.
2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is an excellent option for outstanding international students seeking graduate study at Stanford University.
The program is open to graduate students from around the world and provides up to three years of financial support for eligible graduate studies at Stanford. Scholars also participate in leadership development and other educational experiences alongside their degree programs.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Knight-Hennessy Scholars receive funding that can include:
- Tuition and associated fees
- A stipend for living and academic expenses
- Funding for an annual round-trip journey to and from Stanford
- A one-time relocation stipend for newly enrolling scholars
- Potential additional funding for academic enrichment activities
The exact funding arrangement depends on the graduate program and scholar’s circumstances.
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship is particularly suitable for students with strong academic records, leadership potential and a desire to make a positive impact beyond their academic discipline.
Applicants must also apply for admission to an eligible Stanford graduate degree program. International applicants must meet Stanford’s graduate admission requirements, including holding the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
3. AAUW International Fellowships
The AAUW International Fellowships provide funding for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and want to pursue graduate study in the United States.
For the current program, master’s applicants must be pursuing their first master’s degree in an eligible STEM discipline. Applicants must also have an academic qualification equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree and a minimum cumulative GPA equivalent to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
How Much Does AAUW Provide?
For master’s degree recipients, the fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend. The award is paid in two installments during the fellowship period.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Identify as women.
- Be non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Be admitted to or enrolled in their first master’s or eligible doctoral program.
- Study full-time at an accredited U.S. institution.
- Meet the required academic standards.
The current 2027–2028 application cycle opened on August 17, 2026, and closes on September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Deadlines can change in future cycles, so applicants should always verify the latest information before applying.
4. Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for students and professionals interested in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, international development and related areas.
The master’s degree fellowship is offered at selected Rotary Peace Centers, including partner universities in the United States. In the U.S., fellows can study at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
What Does Rotary Cover?
Rotary states that its peace fellowships can cover:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Round-trip transportation
- Internship and field-study expenses
The master’s programs generally last between 15 and 24 months and include a practical field experience.
Who Can Apply?
Master’s applicants generally need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- English proficiency
- At least three years of relevant full-time experience in peace or development work
- Evidence of commitment to peace and international understanding
- Leadership potential
There are also specific restrictions concerning recent academic enrollment and the timing of previous degrees.
This scholarship is therefore particularly suitable for professionals who already have experience in peacebuilding, development or related fields.
5. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is another major U.S. government-funded opportunity for international professionals.
However, students should understand an important distinction: the Humphrey Fellowship is not a master’s degree scholarship. It provides about 10 months of graduate-level study, professional development and networking in the United States without awarding an academic degree.
The program is intended for accomplished mid-career professionals who want to strengthen their professional knowledge and leadership skills.
Applicants should contact the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in their country for information about eligibility and application procedures because deadlines and requirements vary by country.
6. University-Specific Master’s Scholarships
International students should not focus only on major international scholarship programs. Many U.S. universities provide their own scholarships, fellowships, assistantships and tuition waivers for graduate students.
These opportunities can vary considerably. Some may cover part of tuition, while others can provide tuition support, research funding, teaching assistantships or stipends.
Students should check the financial aid and graduate funding pages of each university they are considering.
Graduate Assistantships
A graduate assistantship can also help international students reduce the cost of studying in the USA. Depending on the university and position, students may work as teaching assistants or research assistants in exchange for financial support.
These opportunities are often administered by individual departments rather than through a central scholarship program, so applicants should research funding opportunities within their intended department.
How to Find Master’s Scholarships in the USA
Finding the right scholarship requires careful research. Students can follow these steps:
1. Choose Your Master’s Degree
First, decide what you want to study. Search for U.S. universities offering master’s programs in your field.
2. Check Scholarship Eligibility
Do not apply for every scholarship you find. Check requirements such as nationality, academic qualifications, work experience, field of study, age restrictions and previous degrees.
3. Research University Funding
Visit the official website of each university and look for pages titled Graduate Funding, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Fellowships or Assistantships.
4. Prepare Your Documents
Common application documents may include:
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Curriculum vitae or résumé
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendation letters
- Passport or identification documents
- Proof of English proficiency where required
- Research proposal, for programs that require one
- Evidence of professional experience, where applicable
Requirements vary between scholarships and universities.
5. Apply Early
Scholarship deadlines can be earlier than university admission deadlines. Starting early gives applicants enough time to prepare strong essays, obtain recommendation letters and correct application errors.
6. Apply for Multiple Opportunities
Students should avoid depending on only one scholarship. A better strategy is to apply for several suitable scholarships while also considering university-based funding and assistantships.
Tips for Winning a Master’s Scholarship in the USA
Competition for fully funded scholarships can be strong. Applicants can improve their chances by presenting a strong and convincing application.
Maintain a strong academic record: Good grades can strengthen your scholarship application, especially for highly competitive awards.
Demonstrate leadership: Many scholarships look beyond grades and want applicants who have demonstrated leadership, community involvement or professional achievements.
Explain your career goals: Clearly explain what you want to achieve through your master’s degree and how the scholarship will help you accomplish those goals.
Show your impact: Explain how your education and experience can contribute to your community, country or professional field.
Write a strong statement of purpose: Avoid generic statements. Connect your academic background, experience, career goals and reasons for choosing the program.
Use strong recommendation letters: Choose referees who know your academic, professional or leadership abilities well.
Conclusion
There are several master’s scholarships for students who want to study in the USA, ranging from major international fellowships to university-specific scholarships and graduate assistantships.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Knight-Hennessy Scholars, AAUW International Fellowships and Rotary Peace Fellowship are some of the important opportunities international students can explore. Each has different eligibility requirements, funding arrangements and application procedures.
Students should also remember that not every fellowship advertised as a graduate opportunity provides a master’s degree. For example, the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship provides graduate-level professional development but is a non-degree program.
The best approach is to start researching early, identify scholarships that match your qualifications and submit carefully prepared applications before the relevant deadlines.
