As a study abroad aspirant, the US will certainly be my top choice as it has the most number of top-ranked universities ensuring world-class education and lucrative job opportunities. If you too wish to pursue higher education abroad, read on as I list down some famous fully-funded master’s scholarships in the USA for 2024.
Unveiling the Fully Funded Term What does a fully-funded scholarship mean? Here’s breaking down the same into the kinds of financial awards that students usually get.
Scholarships Scholarships are financial awards given to students based on various criteria such as academic merit, financial need, and specific talents and interests. They do not need to be repaid. Well-known fully funded scholarships for master's degrees in the USA include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships.
Grants Grants are similar to scholarships in that they do not need to be repaid. They are often need-based and can come from federal or state governments, universities, or private organizations.
Fellowships Fellowships are typically merit-based and are awarded to graduate students to support their education and research. They often include a stipend and tuition coverage.
Fully-funded master’s in the USA for international students are available across majors. Some scholarships are open to students pursuing any academic program offered by the university, while others are offered for students pursuing studies in a particular field of study, such as engineering, medicine, business, or computer science.
The USA hosts the largest number of international students from across the world. Over the past few years, it has become one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad. Reasons such as best-ranked institutions, excellent support facilities, flexible academic environment, and cultural diversity contribute to making it the most preferred destination amongst students planning to study abroad.
The scholarships mentioned in the article are only for students who will be pursuing a master’s degree in the US. Some scholarships may be available for doctoral programs as well.
Tenure/Duration
The tenure or duration of these fully-funded master’s scholarships in the USA would vary according to the program type and the funding being offered.
Subject/Fields
Different scholarships will be offered as an aid to students in varied fields. For instance, Georgetown University USA provides fully-funded master’s scholarships for an MSc in International Affairs.
On the contrary, the NYU World Journalist Fellowship will aid students studying graduate programs in nine concentrations, including Business and Economic Reporting, Literary Reportage, Cultural Reporting and Criticism, among others.
Number of Scholarships Available
As of now, there are over 1500 fully-funded master’s scholarships in the USA. Some of the popular scholarships include:
1. Fullbright Foreign Scholarships
2. Joint Japan/ World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program or JJ/WBGSP
Both the notification and application deadlines would be different for varied scholarship programs. Here are some of the deadlines for some popular scholarships:
Scholarship
Level
Funding
Deadline (2024)
University/Organization
Fulbright Scholarship
Masters, PhD
Full tuition, stipend, travel, health insurance
Varies (Feb/Mar typical)
U.S. Department of State
Boren Awards
Masters, PhD
Full tuition, stipend, living allowance
Jan 26
National Security Education Program
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Masters, PhD
Full tuition, college fees, stipend
Oct 12, 2023
University of Cambridge
Marshall Scholarship
Masters
Full tuition, college fees, stipend, living allowance
Oct 17, 2023
U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Schwarzman Scholars
Masters
Full tuition, living allowance, travel, health insurance
Dec 1, 2023
Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Masters, PhD
Full tuition, stipend, living allowance, travel
Jan 7
Stanford University
Stanford Graduate Fellowships
Masters, PhD
Full tuition, stipend, living allowance
Varies (Jan/Feb)
Stanford University
Yale University International Student Scholarships
Masters, PhD
Full tuition, stipend, living allowance
Varies (Jan/Feb)
Yale University
MIT-Schwarzman Scholarship
Masters
Full tuition, living allowance, travel, health insurance
Dec 1, 2023
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Fulbright-Daad Award for German and American Studies
Masters, PhD
Full tuition, stipend, living allowance, travel
Nov 1
Fulbright Commission in Germany
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Masters
Full tuition, stipend, living allowance, travel
Feb 1
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
Masters
Full tuition, living allowance, travel
Varies (Nov/Dec)
European Union
U.S. Department of Agriculture Scholarships
Masters, PhD
Full tuition, stipend, living allowance
Varies
U.S. Department of Agriculture
American Association of University Women International Fellowships
Masters, PhD
Full tuition, stipend, living allowance
Dec 15
American Association of University Women
Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Program
Masters
Full tuition, stipend, living allowance
Nov 15
Schlumberger Foundation
Mode of Application
The mode of Application for fully-funded master’s scholarships in the USA for 2024 is online.
Eligibility Criteria and Additional Requirements
The eligibility criteria and additional requirements vary with each scholarship program every year. But there are some general requirements that are commonly looked for.
Here's a breakdown:
Academic excellence: This typically means having a high GPA in your previous studies and strong scores on standardized tests, extracurricular achievements, athletic ability, and other experiences that make you an excellent candidate. English language proficiency: You'll need to demonstrate your English skills through tests like TOEFL or IELTS to ensure you can succeed in an English-speaking academic environment. Financial need: Many scholarships are need-based, so you'll need to provide documentation to show your financial situation and justify why you need financial assistance. Intended major or field of study: Some scholarships are specific to certain academic programs.
Documents Required
When applying for scholarships for a master’s degree in the USA, you typically need the following documents:
Completed application form
Academic transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose or personal statement
Resume or CV
Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, TOEFL)
Visa documents
Value of Scholarship
The scholarship value will differ in various fully-funded master’s scholarships in the USA. The value could be over USD 50,000 (INR 38,09,500).
Every organization or university will consider various factors while selecting the student for a fully-funded master’s scholarship. The factors usually considered are:
1. Proven record of educational success
2. Realistic and clear goals
3. Leadership skills and abilities
4. Relevant ideas for high power growth in the chosen field
5. Their commitment to community service
6. Pledge to have a lifelong relationship with the organization/university post-graduation
Generally, the scholarships cover the entire span of the master’s course or require a minimum score throughout the course tenure to continue being disbursed.
Conclusion
Scholarships are a gateway to numerous opportunities in American universities, known for their academic excellence, diverse programs, and innovative research facilities. Fully funded scholarships typically cover tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and sometimes even include a stipend, making higher education in the USA accessible despite its reputation for high tuition fees.
Here are some detailed articles on Fully Funded Scholarships for top Study Abroad Destination:
What is a fully funded scholarship to study master's in the US?
A fully funded scholarship covers all expenses related to studying, including tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes even health insurance. Examples include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
Is there any fully funded scholarship in the USA?
Yes, there are several fully-funded scholarships available for international students in the USA. Some of these include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships.
Can you get a scholarship for master's degree in the USA?
Yes, many universities and organizations offer scholarships specifically for master's degree students like the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships. Eligibility criteria vary, but generally include academic excellence, leadership qualities, and financial need.
How long does it take to obtain a permanent resident visa?
The time required to obtain a permanent resident visa (Green Card) in the USA varies widely depending on the category of application. You can apply for a Green Card if:
You have an employer who is willing to sponsor
You’ve applied for a dual-intent visa
You are an investor.
You are marrying a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.
What GPA is required for a full scholarship in the USA?
Having a GPA of 2.6 and above can increase your chances of getting a scholarship in the USA.
With over a decade of expertise in international education, Jyotsna has held impactful roles at the British Council, Unilodgers, a prominent UK university, and IDP Education, empowering countless students by not only enhancing their educational experiences but also by offering them guidance in securing essential scholarships and financial aid. She is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals through tailored guidance and financial support.
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