Are you an international student dreaming of pursuing a master’s degree in the USA but worried about the high tuition costs? Studying in the United States can be expensive, but what if you could study for free?
Many top universities in cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston offer fully funded master’s programs in the USA for international students. These scholarships, grants, and assistantships cover tuition, living expenses, and even health insurance, making it possible for students from all over the world to study in the USA without financial stress.
Whether you’re interested in an MBA without GMAT in the USA, an MS in Data Science in the USA, or a Masters in Public Health (MPH) in the USA, there are plenty of fully funded master’s scholarships available. Some universities even offer STEM MBA programs in the USA, which come with additional funding opportunities and work benefits after graduation.
If you’re looking for an affordable MBA in the USA or searching for cheapest universities in the USA for master’s, this guide will help you navigate through scholarships, funding opportunities, and assistantships that can make your dream of studying in the USA a reality.
Keep reading to discover the best fully funded master’s programs available, how to apply, and what fields of study offer the most scholarships. Whether you want to study in Chicago, Houston, Dallas, or Miami, this article will give you the tools you need to study in the USA for free!
Also See: Best 1-Year Master’s Programs in the USA for International Students: Fast-Track Your Career!
Why Choose the USA for a Fully Funded Master’s Program?
The United States is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, making it a popular destination for students who want a high-quality education with global career opportunities. Cities like San Diego, Austin, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. are hubs for industries like business, technology, healthcare, and finance, providing students with excellent research and employment prospects.
For international students, studying in the USA means gaining access to cutting-edge research, networking with top professionals, and receiving internationally recognized degrees. Many universities also offer STEM-designated programs, such as MS in Business Analytics in the USA, Masters in Cybersecurity in the USA, and MSc Economics in the USA, which allow students to stay and work in the U.S. for a longer period after graduation.
The USA also offers numerous funding opportunities, including fully funded scholarships, graduate assistantships, and fellowships. Programs like the Masters in Data Science in the USA, Masters in Environmental Science in the USA, and MBA programs in the USA provide international students with financial aid, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and even stipends.
Additionally, many universities in cities like Philadelphia, San Jose, and Denver provide one-year MBA programs in the USA and fully funded online master’s degrees for students who want to study while working. This flexibility allows students to gain valuable U.S. education credentials without taking on significant financial burdens.
Also See: Best Online Master’s Degrees in the USA: Business, Data Science, and Cybersecurity
Types of Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in the USA
If you’re looking for a fully funded master’s program in the USA, there are several types of funding opportunities available:
1. Government-Funded Scholarships
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Covers full tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance for master’s students.
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program – Provides full financial support for professionals in fields like public health, education, and business administration.
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program – Covers full tuition and living expenses for students from developing countries pursuing MS in Finance in the USA, MSc Economics in the USA, and other fields.
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities in cities like Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles offer fully funded master’s scholarships for international students, including:
- Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars – Fully funded scholarships for students in MBA, data science, and engineering programs.
- Yale University International Scholarships – Covers full tuition and living expenses for students pursuing masters in social work in the USA, public health, and other fields.
- Harvard University Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships – Provides financial aid for international students in fields like business, law, public administration, and data science.
3. Field-Specific Scholarships
Some scholarships are specifically designed for students in particular fields:
- Masters in Data Science in the USA – Google and Facebook Fellowships provide full tuition waivers.
- MBA Programs in the USA – Harvard Business School Fellowships offer fully funded MBA programs.
- Public Health Scholarships – The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health provides full funding for Masters in Public Health (MPH) in the USA.
Also See: Caregiver, Cleaning, Nursing and Warehouse Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the USA
How to Apply for Fully Funded Master’s Programs in the USA
Applying for a fully funded master’s program in the USA requires careful planning and preparation. Follow these steps to increase your chances of getting accepted:
Step 1: Research the Right Program
- Identify universities in the USA for master’s degrees that offer full funding.
- Look for online master degree programs in the USA for international students if you prefer remote study.
- Check for STEM MBA programs in the USA, which provide additional work opportunities after graduation.
Step 2: Meet Eligibility Requirements
- Maintain a strong academic record (GPA requirements vary by university).
- Demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS.
- Some programs offer an MBA without GMAT in the USA, so check if GMAT/GRE is required.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Explain why you want to study in the USA and how the program aligns with your career goals.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – Obtain at least two strong recommendation letters from professors or employers.
- Research Proposal – Some programs, like PhD in Occupational Health and Safety in the USA, require a detailed proposal.
- Standardized Tests – Some programs accept applications for masters in the USA without GRE, so verify the requirements for your chosen university.
Step 4: Apply for Assistantships and Fellowships
- Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) – Many universities offer funded research opportunities in fields like data science, cybersecurity, and engineering management.
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) – Some universities provide stipends for students who teach undergraduate courses while pursuing their MS in Analytics in the USA or MSc Cyber Security in the USA.
By following these steps, you can significantly improve your chances of securing a fully funded master’s degree in the USA. Whether you’re interested in an MS in Digital Marketing in the USA, an MBA in IT in the USA, or a Masters in Information Management in the USA, funding opportunities are available for various fields.
Also See: Housekeeping, Nursing, and Caregiver Roles with Visa Sponsorship in the USA: How to Find Them
Fully Funded Master’s Programs in Different Fields
Many fully funded master’s programs in the USA for international students are available across various fields. Whether you’re interested in business, technology, healthcare, or social sciences, there are scholarships and assistantships to help you study for free. Below are some of the best-funded programs categorized by field of study.
A. Business & Management (MBA, MS in Business Analytics)
- Harvard Business School MBA Fellowship – Provides full tuition coverage and stipends for select students.
- MIT Sloan MBA Fellowships – Available for international students, including those pursuing a STEM MBA in the USA.
- University of Chicago Booth School of Business Scholarships – Offers financial aid for MBA programs in the USA.
- Duke University MS in Business Analytics – Fully funded assistantships for students pursuing an MS in Analytics in the USA.
B. Data Science, Cybersecurity & Engineering
- Carnegie Mellon University MS in Data Science – Fully funded research assistantships.
- Columbia University MS in Cyber Security – Covers tuition and research grants for students studying cybersecurity courses in the USA.
- University of California, Berkeley Engineering Programs – Fully funded master’s programs in data science, cybersecurity, and information management.
C. Public Health & Social Sciences
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health MPH Scholarships – Covers full tuition and provides stipends.
- University of Michigan MSW Scholarships – Fully funded masters in social work in the USA for international students.
- Yale School of Public Health MPH Fellowships – Available for MS in Public Health in the USA students.
D. Economics, Finance & Analytics
- Stanford University MSc in Economics – Fully funded research assistantships.
- University of Pennsylvania MS in Finance – Scholarships available for MSc Finance in the USA.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Economics Programs – Full tuition waivers and stipends for MSc Economics in the USA students.
Cheapest Universities in the USA for Master’s Programs with Scholarships
For students who may not qualify for fully funded scholarships, attending a cheaper university with funding opportunities can be an excellent alternative. Here are some of the cheapest universities in the USA for master’s that also offer scholarships:
- University of Texas at Austin – Affordable MS in Data Science in the USA with research assistantship opportunities.
- Arizona State University – Offers one of the cheapest online master’s degrees in the USA with partial funding.
- City University of New York (CUNY) – Provides low-cost MBA programs in the USA and MS in Digital Marketing in the USA.
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Affordable tuition with funding options for Masters in Cyber Security in the USA.
- Georgia Institute of Technology – Provides financial aid for MS in Business Analytics in the USA.
These universities offer high-quality education at a lower cost, making them great options for international students looking for affordable master’s degrees in the USA.
Online Fully Funded Master’s Programs in the USA
For students who prefer to study remotely, several universities offer fully funded online master’s programs in the USA. These programs are ideal for working professionals who want to earn a degree without relocating.
Best Online Fully Funded Master’s Programs:
- University of North Carolina Online MBA – Fully funded scholarships for high-achieving students.
- University of Southern California MS in Cybersecurity Online – Offers online cybersecurity courses in the USA with funding.
- Pennsylvania State University Online MS in Public Health – Covers tuition for selected students.
- Georgia Tech Online MS in Analytics – One of the cheapest online master’s degrees in the USA with scholarships.
Benefits of Online Fully Funded Master’s Programs:
- Lower costs compared to on-campus programs.
- Flexible schedules for working professionals.
- No need to relocate, making it easier for international students.
Alternative Funding Options for Master’s Students in the USA
If you don’t secure a fully funded scholarship, there are other ways to finance your education in the USA:
1. Graduate Assistantships & Fellowships
Many universities offer graduate assistantships where students work as teaching or research assistants in exchange for tuition waivers and stipends. Programs in MS in Data Science in the USA, Masters in Information Management in the USA, and MBA in IT in the USA often provide assistantship opportunities.
2. Employer-Sponsored Programs
Many multinational companies fund employees’ MBA programs in the USA and MS in Business Analytics in the USA. Employers in New York, San Francisco, and Houston often support employees pursuing STEM MBA in the USA.
3. Crowdfunding & Sponsorships
Platforms like GoFundMe and Study Abroad NGOs help international students raise funds for their education. Many organizations sponsor students in masters in public health in the USA, MSc economics in the USA, and cybersecurity courses in the USA for international students.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Tuition-Free Master’s Degree in the USA
Pursuing a fully funded master’s program in the USA is possible with the right research and preparation. Whether you are looking for an MBA in the USA, an MS in Data Science in the USA, or an MSc in Finance in the USA, there are plenty of scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships available to help cover tuition and living expenses.
By applying to fully funded programs in top cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco, students can gain access to world-class education while minimizing financial stress. Even if you don’t receive a fully funded scholarship, consider attending one of the cheapest universities in the USA for master’s degrees or exploring online master’s programs with funding.
Now is the time to start your application process! Research scholarships, prepare strong application materials, and explore funding opportunities to achieve your dream of studying in the United States for free.