Fully Funded USA MS Scholarships (2026-2027) Application Guide & Top Universities

February 24, 2024
by
MST

The United States remains the premier destination for international students seeking a Master of Science (MS) degree through fully funded scholarship programs. These awards cover the high costs of American graduate education, including tuition, housing, and research expenses. By securing these grants, students gain access to advanced laboratories, world-renowned faculty, and a global professional network.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program remains the largest fully funded scholarship for international MS students, providing a monthly stipend of approximately 1,500 to 2,500 dollars. This grant supports over 4,000 scholars annually across diverse fields of study at accredited USA universities. Recipients use these funds to cover full tuition, round-trip airfare, and a settling-in allowance, ensuring a smooth transition to academic life in the United States.

Academic excellence and leadership potential serve as the primary selection criteria for these prestigious awards. Most applications for the 2026-2027 academic cycle open in early February 2026 and require a completed Bachelor’s degree. These scholarships promote international cooperation and provide a platform for talented individuals to solve complex global challenges through specialized scientific and technical training.

Key Scholarship Programs

Three major programs fund MS studies for international students: the Fulbright Scholarship, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford, and the AAUW International Fellowships. The Fulbright Program supports Master’s students from 155 countries for up to two years of study. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program provides full funding for any graduate degree at Stanford University, focusing on leadership development. The AAUW International Fellowships specifically support women pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Top Universities & Their Offerings

Five elite universities offer substantial internal funding and host scholarship recipients: Yale University, Stanford University, Harvard University, the University of Memphis, and Illinois State University.

Yale University: Yale provides need-based scholarships for international students, with average awards exceeding 50,000 dollars per year.
Stanford University: Stanford hosts the Knight-Hennessy Scholars, covering 100% of tuition and associated academic fees.
Harvard University: Harvard offers various institutional fellowships, such as the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) fellowships, which provide full tuition and stipends.
University of Memphis: This university offers International Merit Scholarships that cover the difference between out-of-state and in-state tuition rates.
Illinois State University: Illinois State provides Graduate International Admissions Scholarships valued at 5,000 dollars, which are renewable for up to two years.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Master of Science (MS) / Master’s Degree
Location: United States of America
Institution(s): Yale, Stanford, Harvard, University of Memphis, and others
Program Period: 1 to 2 years (standard MS duration)
Course offered: STEM, Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities (excluding clinical medicine)
Deadline: December 15, 2025 (Yale) / October 8, 2025 (Knight-Hennessy) / Varies by country (Fulbright)

Scholarship Coverage

Fully funded USA MS scholarships provide four essential pillars of financial support: tuition waivers, monthly stipends, health coverage, and travel grants.

100% Tuition Remission: The scholarship pays all enrollment costs and mandatory university fees directly to the institution.
Monthly Living Stipends: Recipients receive a regular payment (often between 1,000 and 2,500 dollars) to manage food, local transport, and utilities.
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Most programs include a health benefit plan that meets U.S. visa requirements for medical emergencies.
Airfare and Travel: Awards typically cover one round-trip economy flight from the student’s home country to the university.

Eligibility Criteria

International applicants must meet three fundamental eligibility requirements: academic status, language skills, and standardized test scores.

Academic Status: You must hold a degree equivalent to a 4-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Language Skills: You must demonstrate English proficiency with a TOEFL iBT score of at least 80 or an IELTS score of 6.5.
Standardized Test Scores: Many MS programs require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, with specific requirements set by the individual department.

You must reside in your home country at the time of application, if you are applying for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Application Process

The application process follows a rigorous path involving research, document gathering, and interview sessions.

Research University Programs: You must identify specific MS programs and their respective scholarship deadlines through the official university websites.
Register for Standardized Tests: Complete your TOEFL and GRE exams at least three months before the scholarship deadline to ensure scores reach the institutions on time.
Prepare a Statement of Purpose: Write a compelling essay that connects your past research, current interests, and future career goals in the United States.
Obtain Recommendations: Request 3 letters of recommendation from faculty members or professional supervisors who can attest to your academic ability.
Submit the Online Application: Fill out the scholarship portal (such as the IIE portal for Fulbright) and upload your transcripts, CV, and test scores.
Attend the Interview: Participate in an evaluative interview with the scholarship committee, if you are shortlisted for the award.

You must confirm the “Declaration of Finances” requirements, if your chosen university requires proof of funding for visa processing.

Deadline

The deadlines for fully funded MS scholarships in the USA generally fall between September and January for the following academic year. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars deadline is October 8, 2025. The Yale University scholarship deadline is December 15, 2025. Fulbright deadlines vary significantly by country, often closing between May and August 2025 for the 2026-2027 cycle.