Pursuing a master’s degree in the USA is a dream come true for so many people, but quite unfortunately, the cost of this dream is high, but that hasn’t stopped millions of students from around the world from pursuing this audacious dream.
The high value, which is second to none, the specialised knowledge, research opportunities, cultural diversity, and networking potentials that are available to students during and after make a master’s degree in the USA worth every penny.
But how can you have access to all of this if you can’t afford the high cost of a master’s degree in the United States?
Well, that is where a scholarship comes in.
You might be wondering how to find the right scholarship, the criteria or eligibility, how to apply, and if it is going to be a fully funded or partial scholarship.
Well, we have all the answers you might need, so let’s dive right in.
What Types of Scholarships Are Available in the USA for International Students?
Opportunities for international students abound in the United States more than any other country on earth.
Different institutions, organisations, and the government are fully involved in sponsoring scholars to study and live in the United States.
Here is a list of the types of scholarship opportunities that are available to international students from most countries.
1 Academic Merit Scholarships:
This type of scholarship is strictly for students with excellent academic achievements or potential, usually students with high GPAs, SAT/ACT scores, or those who have excelled in academic competitions.
2. Talent-Based Scholarships:
This type of scholarship is strictly for students with exceptional abilities in areas that are of value and importance to the United States, such as drama, music, poetry, science, athletics, etc.
3. Needs-Based Scholarships:
This type of scholarship is strictly for students who have proven beyond reasonable doubt that they deserve financial aid to pursue a master’s degree in the United States.
These types of students are usually from low-income countries with little or no financial capabilities to fund a master’s degree for themselves.
4. Country-specific scholarships:
This type of scholarship is strictly for students from certain countries that are offered by institutions such as the African Leadership University scholarship, Mastercard Foundation, African Development Bank, Japanese government, Korean Government, etc.
5. Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship:
This type of scholarship is strictly for students who are from under-represented minorities, women, LQBTQ, and those with disabilities.
6. Career-Specific Scholarship:
This type of scholarship is strictly for students in professional careers such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, healthcare, and business.
7. Government-funded scholarship:
This type of scholarship is offered by governments to their citizens based on national merit or to students pursuing degrees in the interests of the government, such as in national security, satellite exploration, etc.
8. Private Scholarship:
This is carried out by private organizations such as Coca-Cola, Google, Microsoft, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, civic groups, etc.
What documents are required to apply for a USA Masters scholarship?
The documents required in applying for a USA visa are peculiar to the type of scholarship.
While some might require a proof of funds, especially for partially sponsored scholarships, others do not require proof of funds.
However, this is a general list of documents needed for a USA masters scholarship
- Passport
- Application form
- Academic certificate and transcripts
- Standardized test scores such as GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, ACT, etc.
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation
- Proof of funds
- Resume or CV
- Medical reports
- Application fee receipt
Scholarship for Masters in USA
Here is a list of credible scholarship institutions in the United States that offer the opportunity to do a master’s degree.
1. Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Sanford University
According to the World University Ranking 2025 by Times Higher Education, Standford University is ranked the 6th best university in the world in 2025, making them one of the best private universities in the world.
It will be a dream come true for anyone to have a master’s scholarship to study here.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars offer international students an opportunity to study for a master’s degree program for free (full tuition), while also offering living stipends, travel trips, and other financial rewards for academic pursuits.
Course starts: Autum, 2025-2026
Apply here: Knight-Hennesy Scholars
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
This fully funded scholarship for international students comes with a J-1 visa, an airplane ticket, living stipends, and health insurance.
This program operates in more than 160 countries, and approximately 4000 students are given scholarships every year.
Course starts: AY, 2025-2026
Apply here: Fulbright Foreign Student Program
3. Rotary Peace Fellowship
This fellowship provides scholarships to individuals pursuing rotary causes such as peace, conflict resolution, diversity, equality, Inclusion, etc.
It provides tuition fees, travel expenses,
Course starts: 2025-2026
Apply here: Rotary Peace Fellowship
4. University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship
This scholarship is mostly for students in developing countries pursuing a master’s degree.
It covers tuition, travel costs, accommodation, and other living stipends.
Course starts: 2025-2026
Apply here: University of Hawaii
5. Yale University Scholarship
This type of scholarship falls under the need-based scholarship, where successful applicants are granted a scholarship close to $50,000.
It is open to international students who want to study at Yale University, which is ranked as the 10th best university in the world according to Times Higher Education (THE).
They are globally recognised as the best in law and are also recognised in medicine and business.
Course starts: 2025-2026
Apply here: Yale University
6. University of Michigan LSA Collegiate Fellowship
This type of scholarship also comes with mentoring and a support system to start and excel in academic careers.
They are ranked as the 23rd best university in the world and 14th in the United States, according to Times Higher Education (THE).
This scholarship can either be merit-based or need-based, and it covers expenses up to $60,000 and other funds for research and other purposes.
Course starts: 2025-2026
Apply here: University of Michigan
Conclusion:
Obtaining a scholarship for a master’s degree program should not only end as a dream but should be a reality following the process carefully stated above.
While some institutions offer partial scholarships, others offer full scholarships and also pay for other expenses such as books, medical insurance, airline tickets, etc.
Choose the best and change your life today.
Welcome to the United States of America!!!