Looking for master’s scholarships in the USA? Look no further, we have put together a comprehensive list of scholarships in the USA for master’s international students.
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The USA is home to many of
the world’s most prestigious universities (including half of the global top 10), and hosts more international students than
any other country – around 1.1 million by the latest count. To join this
number of international students in the US to study for your master’s degree, we
bring you masters scholarships in USA for international students
Before we get to the list, here…
Some things to Know about applying for Masters Degree in the US
To be eligible for masters study in the US, you should have
completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from an
internationally recognized institution. Along with your degree certificate, you
will typically need to provide:
- One or more letters of recommendation;
- A graduate admissions test result, if required
(e.g. GRE/GMAT); - Proof of proficiency in English (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS) if you are not a native speaker;
- A statement of purpose, outlining your aspirations and demonstrating your suitability for the course.
While some institutions accept
applications on an ongoing basis, most colleges offer an early deadline
(usually December to January) and a regular deadline (usually March to April).
You can apply to as many US universities as you like, but many students select
a shortlist of six. US universities often charge an application fee, usually
between $50 and $100, though online applications can be cheaper or free.
Apply for a US student visa
International students will need to obtain an F-1
non-immigrant visa. You can only apply for this after securing a place at an
SEVP-approved university, and you’ll need to provide proof of sufficient funds
for the course duration. You’ll be asked to attend an interview with your
application and supporting documents at your local US embassy.
30+ Masters Scholarships in USA for International Students
The good news is that there are several masters scholarships
in USA for international students. Be sure to check back often, because we will
be updating this page from time to time.
1. Fulbright Foreign Scholarships
The Fulbright
Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals and
artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States. The
scholarships are for study towards a Master’s or PhD degree, and can also be
awarded for non-degree postgraduate studies. Study and research under this
program is for one or more years at U.S. universities or other appropriate
institutions.
Application Deadline: varies per country, however on a general note, it is usually from February to May annually of the preceding year you wish to study.
Number of Awards:
The number of awards varies per country, but approximately 4,000 foreign
students receive Fulbright scholarships each year.
Value of the Program: The Fulbright program provides funding for the duration of the study. The grant funds tuition, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. See the official website for the exact scholarship benefits.
Duration of Scholarship: The whole duration of the study, research or non-degree program – usually one year or more
2. Joint Japan World Bank Group Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) for Students in Developing Countries
The Joint
Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is open to women
and men from developing countries with relevant professional experience and a
history of supporting their countries’ development efforts who are applying to
a master degree program in a development-related topic.
Application Deadline: 12th April
Number of Awards:
Several
Value of the Program: Covers the cost of completing a master’s degree or its equivalent:
Duration: A maximum duration of two years.
3. Rotary Peace Fellowship for Masters and Professional Programs
Each year, Rotary selects up to 100
individuals from around the world to receive fully funded academic fellowships
at one of its peace centers. These fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and
board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses.
Application Deadline: 31st May
Two types of peace fellowships are
available.
Number of Awards: up to 100
Value of the Program: The Rotary
Peace Fellowship covers: Tuition and fees, Room and board, Round-trip
transportation and Internship/field study expenses.
Duration of Scholarship: 15 to
24 months
4. MasterCard Foundation Scholarships at Michigan State University
The MasterCard Foundation has partnered with
Michigan State University USA to provide full tuition scholarships to students
from Sub-Saharan Africa. MSU will host the most scholars among the six U.S.
partner institutions. Students who have demonstrated academic talent, are
economically disadvantaged and have a personal commitment to give back to their
countries are invited to apply for these scholarships.
Application Deadline: 1st February
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of the Program: Full financial,
academic and social support.
Duration of Scholarship: For the full
period of masters’ study
5. MasterCard Foundation Scholarships at University of California, Berkeley
At
University of California Berkeley, the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
provides holistic support – financial, academic, social, and career counseling
– to Masters students from
Sub-Saharan Africa from 2012 to 2020. UC Berkeley will receive $30 million in funding over the eight
years as part of MFSP.
Application Deadlines: fall between
1st December and 6th January
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of the Program: Fully-funded
scholarship
Duration of Scholarship: for the
period of study
6. Georgetown University Scholarships for African Students
The Master of
Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) at Georgetown University USA is a two-year,
full-time graduate degree program in international affairs. Students will take
courses in international relations, international trade, international finance,
statistics and analytical tools and history. In addition, students choose an
area of concentration such as International Relations and Security,
International Development or International Business. MSFS offers a full-tuition
scholarship for a talented graduate student from sub-Saharan Africa
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligible African Countries: Special consideration will be given to applicants from: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa.
Value of the Program: Full tuition scholarship
Duration of Scholarship: For the duration of the program
7. Oregon State University International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) Scholarships
Oregon State University is offering
scholarships to international students in exchange for cultural service to OSU,
academic colleges, and the surrounding communities. The goal of the ICSP
program is to increase cultural awareness and understanding throughout the
local region and the state of Oregon.
Application Deadline: 15th January
Value of the Program: $7,500 – $30,000
Number of Awardees: 10-20
8. Margaret McNamara Educational Grants Scholarships for Women from Developing Countries in US & Canada
This Margaret McNamara Educational
Grants (MMEG) scholarship open for female students from Developing
Countries to assist women pursue their education with the aim of
improving the lives of these women and children. Grants will be used in schools
in the USA and Canada.
Application Deadline: 15th January
Number of Scholarships: Not Specified
Scholarship benefits: Approximately $15,000 per scholarship recipient
Duration: The
grant is a onetime award to last for the duration of study
9. Margaret McNamara Educational Grants (MMEG)/Trinity Washington University Scholarships for Women in Developing Countries
In 2016, MMEG initiated a partnership with
Trinity Washington University in Washington DC to award grants for up to
two women students studying at Trinity Washington University, USA.
Application Deadline: 15th January
Number of Awardees: 2
Value of Scholarship: The grant is awarded to last for the duration of study
10. Eastern Illinois University International Student Scholarship
The International Student Scholarship was established by the
Board of Trustees to assist students from other countries to attend Eastern
Illinois University. Awards are competitive and designed to promote cultural
exchange and diversity. Awards may be granted on the basis of one or both of
the following factors: financial need and academic excellence.
Application Deadlines:
- 1st March for Fall semester scholarships
- 1st October for Spring semester scholarships
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of the Program: The scholarship pays partial
tuition for minimum full-time enrollment in EIU courses.
Duration of Scholarship: Duration of course
11. East Tennessee State University Academic Merit Scholarship
The International Students Academic Merit Scholarship is
open to new international students seeking a graduate or undergraduate degree.
The scholarship covers 50 percent of the total of in and out-of-state tuition
and maintenance fees only.
Application Deadline: 15th October
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of the Program: The scholarship covers 50
percent of the total of in and out-of-state tuition and maintenance fees only.
12. Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Scholarship Research Program for Students in Developing Countries
The MSC Scholarship
Research Program is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students studying
problems and solutions in fisheries science and management and the integrity of
the seafood supply chain. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) runs an
exciting and ambitious program, working with partners to transform the world’s
seafood markets and promote sustainable fishing practices. Undergraduate
and postgraduate students of environmental and fisheries science are able to
further their studies through the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) scholarship
research program.
Application Deadline: 16th March.
Number of Awards: A maximum of five
Value of Award: The MSC awards travel and study
scholarships, up to the value of £4,000 to eligible undergraduate and
postgraduate students worldwide.
Duration of Program: The project must be
completed within 12 months of the start date stated on the application form,
and the final project report must be submitted within 15 months of the start
date.
13. Virginia International University (VIU) Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships for International Students
Virginia
International University (VIU) offers a unique opportunity to acquire an
excellent, multi-disciplinary education at an affordable cost by offering
students access to scholarships. VIU has been attracting individuals who
take their VIU experiences into their own cultures, share their knowledge with
future generations, and launch successful careers. Thus, there are several
different types of scholarships available based on exemplary personal skills,
academic achievement, extracurricular participation, on-campus work, and
residency.
Application Deadlines: Varies (see link below)
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of Program: Scholarship awards are given
as a credit towards semester tuition only.
14. Global Health Corps Fellowship for Young Professionals in Africa
Global Health Corps is building the next generation of
diverse health leaders. The program offers a range of paid fellowship positions
with health organizations in Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, the United States, and
Zambia and the opportunity to develop as a transformative leader in the health
equity movement. Everyone has a role to play in the health equity movement.
Application Deadline: 7th January
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of the Program: Yearlong paid
placements within partner organizations
- Engagement in a comprehensive leadership
training curriculum to build effective, empathetic, and innovative leaders of
tomorrow. - Fellow receive additional logistical and
financial support during the year, including:- Monthly
living and utilities stipend, Housing, Health insurance, Professional
development grant of $600 and completion award of $1500, Travel coverage to and
from placement site, all trainings, and retreats
- Monthly
Duration of Program: One year
15. ACI Foundation International Fellowship
The ACI Foundation offers several Fellowship and
undergraduate Scholarship opportunities for students and E-Members. ACI
Foundation Fellowships and Scholarships are awarded annually to help students
with an interest in concrete achieve their educational and career goals. The
student must be considered a full-time undergraduate or graduate student as
defined by the college or university during the award year. Applications will
be accepted from anywhere in the world but study must take place in the United
States or Canada during the award year.
Application Deadline: 3rd November.
16. BHW Group Women in STEM Academic Scholarship
The BHW Group offers
Women in STEM academic scholarship. Women who are pursuing an
undergraduate or master’s degree and are majoring in science, technology,
engineering, or mathematics during the school year.
Application Deadline: 15th April
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of the Program: $3000
17. Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Imomoh Scholarship for African Students
The Imomoh
Scholarship was endowed to the SPE Foundation by Egbert Imomoh to support
excellence in education for students from the Africa Region. The recipients
will be awarded a single payment of USD 2,000.
Application Deadline: 15th April
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of the Program: USD 2,000
Duration of Scholarship: single payment
18. Grenada: School of Medicine Scholarships for International Students at St. George’s University
#SGUperspective scholarships are available to new students
who enroll in the January class. Students can apply by creating a 30-60 second
video highlighting the aspects of medicine that inspire them, sharing it on
social media with the hashtag #SGUperspective, and submitting it here for
evaluation by the University’s admissions committee.
Application Deadline: 31st December
Eligibility: In order to be eligible for the
grant, participants must be 18 years of age or older, have posted a video,
submitted the direct link, and completed an application. Your profile
and/or video post must be public in order for your video to be viewed and
considered for this grant. By submitting a video, SGU reserves the right
to share, repost, and use it on the SGU website and social media pages.
Number of Awards: 30
Students
Value of the Program: St. George’s will award
scholarships of up to $10,000
19. Open Society Disability Rights Scholarship (LL.M) Program
The Open Society Disability Rights Scholarship Program
provides awards for master’s degree study to disability rights advocates,
lawyers, and educators to develop new legislation, jurisprudence, policy,
research, and scholarship to harness the innovations and opportunities offered
by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(CRPD).
Application Deadline: 1st December
Eligible African Countries: Ghana, Mozambique, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
Value of the Program: The fellowship provides:
- tuition and mandatory university fees;
- monthly stipend for room, board, and other living expenses;
- program-related travel;
- accident and health insurance during the program;
- funds for educational materials and professional development;
- all costs associated with pre-academic summer program and annual conference;
- support for students with disabilities to obtain reasonable accommodations necessary for participating in the program of study.
Duration of Scholarship: 1 year
20. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program annually identify a
group of 100 high-achieving students from around the world with demonstrated
leadership and civic commitment to receive full funding to pursue a
wide-ranging graduate education at Stanford, with the goal of developing a new
generation of global leaders. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars is the largest fully
endowed scholars program in the world.
Application Deadline: 27th September
Number of Awards: up to 100
Value of Program:
- Full funding includes tuition, stipend, graduate program and related academic expenses, with additional financial support
available. - Pursue any graduate degree at Stanford, from PhDs in arts, education, engineering, humanities, or social sciences to
professional degrees in business, law, or medicine. - Build skills in leadership and communication that will empower you to work across disciplines and to scale creative
solutions for complex challenges.
Duration of Program: The Knight-Hennessy
Scholars program funds up to the first three years of your graduate education
21. University of Washington’s Barer Institute Law Fellowship
The Barer Institute selects annually three to four
mid-career leaders from lower to middle income countries to enroll in the
Sustainable International Development LL.M. Program and serve as change makers
in their home countries upon graduation.
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Number of Awards: Not specified
22. OPEC/OFID Scholarships for Students Developing Countries
The OPEC Fund for
International Development – OFID Scholarship Award open for
qualified applicants who have obtained or are on the verge of completing their
undergraduate degree and who wish to study for a Master’s degree. Applicants
must be from a developing country (except OFID Member Countries), and
he/she must first obtain admission to pursue a Master’s degree studies in a
relevant field of development, from any recognized university/college in the
world. Through its scholarship scheme, OFID aims to help highly motivated,
highly driven individuals overcome one of the biggest challenges to their
careers – the cost of graduate studies.
Application Deadline: 4th May
Number of Scholarship: Four
Duration of Scholarship: one year masters degree programme
Value of Scholarship: The winners of the OFID Scholarship Award will receive a full tuition scholarship of up to US$50,000. The funds will be spread over a maximum of one year, toward the completion of a Master’s degree, or its equivalent, at an accredited educational institution.
23. New York University (NYU) World Journalist Fellowship
The Fellowship provides an opportunity for internationally
based journalists to study in the Master of Arts program in Journalism at NYU’s
Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. The fellow will pursue the degree in one
of our nine concentrations: Business and Economic Reporting; Cultural
Reporting and Criticism; Global and Joint Program Studies; Literary
Reportage; Magazine Writing; News and Documentary; Reporting the
Nation & New York; Science, Health and Environmental Reporting; and Studio
20.
Application Deadline: 15th April
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value and Duration of Award:
- Tuition and fees for two semesters, as well as a stipend for each of the two semesters. Most of the graduate programs require three semesters of study to complete the M.A. degree, with one program requiring four semesters.
- The fellow will also receive a stipend of approximately $13,000 for each of the two semesters of the fellowship.
24. Obama Foundation Scholars Program for Emerging Leaders to Study at University of Chicago
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program is a new program from
the Obama Foundation and the University of Chicago Harris School of Public
Policy for rising leaders from around the world who are focused on an issue of
global importance, have a track record and commitment to advancing the public
good, and want to accelerate their impact. The Obama Foundation Scholars Program seeks to support dynamic,
collaborative, rising leaders from around the world in an innovative one-year
academic experience.
Application Deadline: 10th April
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of the Program:
- fully-funded scholarship to study a Master of Arts degree
- Any travel costs for these experiences will also be fully covered.
- Leadership development convenings; program experiences in New York and Washington, DC; speaker series with innovators across a variety of sectors; individual and group service projects; mentorship through the Obama Foundation network; potential internship placements; and action plan development for post-program activities.
Duration of Program: 1 year
25. Harvard Business School Global Opportunity Fellowship (GO: Africa)
The GO: Africa Fellowship will support students who want to
make an impact specifically in Africa. The new fellowship will provide generous
financial support to students who want to make a difference working on the
continent after HBS, by supplementing the salaries they earn on the continent
for the first five years after graduation.
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value and Duration of Award: The fellowship is
designed to bridge the gap between a recipient’s annual salary and $100,000
USD. Students will be eligible for the fellowship for up to five years after
graduation, with a maximum award of $50,000 per year and cumulative support of
$150,000.
26. Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship for African Students (SUSPENDED)
Stanford university
awards MBA Fellowships to citizens of African countries who desire to obtain an
MBA at Stanford University and afterwards return to contribute to the
continent’s development. The program is set annually to assist citizens
from Africa study at the university, acquire essential skill sets for the
standard duration of two years and return to the continent, to work in vital
positions that directly impact and improve Africa.
Application Deadline: 7th June
Number of Awardees: Eight (8)
Value of the Program: $160,000
Duration of Scholarship: Two years
27. Ezera Research Fellowship for African Students at University of California, Berkeley
An endowment has
been established in memory of Emeka Kalu Ezera to support graduate students
from African countries at the University of California at Berkeley. The funds
from the endowment are assigned to the Center for African Studies to aid
student scholars at the graduate level concentrating in African Studies.
Application Deadline: 12th February
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of the Program: Funds may be requested for
maintenance, travel, or research costs, as appropriate to enhance
pre-dissertation and dissertation research on Africa.
28. AfyaBora Fellowship in Global Health Leadership for African Medical Practitioners
The Core Curriculum for the AfyaBora Fellowship is taught at
the African partner institutions and brings together each new cohort of African
and U.S. trainees. The Core Curriculum consists of eight one-week didactic modules.
The AfyaBora Fellowship in Global
Health Leadership works to fill an identified gap in training for African and
U.S. health professionals. This innovative 12-month fellowship will prepare
African and U.S. health professionals to lead and manage major health programs
in African countries.
Application Deadline: 1st December
Eligible African Countries: Botswana, Cameroon,
Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda or the US
Number of Awardees: 20
Value of the Program:
- Airfare from home to training sites of the AfyaBora Fellowship
- Monthly stipend equivalent to $1500 per month
- Evacuation insurance if stationed outside home country
- Accommodations and per diem up if attending didactic sessions and meetings outside of home country
- Housing allowance of up to $750 per month if placed outside of home country
- Reimbursement for other selected fellowship-specific activities in Africa (i.e. travel to rural sites, visa, etc.)
Duration of Program: 12 months
29. George Washington University Global Leaders Fellowship for International Students
The Global Leaders Fellowship is for incoming graduate
students (master’s and doctoral) who have applied to the George Washington
University for Fall admission. The fellowship is intended for GW
graduate students who will be future leaders in their fields in their home
countries, returning to their countries of origin to apply skills learned
through their formal education at GW.
Application Deadline: 5th February
Number of Awards: 3
Value of the Program: The Fellowships will cover
up to 18 credit hours will be awarded. The grantee is to provide funds from
other sources for books, living, and other expenses, and must provide
certification of this support.
Duration of Program: A Fellowship is renewable
each year for a cumulative maximum of three years for Master’s candidates and
up to five years for doctoral candidates.
30. BHEARD/Michigan State University Agricultural Fellowship for Researchers in Mali
With funding from the
U.S. government, the Borlaug Higher Education Agricultural Research and
Development (BHEARD) Program is implemented by Michigan State University. The
program supports long-term training of agricultural researchers at the master’s
and doctoral levels. BHEARD invites applicants from Mali for study in the USA
or other selected countries.
Application Deadline: 1st January
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of the Program: The scholarship supports
studies in the United States or other English-speaking African countries.
Duration of Program: The training programs will
cover up to 2 years of courses for Master’s students, and up to 3 years of
courses for PhD students.
31. Short-Term Visiting Scholars Program at Michigan State University
Building on the
capacity strengthening component of the project, several short-term graduate
student visiting scholar positions for Nigerian students at Masters and PhD
level will be offered at Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing,
Michigan, United States of America over the 5 year life of the project.
Application Deadline: 28th February
Number of Awardees: Five (3 Masters, 2 PhD)
Value of Program:
- Travel related costs, lodging and meals. Travel related costs are limited to visa fees, visa procurement, and round trip air
tickets from Nigeria to East Lansing, Michigan USA. - Monthly stipend of $1,000. Up to 4 months for the Master’s Level, and up to 9 months for the PhD level.
- Medical insurance for the duration of the Project Scholar’s MSU program.
- No support whatsoever is provided for dependents.
32. Future Global Leaders (FGL) Fellowship
The Future Global
Leaders Fellowship annually selects the world’s top first-generation university
students and, over the course of a 3-year program, primes them for induction
into the Fortis Society – the world’s first private network of diverse
leaders committed to one another’s success and to a better world.
Application Deadline: 31st January
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of Fellowship: All programme costs are covered by the Future Leaders Foundation.
Duration of Fellowship: The Future Global Leaders Fellowship officially starts in July, when all newly selected FGL Fellows come together for an intensive 20-day leadership training.
33. Jane M Klausman Women in Business Scholarships for International Students
The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship offers annually by the Zonta International Club for women in different parts of the world. It is one of the top masters scholarships in USA for international students. Because Zonta International believes in gender equality, the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship program helps women pursue undergraduate and master’s degrees in business management and overcome gender barriers from the classroom to the boardroom.
Application Deadline: Varies (see link below)
Eligible African Countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote
D’Ivoire, Ghana, Mongolia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.
Number of Scholarships: Up to 32 scholarships
Value of Scholarship:
- Zonta International awards scholarships of US$2,000 each at the district/region level and six international scholarships
in the amount of US$8,000 each. - The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarships are awarded annually and may be used for tuition, books or living
expenses at any university, college or institution offering accredited business courses and degrees.
34. Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA) Fellowship Program
The LAWA Program
helps defray the costs for women’s rights attorneys from Africa who would not
otherwise be able to afford a Master of Laws degree focusing on international
women’s human rights and the additional leadership training.
The Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA)
Fellowship Program was founded in 1993 at the Georgetown University Law Center
in Washington, D.C., in order to train women’s human rights lawyers from Africa
who are committed to returning home to their countries in order to advance the
status of women and girls in their own countries throughout their careers.
Application Deadline: 12th January
Eligible African Countries: Over 80 women’s human
rights advocates from Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia,
Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania,
Uganda and Zimbabwe have participated in the LAWA Program, and we hope to
include Fellows from additional countries in the future.
Value of Fellowship: The LAWA Fellowship provides the
tuition for the Foundations of American Law and Legal Education Course (a U.S.
$2,200 benefit) and for the LL.M. degree (a U.S. $46,865 benefit) at the
Georgetown University Law Center, as well as professional development training.
Duration of Fellowship: The entire LAWA
Fellowship Program is approximately 14 months long (from July of the first year
through August of the following year), after which the LAWA Fellows return home
to continue advocating for women’s rights in their own countries
35. AAUW International Fellowship for Women, Masters & Doctoral program in USA
The American
Association of University Women (AAUW) offers International Fellowship for
Women to study in USA. AAUW International Fellowships are awarded for
full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not U.S.
citizens or permanent residents. Both graduate and postgraduate studies at
accredited U.S. institutions are supported. Applicants must have earned the
equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree and must have applied to their proposed
institutions of study by the time of the application.
Application Deadline: open August 1 to December 1.
Number of Awards: Up to five fellowships are
renewable for a second year.
Value of Awards:
- Master’s/First Professional Degree Fellowship: $18,000
- Doctoral Fellowship: $20,000
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: $30,000
Visit the Scholarship Webpage to apply
This post was last modified on June 12, 2024 6:20 pm
