Pursuing a master’s degree in the United States is a significant aspiration for many students worldwide. However, the financial commitment can be substantial. Fortunately, numerous fully funded scholarships are available for the 2026 academic year, designed to support outstanding students in achieving their educational goals.
This comprehensive guide highlights some of the top master’s scholarships in the USA for 2026, providing essential details and application links to assist you in navigating these opportunities. APPLY NOW
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Overview: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a flagship international educational exchange initiative sponsored by the U.S. government. It aims to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other countries by offering research, study, and teaching opportunities.
Eligibility:
- Open to international students from over 155 countries.
- Applicants must have completed undergraduate education and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.
Application Process:
- Applications are managed by Fulbright Commissions or U.S. Embassies in the applicant’s home country.
- Deadlines vary by country, typically between February and October 2024.
Apply Here
2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
Overview: The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University cultivates a multidisciplinary community of emerging leaders from around the world. Scholars receive full funding to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford, including master’s programs.
Eligibility:
- Open to all nationalities.
- Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree in 2018 or later.
- Must apply to and be accepted by both Stanford and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program.
Benefits:
- Full funding for tuition, stipend for living and academic expenses, and a travel grant.
Application Process:
- Separate applications are required for the graduate program and the scholarship.
- The application deadline is typically in October 2024.
Apply Here
3. Yale University’s Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program
Overview: Yale University offers the Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program, a global leadership development initiative. While not a traditional master’s program, it provides mid-career professionals with the opportunity to enhance leadership skills and engage in interdisciplinary academic exploration.
Eligibility:
- Open to mid-career professionals from various sectors and countries.
- Applicants should have a track record of significant achievements and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Benefits:
- A stipend to cover living expenses in New Haven.
- Travel costs to and from Yale.
- Housing in a furnished apartment.
Application Process:
- Applications typically open in July and close in December 2024.
Apply Here
Read: Fully Funded USA Scholarships for International Students 2026
4. The Humphrey Fellowship Program
Overview: The Humphrey Fellowship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, offers mid-career professionals from designated countries an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills through a year of non-degree graduate-level study and professional development in the United States.
Eligibility:
- Open to professionals from eligible countries in various fields, including public policy, public health, education, and more.
- Applicants must have an undergraduate degree, a minimum of five years of professional experience, and demonstrated leadership qualities.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition and fees at the host university.
- Provides a living allowance, accident and sickness coverage, and a professional development stipend.
Application Process:
- Applications are submitted through the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in the applicant’s country.
- Deadlines vary by country, generally between May and September 2024.
Apply Here
5. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Overview: 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.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be nationals of a World Bank member developing country.
- Must have a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of development-related work experience.
- Applicants should be in good health and committed to returning to their home country upon completion of the program.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, and health insurance.
Application Process:
- Applications typically open in March and close in May 2024.
Apply Here: JJ/WBGSP
6. Rotary Peace Fellowship
Overview: The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. The fellowship covers tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses.
Eligibility:
- Open to professionals with a minimum of three years of related work experience.
- Proficiency in English and a bachelor’s degree are required.
- Candidates must demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to peace and conflict resolution.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition and fees, lodging, meals, and round-trip transportation.
Application Process:
- Applications open in February and close in May 2024.