10 Universities with Full Scholarships for Master's Degrees for International Students (2026)

Finding full funding for a master's degree in America is hard — but not impossible. These 10 universities offer 100% scholarships for international master's students in specific programs.

Each entry below covers the program, what's funded, and how to position yourself for admission.

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1. Princeton University — Master's in Public Affairs#

Princeton's School of Public and International Affairs (formerly the Woodrow Wilson School) fully funds every admitted MPA student — including international students. This is one of the most generous and prestigious policy programs in the world.

The program prepares graduates for careers in government, international organizations, and public policy. Princeton's endowment ensures that funding is guaranteed, not competitive.

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2. MIT — Master's in Media Arts and Sciences#

The MIT Media Lab is one of the most innovative research environments in the world. All admitted master's students receive full funding through research assistantships — tuition is covered and you receive a monthly stipend.

The Media Lab works at the intersection of technology, design, art, and science. Research areas include AI, robotics, digital health, and creative computing. Admission is highly competitive, but the funding is guaranteed for all admitted students.

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3. Stanford University — The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship#

The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship is Stanford's flagship graduate scholarship and one of the most prestigious in the world. It covers the full cost of any graduate degree at Stanford — including master's programs in business, engineering, education, law, medicine, and more.

Scholars are selected based on independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset. The scholarship also includes leadership programming, a global community of scholars, and enrichment funding.

This is one of the best graduate scholarships in the world. If you're applying to Stanford for any master's program, apply for Knight-Hennessy.

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4. University of Notre Dame — Master's of Global Affairs#

Notre Dame's Master of Global Affairs focuses on international development, peace studies, and global policy. The Keough School offers generous funding packages to admitted students, including full tuition waivers and living stipends.

Notre Dame has a strong commitment to social justice and international engagement, making this an excellent fit for students passionate about global development.

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5. UC Berkeley — Mastercard Foundation Scholarship#

UC Berkeley participates in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, providing full funding to students from Sub-Saharan Africa. The scholarship covers everything — tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.

Berkeley is one of the top public universities in the world, with exceptional programs across every field. If you're from Sub-Saharan Africa and qualify, this is an incredible opportunity.

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6. Arizona State University — Mastercard Foundation Scholarship#

ASU also participates in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program with full funding for African students. ASU is one of the most innovative universities in America (ranked #1 in innovation by U.S. News for multiple years) and has strong programs in sustainability, engineering, business, and public policy.

ASU's acceptance rate is higher than most schools on this list, making it a more accessible option while still providing world-class education.

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7. Washington University in St. Louis — McDonnell International Scholars Academy#

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy at WashU partners with select universities around the world to identify and fund exceptional international graduate students. Scholars receive full tuition coverage and a living stipend.

WashU is a top-15 research university with particularly strong programs in medicine, engineering, social work, and business. St. Louis is also one of the most affordable major cities in America, so your stipend goes further.

Note: Candidates are typically nominated by partner universities. Check if your undergraduate institution is a McDonnell Academy partner.

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8. University of Michigan — Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing#

The Helen Zell Writers' Program at the University of Michigan is one of the top MFA programs in America — and it fully funds every admitted student. The program provides full tuition, a generous living stipend, and health insurance.

Michigan's MFA is small and highly selective (typically admitting fewer than 20 students per year), but the funding is guaranteed and the program's reputation opens doors in publishing and academia.

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9. Brown University — Master of Fine Arts in Literary Arts#

Brown's MFA in Literary Arts fully funds all admitted students with tuition coverage and a living stipend. The program is part of Brown's renowned literary arts department, which has produced numerous award-winning writers.

Providence is an affordable, creative city with a strong arts community. Brown's open curriculum philosophy extends to its graduate programs, giving students significant freedom in shaping their studies.

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10. University of Texas at Austin — Master of Fine Arts in Writing#

UT Austin offers two fully funded MFA paths: the Michener Center for Writers (one of the most prestigious and generous MFA programs in the country) and the New Writers Project. Both provide full tuition and living stipends to all admitted students.

Austin is a vibrant, creative city with a booming tech industry, thriving arts scene, and relatively affordable cost of living.

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Summary Table#

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Related Resources#

• Part 2: 15 More Universities with Full Scholarships for Master's Degrees — Georgetown, NYU, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, and more
• How to Get a Full Scholarship for Your Master's Degree — the step-by-step guide
• Full Scholarships in Canada for Your Master's Degree — Canadian options
• USA Travel Ban 2026 — check if your country is affected