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The United States continues to be a top destination for international students pursuing a master’s degree. With its diverse academic programs, globally ranked universities, and strong job prospects, studying in the U.S. can be life-changing. However, the high cost of education is a major concern for many students.
Thankfully, a wide variety of scholarships and financial aid options are available to international students seeking a master’s degree in the U.S. This guide covers the average cost of master’s programs, top scholarships, application tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Typical Fee Structure for Master’s Programs in the U.S.
Unlike many PhD programs, master’s programs are less frequently fully funded—but scholarships, partial funding, and assistantships can significantly reduce the cost.
Here’s an overview of average annual costs for international master’s students:
| Expense | Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Health Insurance | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Living Expenses | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $800 – $1,200 |
| Transportation | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Total Annual Cost | $43,000 – $91,000 |
Top Scholarships for International Master’s Students in the U.S.
Here are the most popular and generous scholarships available to international master’s students:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Eligibility: Students from 155+ countries
- Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, health insurance
- Field: Any accredited graduate program
- 🌐 foreign.fulbrightonline.org
2. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
- For: Students from developing countries
- Field: Development-related programs (e.g., economics, public policy)
- Coverage: Tuition, travel, and living stipend
- 🌐 jjwbgsp.org
3. AAUW International Fellowships (for Women)
- For: Non-U.S. citizen women pursuing full-time graduate study
- Award: $20,000 – $30,000
- 🌐 aauw.org
4. Yale University – Yale Young Global Scholars & Graduate Fellowships
- For: High-achieving students from all backgrounds
- Award: Merit-based scholarships and tuition assistance
5. University-Specific Scholarships
Many top U.S. universities offer institutional scholarships or graduate assistantships for international master’s students:
🔹 Columbia University
- International Merit Fellowships
- Partial tuition awards based on academic performance
🔹 New York University (NYU)
- Wagner Graduate Fellowships
- Focused on public service and nonprofit leadership
🔹 University of Michigan
- Rackham Master’s Awards for underrepresented international students
Application Tips for Master’s Scholarships
To boost your chances of receiving financial aid:
✅ Start Early
Some scholarships close 8–12 months before classes begin.
✅ Customize Your SOP & CV
Highlight your academic goals, leadership roles, and relevant experience.
✅ Get Strong Recommendations
Ask professors or employers who know your potential.
✅ Meet Language Requirements
TOEFL (usually 90+) or IELTS (6.5–7.5) scores are required unless you’re from an English-speaking country.
✅ Apply for Assistantships
Many universities offer Teaching or Research Assistantships, even for master’s students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can international students get full scholarships for a master’s in the U.S.?
Yes, though they are more competitive than for PhDs. Programs like Fulbright, Joint Japan/World Bank, and some university fellowships offer full funding.
2. How long does a master’s degree take in the U.S.?
Most programs last 1 to 2 years, depending on your field and course load.
3. Is GRE required for admission?
Many universities are making the GRE optional, especially after COVID-19. However, competitive programs may still require it.
4. Are part-time jobs allowed for international students?
Yes. International students on F-1 visas can work up to 20 hours/week on-campus during semesters, and full-time during breaks.
5. Is work experience necessary for scholarships?
Not always. However, professional experience can strengthen your application—especially for business, public policy, and tech programs.
Useful Resources
- 🎯 Fulbright Program
- 🎯 AAUW International Fellowships
- 🎯 World Bank Scholarships
- 🎯 EducationUSA
- 🎯 Scholarships.com
- 🎯 PhD & Master Portal
Final Thoughts
While the cost of a master’s degree in the U.S. can be significant, a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities are available for international students. From full tuition coverage to partial awards and assistantships, there are many ways to make studying in the U.S. more affordable.
Start early, build a strong application, and take advantage of every funding source available. A U.S. master’s degree is not just an academic investment—it’s a stepping stone to global career opportunities.
