Discover top universities in the USA and Europe that offer fully funded master’s scholarships covering tuition and living costs.
Securing a fully funded master’s scholarship can transform a student’s academic and financial future. For international students seeking postgraduate education in the USA or Europe, top-tier universities offer scholarships that not only waive tuition fees but also provide living stipends, health insurance, and travel allowances. These opportunities exist for those with excellent academic records, leadership potential, or a commitment to global development, regardless of their financial background.
From public research institutions in the United States to internationally renowned universities across Europe, several programs are designed to attract the world’s most promising scholars. The demand for such scholarships is high, but the number of programs offering them is steadily increasing. These institutions value diverse perspectives, academic merit, and future contributions to global society, not just past work experience or financial status.
Exploring these scholarships is essential for students aiming to minimize debt while studying abroad. Knowing which universities offer these opportunities, how to apply effectively, and when to submit the required documents can give applicants a strong head start. Find specific programs from respected institutions that provide access to high-quality education without the burden of tuition fees.
Stanford University – Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Stanford’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is among the most generous and competitive scholarships available. It funds full tuition, academic-related expenses, and provides a living stipend for up to three years of graduate study in any discipline across Stanford’s schools.
Eligibility
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree earned within the last seven years of applying. All nationalities are eligible. No work experience is required, but evidence of leadership, innovation, and civic commitment is crucial.
Deadline
Typically closes in early October each year.
How to Apply
- Apply to Stanford’s graduate program separately.
- Submit a Knight-Hennessy application, including an online form, transcripts, a one-page resume, two recommendation letters, and two essays.
Official Website
https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu
ETH Zurich – Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
ETH Zurich in Switzerland offers a highly respected scholarship covering tuition, living expenses, and study-related costs for international students starting a master's program.
Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic performance in their undergraduate studies and be admitted to an ETH master’s program. No employment history is necessary.
Deadline
Usually opens in November and closes in mid-December.
How to Apply
- Indicate your interest in ESOP while applying for a master’s program.
- Submit a detailed proposal outlining study and career goals, academic record, and letters of recommendation.
Official Website
https://ethz.ch/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellence-scholarship.html
University of Oxford – Clarendon Fund
The Clarendon Fund offers around 200 full scholarships each year for international graduate students. The funding includes tuition and college fees along with a living stipend.
Eligibility
Applicants to any full-time or part-time master’s program at Oxford are automatically considered. Academic excellence is the primary selection criterion.
Deadline
The university’s December or January course deadlines apply, depending on the program.
How to Apply
Apply for a graduate course at Oxford before the deadline. No separate application is needed for Clarendon funding.
Official Website
https://www.ox.ac.uk/clarendon
DAAD Scholarships – German Universities
Germany remains one of the most affordable destinations for international students. Through the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), students can access a range of fully funded scholarships for master's degrees in development-related fields.
Eligibility
Applicants from developing countries with a bachelor’s degree and a strong academic record may apply. Some courses may prefer applicants with two years of professional experience, but it is not always mandatory.
Deadline
Varies by program, typically between August and November.
How to Apply
- Choose a course from the DAAD database.
- Prepare documents, including a motivation letter, academic transcripts, CV, and references.
- Submit directly to the university or through DAAD, depending on the course.
Official Website
https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
Sciences Po – Emile Boutmy Scholarship
Sciences Po in France offers the Emile Boutmy Scholarship to outstanding international students who have applied to a master’s program at the university.
Eligibility
Non-EU international students applying for a first-time master’s degree are eligible. The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and socioeconomic background.
Deadline
Mid-February for master’s applications.
How to Apply
- Apply to any eligible master’s program at Sciences Po.
- Indicate your interest in the Emile Boutmy Scholarship during the online application.
Official Website
University of Helsinki – International Master’s Scholarship Grant
The University of Helsinki provides scholarships to international students based on academic merit. The award covers tuition and may include a monthly grant to cover living expenses.
Eligibility
Applicants must be non-EU/EEA citizens who are required to pay tuition and have applied to an eligible master’s program.
Deadline
Application window opens in December and closes in early January.
How to Apply
Apply to the University of Helsinki master’s programs and indicate interest in the scholarship through the same online application portal.
Official Website
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/degree-programmes
University of Oslo – International Scholarships
Norway offers tuition-free education at public universities, including the University of Oslo. While tuition is free, scholarships are provided to help cover living expenses.
Eligibility
Applies to students from non-EU countries admitted to selected English-taught master's programs. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and motivation.
Deadline
Applications typically close by early December for the autumn intake.
How to Apply
- Apply for an eligible master’s program through the University of Oslo’s online platform.
- Submit a scholarship application along with your course application.
Official Website
https://www.uio.no/english/studies/admission/master/index.html
University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship covers the full cost of a master's degree at the University of Cambridge, including tuition, maintenance, and travel.
Eligibility
Open to non-UK citizens applying for a full-time postgraduate degree. Academic excellence and leadership potential are key selection factors.
Deadline
Mid-October for US applicants; early December or January for other international applicants.
How to Apply
Apply to a Cambridge postgraduate program. Indicate interest in the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and submit a separate application.
Official Website
https://www.gatescambridge.org
Conclusion
A world-class master's education doesn't always require deep pockets or years of job experience. From California to Switzerland and Norway to the UK, fully funded scholarships open doors for talented individuals ready to shape their academic paths. These programs look beyond income brackets and seek out the most promising minds with the passion to make a difference.
The scholarships outlined above offer more than just financial relief. They create opportunities for cross-cultural learning, professional development, and global engagement. For students willing to invest time into researching, preparing thoughtful applications, and meeting deadlines, the rewards are both immediate and long-term.
Whether you're pursuing engineering, public policy, or environmental science, there's a place for you in one of these elite institutions. Let your academic merit and dedication lead the way—because the world needs thinkers who dare to learn, lead, and give back.
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