3 Full Scholarships for Master's Degree in America + Backup Plan
Get a fully-funded master's degree in America with these 3 scholarships at Stanford, UC Berkeley, and ASU, plus a backup funding plan.

Coming from a poor background shouldn't stop you from getting your master's degree in America. I've found three universities offering full scholarships that could completely change your life, plus a backup funding plan that doesn't require wealthy parents or co-signers.
Three Universities With Full Master's Scholarships#
Stanford University - Knight Hennessy Scholarship#
Stanford University offers the Knight Hennessy Scholarship, which is basically a full scholarship to study for any master's degree at Stanford. This is one of the most prestigious scholarships available, and it covers everything you need to study at one of America's top universities.
If you're looking for more opportunities at top-tier schools, check out my guide on 10 American universities with 100% scholarships for international students.
UC Berkeley - Mastercard Foundation Scholarship#
The University of California, Berkeley has a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship that covers your full cost of attendance. This means:
- Housing - fully covered
- Tuition - completely paid
- Food - meal plans included
- Transportation - travel expenses covered
- Books - all academic materials provided
Arizona State University - Mastercard Foundation Scholarship#
Arizona State University also offers the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship with comprehensive coverage including:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and supplies
- On-campus housing
- Food allowance
- Transportation costs
For more master's degree funding options, see my comprehensive list of 10 universities offering 100% scholarships for master's degrees.
The Reality Check: These Scholarships Are Extremely Competitive#
I need to be honest with you - these scholarships are very difficult to get. Thousands of brilliant international students apply for just a handful of spots. That's why you absolutely need a backup plan.
Your Backup Plan: MPOWER Financing#
This is where MPOWER Financing comes in. They specialize in loans specifically for international students who want to study in America and Canada.
MPOWER Loan Benefits#
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Loan Amount | Up to $100,000 |
| Co-signer Required | No |
| Countries Covered | America and Canada |
| Target Students | International students |
| Potential Coverage | Full funding for master's degree |
The coolest part? You don't need a co-signer. Most traditional banks require you to have an American co-signer with good credit, but MPOWER understands that international students don't have wealthy American relatives.
Why This Matters#
With loans ranging up to $100,000, you can potentially get full funding for your master's degree. This gives you the freedom to focus on your studies instead of worrying about money.
How to Maximize Your Chances#
- Apply for all three scholarships - don't put all your eggs in one basket
- Research application deadlines early - these competitive scholarships have strict timelines
- Prepare your MPOWER application simultaneously - having funding secured gives you peace of mind
- Apply to multiple programs - increase your odds of acceptance
Related Resources#
Before you start applying, make sure to check out these additional funding opportunities:
- 10 master's degree programs with 100% scholarships
- 10 American universities with full scholarships for master's degrees
- Universities with 100% scholarships and high acceptance rates
- 10 tuition-free universities for international students in America
Next Steps#
Don't wait until the last minute. Start researching these opportunities now:
- Research scholarship requirements for each university
- Check out MPOWER Financing to understand your loan options
- Prepare your application materials well in advance
- Apply to multiple programs to maximize your chances
Remember, getting funding for your master's degree in America is possible, even if you come from a poor background. You just need to know where to look and have a solid backup plan.
Get More Help#
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