3 Full Scholarships for Master's Degrees in America (2026)

If you're dreaming of earning your master's degree in America but worried about the cost, I have some incredible news for you. There are three universities offering full scholarships that cover everything—and I mean everything—from tuition to travel expenses. Let me break down these life-changing opportunities that could make your American education dream a reality.

Stanford University: Knight Hennessy Scholarship#

Let's start with the big one: Stanford University's Knight Hennessy Scholarship. This is one of the most comprehensive scholarship programs in the world, and here's what makes it extraordinary.

What the Knight Hennessy Program Covers#

The Knight Hennessy program is a three-year scholarship where you get full funding to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford University. When I say full funding, I mean:

• Complete tuition coverage
• Room and board (your living expenses)
• Food allowance
• Entertainment budget
• Books and academic materials
• Travel fares

Yes, you read that right—they even cover your travel costs. This scholarship essentially eliminates every financial barrier between you and a Stanford education.

Application Requirements and Deadlines#

Here's what you need to know about applying:

• You must apply to both a Stanford graduate degree program and the Knight Hennessy Scholarship
• Application deadline: October 8th
• The deadline is fast approaching, so you need to act quickly

If you're looking for more options beyond Stanford, check out my comprehensive guide on 10 American universities offering 100% scholarships for master's degrees.

UC Berkeley: Mastercard Foundation Scholarship#

The second opportunity comes from UC Berkeley, one of America's top public universities.

Program Focus and Coverage#

UC Berkeley's Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is specifically geared toward African students. This program covers your full cost of attendance, which includes:

• Complete tuition coverage
• Food expenses
• Housing costs
• Visa application costs
• Airfare to and from the United States

This is a fantastic opportunity if you're an African student looking to study in California at one of the world's most prestigious universities.

Why UC Berkeley Stands Out#

UC Berkeley consistently ranks among the top universities globally, and getting a master's degree there with full funding is an incredible opportunity. The university is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, giving you access to Silicon Valley and countless career opportunities.

Arizona State University: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program#

The third school you absolutely need to know about is Arizona State University (ASU).

Comprehensive Coverage Plus More#

ASU's Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program covers everything when it comes to your finances:

• Full tuition coverage
• Housing expenses
• Food allowance
• Visa costs
• Travel expenses

The Extra Advantage: Built-in Internship#

Here's what makes ASU's program special: they give you an internship after your first year at their school. This isn't just about funding your education—they're actively helping you build your career while you study.

Critical Application Timeline#

The deadline to apply is September 14th, which means you have only about one to two weeks to get your application ready and submit it. This is an extremely tight timeline, so you need to act immediately if you're interested.

Comparison of the Three Programs#

Why These Scholarships Matter#

These three programs represent some of the best opportunities for international students to study in America without financial burden. Each program recognizes that talented students shouldn't be limited by their financial circumstances.

If you're specifically interested in universities with high acceptance rates, you might also want to explore my guide on 10 American universities with 100% scholarships and high acceptance rates.

Action Steps You Need to Take Now#

Given the tight deadlines, especially for Arizona State University, here's what you need to do immediately:

1. Research each program thoroughly on their official websites
2. Prepare your application materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements)
3. Apply to the graduate programs at these universities
4. Submit your scholarship applications before the deadlines
5. Don't put all your eggs in one basket—apply to multiple programs

Additional Resources for Full Scholarships#

These three universities are just the beginning. If you want access to even more opportunities, I maintain a comprehensive list of schools offering full scholarships to international students. There are dozens of other universities with similar programs that could be perfect for your situation.

For students looking for options with flexible deadlines, check out my post on universities with January deadlines for 100% scholarships.

Related Resources#

Before you apply, make sure you're fully prepared by exploring these additional guides:

• 10 Universities with 100% Scholarships for International Students in 2026
• Schools Still Accepting Applications for 100% Scholarships
• Master's Degree Programs with Full Scholarships for International Students
• Universities Offering 100% Scholarships with No Application Fees

The Bottom Line#

Don't let money be the reason you don't pursue your master's degree in America. These three scholarships—Stanford's Knight Hennessy, UC Berkeley's Mastercard Foundation, and Arizona State's Mastercard Foundation program—can completely eliminate your financial barriers.

The key is acting fast, especially with Arizona State's September 14th deadline approaching rapidly. Start your applications now, and remember that applying to multiple programs increases your chances of success.

Your dream of studying in America is absolutely achievable. These scholarships prove that with the right information and quick action, you can make it happen without going into debt.

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