Can I get a fully funded Master's degree in the US?

My first Master’s degree was in Japan, and it was fully funded. They covered everything, including travel, relocation, living expenses, and healthcare. Is it possible to get a similar type of scholarship in the US? For context, I am particularly interested in applying to the University of Chicago.

If that’s not an option, does anyone have advice on how I can get admitted and manage to live in the US while studying? I’m open to working while studying, but I’d like a clear idea of how to make this feasible. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I’m currently a funded Master’s student as a research assistant. I pay about $500 in fees each semester and get a typical grad student stipend. It’s not much, but it works if you budget well or have another job. Funding depends on your program and advisor.

@Onyx
Could you explain how the funding works? Is it guaranteed or conditional?

Marlo said:
@Onyx
Could you explain how the funding works? Is it guaranteed or conditional?

Sure! I work as a research assistant while studying. In return, my tuition is covered, and I get a monthly stipend (usually between $20,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the program). My funding is guaranteed for the two years of my Master’s program, but this can vary by contract. As a research assistant, I mainly focus on my thesis work, which aligns with the funded project, plus any tasks my advisor assigns. It’s manageable, especially in the first semester. Hope this helps!

@Onyx
Which university is this? Is it for a Computer Science program?

Eli said:
@Onyx
Which university is this? Is it for a Computer Science program?

It’s the University of Georgia. I’m not in Computer Science, but I’m in a STEM Master’s program.

Onyx said:

Eli said:
@Onyx
Which university is this? Is it for a Computer Science program?

It’s the University of Georgia. I’m not in Computer Science, but I’m in a STEM Master’s program.

Are international students eligible for this? And do you have to apply separately for the assistantship?

@Rowan
Eligibility for international students depends on the funding source, which varies by project. I didn’t apply separately—my application mentioned interest in an assistantship, and I discussed it with the professor during the admissions process. It was included in my offer letter.

It depends on the program. I was fully funded for my Master’s in English.

If you’re a strong candidate at a well-funded school, it’s possible. At my school, people often get funded Master’s degrees by building relationships with faculty and continuing their studies there.

Fully funded programs typically include tuition, a stipend, and sometimes health insurance. Travel and relocation costs are rarely covered. My Master’s in clinical psychology was fully funded, covering tuition and providing a stipend. I also worked 20 hours a week to make ends meet.

Fully funded Master’s degrees are more common in STEM fields. You might get tuition waived and a stipend, but it won’t cover all expenses like travel or relocation. Programs like Fulbright also offer funding for international students.

Generally, it’s rare to find fully funded Master’s programs, especially for international students.

Zander said:
Generally, it’s rare to find fully funded Master’s programs, especially for international students.

That’s not entirely true. I’m an international student, and my Master’s is fully funded.

@Sable
Which university and program?

Zander said:
Generally, it’s rare to find fully funded Master’s programs, especially for international students.

In STEM fields like biology, fully funded Master’s programs are available.

@Phoenix
Do you have a list of schools offering this?

I got a fully funded Master’s in the humanities. I worked as a graduate assistant and teaching assistant. It covered tuition and provided a stipend, but I still had to budget carefully and split expenses with my partner.

Yes, it’s possible. At Stanford, Master’s students with TA or RA positions can get tuition covered and receive a stipend.

Quirin said:
Yes, it’s possible. At Stanford, Master’s students with TA or RA positions can get tuition covered and receive a stipend.

How did you find the position? Was it advertised?