You are considering pursuing a master degree scholarships to study in North America or Canada and want to know what scholarships are available to help fund your studies. This article highlights nine competitive and prestigious master’s scholarships open to international students that cover full or substantial tuition and living costs at top universities across North America.
The detailed scholarship profiles provide key information including eligibility criteria, application timelines, award amounts, and application tips. Whether you are interested in technology, business, humanities, sciences or other fields, this list can help you identify promising master’s scholarships to apply for in order to make graduate school in North America affordable. Review the scholarship options presented to determine which ones align with your background, interests and academic plans.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers scholarships for international students to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in the United States. Administered by the Institute of International Education, the prestigious Fulbright program aims to increase mutual understanding between people in the U.S. and other countries.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must be a non-U.S. citizen with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and English language proficiency. Preference is given to candidates who have not studied or lived in the U.S. for a long period. Applicants are evaluated based on academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to community service.
Benefits
The Fulbright scholarship covers tuition, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance for one academic year. Renewable grants are available for Ph.D. students. Fulbright scholars gain valuable experience studying and living in the U.S. while acting as cultural ambassadors for their home countries.
Application
The application process begins over a year before the start of the academic year. Applicants must submit documents including a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and proof of English proficiency. Semifinalists are interviewed before final selections are made. The deadline for most countries is around October each year.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides a prestigious and generous opportunity to fund your Master’s or Ph.D. studies in the United States. If you have a strong academic background and want to gain experience living in America, the Fulbright scholarship could be an excellent option to consider. With hard work and perseverance, you too can join the ranks of notable Fulbright alumni who have gone on to achieve great success in their fields.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers mid-career professionals the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and expertise in fields such as public policy, public administration, and human resource management. As a Humphrey Fellow, you will pursue a self-designed program of study and professional development activities during your stay at a leading U.S. university.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Humphrey Fellowship, applicants must be mid-career professionals in leadership positions with at least five years of relevant work experience. Applicants should also demonstrate strong leadership qualities and a commitment to public service. Fluency in English is required. U.S. citizenship is not required.
Program Activities
As a Humphrey Fellow, you will enroll in graduate courses, participate in professional development workshops, conduct professional affiliations, and take part in cultural exchange activities. The program curriculum is flexible and designed around your own interests and professional goals. Activities may include:
- Conducting research in your area of interest
- Developing a professional affiliation with a U.S.-based organization
- Participating in community service projects
- Learning about American society and values through cultural exchange activities
Program Locations
Humphrey Fellows are placed at over a dozen leading universities across the United States, including Cornell University, Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of California. Placements are determined based on factors such as your field of work, policy interests, and professional goals.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience and establish lasting connections with American counterparts. If you are looking to advance your career and strengthen your leadership capacity, the Humphrey Fellowship deserves your consideration.
The American Association of University Women International Fellowship
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship is awarded to women pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the United States who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The fellowship provides support for master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral study in all fields.###Eligibility To be eligible for the AAUW International Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent before the fellowship start date.
- Show evidence of prior coursework or experience in the proposed field of study.
- Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time master’s or doctoral program at a regionally accredited U.S. graduate school.
Award Details
The AAUW International Fellowship provides funding for study in the United States and aims to advance women’s leadership through education and research. The award amount for master’s/first professional degrees is $18,000. The award amount for doctoral study is $20,000. Fellowships are renewable for up to two additional years. Funding for a fourth year of dissertation writing is available on a limited basis.
Application Process
Applicants must submit the fellowship application, including a personal statement describing their background, objectives, and reasons for applying; a proposed plan of graduate study; and three letters of recommendation. The application deadline is December 1. Applicants are notified of the selection committee’s decision in April.
The AAUW International Fellowship presents a remarkable opportunity for women from around the world to advance their education and leadership potential. By supporting women’s higher education, AAUW aims to empower women globally and enact social change. If you meet the eligibility criteria, I highly recommend you apply for this prestigious and meaningful award.
The Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious and competitive international fellowship programs. Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarships provide funding for up to three years of graduate study at Oxford University in the UK. The scholarships are awarded to talented students from around the world, with the aim of developing outstanding future leaders to tackle humanity’s greatest challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Rhodes Scholarship, you must meet several criteria:
- Be a citizen of and have at least five years of residency in one of the eligible countries or territories. The U.S. and Canada are included.
- Be between 18 to 28 years of age as of October 1st in the year of application.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent by October 1st in the year of application. In some countries, students can apply in their final year of undergraduate study.
- Show outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service. Strong academic achievement alone is not enough.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Rhodes Scholarships is extremely rigorous and competitive. Applicants go through an initial screening at their university and, if nominated, a rigorous institutional committee process. The top candidates are invited for final interviews with selection committees in each region. Successful candidates demonstrate a balance of outstanding intellectual, extracurricular, and leadership abilities combined with a concern for humanity and service to others.
Benefits
A Rhodes Scholarship covers all tuition fees, provides a living stipend, and funds travel to and from Oxford. Scholars can pursue one of two degrees: a taught master’s degree (typically 2 years) or a research MSc or MSt (3 years). The scholarships provide an unparalleled learning opportunity at one of the world’s top universities. Rhodes Scholars form a lifelong fellowship, contributing to a vibrant intellectual community at Oxford and beyond.
In summary, the Rhodes Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious, civic-minded students to obtain a world-class master’s degree at the University of Oxford. With its generous funding and development of a global network, the Rhodes Scholarship can be life-changing. If you meet the eligibility criteria and want to make a difference in the world, applying for a Rhodes Scholarship should be strongly considered.
Study in North America FAQs
What are the admission requirements for North American universities?
To gain admission into a master’s program at a university in North America, you will typically need to meet the following requirements:
- Hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. North American universities generally require at least a 4-year bachelor’s degree for admission into a master’s program.
-Meet the minimum GPA requirement. Most universities require at least a 3.0 GPA, especially for competitive programs. Some may require higher GPAs for certain majors.
-Submit scores for graduate admissions tests. The most common exams are the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) for business programs. Minimum score requirements vary by university and program.
-Provide letters of recommendation. Most schools require 2 to 3 letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can speak to your abilities and potential for graduate study.
-Submit a statement of purpose. This essay allows you to express your interests, goals, and motivations for applying to the program. It is an important part of your application.
-Meet any program-specific requirements. Some programs may have additional requirements such as a portfolio, writing sample or professional experience. Check with your target schools for the requirements of any program you are interested in.
-For international students, submit English language proficiency scores and any required immigration documents. The most common exams are the TOEFL or IELTS.
What is the cost of studying in North America?
The cost of a master’s degree in North America varies significantly depending on the school and program. Tuition and fees for a typical master’s program in the U.S. or Canada ranges from $15,000 to $100,000 per year. The total cost will also depend on additional expenses such as:
•Living expenses: Housing, transportation, food, etc. This can amount to $10,000 to $30,000 per year depending on the location.
•Health insurance: International students are typically required to purchase health insurance plans that provide coverage in their host country. This can cost $1,000 to $5,000 per year.
•Application and administrative fees: These typically amount to $50 to $200 per school.
•Books and supplies: Around $500 to $1,500 per year.
The good news is there are many scholarships, grants, teaching and research assistantships available for master’s students that can help lower the overall cost. Be sure to explore all options for financial aid when applying to programs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the scholarships covered in this article represent exciting opportunities to fund a master’s degree in North America. With options from the prestigious Fulbright Program, the technology leader Google, and leading universities like Harvard and Stanford, motivated students have ample prospects to consider.
By starting your scholarship search early, thoroughly researching each option, and crafting compelling applications, you can make these scholarships a reality. With an open mind to diverse locations and subjects of study, you may be surprised by the options that emerge. If you have a dream to study in North America, take the time to explore these life-changing scholarship programs. They could be your ticket to an unforgettable graduate experience.