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50 Best Scholarships for Master’s Students

Written by Grad School Center Team We are a passionate team of experienced educators and advisors at GradSchoolCenter.com, dedicated to guiding students through their graduate education journey. Our experts, with advanced degrees across various disciplines, offer personalized advice, up-to-date program information, and practical insights into application processes.

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: April 23, 2024, Reading time: 34 minutes

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Data PointsFortunately, there's good news – SCHOLARSHIPS! Best Master's Degree Scholarships
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Data Points

Why stop at a bachelor’s degree when you can earn a master’s? While taking the master’s degree path can mean more student loans, keep in mind that it will open more doors of opportunity! Your bachelor’s degree may be enough to get inside the door, but a master’s degree will get you a seat at the table.

Here’s proof: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs that require a master’s degree will rise by about 17% between 2016 and 2026. Indeed, a master’s degree brings with it numerous benefits, particularly in differentiating yourself from the competition and being a valued employee.

First and foremost, your earnings potential will likely increase.

On average, employees with a master’s degree earn more than 20 percent more than employees with a bachelor’s degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, workers with a bachelor’s degree earn $61,600, while master’s degree holders earn $74,600. Both figures represent average annual salaries.

Throughout their careers, the former will earn $2.27 million, while the latter can earn up to $3.65 million. Of course, there are differences in the average annual salary earned between professions. For example, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers can earn between $101,000 and $107,000 annually.

Beyond the monetary benefits, earning a master’s degree will also result in a more specialized knowledge in your field. You may even introduce innovations in the course of your studies, thesis presentation, and fieldwork. Indeed, you have every opportunity to make a difference in the world! 

With a master’s degree, your transition from rank-and-file employee to a senior position will be easier, perhaps faster.

This is because many organizations, from for-profit corporations to non-profit charities, recognize the knowledge and skill behind a master’s degree. Most of these organizations prefer employees with master’s degrees, too, especially in the healthcare, engineering, and education industries.

While you’re in the master’s degree program, your research, analysis, and communication skills will also be challenged and polished. You will be better at critical thinking and problem solving as you pursue life-long learning. 

Furthermore, your personal and professional network will be bigger and better – and we know the benefits of such a network in your life!

Best Scholarships for Master's Students - Grad Student Loan Debt by Discipline

But we understand your hesitations about pursuing a master’s degree.

For one thing, there’s the issue of time since most people enrolled in a master’s degree program are part-time and full-time employees. How can you pursue advanced study when you’re already juggling work and family responsibilities?

Well, you can find the time! Take note that universities and colleges offer flexible arrangements for working students, an opportunity worth grabbing. You can take the minimum number of credits, for example, so you’re not pressured for time. 

In addition, there are financial problems associated with higher education in the United States.

Student loan debt has soared to a record high of $1.75 trillion, and you may well still be paying for your student loans. You’re reluctant about getting a master’s degree because it can mean more debt.

The cost of higher education has also rapidly risen, according to the study The Price of Graduate and Professional School – How Much Students Pay. In 2021-2022, for example, the average published tuition and fees for students enrolled in a master’s degree program ranged between $12,596 (public universities) and $28,017 (private non-profit institutions). These amounts are exclusive of other expenses, such as room and board, travel, and miscellaneous costs. 

The actual tuition and fees vary widely, too, depending on the university.

At Harvard Graduate School of Education, part-time students pay $30,051, while full-time students pay $60,102 for the 2024-2025 academic year. The amount doesn’t include the $5,794 health insurance fees as well as the costs for rent, utilities, food, books and supplies, personal expenses, and technology expenses, among others.

Fortunately, there’s good news – SCHOLARSHIPS!

Your student and personal debts don’t have to be as large as you dreaded it because scholarships are available and aplenty. Of course, scholarships are monetary support provided to students without the expectation of repayment, not even a single cent.

But like grants, there are eligibility requirements and other conditions attached to scholarships. Some scholarships are needs-based, meaning these are given to underserved or unserved cohorts like women of color. However, some scholarships are merit-based, meaning individuals meeting high academic standards will qualify.

Some scholarships are granted based on industry or profession, such as scholarships only for nurses or for individuals studying Jewish culture.

Depending on your personal situation, there are also scholarships that pertain to specific needs, like autism. In addition, specific topic-related scholarships, like psychology scholarships, can be obtained with a little research and determination.

Best Scholarships for Master's Students - Advanced Degrees Conferred

Many scholarships are so generous in their terms, too, that the benefactor will shoulder your entire two-year master’s degree program! Fulfill your end of the bargain, which may include excellent academic performance, public speeches, and innovative solutions.

But we will be the first ones to warn you that getting a scholarship isn’t easy!

With hundreds, perhaps thousands, of master’s degree students vying for a single scholarship, it’s a tough field out there. Put your best foot forward to ensure successful submissions. 

And if you don’t know it by now, you can get two or more scholarships from different organizations. You may then be able to earn your master’s degree with manageable out-of-pocket costs! The trick is to apply for as many scholarships as you’re qualified for, submitting the required documents early, and hoping for the best.

Below are 50 of the Best Scholarships for Master’s Degree students. Many of these scholarships are annual. As such, you can reapply for the next school year if the deadline has passed.

Many, fortunately, also have current deadlines. We strongly recommend checking them out as soon as possible. As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm!

Best Master’s Degree Scholarships

April 2024 Deadline

National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program

While most scholarships come with no strings attached, particularly repayment in dollars, the National Health Service Corps Scholarship requires a two-year to four-year service commitment. However scholars are provided with financial support for full-time studies for up to four years, the support of which includes tuition and eligible fees, reasonable educational costs, and monthly stipends. Every year, the Bureau of Health Professions chooses between 100 and 200 students in a wide range of healthcare programs as scholars.

Chrysalis Scholarship

This scholarship is designed for anyone who participated in a Chrysalis After-School program or served as a GirlPower Peer Mentor and is enrolled in a degree program. It offers financial support that enables them to continue their studies. The amount is intended to cover the costs related to the completion of a master’s thesis, such as drafting expenses, late-stage research and analysis, defense travel, and even childcare costs. Documents needed include a complete application form, personal statement, and recommendations/references.

Soros Fellowships for New Americans

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans restrict scholarship awarding to children of naturalized citizens, immigrants, DACA recipients, and green card holders attending master’s degree programs in accredited US graduate schools.

Eligibility requirements include being born outside of the United States, at least 30 years old, with a four-year bachelor’s degree, and in their first or second year of master’s studies. Applicants should also show creative initiative, commitment to the values enshrined in the US Constitution, and sustained accomplishment.

Note: If you weren’t accepted into the program in any given year, you could still reapply in succeeding years for as long as you’re still eligible.

Inger Lawrence – M.R. Bauer Foundation Nursing Studies Scholarship

The National Council of Jewish Women, LA, is strongly committed to advancing economic justice for women and their families. In addition to promoting economic security and workplace dignity, the organization also promotes continuing education. 

The M.R. Bauer Foundation Nursing Studies Scholarship is designed for women enrolled in Nursing degree programs in the Greater Los Angeles and the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Applicants who have completed part of the requisite units toward their degree are given top priority. 

Kathern F. Gruber Scholarship

The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) advocates for the betterment of sight-deaf veterans through advocacy, membership, communication, and peer-inspired self-reliance. Its Gruber scholarship program is awarded based on merit and evaluated by a committee.

There are five recipients per cycle and they can re-apply up to four times if they are related to blind and low vision veterans, and have already been accepted for admission or already enrolled at an accredited higher education institution.

Joe Beirne Scholarship Program

The Joe Beirne Scholarship Program is offered by the IUE-CWA, which has over 150,000 active members and embodies workers’ collective strength and solidarity across various industries. This program is open to spouses, children, and grandchildren of CWA members. The scholarship winners are selected through a lottery drawing, with half of the funds going to part-time students who complete less than 12 credits.

Garden State Master’s Counseling Initiative Fellowship

The 2024 GSMC Initiative Fellowships aims to boost Black or African American counselors in New Jersey’s inner cities by providing financial support to students enrolled in CACREP-accredited counseling programs. Applicants should be US citizens, permanent residents, or international students with an F-1 Visa and not have a master’s degree in behavioral health.

May 2024 Deadline

Byron Hanke Fellowship for Graduate Research

The Byron Hanke Fellowship for Graduate Research, funded by the Foundation for Community Association Research, is geared toward graduate students who want to research community development, management, and governance.

Hanke Fellowship applicants must be enrolled in a graduate-level program at an accredited US or Canadian institution and have research projects relating to community associations or common interest communities.

AWRA Richard A. Herbert Memorial Scholarship

AWRA offers the Richard A. Herbert Memorial Scholarship to promote multidisciplinary water resources education, management, and research. Graduate applicants are evaluated based on the quality of their academic/research performance and its relevance to water resources. Additional requirements include three signed letters of recommendation and a resume or CV.

Buckingham Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1956, the Air Traffic Control Association Inc. is dedicated to advancing air traffic control science and ensuring a safe flight environment. Among its scholarship opportunities for graduate students is the Buckingham Memorial Scholarship, open to the children, stepchildren, and grandchildren of air traffic control specialists.

Students who wish to apply must submit two recommendation letters, a transcript, an essay of no more than 500 words, and documentation of their US citizenship. 

Polish Arts Club of Buffalo Inc. Scholarship

The Polish Arts Club of Buffalo hosts various events to showcase Poland’s cultural heritage and American Polonia’s contributions. This scholarship program is applicable to graduate students who reside in Western New York with Polish descent and are studying a Visual or Performing Arts field. Application requirements include at least a 300-word essay and two letters of recommendation. 

ONS Foundation Research Grant

Funded by the Oncology Nursing Foundation (ONF), the ONF Research Grant is available for graduate students currently enrolled at a recognized university and studying either oncology or nursing. Applicants should submit Letters of Intent on or before May 16, while the applications are due by June.

Applicants should show proof that the grant will be used in clinically focused research involving cancer patient care, research, and education.

Hyman P. Moldover Scholarship for Communal Service

The Hyman P. Moldover Scholarship program, offered by the Jewish Social Services Agency, is one of the best programs for Jewish graduate students in the metropolitan Washington area. It is open to Jewish applicants who intend to serve the Jewish community professionally after graduation. The applicant must be a US citizen or aspiring to be and have been accepted into a Jewish communal service graduate program.

IFMA Foundation Scholarship 

The IFMA Foundation scholarship program is one of the oldest programs for students enrolled in Facility Management degrees and other closely related areas. In addition to the cash aid, winners will also receive an all-expenses-paid attendance at the World Workplace Conference and Expo. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited Facility Management or related degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2.

Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship

The Sandra West ALS Foundation was founded by Sandy West, a Christian mother of three who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022. The foundation provides scholarships to deserving students affected by ALS, promoting hope and resilience and ensuring education transcends disease challenges.

The scholarship is designed to support children of ALS parents whose families are experiencing financial difficulties. It is open to current or prospective college students. 

Niche No Essay Scholarship

The $25,000 Niche “No Essay” Scholarship is not a competition based on academic intelligence. Instead, it chooses its winners by random drawing. Applicants are not required to pay anything to submit their scholarship application. They must, however, be legal US residents who are current and prospective students in one of the colleges listed by Niche.com.

During the Promotion Period, Sweepstakes entries can be online or mail-in, with one entry per person/email address/household. Non-compliant entries are void. Applicants with affiliations of Niche employees are not eligible to win the draw.

June 2024 Deadline

Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship

Offered by the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association, a non-profit trade association, the Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship caters to graduate students majoring in fire protection engineering and administration.

Applicants must be full-time students in an accredited US or Canadian college or university. Additional requirements include academic transcripts, a 1,000-word essay, and a letter of recommendation. 

Musser Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Studies

The Musser Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Studies program provides financial support to full-time and part-time aspiring entrepreneurs at Penn State Great Valley. Applicants should be enrolled in a master’s program and pursuing at least 12 credits each semester with a 3.5 GPA.

The award covers tuition and fees, with unused portions refundable. Applicants must submit a resume, essay, and contact information for two references.

Cornaro Scholarship

The Cornaro Scholarship is exclusively offered to the sorority’s honors graduates. It’s a competitive scholarship with the successful applicants required to present proof of their adherence to the sorority’s motto, as well as their values, leadership experience, and high academic achievements.

Only two scholars are approved every year, and they can apply the money toward their education-related expenses at any accredited university or college. Unsuccessful applicants can also resubmit their applications in succeeding years.

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Program

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship is awarded to the NCAA’s best student-athletes, and it’s awarded three times during the year. Every sports season, the panel awards 42 scholarships for men and women, divided evenly between the genders.

Applicants are assessed based on their academic and athletic achievements, as well as their community and campus involvement, demonstrated leadership, and volunteer activities.

Applicants should meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered:

Wayne F. Placek Grants

Graduate students with an educational institution or a 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization affiliation can apply for the Wayne F. Placek Grants. This program is geared toward helping students conduct behavioral and social sciences research.

It is also among the top awards for those interested in researching topics related to LGBTQIA+ issues. This scholarship aims to enhance public understanding of homosexuality and sexual orientation, reducing stress experienced by other genders. 

Students must submit a project proposal, budget, and curriculum vitae to apply for the Placek program. Applications will be evaluated based on relevance, incremental contribution, quality, and scholarship competence.

Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged)

The Ayn Rand Institute is one of the leading organizations that promote Ayn Rand’s objectivist philosophy. It offers a unique scholarship program in which candidates must write an 800- to 1,600-word essay examining and arguing for a particular topic of the Ayn Rand book Atlas Shrugged. Every year, nine prizes totaling different amounts are given away, with a $25,000 grand prize.

APF Scholarships

The American Psychological Foundation (APF) has several scholarships available for graduate students every year. The COGDOP Scholarships are awarded to graduate students whose research proposal, grades, and previous publications, among other requirements, meet the strict selection process.

Programs included in the COGDOP are: 

$5,000 scholarships: 

$3,000 scholarships: 

$2,000 scholarships: 

$2,500 scholarship: 

CIA Graduate Scholarship Program

The Central Intelligence Agency’s Graduate Scholarship Program is open for highly accomplished graduate students, especially people with disabilities and from minorities, who are in their first or second year in a recognized master’s degree program.

Eligibility requirements include US citizenship, a minimum of nine credits per semester taken, and a minimum of 3.0 overall GPA, and applicants should meet income requirements.

Scholars receive several benefits, including the monetary consideration given every calendar year, daily allowance during summer tours, and reimbursement for travel costs between Washington, DC, and school.

Take note that the scholarship also means continued employment with benefits like an annual salary, life insurance, and a federal retirement plan.

Stokes Scholarship Program

Offered by the CIA, the Stokes Scholarship Program is among the most competitive and rewarding master’s scholarships. In addition to providing the recipient with up to $25,000 in tuition aid, allowances, and incidentals, the scholarship also offers guaranteed employment after graduation.

Scholars will also receive other benefits, including lodging and transportation reimbursement,  an annual salary of $49,659 – $59,653, a federal retirement fund, health insurance, and paid leaves.

Applicants must be of legal age and a U.S. or dual U.S. citizen planning to pursue at least nine credits per semester. A minimum baccalaureate GPA of 3.0 is required. They must be willing to move to the Washington, DC, area and complete security and medical evaluations.

Their adjusted gross annual household income (AGI) ceiling can be up to $120,000 or $50,000 if they haven’t been listed as a dependent for the previous tax year.

July 2024 Deadline

American Concrete Institute Scholarship 

The American Concentrate Institute Foundation was established to support students and professionals studying concrete. ACI offers several scholarship opportunities for graduate students through generous contributions from private individuals and organizations. Students enrolled in a master’s degree in concrete and relevant subjects can apply to the program. The scholarship opportunities include:

Katharine & Bryant Mather Scholarship

Established in 1988, the scholarship honors Katharine and Bryant Mather for their significant contributions to concrete knowledge. It is funded by an international symposium and a Mather estate gift, offering graduate study in concrete.

Master Builders Solutions Concrete Materials Scholarship

This scholarship opportunity is open to students with advanced concrete degrees focusing on material science. However, those studying the use of admixtures to advance the use of concrete are given top priority. Applicants must be ACI student members, active members of an ACI Student Chapter, or focus on concrete-related material science, with no internship required.

W. Gene Corley Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Corley, a renowned structural engineer, offers a scholarship to graduate students interested in forensic engineering and concrete structure behavior and design.

Other scholarship opportunities include the Schwing America Scholarship for those with interest and ability to work in the concrete construction industry and the Stewart C. Watson Memorial Scholarship for students who focus on joints, bearings, or seismic systems for concrete structures.

Women in STEM Scholarship

ABC Wildlife, a woman-owned corporation, aims to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The “Women in STEM Scholarship” is open to female graduate students in STEM fields at accredited universities. 

The only requirement is to submit a 1,000-word or less essay detailing why you are passionate about the STEM field and how you can help improve the health of our planet, preserve biodiversity, or alleviate human suffering. The top essay submission will receive a $1,000 award, and up to nine other students are also eligible.  

El Café Del Futuro Scholarship

Cafe Bustelo is offering scholarships to driven college students in the Latino community who are striving for better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. The ‘El Cafe Del Futuro Scholarship’ is a significant opportunity for all Latino students enrolled in any major and degree level in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities or HACU with a minimum 2.0 GPA. It welcomes applicants regardless of their residency status and requires an essay and financial need analysis.

GeneTex Scholarship

The GeneTex Scholarship, offered by a Texas-based biotechnology company, is open to all STEM majors enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution, including international students. This award is given biannually to support young scientists pursuing post-secondary education and promote scientific advancement and future discoveries.

Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program

This scholarship program is funded by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and administered by UMBC’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. It is available for students who meet specific criteria, including children, stepchildren, and surviving spouses of members of the US Armed Forces who died or suffered a service-connected permanent disability.

It’s also available to veterans with a service-connected disability of 25% or greater, POW/MIAs of the Vietnam Conflict, victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and school employees who died or sustained injuries. 

Joy Cappel Scholarship

The Joy Cappel Scholarship program is offered to students pursuing a life science or related degree. Rockland Immunochemicals, Inc., a leading global biotechnology company, offers this program. Instead of submitting essays, applicants must submit a 1-5-minute video answering the following question: “What would you consider the most surprising and impactful scientific finding in the last five years, and how do you believe it has the potential to transform our understanding of the natural world?”

Onsi Sawiris Scholarship

The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship program helps international Egyptian students pursue an Engineering or MBA degree at Harvard University, Stanford University, The University of Pennsylvania, or The University of Chicago. This scholarship covers full tuition, a living allowance, travel expenses, and health insurance. Eligibility requirements include a 3.5 bachelor’s degree GPA and a high TOEFL iBT or IELTS score. 

August 2024 Deadline

Sodowsky Law Firm Scholarship 

The scholarship program offered by the Sodowsky Law Firm invites all aspiring attorneys to submit a video essay discussing the essence of being a lawyer and why they want to be one. To be eligible, you must be a student in an accredited US college or university, appear in the video at least once, and have your voiceover.

Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship

Zonta International sponsors the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship with women as the exclusive recipients. There are regional and international scholarships worth up to $8,000, and the amount can be used for tuition, books, and living expenses.

Women enrolled in a business or business-related program, either in a brick-and-mortar or online accredited university or college, can apply. Applicants must be in their second year of a bachelor’s degree program through their final year in a master’s degree program, and their application should be submitted to their local Zonta club.

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

The Make Me Laugh Scholarship by Unigo is a scholarship opportunity for comedians. In addition to helping them fund their college education, it allows them to share embarrassing but funny stories. There are no additional requirements other than being of legal age and a US resident and student.  

Hertz Fellowship

The Hertz Fellowship chooses graduate students pursuing science and technology degrees whose bold ideas have the best potential to become game-changing solutions to society’s current issues. Fellows not only receive substantial funding but also receive lifelong professional support and become part of a connected community. 

Fellows choose from two options for getting their funding:

The Hertz Fellowship program is open for graduate students in several colleges including Harvard University, Columbia University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and California Institute of Technology. 

September 2024 Deadline

YIVO Institute of Jewish Research Fellowships

The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research is a leading institution preserving and studying East European Jewry’s history and culture. In addition to hosting renowned exhibitions, concerts, and lectures, the Institute also offers several graduate fellowship programs for master’s degree students.

Joseph Kremen Memorial Fellowship

This fellowship is offered to graduate students involved in the Eastern European Jewish theater, music, and arts, and the stipend can be used for research-related expenses. Applicants should send their curriculum vitae, two letters of support, and a research proposal by regular mail, email, or fax.

Fellowship in East European Jewish Literature

YIVO also administers the combined Vladimir and Pearl Heifetz Memorial Fellowship and the Vivian Lefsky Hort Memorial Fellowship, a scholarship for graduate students engaged in the study of Vladimir and Pearl Heifetz Memorial Fellowship and the Vivian Lefsky Hort Memorial Fellowship.

The stipend can be used within 2-3 months of research, as required in the terms, and the fellow will be required to give a public lecture.

Samuel and Flora Weiss Research Fellowship

The Samuel and Flora Weiss Research Fellowship is awarded to graduate students who are researching modern Polish-Jewish history, particularly the Holocaust period, Jewish-Polish relations, and Jewish contributions to Polish culture.

The fellow can spend the stipend on whatever expenses they deem fit during the 2-3 months of fellowship. The expectations include research conducted at the YIVO library and a public lecture in exchange for the stipend.

Theodore C. Sorensen Fellowship

The Theodore Sorensen Research Fellowship is offered to graduate students enrolled in political science or journalism coursework in Massachusetts. Applicants should submit a complete application form, a brief proposal about the planned project and budget, a sample of their writing, curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation. Additional documents will not be accepted. 

The planned project should focus on political journalism, domestic policy, or press relations, among others, and use the resources from the JFK Library. The stipend can be used for educational and cost of living expenses.

APhA Student Scholarship

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation enables pharmacists to participate in research projects and programs that improve the quality of healthcare in the US Graduate students in pharmacy programs will find plenty of scholarship opportunities, including: 

Applicants must be  APhA-ASP members for US and Puerto Rico-based applicants and must show active participation in their chapter’s activities. Application requirements include an academic transcript, two letters of recommendation, and current curriculum vitae or resume, as well as a 500-word essay on an identified topic. Each scholarship opportunity also has specific eligibility requirements and criteria. 

Caring Community Scholarship

The Caring Community Scholarship program, sponsored by Marcus & Mack law firm and its attorneys, aims to spread community involvement among students! Note that only one student will be chosen for the award.

Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact on their community by implementing solutions for its betterment. Applicants must be US citizens in a graduate program and with a 3.0 GPA, minimum. Application documents include a 1,000-word essay on their specific community involvement success, academic transcript, and resume. 

October 2024 Deadline

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program that is administered by the US Department of State, the Fulbright Commissions/Foundations, and other partners, is offered in more than 160 countries. It covers the students’ tuition, required fees, and travel to the US for the entire duration of their study. While the eligibility requirements vary between countries, successful applicants are typically the best and brightest in their undergraduate classes.

Most fields of study, such as social science, engineering, and science and technology, are covered except for clinical studies, such as medicine and nursing. But, nursing administration and public health programs are permitted. 

NEF – Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship

The Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF) awards the Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship to registered nurses enrolled in graduate nursing programs. Applicants should be African-Americans/Black, a member of a recognized professional nursing association, and in a full-time master’s degree program. The scholarships are based on academic excellence, visionary goals, and recognized leadership potential.

TEACH Grant (Teacher Education Assistance for College & Higher Education)

The TEACH grant comes with a service-or-repay clause that applicants must carefully consider before submitting their applications. TEACh grantees must complete one four-year service obligation or, if the service obligation isn’t completed, repay the grant with interest (i.e., grant converted into loan). 

Every TEACH grantee must complete counseling for every year that they are on the federal aid program. TEACH grantees also sign a grant agreement.

Applicants must complete the FAFSA form, comply with the basic eligibility criteria for student federal aid programs, and be enrolled in a college or university participating in the TEACH Grant program. This is a selective program with applicants evaluated on their academic performance and potential. 

Buckfire & Buckfire, PC Law School Diversity Scholarship Program

Established in 2013 as part of Buckfire & Buckfire’s efforts to provide deserving law students financial support, the scholarship is specifically geared toward law students belonging to minorities (i.e., racial, ethnic and other types) or who have demonstrated commitment to diversity. Only one law student is chosen to receive the scholarship. 

Applicants must be US citizens, demonstrate exceptional academic performance in law school, and have completed one semester of classes, minimum. Application documents include a completed application form, a one-page essay on promoting ethnic diversity, and an official law school transcript. 

November 2024 Deadline

AQHF Research Grants

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) awards the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) to its members who are pursuing a two-year master’s degree program. Applicants can be in any field of study, but they should have a cumulative 3.0 GPA at least and demonstrate a passion for horses.

AQHA also offers Career Path Scholarships for graduate students involved in the study of animal science, veterinary medicine, or journalism. In both scholarships, recipients are selected based on rigorous criteria, including financial need, academic achievement, community service, leadership potential, and involvement in AQHA.

Olivia James Traveling Fellowship

Administered by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA), the Olivia James Traveling Fellowship is awarded to a single scholar for study- and travel-related expenses between July 1 of the award year and June 30 of the following year. Only applicants studying classics, architecture, archaeology, sculpture, and history of Near and Middle Eastern studies will be considered, and the merit-based selection process is among the most competitive in the industry.

Emphasis must be placed on the fact that field excavation projects aren’t covered in the scholarship. The money can be used for institutional overhead, administrative recovery costs, or indirect costs. Applicants should be AIA members for at least one year (graduate students) or two consecutive years and US citizens.

Ronald D. Lunceford Scholarship

The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Educational Foundation sponsors the Ronald D. Lunceford Scholarship, a grant for graduate students studying psychology, therapy/rehabilitation, or social services.

Applicants should be American citizens from an ethnic population, particularly of Black, American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, Alaska Native, or Hispanic heritage, and affiliated with the sponsors.

American Association of University Women Career Development Grant

The Career Development Grants are female-specific scholarships, although preference is given to women pursuing their first graduate degree in non-traditional fields and to women of color. Women who are also in the process of reentering the workforce or changing careers, particularly in education, social sciences, and health and medical sciences, can also apply. 

The scholarship money can be used for tuition, fees, and books, as well as dependent care and travel expenses. Eligibility requirements include US citizenship or permanent residency, possessing an earned bachelor’s degree, and planning to enroll in a master’s degree program.

ACES Bill Walsh Scholarship

The Bill Walsh Scholarship is open to graduate students enrolled during the summer and fall term. It is awarded to the qualified individual regardless of the applicant’s field of study or major. Applicants should also demonstrate a passion and aptitude for news-related jobs, mainly copy editing.

American Association of University Women (or AAUW) – International Fellowships in USA for Women

Established in 1917, the AAUW International Fellowships in USA for Women provides financial support for women enrolled full-time in master’s degree programs in the US but are neither US citizens nor permanent residents. Fellows must express their intention of returning to their home country and becoming leaders in academia, government, and business, among other fields. 

Applicants must possess the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree and are chosen for the fellowship program based on their academic attainments and demonstrated commitment to the advancement of women and girls.

Fellows must devote themselves to their academic program of study on a full-time basis during their fellowship year. 

Reapplications among unsuccessful applicants are encouraged. 

Education Matters Scholarship

Education Matters scholarship is another program funded by Unigo that gives chances to graduate students who are not academically competitive but want to pursue higher education.

This program only requires applicants to submit 250 words or less answering the question, “What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn’t matter or that college is a waste of time and money?” The best response will be awarded $5,000 towards their education. 

American Association of University Women Selected Professions Fellowship

Yet another notable AAUW scholarship program is its Selected Professions Fellowship award for women enrolled in master’s degree programs that will benefit from increased enrollment among women. The fellowship, established in 1970, initially targeted law and medicine but now includes architecture, computer/information sciences, engineering, and mathematics/statistics programs, open to all eligible applicants regardless of color.

Eligibility requirements include full-time enrollment in accredited institutions in the US, with priority given to applicants without a master’s degree or first professional degree.

December 2024 Deadline

Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship

Every year, one recipient is selected for the Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship Program, which celebrates excellence in the arts. Graduate students pursuing a fine arts degree are welcome to apply, although it must be emphasized that painters in general and painters who practice plein air (i.e., outdoors) painting in particular are given preference. 

Applicants must submit a short essay about the ways that ordinary things, places and people inspire their art and images of their original art pieces. 

AWWA Scholarship Program

Applicants to the Bryant L. Bench Scholarship should be enrolled in a master’s degree program in a water engineering-related field, especially with a focus on sustainability, energy use, and other environmental issues.

The requirements for application include a personal statement, an official transcript of records, an essay, and a recommendation letter. Applicants should demonstrate their passion for water-related issues and their innovative solutions, too, as well as their qualifications.

Top Ten List Scholarship

Unigo’s Top Ten List Scholarship program caters to creative students. The scholarship awards $1,500 annually to one student who creates the best Top Ten List of reasons to receive it. This award celebrates uniqueness and originality rather than focusing only on academic merit or financial necessity.

Best Scholarships for Master's Students - One in six Americans has student loan debt

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