As a part of our sequence on How to Fully Fund Your Master’s Degree, here is a list of universities that deliver full funding for an M.A. in English. Masters in English have a type of career options, including teaching, journalism, writing in a variety of contexts, and further academic work.
Fully-funded M.A. programs can be hard to find. Because most universities focus their funding on Ph.D. students, M.A. candidates can have a harder time ensuring scholarships and funding. However, there are a number of universities that do present funded M.A. programs. “Full funding” is a financial aid package for full-time students that fits full tuition remission and an annual wage or salary for the duration of the student’s master’s studies. Funding is typically offered in exchange for graduate teaching and research work that is compulsory for your studies. Not all universities deliver full funding to their master’s students, which is why I recommend researching the financial aid offerings of all the potential M.A. programs in your academic field, including little and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad.
Here is the university list that offers fully funded master’s programs in English.
Harvard University offers several fully funded master’s programs in English for international students. Here are a few examples:
- Master in Public Administration (MPA) – The MPA program at Harvard Kennedy School is fully funded for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship. This includes tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend.
- Master of Education (Ed.M) – The Ed.M program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education is fully funded for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship. This includes tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend.
- Master in Design Engineering (MDE) – The MDE program at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is fully funded for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship. This includes tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend.
- Master in Public Health (MPH) – The MPH program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is fully funded for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship. This includes tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend.
It’s important to note that the availability of fully funded scholarships may vary from year to year and may be subject to change. It’s recommended to check with Harvard University for the most up-to-date information on their scholarship programs. Additionally, it’s worth noting that admission to Harvard’s master’s programs is highly competitive, and many more students apply than are admitted, so it’s a good idea to have a strong academic background and other qualifications to increase your chances of being admitted to a fully funded program.
The University of Cambridge offers a limited number of fully funded scholarships for international students for their master’s programs in English. Here are a few examples:
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships – These scholarships are awarded to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and leadership potential, and who are pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
- Clarendon Scholarships – These scholarships are awarded to academically outstanding students from around the world who are applying to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
- Cambridge Trust Scholarships – These scholarships are awarded to international students who are pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, and other expenses.
- Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust Scholarships – These scholarships are awarded to students from developing countries, the European Union, and other countries outside the UK who are pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
In addition to these scholarships, there may be other funding opportunities available through individual departments or research groups at the University of Cambridge. It’s recommended to check with the relevant department or research group for more information on funding opportunities.
Stanford University offers several fully funded master’s programs in English for international students. However, the availability of these scholarships may vary from year to year and may be subject to change.
Here is some general information about the fully funded master’s programs offered by Stanford University:
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program – This is a fully funded scholarship program for international students seeking a master’s degree at Stanford University. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and other expenses for up to three years.
- Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship – This is a fully funded scholarship program for African students seeking an MBA degree at Stanford Graduate School of Business. The scholarship covers tuition and other expenses for the two-year MBA program.
- Stanford Graduate Fellowships – Stanford Graduate Fellowships provide full funding for selected PhD students in various fields of study, including some master’s programs.
- Stanford Interdisciplinary Graduate Fellowship (SIGF) – This fellowship program provides full funding for interdisciplinary graduate study at Stanford University, including some master’s programs.
Florida State University:
The plurality of students in the Graduate English Program receives support in the form of a teaching assistantship. Teaching assistants are delivered with a stipend and a waiver for most of their education. Typically, MA students receive a two-year assistantship. The FSU Graduate School also delivers several fellowships and awards.
James Madison University:
(Harrisonburg, Virginia): Full-time students obtain full tuition remission and a living grant, and students attain valuable experience both as teaching assistants and in allied academic roles.
Oregon State University:
(Corvallis, OR): All students conceded to the MA in English program will automatically obtain a standard Graduate Teaching Assistantship contract, which provides full-tuition remission and a stipend of approximately $13,800 per year to protect living expenses.
University of Alabama(Tuscaloosa, AL):
Students conceded to the graduate program are guaranteed up to two years of full financial support for the MA. All admitted students prepare for Graduate Assistantships, which include a grant paid over nine months (currently $15,930), and full payment of up to 15 credit hours of graduate tuition.
University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY):
MA Students are delivered teaching assistantships in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies (WRD) for a stipend plus full tuition remission and student fitness insurance. Several departmental fellowships are awarded each year.
University of Idaho (Moscow, ID):
Our graduate students are delivered teaching assistantships, all of which are fully funded. TAs receive in-state and out-of-state waivers, teach a 2-1 course load, and obtain substantial instructional approval from our Director of First-Year Composition and staff.
University of Louisville (Louisville, KY):
The department grants up to 10 Graduate Teaching Assistantships to our top M.A. applicants each year. For M.A. students, GTAships run 10 months and offer tuition remission, insurance, and a wages.
University of Maine (Orono, ME):
The greatest number of our funded M.A. scholars are recipients of graduate teaching assistantships. They receive wages of approximately $16,000 (Fall 2022) for the nine-month school year as well as tuition remission for each semester and for two summers (6 credits) while registered in the program.
University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS):
All students accepted to the MA programs will accept a teaching assistantship which includes full tuition remission, subsidized health insurance, and a base stipend to defray living expenses. Also, they show some departmental and graduate school awards.
University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY):
All full-time students accepted to the program receive full funding, including free tuition, teaching opportunities, and a generous living stipend.
Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA):
Select candidates in the MA graduate programs are funded by Graduate Assistantships available through the Department of English. These are awarded on a competitive basis and are generally renewable for up to two years. Assistantships contain a full tuition waiver plus a wage of $12,500.
West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV):
Every pupil admitted to the M.A. program is secured funding for two academic years, the customary time to degree, as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (G.T.A.). This position includes an annual salary of $16,000, a waiver of university tuition, and student health insurance.
Here are some frequently asked questions about fully funded master’s programs in English:
What is a fully funded master’s program?
A fully funded master’s program is a graduate program that provides full financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs for the duration of the program.
Who is eligible for a fully funded master’s program?
Eligibility criteria for a fully funded master’s program vary depending on the program and the university. Typically, international students, underrepresented minority students, and students with demonstrated financial need may be eligible.
What is the duration of a fully funded master’s program?
The duration of a fully funded master’s program can vary, but it is typically between one and two years.
How many fully funded master’s programs are available?
The number of fully funded master’s programs available can vary from year to year. It is best to check with individual universities for current information on their scholarship programs.
Are there any requirements for language proficiency for fully funded master’s programs in English?
Yes, most universities require a certain level of English proficiency for admission to fully funded master’s programs taught in English. This may be demonstrated through a standardized test such as TOEFL or IELTS.
What is the application process for a fully funded master’s program?
The application process for a fully funded master’s program can vary depending on the program and the university. Generally, it involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and test scores. Some programs may also require an interview.
What is the deadline for applying to a fully funded master’s program?
The deadline for applying to a fully funded master’s program can vary depending on the program and the university. It is important to check with individual universities for the most up-to-date information on their application deadlines.
Are there any restrictions on the use of funds received from a fully funded master’s program?
Yes, some fully funded master’s programs may have restrictions on the use of funds. It is important to check with individual universities for information on any restrictions or guidelines for the use of funds.
