If you’re planning to pursue a master’s degree online, funding your education might seem like a challenge. However, there are numerous scholarships designed specifically to support students who are continuing their education online. This guide dives into the best online master’s degree scholarships, providing you with essential information on benefits, detailed features, application tips, and links to each scholarship program.
Benefits of Applying for Online Master’s Degree Scholarships
Applying for a master’s degree scholarship online has significant benefits. Here’s how it can support your educational journey:
- Financial Relief: Scholarships can fully or partially cover tuition, reducing your financial burden.
- Accessibility: Online scholarships are open to applicants worldwide, making higher education more accessible.
- Convenient Application Process: Most scholarships offer online applications, simplifying submission and follow-up.
- Flexibility: Scholarships specifically designed for online programs offer flexibility, allowing you to balance work, life, and study.
15 Best Online Master’s Degree Scholarships for 2024
Let’s explore some of the top scholarships available for online master’s degree programs, complete with key details and direct links to the programs.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Funding: Full tuition, living expenses, travel.
- Eligibility: International students in any field.
- Use Case: Ideal for students looking for a fully-funded, prestigious scholarship.
- Pros: Comprehensive coverage, high reputation.
- Cons: Highly competitive application process.
2. AAUW International Fellowships
- Funding: Up to $30,000 per year.
- Eligibility: International women in graduate or postgraduate study.
- Use Case: Perfect for women pursuing leadership in their field.
- Pros: Generous funding, promotes women’s empowerment.
- Cons: Limited to female applicants.
3. Rotary Foundation Global Grants
- Funding: Full funding for humanitarian-focused fields.
- Eligibility: Students in select fields like health and peace studies.
- Use Case: Best for students in fields with a social impact focus.
- Pros: Fully-funded, humanitarian focus.
- Cons: Limited to specific fields.
4. DAAD Scholarships
- Funding: Full or partial scholarships.
- Eligibility: Open to international students studying in Germany.
- Use Case: Ideal for students interested in German universities.
- Pros: Access to top German institutions, full funding.
- Cons: Requires study in Germany.
5. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
- Funding: Full tuition for online studies.
- Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries.
- Use Case: Great for students from Commonwealth nations seeking online education.
- Pros: Focused on online learning, fully funded.
- Cons: Limited to Commonwealth citizens.
6. Knight-Hennessy Scholars
- Funding: Full funding for tuition and living.
- Eligibility: Students accepted into Stanford graduate programs.
- Use Case: Perfect for high-achieving students admitted to Stanford.
- Pros: Prestigious, covers living expenses.
- Cons: Exclusive to Stanford students.
7. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
- Funding: Full tuition, living expenses.
- Eligibility: International students admitted to the University of Cambridge.
- Use Case: Ideal for students accepted to Cambridge seeking full funding.
- Pros: Covers all costs, prestigious.
- Cons: Limited to Cambridge University.
8. MPOWER Financing Scholarships
- Funding: Up to $10,000.
- Eligibility: International students with high academic achievement.
- Use Case: Great for those needing partial funding.
- Pros: Encourages high-achievers, open to various fields.
- Cons: Partial funding only.
9. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
- Funding: Full funding for leadership development.
- Eligibility: Mid-career professionals.
- Use Case: Perfect for professionals enhancing their expertise.
- Pros: Covers all costs, promotes leadership.
- Cons: Limited to mid-career professionals.
10. University of the People Scholarship
- Funding: Full tuition for online programs.
- Eligibility: Open to all students globally.
- Use Case: Ideal for students needing fully online, tuition-free education.
- Pros: Completely online, accredited degree.
- Cons: Limited university options.
Comparison Table of Online Master’s Degree Scholarships
| Scholarship Program | Funding | Eligibility | Use Case | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Full tuition, expenses | International students | Fully funded, prestigious | Comprehensive funding | Highly competitive |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Up to $30,000 | International women | Supports women in academia | High funding, empowerment focus | Women only |
| Rotary Foundation Global Grants | Full funding | Health, peace fields | Humanitarian focus | Covers all costs | Limited to specific fields |
| DAAD Scholarships | Full or partial | Study in Germany | Top German institutions | Full funding, prestigious | Requires study in Germany |
| Commonwealth Distance Learning | Full tuition | Commonwealth citizens | Online learning | Fully funded, remote-friendly | Restricted to Commonwealth |
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Full tuition, expenses | Stanford students | High-achieving students at Stanford | Comprehensive funding | Exclusive to Stanford |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarships | Full funding | Cambridge students | Cambridge-bound students | Covers all costs, prestigious | Limited to Cambridge students |
| MPOWER Financing Scholarships | Up to $10,000 | International students | High academic achievers | Partial funding, flexible fields | Partial funding only |
| Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship | Full coverage | Mid-career professionals | Leadership development | Covers all costs | Mid-career professionals only |
| University of the People | Full tuition | Global students | Fully online education | No-cost education | Limited university choice |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can international students apply for online master’s scholarships?
Yes, many scholarships are open to international students, including the Fulbright, AAUW, and Rotary Foundation scholarships.
2. Do I need to be admitted to a university before applying for a scholarship?
Yes, some scholarships, like Knight-Hennessy and Gates Cambridge, require university admission as part of eligibility.
3. Are there fully-funded scholarships available for online programs?
Yes, scholarships like the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships and University of the People provide full funding for online studies.
4. How can I increase my chances of winning a scholarship?
Focus on scholarships that align with your background, prepare strong application materials, and meet all eligibility requirements.
5. Are there scholarships for specific fields of study?
Yes, some scholarships focus on fields like health, education, and international relations (e.g., Rotary Foundation Global Grants).