Studying in the United States is a dream for thousands of international students, but the cost of tuition, accommodation, food, health insurance and other expenses can make that dream difficult to achieve. Fortunately, several companies and corporate foundations support talented students through generous scholarship programs.
For students looking for fully funded corporate sponsored scholarships in the USA in 2026, it is important to understand that not every corporate scholarship covers the entire cost of education. Some provide a fixed amount toward tuition, while others can cover tuition, accommodation, books, travel and additional living expenses.
In this guide, we look at five major corporate or corporate foundation backed scholarship opportunities that students should consider for the 2026 academic year.
1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the strongest opportunities for students looking for comprehensive financial support to study in the United States. At Arizona State University, selected scholars can receive extensive support for eligible graduate programs.
The program is designed to support talented students who have strong academic potential and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities. The 2026 program at Arizona State University includes selected technology, engineering, computer science and related graduate programs.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Full tuition and fees
- On campus accommodation
- Books and academic materials
- Visa related expenses
- Airfare
- Medical expenses
- Academic advising and support
- Leadership development
- Internship opportunities
This makes the opportunity particularly attractive to international students who would otherwise struggle to finance graduate education in the United States.
Applicants should carefully check the current program requirements because eligibility, eligible degrees and deadlines can vary by institution and academic year.
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of California, Berkeley
Another important opportunity is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of California, Berkeley. The program provides comprehensive academic and financial support to selected scholars and is particularly focused on helping talented students from underserved backgrounds access quality higher education.
Beginning in fall 2026, Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UC Berkeley are expected to study under the F 1 student visa category where applicable. The program also provides academic and career support alongside financial assistance.
Why consider this scholarship?
Berkeley is one of the most respected universities in the United States, making this scholarship particularly valuable for students who want to combine financial support with a globally recognized education.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not a general scholarship that students can apply for independently at every US university. Applications are managed through participating universities and partner organizations, so students should first identify the relevant Berkeley program and then follow its specific application process.
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Partner Universities
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is broader than a single university scholarship. The foundation works with universities and nonprofit organizations to provide educational opportunities to young people who have significant academic potential but face financial or other barriers to higher education.
Although many Mastercard Foundation opportunities are located outside the United States, selected partner institutions in North America provide opportunities for eligible students. This makes the program worth monitoring for students searching for fully funded scholarships in the USA.
Financial support can include tuition fees, accommodation, books and academic materials, mentoring, counselling, leadership development and travel assistance. The exact package depends on the participating institution.
One of the most important points for applicants is that there is no single universal application deadline. Each partner university manages its own admissions and scholarship process, which means students need to check the requirements of the specific institution.
4. Corporate Sponsored National Merit Scholarships
Corporate sponsorship also plays an important role in the National Merit Scholarship Program in the United States. Numerous companies, corporate foundations and businesses support scholarships for academically talented students.
However, this option is different from the fully funded international scholarships listed above. Corporate sponsored National Merit awards can be renewable for several years or can be one time awards, depending on the sponsor.
Many corporate sponsored awards are designed for children of employees, students from particular communities or students planning to study specific majors or pursue particular careers. Therefore, eligibility can be considerably narrower than a general international scholarship.
For students who meet the National Merit requirements, corporate sponsored awards can nevertheless provide valuable financial assistance toward undergraduate education.
5. Microsoft Corporate Scholarship Opportunities
Microsoft and organizations connected with the company have supported several scholarship initiatives designed to help students pursue higher education, particularly in technology related fields.
One example is the Black at Microsoft Scholarship, which supports students planning to study subjects such as engineering, computer science, computer information systems, business administration, finance and marketing at eligible US institutions.
The scholarship can include renewable and one time awards depending on the category. Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, interest in technology and financial need.
International students should pay particularly close attention to the eligibility rules. Some Microsoft scholarship programs accept international applicants only when they are already attending school in the United States, while other programs have US citizenship or residency requirements.
Therefore, Microsoft scholarships can be excellent corporate sponsored opportunities, but they should not automatically be described as fully funded scholarships for students applying from outside the United States.
How to Apply for Corporate Sponsored Scholarships in the USA
The application process depends on the scholarship, but most competitive programs require strong academic records and carefully prepared application materials.
Students should normally prepare the following documents in advance:
- Academic transcripts
- English language test results when required
- Standardized test scores when required
- Statement of purpose
- Personal essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Proof of financial circumstances when required
- University admission documents
Applicants should also research the scholarship provider carefully. Corporate scholarship requirements can change from one year to another, and some programs are available only to students from particular countries, academic backgrounds or communities.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Fully Funded Scholarship
Competition for fully funded scholarships in the United States is extremely high. A good academic record is important, but it is rarely the only factor considered by scholarship committees.
Start preparing your application several months before the deadline. Build a strong academic profile, participate in meaningful extracurricular activities and develop leadership experience whenever possible.
Your personal statement is also extremely important. Instead of simply describing your achievements, explain your goals, the problems you want to solve and how your education will help you contribute to your community.
Students should also apply to multiple scholarship programs rather than depending on a single opportunity. Corporate scholarships often have specific eligibility requirements, so having several suitable options can significantly improve your chances of receiving financial support.
Final Words
Fully funded corporate sponsored scholarships can make studying in the United States much more affordable for talented students. However, students should carefully distinguish between a scholarship that covers the complete cost of attendance and one that only provides a partial tuition award.
For 2026, programs connected with the Mastercard Foundation deserve particular attention because selected US university programs can provide comprehensive financial, academic and personal support. Corporate programs from organizations such as Microsoft and scholarships administered through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation can also provide valuable funding, although their eligibility and award structures are different.
The best strategy is to begin early, research each program carefully, prepare strong application documents and always verify the latest requirements before submitting an application. Scholarship rules, deadlines and available programs can change, so students should never rely solely on information from older scholarship lists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fully funded corporate scholarships available in the USA in 2026?
Yes. Fully funded or comprehensively funded opportunities are available through selected corporate foundations and partner institutions. However, they are much less common than partial corporate scholarships and often have specific eligibility requirements.
Can international students apply for corporate scholarships in the USA?
Some corporate scholarships accept international students, while many others are limited to US citizens, permanent residents or students already studying in the United States. Applicants should always check the eligibility requirements of the specific program.
Does a fully funded scholarship cover living expenses?
It depends on the scholarship. Some comprehensive scholarships can cover tuition, accommodation, books, travel, medical expenses and other costs. Other scholarships may only provide a fixed amount toward tuition.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a major scholarship initiative that works through partner universities and organizations. Depending on the institution, scholars can receive financial, academic, social and career support.
Can I apply directly to the Mastercard Foundation?
Generally, students apply through participating universities or partner organizations rather than submitting one universal application directly to the foundation. Each partner has its own application process and deadline.
Are Microsoft scholarships fully funded?
Not all Microsoft sponsored scholarships are fully funded. Some provide one time financial awards, while others can be renewable. Eligibility also differs between individual Microsoft scholarship programs.
How can I find more corporate scholarships in the USA?
Students can search university scholarship pages, corporate foundation websites, scholarship databases and official education resources. Always verify the latest eligibility requirements and deadline directly with the scholarship provider before applying.