Are you passionate about psychology but worried about the costs? Fully funded psychology programs could be the perfect solution to pursue your dream without financial burdens.
Understanding Fully Funded Psychology Scholarships
Fully funded psychology scholarships offer students the chance to pursue higher education without financial hardship. These scholarships typically cover full tuition, and often include annual stipends, health insurance, and research funding. This kind of comprehensive support allows students to focus completely on their academic and professional development.
Notable Examples:
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (U.S. State Department)
Offers fully funded master's and doctoral-level scholarships, including psychology, for international students to study in the United States. Covers tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance.
https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org
University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarship (U.K.)
Fully funds graduate degrees including MPhil and PhD in Psychology. Covers tuition, stipend (£20,000+ annually), airfare, and academic development grants.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Funds international students for master’s and PhD programs in fields including psychology. Covers tuition (if applicable), living expenses, travel, and insurance.
Exploring Free Psychology Degree Programs
Free psychology degree programs can be found through tuition-free universities or public education initiatives, often online or based in countries with subsidized higher education.
Free Program Examples:
University of the People (UoPeople) – U.S.-based, tuition-free, accredited online university offering a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Students only pay minimal assessment fees (waivers available).
Norwegian Public Universities – Offer free education (no tuition fees) for international students, including psychology degrees. Students only pay small semester fees (~€100).
Examples include:
University of Oslo – BA and MA in Psychology
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) – MA in Psychology
Germany’s Public Universities – Tuition-free education even for international students in many federal states. Popular programs at:
LMU Munich (MSc Psychology: Learning Sciences)
Free University of Berlin (MSc in Psychology)
Benefits of Funded Psychology Graduate Programs
Funded graduate programs in psychology are especially common at research-intensive universities. These programs typically provide:
Full tuition remission
Stipends for living expenses
Paid research or teaching assistantships
Healthcare benefits
Strong Funded Graduate Programs:
University of Michigan – PhD in Psychology
Offers full funding for 5–6 years: includes tuition, health insurance, and a stipend (approx. $35,000/year). Students also receive summer support and conference travel grants.
https://lsa.umich.edu/psych
Yale University – PhD in Psychology
Fully funded for 5 years including stipend, tuition, and healthcare. Competitive entry, but offers world-class research opportunities.
https://psychology.yale.edu/graduate
University of Toronto – PhD in Clinical Psychology
Canadian students receive guaranteed funding for four years. Often includes scholarships, TA positions, and health benefits.
https://www.psych.utoronto.ca/graduate/clinical
Opportunities through Grants for Psychology Education
Grants offer non-repayable funding for tuition, research, or living expenses. Unlike scholarships, they may be awarded based on financial need, specific research interests, or demographic background.
Examples of Psychology-Focused Grants:
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (U.S.)
Supports psychology and cognitive science research at the graduate level. Includes three years of annual stipend ($37,000) and tuition support.
American Psychological Foundation (APF) Scholarships and Grants
Offers grants for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students, including research support. Awards range from $1,000 to $25,000.
Canadian Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M)
Government of Canada scholarship for Canadian citizens pursuing MA in Psychology. Provides $17,500 for one year.
https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca
Choosing the Right Program for Your Needs
When selecting a fully funded or free psychology program, consider these key factors:
Type of psychology: Clinical, cognitive, counseling, developmental, etc.
Degree level: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Delivery format: Online vs. in-person
Career goals: Research, clinical practice, academia, corporate roles
Geographic location and eligibility for funding (especially for international students)
Final Takeaway
Whether you are looking for a tuition-free undergraduate program or a fully funded PhD, psychology students have access to abundant opportunities worldwide. Prestigious universities and initiatives—from Yale and Michigan to the University of Oslo and DAAD—prove that top-quality education can be attained without financial barriers.
🎓 Next Steps:
- Determine your preferred degree level and area of focus
- Review and compare eligibility requirements
- Prepare compelling applications, including personal statements, recommendations, and research proposals
- Apply early—funded program deadlines are often 6 to 12 months ahead of the start date