A Master of Public Health (MPH) is one of the most valuable graduate degrees for students who want to build careers in public health, epidemiology, global health, health policy, disease prevention, environmental health, and healthcare management. However, tuition and living costs can make studying abroad difficult for international students.

Fortunately, several universities and scholarship programs offer fully funded MPH opportunities or highly competitive scholarships that can cover full tuition and, in some cases, living expenses, travel, health insurance, and other study-related costs.

This guide highlights the Top 15 Fully Funded MPH Programs for international students. The list includes leading universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and other destinations. Funding availability can change from year to year, so applicants should always check the official university and scholarship pages before applying.

What Is an MPH Degree?

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a graduate-level degree focused on improving the health of populations rather than treating individual patients. MPH students learn how to identify health problems, analyze public health data, design health interventions, conduct research, and develop policies that improve communities.

Depending on the university, an MPH may include subjects such as:

• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Global Health
• Health Policy
• Environmental Health
• Community Health
• Health Promotion
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Maternal and Child Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Management

An MPH can lead to careers with governments, hospitals, universities, NGOs, international organizations, research institutes, and public health agencies.

What Does a Fully Funded MPH Scholarship Cover?

A fully funded scholarship can provide much more than tuition support. Depending on the scholarship, financial assistance may include:

• 100% tuition fees
• Monthly living stipend
• Accommodation allowance
• Health insurance
• Airfare or travel allowance
• Research funding
• Books and study materials
• Visa-related support

Not every scholarship provides all of these benefits. Some awards cover only tuition, while others provide a complete funding package.

Top 15 Fully Funded MPH Programs

1. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health – USA

Johns Hopkins University is one of the world’s most recognized institutions for public health education.

Its Master of Public Health (MPH) program provides training in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, global health, environmental health, and community health.

The Bloomberg School states that admitted MPH applicants are automatically considered for several scholarships. Some additional awards require separate applications. Its major funding opportunities include the Sommer Scholars Program, Bloomberg Fellows Program, and institutional MPH scholarships. The Sommer Scholars Program provides full tuition plus a living stipend to selected students.

The Bloomberg Fellows Program is another major opportunity, although it has specific eligibility requirements connected to qualifying U.S. organizations. Fellows receive a full scholarship for an MPH or DrPH.

Program: Master of Public Health
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Funding: Selected scholarships can cover full tuition and may include a stipend
Application system: SOPHAS
Best for: Global health, epidemiology, health policy, research and public health leadership

For the 2027–28 academic year, the full-time MPH deadline is December 1, 2026. Apply Links:-

2. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – USA

Harvard University offers several graduate public health programs through the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Harvard is particularly attractive for students interested in global health, epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, and public health research.

Students should explore Harvard’s financial aid, scholarships, fellowships, and external funding opportunities when applying. Funding policies differ by degree and student circumstances, so applicants should not assume that admission automatically means full funding.

Harvard’s MPH options provide opportunities to study public health from both scientific and policy perspectives.

Program: MPH and related public health master’s programs
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Funding: Competitive scholarships, grants and financial aid
Best for: Public health research, policy, global health and leadership      Apply Links

3. Boston University School of Public Health – USA

Boston University School of Public Health offers an on-campus MPH with several areas of specialization.

Boston University is notable because 100% of students accepted into its single on-campus MPH or MS degree programs are eligible for scholarship aid, according to the school. Students are automatically considered for additional scholarships, and the school reports that a limited number of full- and half-tuition scholarships are available.

International students are eligible for scholarships at Boston University School of Public Health.

The university also reports that 98% of students across its public health degree programs received funding in 2025 through scholarships, fellowships, loans, or tuition remission.

Program: On-Campus MPH
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Funding: Scholarships including competitive full- and half-tuition awards
Best for: Community health, global health, healthcare management and public health practice                    Apply Link

4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – USA

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health is another strong destination for MPH students.

The school is known for public health education, research, and practical training. Students can explore areas including epidemiology, nutrition, health policy, health behavior, environmental sciences, and maternal and child health.

Funding may be available through scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and other forms of financial support.

Program: Master of Public Health
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
Funding: Competitive scholarships, fellowships and assistantships
Best for: Global public health, epidemiology, health policy and research

Applicants should review the current funding opportunities for their specific MPH concentration.              Apply Link

5. University of Michigan – USA

The University of Michigan School of Public Health provides graduate programs across multiple public health disciplines.

Students can study fields such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health management, health behavior, environmental health, and nutritional sciences.

The university offers funding opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and other forms of student support. Because funding differs by program and applicant, students should investigate awards available specifically for their chosen MPH program.

Program: MPH and related public health master’s degrees
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Funding: Scholarships, fellowships and assistantships
Best for: Epidemiology, health management, environmental health and research

6. Emory University Rollins School of Public Health – USA

Emory University Rollins School of Public Health is internationally recognized for public health education and research.

The school offers master’s programs in areas including epidemiology, global health, health policy, behavioral sciences, environmental health, and biostatistics.

Scholarship consideration is an important part of the admissions process. For the 2027 intake, Rollins lists January 5, 2027 as its priority deadline for complete and verified applications for scholarship consideration. International applicants have a preferred deadline of May 1, 2027.

Program: MPH and related master’s programs
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Funding: Scholarships and other financial support
Best for: Global health, epidemiology, health policy and infectious disease

7. University of California, Berkeley – USA

The University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health offers MPH programs with strong connections to research, policy, and public health practice.

Students can explore public health areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, and community health sciences.

Berkeley advises applicants to investigate scholarships and external funding opportunities. International students are encouraged to explore funding from their home countries as well.

Because many awards are competitive, students should begin funding research early.

Program: MPH
Location: Berkeley, California, USA
Funding: University scholarships and external funding opportunities
Best for: Public health policy, research, epidemiology and community health

8. UCL Master of Public Health – United Kingdom

University College London offers a Master of Public Health program with a strong international focus.

One of its important funding opportunities is the IMPACT Scholarship. UCL states that two scholarships are offered annually for applicants who demonstrate financial need, have lived experience of inequality, and show strong potential for population health impact.

For the 2026/27 cycle, the scholarship was valued at up to £20,500, enough to cover full-time tuition fees for the one-year MPH. It is open to eligible overseas applicants as well as UK applicants.

This makes UCL an especially interesting option for international students searching for a fully funded MPH scholarship.

Program: Master of Public Health
Location: London, UK
Funding: IMPACT Scholarship up to £20,500
Best for: Population health, health inequalities and global public health

9. Imperial College London – United Kingdom

Imperial College London has a strong School of Public Health with programs related to epidemiology, global health, environmental health, and public health research.

The university has participated in Commonwealth funding opportunities. For example, the Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships can cover full overseas tuition fees for selected students, including eligible programs within the School of Public Health.

Commonwealth scholarships are highly competitive and normally have specific eligibility requirements based on nationality and development priorities.

Program: Public health master’s programs
Location: London, UK
Funding: Commonwealth and university scholarship opportunities
Best for: Global health, epidemiology and public health research

10. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine – UK

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to public and global health.

LSHTM offers master’s programs covering infectious diseases, epidemiology, public health, tropical medicine, health policy, and other areas.

The LSHTM Fund Scholarship is an example of a comprehensive funding opportunity. For 2026/27, the scholarship included overseas tuition fees, mandatory field-trip fees, and a tax-free stipend of £22,000 for an eligible one-year, full-time London-based MSc.

Although not every LSHTM program is automatically fully funded, the institution provides some highly competitive scholarships that can cover both tuition and living expenses.

Location: London, UK
Funding: Competitive full scholarships and stipends
Best for: Global health, epidemiology, tropical medicine and health research

11. Europubhealth+ European Master in Public Health – Europe

Europubhealth+ is one of the most attractive fully funded public health opportunities for international students.

This Erasmus Mundus Joint Master brings together universities and public health institutions across Europe. The program involves study at multiple institutions and provides an interdisciplinary approach to public health.

The European Commission’s Erasmus Mundus program states that selected joint master’s programs can provide full scholarships covering participation costs and contributions toward travel, visa costs, and living expenses.

Europubhealth+ has received renewed Erasmus+ funding that enables it to award 60 full scholarships across the relevant intake period.

For the 2027–2029 intake, the scholarship application deadline is listed as January 8, 2027.

Program: European Master in Public Health
Location: Multiple European countries
Funding: Erasmus Mundus full scholarships
Best for: International public health, global health and multidisciplinary study

12. University of Cambridge – United Kingdom

University of Cambridge offers postgraduate study in population health sciences and public health-related fields.

The Department of Public Health and Primary Care offers the MPhil in Population Health Sciences, which is closely related to public health and provides advanced research training.

Cambridge lists departmental scholarships for selected students. For the 2027/28 cycle, one departmental scholarship is valued at £7,250 annually, although this award is not a full scholarship.

Students interested in Cambridge should therefore combine university scholarships with major external funding schemes where eligible.

Program: MPhil in Population Health Sciences
Location: Cambridge, UK
Funding: Departmental and external scholarships
Best for: Population health, research and epidemiology

13. University of Glasgow – United Kingdom

The University of Glasgow offers a Master of Public Health and related postgraduate programs.

International students can explore university scholarships and external awards. Glasgow has also participated in scholarship schemes such as the GREAT Scholarships, which have included applicants from countries such as Pakistan.

Funding levels vary, so students should check the specific scholarship requirements and whether the MPH is eligible for the award in the intended intake year.

Program: Master of Public Health
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Funding: University and external scholarships
Best for: Public health practice, health policy and global health

14. BRAC University Master of Public Health – Bangladesh

BRAC University offers an 18-month Master of Public Health program through the BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health.

A particularly important funding route is the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship (QECS). BRAC University states that the scholarship is fully funded and can cover full tuition, a living allowance, return economy airfare, an arrival allowance, and limited research support, subject to approval.

This can be an excellent opportunity for eligible students from Commonwealth countries.

Program: Master of Public Health
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Funding: QECS full scholarship for eligible students
Duration: Approximately 18 months
Best for: Global health, community health and public health practice

15. Mahidol University – Thailand

Mahidol University offers an international Master of Public Health program through its Faculty of Public Health.

The program is designed for students interested in international and global public health and provides an English-language learning environment.

Mahidol’s public health faculty has announced full scholarship opportunities in previous admissions cycles, including a Norwegian-funded scholarship project for eligible applicants.

Because scholarship availability and eligibility can change, applicants should check the latest admissions and scholarship announcements before applying.

Program: Master of Public Health International Program
Location: Thailand
Funding: Competitive scholarship opportunities
Best for: International public health and global health

How to Apply for a Fully Funded MPH

Getting a fully funded MPH scholarship is highly competitive. A strong application usually requires more than good academic grades.

1. Choose the Right MPH Specialization

First decide which area of public health interests you most. Popular areas include:

• Epidemiology
• Global Health
• Biostatistics
• Health Policy
• Environmental Health
• Nutrition
• Health Management
• Community Health

Choosing a clear specialization can make your application more focused.

2. Build a Strong Academic Profile

Universities generally look for strong academic performance. Your previous degree should demonstrate that you can successfully handle graduate-level study.

Relevant backgrounds may include medicine, nursing, biology, pharmacy, nutrition, social sciences, economics, statistics, environmental sciences, and other related fields.

3. Gain Public Health Experience

Experience can strengthen an MPH scholarship application. This may include:

• Volunteering
• Healthcare work
• Community projects
• Research
• Internships
• NGO activities
• Public health campaigns

Even small projects can demonstrate your interest in improving community health.

4. Prepare a Strong Statement of Purpose

Your statement of purpose should explain:

• Why you want to study public health
• Why you selected the university
• Your public health interests
• Your previous experience
• Your future career goals
• How the degree will benefit your community

Avoid using the same generic statement for every university.

5. Prepare Recommendation Letters

Strong recommendation letters can support your academic and professional profile. Choose people who know your academic abilities, research work, leadership, or professional experience.

6. Search for External Scholarships

Do not depend only on university funding.

International students should also investigate:

• Erasmus Mundus
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• Fulbright
• Government scholarships
• Country-specific scholarships
• NGO funding
• University fellowships

External scholarships can sometimes provide a complete financial package.

Documents Required for MPH Scholarships

Requirements vary by university, but international applicants may need:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Curriculum vitae/resume
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• English language test score
• Passport
• Research proposal, if required
• Work or volunteer experience documents
• Scholarship essays
• Proof of financial circumstances for need-based awards

Some universities may waive standardized tests or have different English-language requirements.

Career Opportunities After an MPH

An MPH can lead to a wide variety of careers.

Graduates may work as:

• Public Health Specialist
• Epidemiologist
• Health Policy Analyst
• Global Health Officer
• Research Associate
• Community Health Manager
• Health Program Manager
• Biostatistics Specialist
• Environmental Health Specialist
• Public Health Consultant
• Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
• Health Promotion Specialist

Potential employers include government health departments, hospitals, universities, NGOs, research institutions, international organizations, and private healthcare companies.

Tips for Winning a Fully Funded MPH Scholarship

Competition for full scholarships is extremely high. To improve your chances:

Apply early: Some scholarships have deadlines months before the university’s final admission deadline.

Target several programs: Do not apply to only one university.

Read eligibility rules carefully: Some scholarships are restricted to specific countries, professional backgrounds, or work experience.

Show measurable impact: Instead of simply saying that you volunteered, explain what you accomplished.

Connect your goals to public health needs: Scholarship committees want to understand how your education will create meaningful impact.

Customize every application: Adapt your statement to the university, program, scholarship and public health problem you want to address.

Check official websites: Scholarship amounts, deadlines and eligibility rules can change each year.

Final Thoughts

A fully funded Master in Public Health (MPH) can provide an excellent opportunity to study at a leading university without taking on the full financial burden of graduate education. Programs and funding routes at institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Boston University, Emory, UCL, Imperial College London, LSHTM, and major European universities can be especially attractive to international applicants.

Among the opportunities highlighted above, Europubhealth+ stands out for students seeking an international European public health experience with Erasmus Mundus scholarships, while Johns Hopkins offers several significant MPH scholarship and fellowship opportunities. UCL’s IMPACT Scholarship, LSHTM funding, Boston University’s scholarship system, and the QECS route at BRAC University are also worth investigating.

Remember that “fully funded MPH” does not always mean that every student admitted to the program receives complete funding. In many cases, full funding is awarded only to selected scholarship recipients. Always check the current official scholarship page for eligibility, deadlines, coverage, and application instructions before making your final decision.

For students planning an international public health career, applying to several fully funded or fully funded scholarship routes can significantly improve the chance of securing financial support for graduate study.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fully funded MPH program?

There is no single best program for everyone. Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Boston University, Emory, UCL, LSHTM and Europubhealth+ are among the leading options to investigate, depending on your specialization, academic background and funding eligibility.

Can international students get fully funded MPH scholarships?

Yes. International students can qualify for several full scholarships and fellowships, although eligibility varies. Erasmus Mundus, Commonwealth-related awards, university scholarships and selected institutional fellowships can provide significant or complete funding.

Does a fully funded MPH include living expenses?

Sometimes. Some scholarships cover tuition only, while others also provide a living stipend, travel allowance, insurance or other benefits. Always check the individual scholarship terms.

Is work experience required for an MPH?

Not always. Requirements differ by university and program. Some MPH programs accept students directly after a bachelor’s degree, while certain scholarships or specialized programs may prefer or require relevant professional experience.

When should I apply for a fully funded MPH?

Ideally, begin preparing 6–12 months before your intended start date. Some major scholarship deadlines occur before the final university admission deadline, so early preparation is important.

Which countries offer fully funded MPH scholarships?

Students can find fully funded or highly funded public health opportunities in the United States, United Kingdom, European countries, Bangladesh, Thailand, and other countries. Erasmus Mundus is particularly useful for students seeking European public health master’s funding.