Last Updated on August 31, 2024
It is no secret that the USA is a growing country with vast opportunities and employment options. The USA is home to many top universities and offers excellent exposure and opportunities to boost your career. Along with this also comes the hefty fees and cost of studying in the USA that will dent your bank. To combat this issue, we have created a list of scholarships for Master’s in USA for Indian students.
But first, let’s see
Why Study MS in the USA?
Let us first look at the facts and reasons why you should study for an MS in the USA.
- Top MS Universities in the USA: Tier one US universities have consistently ranked and made a mark for offering renowned master’s courses to international applicants.
- Various Master’s Programs: These top-tier universities offer students various MS programs and specializations.
- Internationally Recognised Masters from USA: All US Universities are accredited and recognized by various reputed agencies such as the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc., Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, etc.
- Academic Flexibility: Pursuing an MS in the USA offers excellent flexibility as universities offer full-time, part-time, and online courses.
- Myriad of Scholarships: Many scholarships, grants, and financial aid are available to domestic and international students.
Scholarships for Masters in the USA for Indian Students: Key Highlights
| Popular Scholarships for MS in the USA | – Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship – Fulbright Scholarship – Global Study Awards |
| Best Scholarships Offered by US Universities for MS | – Cornell University Scholarships – Stanford Scholarships – Yale Scholarships |
| How to Apply for Scholarships for MS in the US | Research check eligibilityapply early obtain LORs |
Types of Scholarships in the USA for Indian Students
As an Indian student considering MS in the USA, you can apply for several scholarships. Some of them are;
- Government-Funded Scholarships: The government funds a small number of scholarships for students studying abroad. These scholarships are only available to Indian students willing to study in the USA. The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Programme and the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships are two well-known scholarship programs.
- Non-Government Scholarships: Scholarships for Indian students to study in the United States are often provided by some private organizations and trusts. AAUW International Fellowships and International Student Financial Aid (ISFA) are among them.
- University-Funded Scholarships: Students can apply for scholarships at almost all the highest-ranked universities in the United States based on a few requirements. Examples are the University of Minnesota Fellowship and the University of New Haven Scholarship.
Popular Scholarship for MS in the USA for Indian Students
1. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation offers scholarships for outstanding students from developing countries, like India, considering studying for an MS in the US. It is a mix of grants and loans, with half the amount gifted and the other half as a loan. The excellent catch is that you have five years after graduation to repay the loan. A 5% service tax is charged, and you will need a guarantor to secure the loan.
What’s covered?
- Tuition Fees
- Living Expenses
Who’s eligible?
- Must be a resident of India.
- The country needs to have an Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), Aga Khan Education Board (AKEB), or Local Aga Khan Foundation (LAKF) office.
- Students over 30 get a higher chance of selection.
2. Generation Google Scholarship
Are you aiming to crush it in the tech world? Google’s got your back! This scholarship is open to students studying in the USA and Canada with a solid academic record.
Amount Awarded:
$10,000
Eligibility
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Must be enrolled in a full-time Bachelor’s, MS, MBA, or PhD program in the USA or Canada.
- Passionate about computer engineering, computer science, or similar fields.
3. American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) International Fellowship
This scholarship is all about empowering women to rock the education world! It’s a women-only scholarship, and more than 3,000 women from all over the globe have already benefited from it. You can also renew your scholarship for a second year.
What do you get?
You will receive $18,500 to help you pay for tuition, living costs, or even childcare.
What do you need?
- You have to be a woman who’s not from the USA and has a degree equal to a US bachelor.
- You must also be comfortable speaking English (either through TOEFL or by showing your transcripts from an English-speaking university).
- You must plan to study for an entire year at an accredited US university.
When’s the deadline?
It’s around November!
4. The Fulbright Scholarship
The US Government established the Fulbright Scholarship in 1946, which has helped thousands of international students from over 155 countries study in the US free of cost.
What do you get?
This prize funds between two and five years of study for master’s or PhD level students in the US and is entirely merit-based. It covers tuition fees, living costs, accommodation, health insurance, and travel airfare for its scholars.
What do you need?
To apply, you must complete the online application form and submit all your academic transcripts and other required documents, three reference letters, a CV, and two essays. You must also sit for an interview, after which you will receive a decision from the organization.
When’s the deadline?
The Fulbright Scholarship deadline varies per country, but generally, it is between February and October every year.
5. Global Study Awards
The British Council awards the Global Study Awards scholarship. It is open to students from any country pursuing an undergraduate, postgraduate, or even a PhD program in the USA.
What do you get?
The British Council is offering a $12,262 scholarship.
Who’s eligible?
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- She is enrolled in a program abroad.
- You should have aced the IELTS test.
- Must have an acceptance letter from a university in the USA.
If you check all those boxes, head to the British Council website and apply!
6. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship program was started in 2002, and since then, it has provided financial aid to students with vital academic records who are willing to pursue an MS in the USA. It is given in the form of a loan and is expected to be paid back on the organization’s term’s terms.
What do you get?
The maximum amount you can get is $25,496
Who’s eligible?
To qualify, you must be an Indian citizen under 30 years old and have graduated from an accredited college in India. You can still apply even if you haven’t yet been accepted to your dream US university!
7. The Next Genius Foundation Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship awards 75%-100% tuition waivers to select middle-income students from South Asia who will attend leading liberal arts colleges in the US.
What do you get?
You are awarded a 75%-100% waiver on your tuition fees.
Who’s eligible?
- You must be a grade 12 student studying in India, Nepal, or Bangladesh.
- You must prove you can pay for your essential travel and living expenses in the US.
- You must pay a basic registration fee of INR 700 to apply for the scholarship.
When’s the deadline?
Registrations have opened from May 1, 2024, and you can register on the official scholarship website. The deadline for application is December 1, 2024.
8. Amber Scholarship
The Amber Scholar program offers scholarships to students of all nationalities dreaming of studying in the US, UK, Ireland, and Canada.
What do you get?
It offers three prizes- the 1st prize is a scholarship of USD 7000, the 2nd prize is USD 5000, and the 3rd is USD 3000.
What do you need?
You must complete the application form on their official website and submit a Statement of Purpose explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
When’s the deadline?
The application submission deadline is August 31, 2024, and the winners will be announced on September 15, 2024.
Scholarships Offered by Universities in the USA
Here is a list of university-specific scholarships for Master’s in the USA.
| University | Program | Amount |
| Cornell University | TATA Scholarship | 100% of the tuition fee |
| Illinois State University | Merit-based scholarships | Up to $5,500 per semester |
| Oregon State University | International Graduate Research Assistantships | Up to $3,500 per year |
| University of Rochester | Simon Graduate School of Business Fellowships | Full Tuition FeesLiving Stipend |
| University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley International Graduate Fellowship | Full Tuition FeesLiving Stipend |
| University of Michigan | International Graduate Fellowship | Full Tuition FeesLiving Stipend |
| University of Southern California | Graduate Merit Fellowships | Full Tuition FeesLiving Stipend |
| University of Texas at Austin | Graduate School of Business Merit Scholarships | Full Tuition FeesLiving Stipend |
| University of Washington | Distinguished Graduate Fellowships | Full Tuition FeesLiving Stipend |
| Stanford University | Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | Full tuition living stipend travel allowances |
| Harvard College | Various programs, including the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Scholarship, the Federal Pell Grant, and the Gilbert Grant | Need-based scholarships mainly cover 100% of tuition or remaining needs if any external grant covers a certain amount. |
| Yale University | Yale University Scholarships | Full tuition fees |
How Do I Apply for Scholarships for MS in the USA?
Follow these simple steps to apply for scholarships for MS in the USA.
- Research: Perform thorough research and identify the scholarship that best suits your needs.
- Start Early: Scholarship deadlines can be months ahead of program applications.
- So start early and apply for the scholarship as soon as possible.
- Check Eligibility: Carefully check the eligibility criteria of the scholarship you are applying for, including GPA requirements, specific fields of study, and nationality restrictions.
- Prepare Strong Applications: Write compelling essays, keeping each university in mind. Highlight your academic achievements, research experience, and goals.
- Gather Documents: Gather the necessary documents such as Transcripts, LORs, SOP, etc.
- Submit Applications: Carefully review your documents and then submit the application before the deadline.
Conclusion
Studying for a Master’s in the USA can be a costly affair. But that doesn’t mean you can’t study Master’s in the USA. With the help of various scholarships such as the Agha Khan Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarship, Google Scholarship, and many other University-specific scholarships, you can easily study at your dream destination without worrying about the cost. If you are wondering how to apply for scholarships for a Master’s in the USA, we have covered that in the blog. All the best with your career!
FAQs
Can I study in the USA for free?
While it is not possible to study in the USA for free, you can avail yourself of various scholarships to reduce your financial burden.
How much is a CGPA required for an MS in the USA with a scholarship?
You must have scored at least 7 out of 10 or 3.0 on a scale of 4 in your Bachelor’s program.
When should I start applying for scholarships?
Start researching and applying for scholarships as early as possible, ideally 12–18 months before your intended start date.
Linette Shoji is a seasoned content writer specializing in guiding students through the complexities of applying to universities abroad. Her well-researched, clear, and practical articles break down intricate information into easy-to-understand advice. Linette’s work empowers students to make informed decisions, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to higher education.
