List of Best Scholarships to Study MS in USA for Indian Students

So, we all know that the USA has some of the best universities in the world, right? Like, half of them are super top-rated! But with all that greatness comes a price tag, and studying in the USA ain’t cheap. That’s because universities need to spend a ton of money on hiring the best professors, maintaining top-notch facilities, and giving students real-world experience.

All this comes at a cost, though. The USA is the 3rd most expensive country to study in, with tuition fees and living expenses averaging around $24,000 and $11,000 per year, respectively. That’s where scholarships come in! They're like a magic wand that can help you afford your dream education without drowning in debt.

Here’s why scholarships are so helpful:

• No debt: You don’t have to pay back full scholarships, unlike those loans with killer interest rates. Say goodbye to financial stress!

• Equal opportunity: Scholarships help academically talented students from all backgrounds get a top-notch education, regardless of their financial situation.

• Motivation boost: No money worries mean you can focus on your studies and crush them, landing you amazing job opportunities after graduation.

• Peace of mind: Scholarships are a huge relief, both financially and mentally, allowing you to focus on enjoying your MS studies in the USA.

Suggested: Cost of Living in the USA

Now, which scholarships are the most popular with Indian students studying MS in the USA? Check out our video to find out!

We’ve got you covered with some of the most popular scholarships for studying MS in the USA. Take a look and see which one might be your perfect match!

1. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation offers scholarships for outstanding students from developing countries, like India, who want to pursue their MS in the US. But there’s a catch: these scholarships are super competitive, so you’ll need amazing academic performance to stand out.

These scholarships are a mix of grants and loans, with half the amount gifted and the other half needing to be paid back. The good news is, you have five years after finishing your course to do so. Plus, they only ask for a small service charge of 5%, and you’ll need a guarantor to secure the loan.

What’s Covered?

The scholarship takes care of your tuition fees and living expenses, but the exact amount depends on your specific situation and academic achievements.

Who’s Eligible?

• You must be a resident of India.
• Your 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.

When’s the Deadline?

Get your applications in around March.

2. Generation Google Scholarship

Google’s got your back with a sweet scholarship for those aiming to crush it in the tech world. This scholarship is open to students studying in both the USA and Canada who have stellar academic records.

What’s Covered?

You could receive a whopping $10,000 to fund your studies!

Who’s Eligible?

• You’ve got your high school diploma or equivalent.
• You’re enrolled in a full-time Bachelor’s, MS, MBA, or PhD program in the USA or Canada.
• You’re passionate about computer science, computer engineering, or similar fields.
• You’re a champion for diversity and inclusion in the tech world.

3. American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) International Fellowship

This scholarship is all about empowering women to rock the education world! It’s open to women only, and more than 3,600 women from all over the globe have already benefited from it. Plus, you might even get your scholarship renewed for a second year!

What’s Covered?

You will receive $18,000 to help you pay for tuition, living costs, or even childcare.

Who’s Eligible?

• You have to be a woman who’s not from the USA and have a degree that’s equal to a US bachelor’s. 
• You also need to be comfortable speaking English (either through TOEFL or by showing your transcripts from an English-speaking university). 
• You have to be planning to study for a full year at an accredited US university.

When’s the Deadline?

It’s around November!

4. The Fulbright Scholarship

The Fulbright Scholarship was established by the US Government in 1946 and has helped thousands of international students from over 155 countries study in the US free of cost. 

What’s Covered?

This prize funds between two and five years of study for master's or PhD level students in the US and is completely merit-based. It covers the entire tuition fee, living costs, accommodation, health insurance, and travel airfare for its scholars. 

Who’s Eligible?

To apply, you must fill out 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 organisation. 

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 offers this scholarship to help you take your studies abroad! This scholarship is open to students from any country, whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate, postgraduate, or even a PhD program.

What’s Covered?

The British Council is offering a $12,262 scholarship.

Who’s Eligible?

• You must be at least 18 years old. 
• You should be planning to enroll in a program abroad. 
• You should have aced the IELTS test. 
• You must receive an acceptance letter from a university in the USA.

If you check all those boxes, then head over to the British Council website and apply!

6. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship

Started in 2002, this program gives deserving students like you a chance to pursue postgraduate studies. But here’s the catch: It’s a loan, not free money. So, you’ll eventually need to pay it back according to the organization’s terms.

What’s Covered?

Here’s the good news: the maximum amount you can get is $25,496! That’s enough to cover a lot of expenses, right?

Who’s Eligible?

To qualify, you need to be an Indian citizen under 30 years old and have graduated from an accredited college in India. Even if you haven’t yet been accepted to your dream US university, you can still apply!

Still not finding the right fit? Don’t even think about it! Yocket Premium has your back. Our counselors will hook you up with information on scholarships you can apply for and even help you navigate the whole study abroad application process like a pro.

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’s Covered?

You are awarded a 75%-100% waiver on your tuition fees.

Who’s Eligible?

• You must be at least a grade 12 student studying in India, Nepal, or Bangladesh. 
• You need to prove that you can pay for your basic travel and living expenses in the US. 
• You need to 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’s Covered?

It offers three prizes- the 1st prize is a scholarship of USD 7000, the 2nd prize is of USD 5000, and the 3rd is of USD 3000. 

Who’s Eligible?

To apply, you must fill out the application form on their official website and submit a Statement of Purpose explaining why you deserve the scholarship. 

When’s the Deadline?

The deadline for submitting your application is August 31, 2024, and the winners will be announced on September 15, 2024.

We’ve covered the main MS scholarships for Indian students in the USA, but don’t forget! Many universities offer scholarships for both Indian and international students.

One question we hear a lot is, “Can I apply for multiple scholarships?” Absolutely! The more you apply for, the higher your chances of getting one.

Here’s a quick overview of some university-specific scholarships in the USA, their amounts, and eligibility requirements:

Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and many other universities offer scholarships to international students pursuing MS programs in the USA. It is important to research the specific programs and scholarship opportunities offered by each university you are interested in.

If you are planning to pursue your higher education in the USA, there are multiple scholarships and grants you should consider applying for to get a 100% waiver on your tuition fees. Several universities like Stanford, Yale, the University of Southern California, and the University of California Berkeley offer fully funded scholarships to international students based on their financial need and merit. 

You must keep track of the scholarship requirements and deadlines and apply on time. There are various external organisations that also offer scholarships covering 100% of the tuition cost, like the Fulbright Scholarship. This blog has listed various scholarship and grant options you can browse through to decide which ones suit you best.

To apply for scholarships in the USA, you must adhere to some basic guidelines. Below we have outlined the important steps you need to follow to apply for scholarships for MS in the USA.

• Research: Identify scholarships aligned with your academic profile, field of study, and financial needs. Explore scholarship databases like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and university websites.

• Start Early: Scholarship deadlines can be months ahead of program applications. Plan your timeline and gather the required documents well in advance.

• Check Eligibility: Carefully review scholarship criteria, including GPA requirements, specific fields of study, and nationality restrictions.

• Prepare Strong Applications: Craft compelling essays highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, and goals. Tailor essays to each scholarship’s specific requirements.

• Gather Recommendation Letters: Request letters from professors familiar with your academic work and potential. Choose individuals who can provide strong endorsements.

• Transcripts and Test Scores: Ensure official transcripts and standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, etc.) are sent to scholarship committees and universities as required.

• Submit Applications: Follow each scholarship’s specific submission instructions, including online portals or mail-in applications. Double-check deadlines and the completeness of materials.

Also Read: Scholarships for International Students

Studying in the USA can be pricey, but that doesn’t have to stop you from achieving your goals. At Yocket, we believe that hard work should be rewarded. There are tons of ways to make your dream of studying abroad more affordable for you and your family.

Some scholarships are super competitive, but there’s definitely one out there with your name on it! You just have to find it.

But applying for scholarships can be overwhelming, especially when you’re also juggling things like choosing a university or course, and navigating the application process. No worries! Yocket Premium is here to help.

With Yocket Premium, you get a dedicated counselor who will guide you through every step of your study abroad journey, crafting a personalized plan JUST FOR YOU.

So become a Yocket Premium member today and give your dream the best chance it deserves!