scholarships for master’s in USA for Indian students Studying in the United States can be life-changing, but let’s face it — it’s expensive. From tuition to housing to healthcare, everything adds up fast. Luckily, if you’re an Indian student dreaming of pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S., there are plenty of scholarships that can ease your financial burden.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top scholarships available for Indian students, how to apply, eligibility criteria, documents required, and pro tips to increase your chances of winning.
🎓 scholarships for master’s in USA for Indian students :Why Scholarships Matter for Indian Students in the U.S.
Tuition fees for master’s programs in the USA can range from $20,000 to $60,000 per year. Add living expenses, and the total can touch $80,000+. That’s where scholarships come in — reducing or even eliminating tuition fees.
Also, having a scholarship on your resume adds credibility and boosts your profile for future employers.
🔝 Top Scholarships for Indian Students for MS in the USA
1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
- Who can apply: Outstanding Indian students with at least 3 years of work experience
- Covers: Tuition, living costs, airfare, and health insurance
- Eligibility:
- Must have a 4-year undergraduate degree
- Minimum 3 years of work experience
- Deadline: Typically May-June every year
- Website: usief.org.in
2. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- Who can apply: Exceptional Indian students under 30 years old
- Covers: Tuition fees + living expenses up to $100,000
- Eligibility:
- First-class degree from a recognized Indian university
- Proof of admission from a top-ranked US university
- Deadline: Usually March–April
3. Tata Scholarship – Cornell University
- Who can apply: Indian citizens admitted to Cornell for undergrad/grad
- Covers: Full tuition, living expenses, books, and travel
- Eligibility:
- Need-based
- Must show financial need in CSS Profile
- Website: admissions.cornell.edu
4. AAUW International Fellowships (for Women)
- Who can apply: Female Indian students applying to grad schools in the U.S.
- Covers: $20,000 to $50,000 for tuition and expenses
- Eligibility:
- Must have a U.S. university admission
- Demonstrated commitment to return to India post-study
5. Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
- Type: Interest-free loan + merit-based award
- Amount: Up to ₹20 lakhs (repayable after studies)
- Eligibility:
- Indian citizen under 30
- Admission to a top-ranked U.S. university for master’s
- Website: pg.nsfoundation.co.in
6. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
- For: Indian citizens admitted to Stanford MBA program
- Covers: Up to 80% tuition
- Eligibility:
- Must return to work in India after program completion
- Show financial need + strong academic profile
📝 Common Documents Required for Scholarship Applications
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume or CV
- Proof of Admission
- Academic Transcripts
- Standardized Test Scores (GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS)
- Financial Documents (for need-based scholarships)
🧠 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
✅ Start early: Begin your research at least 12 months before intake
✅ Apply to multiple scholarships: Don’t depend on just one
✅ Craft a killer SOP: Highlight achievements, goals, and “why USA?”
✅ Tailor your application: Make it specific to each scholarship
✅ Get strong LORs: From professors or employers who truly know you
✅ Ace standardized tests: High scores increase chances of selection
💡 Bonus: Where to Find More Scholarships
✅ Final Thoughts
Getting a master’s degree in the USA is not just a dream — it’s achievable, and scholarships can make it affordable. Whether you’re aiming for a top university or a specialized course, there’s funding out there waiting for you.
Start early, apply smartly, and believe in yourself. Your scholarship journey starts today!
