Pursuing a Master’s degree in the United States is a dream for many Indian students. However, the financial aspect of studying abroad can be daunting. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available that can help alleviate the financial burden. Here’s a guide to some of the best scholarships for Indian students looking to pursue an MS in the USA.
1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are prestigious awards that allow Indians to study at any accredited US institution. The fellowship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and air travel.
2. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is aimed at students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis, which includes tuition fees and living expenses.
3. AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women offers fellowships to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The fellowship can be used for full-time study or research in the United States.
4. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
These scholarships are open to all Indian students who have demonstrated exceptional talent in their field of study. The scholarships cover full tuition and living expenses.
5. Tata Scholarship
The Tata Education and Development Trust provides a substantial scholarship for Indian students to attend Cornell University. It covers tuition, room, and board.
6. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian Students
Offered by Stanford University, this fellowship covers tuition and associated fees for Indian students who return to India to work for an Indian organization after graduation.
7. Rotary Peace Fellowships
These fellowships are designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Fellows are trained to promote national and international cooperation, peace, and the successful resolution of conflict.
8. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding scholars with leadership potential. Awards are typically for a one-year Master’s degree at any UK university.
9. Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships
These are aimed at students from Commonwealth countries who can make a significant contribution to their home country after the completion of a higher education program in the UK.
10. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarships
The World Bank, in partnership with Japan, offers scholarships for students from developing countries to study in development-related fields.
What are the eligibility criteria for these scholarships?
The eligibility criteria for various scholarships can vary widely, but here are the general requirements for some of the well-known international scholarships:
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships:
- Indian citizenship with residency in India.
- A four-year bachelor’s degree or a completed master’s degree if the bachelor’s is of three years.
- At least three years of relevant work experience.
- English language proficiency.
- Intent to return to India after the study period.
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship:
- Age under 30 years (preferred).
- Resident of an eligible country where the Aga Khan Foundation or its affiliates operate.
- Excellent academic records and genuine financial need.
- AAUW International Fellowships:
- Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
- Intend to pursue full-time graduate or postgraduate studies at an accredited U.S. institution.
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships:
- Indian citizenship and residency.
- Age limit of 30 years.
- An undergraduate degree from a recognized Indian university.
- Not already holding a postgraduate degree from abroad.
- Tata Scholarship:
- Indian citizenship.
- Undergraduate degree from a recognized Indian university.
- Intent to pursue higher education abroad.
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships:
- Indian citizenship and residency.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Work experience of at least two years.
- English language proficiency.
- Rotary Peace Fellowships:
- Proficiency in English.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum of five years of full-time experience in peace or development work.
- Chevening Scholarships:
- Citizenship of a Chevening-eligible country.
- Undergraduate degree that enables entry onto a postgraduate program in the UK.
- At least two years of work experience.
- Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships:
- Citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country.
- Undergraduate honours degree of at least upper second class (2:1).
- Unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarships:
- Citizenship of a World Bank member developing country.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Full-time paid employment in development-related work at the time of the scholarship application.
Conclusion
These scholarships are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to funding opportunities for Indian students in the USA. It’s important to start the application process early and meet all the eligibility criteria to increase your chances of securing a scholarship. Good luck!