Scholarships for MS in USA in 2026

Pursuing an MS in the USA can be expensive, but scholarships for MS in USA make it accessible for many. Each year, thousands of international students secure financial aid to cover tuition and living costs. According to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors Report, over 37% of international graduate students receive some form of scholarship or assistantship. These awards range from full tuition waivers to partial funding and stipends. 

Major scholarships like the Fulbright, university-specific grants, and STEM-focused awards are highly competitive but can significantly reduce your financial burden. Additionally, assistantships (research or teaching) offer a steady stipend while gaining valuable experience. Understanding eligibility, deadlines, and scholarship types is key to maximizing your chances. 

With the right preparation, Indian students can study in top US universities with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Scholarships not only ease financial stress but also enhance academic and career prospects.

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Types of Scholarships for MS in USA for International Students

Many international students hesitate to apply for MS programs in USA because of high tuition costs. The good news? According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), more than 60% of international graduate students receive some form of financial aid.

Major Types of Scholarships for MS in USA

Type of Scholarship	Who Can Apply?	Examples
Merit-Based	High-achieving students with strong GPAs, GRE scores, and leadership experience	Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Need-Based	Students who require financial assistance	AAUW International Fellowships, Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
University-Specific	Scholarships awarded by universities based on admission profile	MIT Presidential Fellowships, Harvard Graduate Fellowships
Research & STEM-Based	Students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields	NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Google Lime Scholarship
Diversity & Region-Based	Students from underrepresented backgrounds or specific countries	Tata Scholarship (for Indian students at Cornell), Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships

Example: The Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program funds only 1% of applicants worldwide. It provides full tuition, living expenses, and leadership training for students who show exceptional academic and leadership potential.

Example: The Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program funds only 1% of applicants worldwide. It provides full tuition, living expenses, and leadership training for students who show exceptional academic and leadership potential.

Find the best scholarships in the USA and fund your education with upGrad’s expert guidance!

Top Scholarships for MS in USA for International Students in 2026

The right scholarships for MS in USA depend on your academic background, financial need, and career goals.

Here are some of the most sought-after MS scholarships in USA for international students.

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Scholarships – A Fully Funded Opportunity for Indian Scholars

This scholarship funds Indian students pursuing an MS in fields like public policy, environmental science, and international affairs. It covers tuition, airfare, living expenses, and health insurance.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian citizens only
Work Experience	Minimum 3 years of relevant experience
Field of Study	Public policy, environmental science, arts, international affairs, and more
Commitment	Must return to India after completion
Leadership & Service	Involvement in leadership roles, social work, or community projects

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
Academic Qualification	Bachelor’s degree with at least 55% marks
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Must showcase career goals and impact on India
Letters of Recommendation	Strong references from professors or employers
Selection Process	Personal interview after shortlisting

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Yes
Airfare	Round-trip to USA
Health Insurance	Included

2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University) – For Future Global Leaders

This program funds students for up to three years at Stanford University. It includes leadership training, networking opportunities, and a community of scholars working to create change.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to all nationalities, including Indians
Field of Study	Any MS program at Stanford
Leadership Skills	Strong leadership experience in academics, startups, or community projects
Vision & Innovation	Preference for students who have made a real-world impact

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
Admission	Must be admitted to an MS program at Stanford
Leadership Essay	Must highlight leadership journey and future vision
Video Statement	Required for shortlisted applicants
Recommendation Letters	Strong references from mentors or employers
Interview	Final selection round for top candidates

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered (for up to 3 years)
Living Expenses	Yes
Travel Costs	Covered
Leadership Training	Included

3. AAUW International Fellowships – Supporting Women in Higher Education

AAUW supports women pursuing an MS in USA. It covers tuition, research, and living costs to help women advance in their careers.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Gender	Women applicants only
Nationality	Open to Indian and other international students
Field of Study	STEM, business, social sciences, and related fields
Career Commitment	Preference for women working toward gender equity
Academic Record	Strong academic achievements

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
Academic Qualification	Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
University Admission	Must be admitted to a USA university
Statement of Purpose	Must outline career plans and long-term vision
Recommendation Letters	Strong references from professors or employers
Community Work	Preference for applicants with a record of women’s empowerment activities

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Covered (Up to $50,000)
Living Expenses	Yes
Research Costs	Included
Additional Grants	Available based on financial need

4. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Loan Scholarship – Interest-Free Loan for Indian Students

Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Loan Scholarship offers an interest-free loan of up to ₹20 lakh, helping Indian students fund their MS without high-interest bank loans.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian citizens only
Academic Merit	High academic performance (minimum 60% marks in UG)
University Admission	Must have secured admission to a top MS subjects
Financial Need	Must demonstrate need for financial support

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
Academic Records	Strong undergraduate academic performance
Statement of Purpose	Must explain career goals and financial need
Recommendation Letters	Required from academic or professional mentors
Interview	Final selection is based on a personal interview

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Loan-based (Up to ₹20 lakh)
Interest Rate	0% (Interest-Free)
Repayment Period	Starts after course completion
Other Expenses	Partially Covered

5. J.N. Tata Endowment for Higher Education – Interest-Free Loan for Indian Students

This endowment provides an interest-free loan to Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, including an MS in USA. The amount varies based on academic merit and financial need.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian citizens only
Academic Merit	High academic performance (minimum 60% marks)
University Admission	Must have secured admission to a recognized university
Career Commitment	Preference for students with strong career aspirations
Financial Need	Must demonstrate need for financial support

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
Academic Qualification	Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks
University Admission	Proof of admission to a recognized MS program
Statement of Purpose	Must outline career goals and financial need
Recommendation Letters	Required from academic or professional mentors
Selection Process	Personal interview for shortlisted candidates

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Loan-based (Amount varies)
Interest Rate	0% (Interest-Free)
Repayment Period	Begins after course completion
Other Expenses	Partial coverage

6. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships – Full Funding for Exceptional Students

This scholarship provides full funding for tuition and living expenses for outstanding Indian students studying abroad. It supports those pursuing degrees in arts, humanities, and social sciences at top institutions, including Ivy League universities.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian citizens only
Academic Excellence	Strong academic record with top grades
University Admission	Must be admitted to a top USA university
Field of Study	Arts, literature, humanities, social sciences
Research & Talent	Preference for students with a strong portfolio or research background

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must have a confirmed offer from a recognized USA university
Academic Qualification	Bachelor’s degree with outstanding academic performance
Proposal Submission	Detailed proposal outlining study plans and career goals
Extracurricular Achievements	Evidence of research, projects, or leadership roles
Selection Process	Personal interview for shortlisted candidates

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Yes
Research Costs	Included
Other Grants	Available for exceptional candidates

7. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University – Full Funding for Indian Students at Cornell

Funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust, this scholarship covers tuition and living expenses for Indian students admitted to Cornell University for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, including an MS program.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian citizens only
Academic Performance	Strong academic record with high grades
University Admission	Must be admitted to Cornell University
Financial Need	Must demonstrate financial need
Commitment to India	Preference for students who aim to contribute to India’s development

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Proof of admission to Cornell University
Academic Records	Strong performance in undergraduate studies
Financial Documents	Must show need for assistance
Essay Submission	Well-written essay explaining career aspirations
Additional Documents	Letters of recommendation from mentors or professors

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Yes
Other Costs	Partial coverage of additional academic expenses

8. Akhtarali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship (University of Chicago) – Partial Funding for MBA & MS Students

This fellowship supports Indian students pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Chicago. It provides partial funding to help with tuition and living costs.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian citizens only
Academic Record	Excellent academic performance
University Admission	Must be admitted to the University of Chicago
Field of Study	MS or MBA programs
Leadership Potential	Preference for students with leadership qualities

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must have secured admission to an MS or MBA program at the University of Chicago
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate academic record
Statement of Purpose	Must highlight leadership experience and career goals
Recommendation Letters	Required from professors or employers

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Partially Covered
Living Expenses	Yes (Limited)
Other Expenses	Partial support for academic costs

9. Harvard University Graduate Scholarships – Merit-Based and Need-Based Aid

Harvard University provides various funding options for international students pursuing an MS. These include merit-based fellowships, need-based grants, and external scholarships. Some programs cover full tuition, while others offer partial aid.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to Indian and international students
University Admission	Must be admitted to a Harvard MS program
Academic Excellence	High academic achievements
Leadership & Impact	Preference for students with strong leadership skills
Financial Need	Need-based scholarships available

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Proof of admission to a Harvard MS program
Academic Performance	Strong academic record with high grades
Financial Documents	Required for need-based aid
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Must outline career goals and achievements
Recommendation Letters	Strong references from mentors or employers

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully or Partially Covered
Living Expenses	Partial aid available
Other Grants	Depends on merit or financial need

MIT Graduate Financial Aid for International Students – Scholarships, Fellowships & Assistantships

MIT offers financial aid to graduate students through scholarships, research assistantships, and fellowships. While not all programs provide full funding, students can receive tuition support and a stipend to cover living expenses.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to Indian and international students
University Admission	Must be admitted to an MIT MS program
Field of Study	STEM and related fields preferred
Academic Performance	High academic achievements and research experience
Financial Need	Available for specific scholarships

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must secure admission to MIT’s MS program
Academic Background	Strong academic performance in STEM or related fields
Research Experience	Preferred for assistantships
Financial Documents	Required for need-based aid
Recommendation Letters	Required from professors or employers

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Partially or Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Stipends available for assistantships
Research Support	Covered for eligible students
Assistantships	Opportunities for research and teaching assistant roles

11. Gates Millennium Scholars Program – Full Funding for Outstanding Students

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship covers full tuition, living expenses, and other costs for outstanding students from underrepresented backgrounds. While originally designed for USA students, international applicants, including Indians, may qualify under specific conditions.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to exceptional Indian students
University Admission	Must apply to a top USA university
Academic Excellence	Outstanding academic record
Leadership & Community Service	Preference for students involved in social impact projects
Financial Need	Must demonstrate financial need

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must apply to a top USA university
Academic Performance	High GPA and academic achievements
Financial Documents	Required to prove financial need
Statement of Purpose	Must highlight leadership, career goals, and social impact
Recommendation Letters	Strong references from academic or professional mentors

Scholarship Coverage:

12. Columbia University Graduate Scholarships – Merit-Based and Need-Based Funding

Columbia University provides multiple funding options for international students, including university fellowships, need-based grants, and external scholarships.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to Indian and international students
University Admission	Must be admitted to a Columbia MS program
Academic Excellence	High academic record required
Leadership & Research	Preference for students with leadership experience or research work
Financial Need	Available for need-based scholarships

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Proof of admission to Columbia’s MS program
Academic Performance	Strong academic record and high GRE/GMAT scores (if required)
Financial Documents	Required for need-based scholarships
Statement of Purpose	Must explain career goals and leadership experiences
Recommendation Letters	Strong references from mentors or professors

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully or Partially Covered
Living Expenses	Partial aid available
Additional Grants	Based on merit and financial need

13. S.N. Bose Scholars Program – Research Fellowship for STEM Students

This program is a collaboration between India’s Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and top USA institutions. It provides Indian students with short-term research opportunities in USA, strengthening their profile for future MS or PhD admissions.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian citizens only
University Enrollment	Must be enrolled in an Indian university (UG/PG level)
Field of Study	STEM fields (Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences)
Career Aspirations	Students planning to pursue an MS or PhD in USA
Research Interest	Preference for candidates with prior research experience

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
Academic Performance	Strong academic record in STEM disciplines
University Enrollment	Must be in the final year of UG or PG studies in India
Research Proposal	Statement of interest outlining research goals in USA
Recommendation Letters	Strong references from professors or research advisors
Selection Process	Shortlisting based on academic records, SOP, and interviews

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Research Funding	Covers short-term research in USA institutions
Stipend	Yes, for the research duration
Travel Costs	Round-trip airfare to USA
Living Expenses	Partially covered

Fully Funded vs. Partial Scholarships for MS in USA: What’s the Difference?

All scholarships for MS in USA don’t cover the full cost of an MS in USA. Some provide complete funding, while others only reduce certain expenses like tuition or living costs. 

Fully Funded vs. Partial Scholarships: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Fully Funded Scholarship	Partial Scholarship
Tuition Coverage	Covers full tuition fees	Covers only part of the tuition
Living Expenses	Monthly stipend for rent, food, and other costs	No or limited stipend
Health Insurance	Included in most cases	Rarely covered
Travel & Research Grants	Some scholarships offer travel and research funding	Not usually included
Eligibility	Highly competitive, requires strong academic and leadership profile	Broader eligibility, but funding is lower
Examples	Fulbright, Knight-Hennessy, Vanier CGS	Tata Scholarship, AAUW International Fellowships

Example: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel. In contrast, the AAUW International Fellowship provides up to $50,000, which may not cover all costs but significantly reduces financial burden.

Tip: Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of covering most of your expenses. Some students combine partial scholarships with assistantships or financial aid to reduce costs further.

Financial Aid & Work Opportunities for MS Students in USA

Even if you don’t get a full scholarship for MS in USA, there are many ways to finance your MS in USA. Over 75% of international graduate students work as TAs, RAs, or on-campus employees to help manage costs (USCIS 2024).

Financial Aid Options for MS Students

Type of Financial Aid	What It Covers	Who Offers It?
University Grants	Partial funding for tuition	Offered based on merit or need by universities
Teaching Assistantships (TA)	Monthly stipend + tuition waiver	Requires assisting professors with teaching
Research Assistantships (RA)	Covers tuition + stipend for research work	Available in STEM and research-heavy fields
On-Campus Jobs	Helps cover living expenses	Allowed up to 20 hours per week under F-1 visa
External Fellowships	Additional funding for research, travel, or expenses	Google, Microsoft, and NSF offer fellowships
Education Loans	Covers full tuition and living costs	Available through Prodigy Finance, MPOWER, banks

Example: At MIT, students with a Research Assistantship get full tuition coverage and a monthly stipend of $3,500+, making it a great option for students in engineering and sciences.

Can International Students Work in USA?

Yes, students on an F-1 visa can work under these rules:

• On-campus jobs: Up to 20 hours/week during semesters, full-time during breaks.
• Off-campus work (CPT & OPT): Allowed for internships and post-study employment in your field.
• Internships (Curricular Practical Training - CPT): Work experience allowed while studying.
• Post-Graduation Work (Optional Practical Training - OPT): Up to 3 years of work in USA for STEM graduates.

Tip: Apply for on-campus jobs early as positions fill quickly. Many students fund their daily expenses this way while studying.

Important Dates for Scholarships for MS in USA 2025-26

Scholarship deadlines come up fast, and missing them can mean waiting another year. Many fully funded and partially funded MS scholarships open 6-12 months before the academic year starts, so tracking dates early is important.

Scholarships for MS in USA Deadlines for 2025-26

Scholarship Name	Application Deadline	Who Can Apply?
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship	May 14, 2025 (IST)	Indian students applying for master's in the USA
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford)	October 8, 2025, 1:00 PM PT	Students in any MS field with leadership experience
AAUW International Fellowship	November 15, 2024 (for 2025–26 intake)	Women from outside the USA pursuing a master's degree
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Loan Scholarship	March 17, 2025, 5:00 PM IST	Indian students seeking financial assistance
J.N. Tata Endowment for Higher Education	March 23, 2025	Indian students pursuing a master's abroad
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships	March 31, 2025	Indian students in select fields (social sciences, arts, and humanities)
Tata Scholarship for Cornell University	January 2, 2025 (for 2025–26 intake)	Indian students applying to Cornell University
Akhtarali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship (University of Chicago)	August 31, 2025	Indian students pursuing an MS at the University of Chicago
Harvard University Graduate Scholarships	December 2024 (varies by department)	MS students at Harvard University
MIT Graduate Financial Aid for International Students	January 2025	Need-based aid for MS students at MIT
Gates Millennium Scholars Program	January 2025	Minority students in the USA with academic merit
Columbia University Graduate Scholarships	January 2025 (varies by program)	MS students at Columbia University
S.N. Bose Scholars Program	November 2024	Indian students in STEM fields pursuing research in the USA
University-Specific Graduate Scholarships (UC Berkeley, UCLA, Princeton, etc.)	December 2024 – February 2025	MS students at specific universities

The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship at Stanford receives over 8,000 applications annually, but only around 100 students are selected, making it one of the most competitive MS funding options in USA.

Tip: Some scholarships have multiple selection rounds, so applying early can increase your chances. Set reminders for deadlines and start preparing your documents at least 6 months in advance.

Required Documents for Scholarships for MS in USA Applications

Submitting the right documents is important to get a Scholarships for MS in USA. A missing document can lead to rejection. Each scholarship has its own requirements, but most ask for these:

Documents You Need

Document	Purpose	What to Do
Academic Transcripts	Shows your grades and courses	Request from your university early
Degree Certificate	Confirms your qualification	Submit a provisional certificate if the final one isn’t ready
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Explains why you deserve the scholarship	Be clear, focus on career goals and achievements
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)	Supports your academic and leadership skills	Choose professors or employers who know your work well
Resume/CV	Highlights experience, research, and projects	Keep it short and relevant
Research Proposal (if required)	Needed for research-based scholarships	Clearly outline your study plan and impact
Language Test Scores	Proves English proficiency	TOEFL/IELTS (Check required scores)
GRE/GMAT Scores (if required)	Some scholarships prefer strong test scores	A high score strengthens your application
Proof of Financial Need (if applicable)	Required for need-based scholarships	Submit bank statements or income proof
Passport Copy	Confirms your identity	Ensure it’s valid for the study period

Many universities take weeks to issue transcripts. Request them at least a month before deadlines to avoid delays.

How upGrad Abroad Can Help You with MS Scholarship in USA

upGrad Abroad helps you find scholarships, write a strong SOP, and secure LORs. We guide you on deadlines, test prep (GRE, TOEFL), and interviews to improve your chances. Scholarships can cover tuition, living costs, and research expenses, eventually reducing your financial burden. 

Apply and get expert help at every step. Book a free counseling session today and start your journey to studying in USA!