Scholarships for MS in USA

You can find scholarships for a masters in USA through government schemes, individual universities, and external organisations. A scholarship for MS in USA may offer around USD 7,000–120,000 (INR 6.66L–1.14Cr), while some fully funded options can even cover living expenses, insurance, and travel.

The top five scholarships for MS in USA include:

• Knight-Hennessy Scholars
• Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
• National Overseas Scholarship
• Inlaks Scholarship
• USC Viterbi Master’s Scholarship

Now, let’s look at some of the top scholarships for MS in USA for Indian students, along with their eligibility, coverage, application process, required documents, and other important details.

Top Scholarships for MS in USA

Scholarships for Masters in USA are offered by universities, government departments, trusts, and private organisations. Some can cover tuition along with living and travel costs, while others provide a fixed amount or reduce part of the university fee.

Before shortlisting one, check whether it fits your profile. Your bachelor’s marks matter, but the provider may also consider your MS course, nationality, age, family income, work experience, or community involvement. 

Below, you can find some of the top university-specific, government, and external scholarships available for MS applicants.

University-Specific Scholarships

These scholarships are tied to a particular university and usually consider your academic record and overall admission profile. 

Here are five options you can check:

1. Knight-Hennessy Scholarship – Stanford University

• Eligibility: You must apply to an eligible full-time Stanford graduate programme. For the 2027 cohort, your first bachelor’s degree must have been completed in 2020 or later. Students from every country and field can apply.
• Coverage: It covers tuition and associated fees, living and academic expenses, and one annual economy-class trip. An MS student may receive funding for up to six academic quarters.

2. USC Viterbi Master’s Scholarship

• Eligibility: The scholarship is open to international and US students applying for a full-time, on-campus master’s programme at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. You must submit the complete admission application by the scholarship deadline.
• Coverage: The award ranges from USD 10,000–30,000 (INR 9.52L–28.56L).

3. Graduate Fellowship in Engineering for Change – Columbia University

• Eligibility: You must be admitted to a Columbia Engineering MS programme. The fellowship is meant for applicants who have faced major challenges while studying or working in engineering and can show financial need.
• Coverage: It provides up to USD 25,000 (INR 23.80L) for one academic year. The amount is applied towards tuition and fees.

4. Dean’s Scholarship – University of New Haven

• Eligibility: New domestic and international students joining a full-time master’s programme are considered. Selection is based on the academic record and other documents submitted with the admission application.
• Coverage: The scholarship covers up to 50% of the graduate tuition fee.

5. Distinguished Scholars Award – NYU School of Professional Studies

• Eligibility: New domestic and international applicants to eligible NYU SPS master’s programmes are considered through their admission application. A separate scholarship application or FAFSA isn’t required.
• Coverage: The award provides USD 7,000–11,000 (INR 6.66L–10.47L) over two years, divided across two fall and two spring terms.

Government and External Scholarships

These awards may have conditions related to nationality, income, age, work experience, or study field. 

Here are five government and external scholarships available to eligible MS applicants:

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship

• Eligibility: Indian applicants need at least 55% in an eligible bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant, full-time paid work experience. They must also show leadership and community-service experience. Funding is limited to the fields listed by USIEF.
• Coverage: It covers tuition and fees, living and related costs, round-trip economy airfare, J-1 visa support, and accident and sickness coverage for up to two years. USIEF notes that the grant may not cover every expense.

2. National Overseas Scholarship

• Eligibility: Applicants must belong to a Scheduled Caste, Denotified Nomadic or Semi-Nomadic Tribe, Landless Agricultural Labourer family, or Traditional Artisan family. A minimum of 60% in the qualifying degree is required, along with the specified age and family-income conditions.
• Coverage: It covers the actual tuition fee, medical insurance, visa fee, economy airfare, an annual maintenance allowance of USD 15,400 (INR 14.66L), and a contingency allowance of USD 1,500 (INR 1.43L).

3. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

• Eligibility: You must be an Indian passport holder living in India, be no older than 30, and have admission to an eligible overseas course. For science-related subjects, the minimum requirement is 70%, a 7.2/10 CGPA, or a 3.0/4 GPA. Computer science and most engineering courses aren’t covered.
• Coverage: It provides up to USD 120,000 (INR 1.14Cr) for tuition, living expenses, one-way travel, visa charges, and a health allowance.

4. J. N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship

• Eligibility: Indian citizens who are no older than 45 and have graduated from a recognised Indian university can apply. For the 2026 cycle, applicants needed at least 60% in their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The overseas course must be full-time.
• Coverage: It provides a loan scholarship of up to INR 20L. Selected scholars may also receive a travel grant and gift award from allied Tata Trusts.

5. AAUW International Fellowship

• Eligibility: This fellowship is for women who aren’t US citizens or permanent residents and plan to study full-time in US. Master’s applicants need a qualification equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree and must intend to return to their home country.
• Coverage: Master’s students receive a stipend of USD 20,000 (INR 19.04L)

Top Fully Funded Scholarships for MS in USA

The scholarships listed above offer different levels of financial help. A few reduce the tuition fee, while others can pay for most of your MS. If you need wider support, fully funded scholarships are the ones to look at.

They may cover tuition, living expenses, airfare, insurance, and study costs. But the list of covered expenses isn’t the same for every award, and you may still have to pay for some personal costs. 

Here’s a closer look at the fully funded scholarships for MS in USA for Indian students:

Scholarship	Eligibility	Coverage
Knight-Hennessy Scholars	• Admission to an eligible full-time Stanford graduate programme • Open to all nationalities and study fields • For the 2027 cohort, the first bachelor’s degree must have been completed in 2020 or later	• Tuition and associated fees • Living and academic costs • Relocation support • One economy return trip each year • Up to six academic quarters for an MS
National Overseas Scholarship	• Indian applicant from an SC or another category listed under the scheme • At least 60% in the qualifying degree • Must meet the stated age, income, and admission conditions	• Full tuition • Visa fee and medical insurance • Economy-class airfare • USD 15,400 (INR 14.66L) annual maintenance allowance • USD 1,500 (INR 1.43L) annual contingency allowance
Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship	• SC or Neo-Buddhist applicant from Maharashtra • At least 55% in the bachelor’s degree • Annual family income up to INR 8L • Admission to a university ranked within the QS top 200	• Full tuition • Health insurance and return airfare • USD 15,400 (INR 14.66L) annual maintenance allowance • USD 1,500 (INR 1.43L) for books and other approved costs
GEM MS Engineering and Science Fellowship	• Graduate or final-year student from an eligible engineering or computer science programme • Minimum GPA of 2.8/4.0 • Admission to a GEM member university • Must meet the citizenship and summer internship conditions	• Full tuition and university fees • USD 16,000 (INR 15.23L) total stipend • Paid summer internship • Funding for up to four semesters or six quarters
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship*	• Indian citizen with at least 55% in an eligible degree • Three years of relevant, full-time paid work experience • Leadership and community-service experience • Course must fall within an approved field	• Tuition and university fees • Living and related costs • Round-trip economy airfare • J-1 visa support • Accident and sickness coverage • Funding for up to two years

The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship covers the main study expenses, but USIEF states that the grant may not cover every cost. You may need some additional funding depending on your university and personal expenses.

How to Get a Scholarship for MS in USA?

Once you’ve found scholarships that suit your profile, the next step is to plan your applications properly. It usually begins with checking the requirements and deadlines, followed by preparing the documents, writing the essay, and submitting the form. 

If you’re shortlisted, the last few steps may include an interview and a review of the funding terms.

Here’s how to move through the process step-by-step:

1. Start with the university website
   Check the funding page of every university on your list. Look at the graduate school and department pages too, since some MS scholarships are offered only for a particular subject
2. Check how the scholarship is awarded
   Some universities consider you automatically when they review your admission application. Others need a separate scholarship form, essay, or interview. Don’t assume that applying for the course covers both.
3. Read the eligibility rules carefully
   Check the required marks, subject, nationality, work experience, income limit, and age. If the scholarship has several conditions, go through each one before spending time on the application.
4. Keep track of separate deadlines
   The scholarship deadline may be earlier than the final admission deadline. Note both dates in one place, along with any priority deadline for funding consideration.
5. Prepare your answers for that scholarship
   Don’t send the same essay everywhere. If the provider asks about leadership, financial need, research, or plans, answer that exact point and support it with something you’ve actually done.
6. Request recommendations early
   Give your professor or manager enough time to write the letter. Tell them which scholarship you’re applying for and share the qualities or experiences the provider wants to assess.
7. Review everything before submitting
   Check names, dates, marks, course details, and uploaded files carefully. Your scholarship and university applications shouldn’t contain conflicting information.
8. Follow up on the application after submission
   Keep checking your email and application portal. A provider may ask for an interview, an updated admission letter, a missing document, or proof of funds before making the final decision.

You don’t have to wait for one scholarship result before applying for another. Unless the provider’s rules say otherwise, applying to several suitable options gives you a better chance of arranging enough funding.

Documents Required for MS Scholarship Applications in USA

The document list won’t be the same for every scholarship. University awards often use the papers already submitted with your admission form. 

Government and private scholarships may ask for a few more, especially when funding depends on income, work experience, or social category.

Keep these documents ready:

• Academic transcripts: You’ll need your bachelor’s mark sheets and transcripts. If they’re written in another language, submit the original copies along with certified English translations.
• University offer letter: Many external scholarships want proof that you’ve been accepted into an eligible MS course. Check whether they accept a conditional offer because some providers only consider final admission letters.
• Scholarship essay or SOP: This is where you explain your academic background, reason for choosing the course, and plans after the degree. Answer the question asked instead of pasting your university SOP. (Check out the Statement of Purpose Format)
• Recommendation letters: These may come from professors, employers, or research supervisors. Choose people who’ve worked with you closely and can write about your actual skills. (Check out the Letter of Recommendation Format)
• Resume or CV: Add your education, internships, jobs, projects, research, volunteering, and relevant achievements. Keep it focused. An unrelated activity doesn’t need to be included just to make the CV longer.
• Test score reports: You may need IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT scores, depending on the course and scholarship. Don’t submit every test you’ve taken if the provider hasn’t asked for it.
• Passport and identity proof: Your passport is usually needed to confirm your identity and nationality. An Indian government scholarship may also ask for an Aadhaar card or domicile certificate.
• Income proof: For a need-based award, you could be asked for an income certificate, tax return, salary slip, or bank statement. The figures should match across all submitted papers.
• Category certificate: Keep a valid certificate ready if you’re applying through an SC, ST, OBC, minority, or another reserved category.
• Work-experience documents: An experience letter is commonly required when professional experience forms part of the eligibility. Some scholarships may also ask for appointment records, salary slips, or your employer’s approval.
• Proof of remaining funds: A scholarship may cover only part of your expenses. In that case, the provider can ask for a bank statement, sponsor letter, education-loan approval, or proof of another award.

Before uploading the files, open each one and check it properly. A blurred scan, missing page, expired certificate, or unsigned form can hold up an otherwise complete application.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting an MS Scholarship in USA

A good scholarship application isn’t only about high marks. The provider also wants to see whether the award fits your course, background, and plans. So, instead of applying everywhere, spend more time on the options that genuinely match your profile.

Here’s what can help:

• Check the fit first: A large funding amount can look tempting, but it means little if your course or background isn’t eligible. Check the subject, marks, nationality, income, and experience requirements before starting.
• Don’t leave everything until the final year: If you still have time, work on your grades and take up relevant projects, research, or internships. These experiences can support your application, especially when your GPA isn’t particularly high.
• Write about your actual plans: Your essay should make it clear why you chose that MS course and what you plan to do with it. Lines about receiving a “world-class education” don’t say much unless you explain how the programme fits your goals.
• Give proof, not just claims: Don’t simply write that you’re a good leader or researcher. Mention one situation where you handled responsibility, solved a problem, completed research, or helped a team move forward.
• Ask the right person for a recommendation: A professor who supervised your project may write a better letter than a department head who barely knows you. The same goes for workplace recommendations.
• Change the essay for each application: You don’t need to write everything again, but some editing is necessary. One scholarship may care about financial need, while another may be more interested in research, leadership, or community work.
• Keep your financial details consistent: If you’re applying for need-based funding, the income stated in your form should match the supporting papers. Any difference can raise questions and slow down the review.
• Read the less obvious conditions too: An age limit, excluded subject, return-to-India condition, or work commitment can make you ineligible. 
• Try more than one suitable scholarship: An MS scholarship for Indian students in USA can attract applicants with very similar academic records. Applying to a mix of university and external awards keeps you from depending on a single result.

And before you finally submit, take a short break and read the application again. Awkward answers, missing files, repeated points, and small differences in dates are much easier to notice with a fresh look.

Other Ways to Fund Your MS in USA

A scholarship may not cover your complete tuition and living costs. That doesn’t mean you have to depend on one funding source. Many students combine a partial scholarship with an assistantship, education loan, savings, or another approved option.

Here are a few ways to cover the remaining amount:

• Assistantships: You may work with a professor or department as a teaching or research assistant. In return, the university can offer a stipend, lower tuition, or both. The work and funding will depend on the position.
• Education loans: You can take a loan from an Indian bank or another recognised lender. It may cover tuition, rent, travel, books, and insurance. Check the interest rate and repayment rules properly before agreeing to it.
• Part-time work: International students may take approved jobs on campus. You could work in the library, cafeteria, office, or another university facility. This income can help with regular expenses, but it usually won’t pay your tuition.
• Support from your employer: Some companies help employees pay for higher studies. They may cover part of the tuition or repay the amount later. In some cases, you’ll need to work for the company again after finishing your MS.

Conclusion

Scholarships for MS in USA can reduce tuition and, in some cases, cover living costs, health insurance, books, and travel too. You can choose from university awards, government schemes, and private funding, but the eligibility rules and benefits won’t be the same everywhere. What works for you will depend on your course, academic record, experience, and financial background.

Don’t look at the award amount alone. Check what’s actually covered, how long the funding lasts, and whether there are any work or return conditions. Start early, keep your documents ready, and spend more time on scholarships that genuinely match your profile. And even when the competition looks tough, don’t reject yourself before applying.

If you need help comparing universities, finding suitable scholarships, or planning your study abroad journey, you can book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad’s study abroad experts.